The Joy of Nature in the Early Years

“Why be indoors, when you can be out-of-doors?” – Charlotte Mason

I just love this quote! She makes it sound so simple… and perhaps it is. 

There is something truly wonderful about childhood spent in nature—the feeling of bare feet in the grass, the thrill of discovering a bird’s nest, the wonder of watching the seasons change before our eyes. I said “childhood,” but let’s be honest–it’s life-giving for me too! In Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, time outdoors isn’t an afterthought; it’s the foundation of a rich and meaningful early education.

Why Nature Matters in the Early Years

The early years are a time for exploration, curiosity, and delight in the world around us. Young children learn best through their senses—by touching, seeing, hearing, and experiencing things firsthand. Nature provides the perfect setting for this kind of learning.

Spending time outdoors strengthens a child’s body and mind. Running, climbing, and balancing on logs build coordination and confidence. Watching a bee collect pollen, feeling the texture of tree bark, or listening to the calls of birds sharpens observation skills. These simple, everyday moments lay the groundwork for scientific thinking, creativity, and a deep love for the world God has made.

But perhaps even more important than the skills learned in nature is the sense of wonder it instills. A child who spends time outdoors begins to see the world not just as a place to exist, but as a place to marvel, explore, and cherish.

What Nature Study Looks Like in the Early Years

For young children, nature study should be informal and full of joy. There’s no need for structured lessons or complicated projects—simply stepping outside with eyes open and hearts ready to notice is enough. Here are some gentle ways to incorporate nature study in your early years homeschool:

Go Outside Daily – Whether it’s a walk through the woods, an afternoon in the backyard, or simply watching the clouds from the front porch, regular time in nature builds a lifelong habit of observation and appreciation. 

Follow Their Interests – If your child is fascinated by snails, watch them together and read a living book about them later. If they love puddles, talk about where the water comes from and where it goes. Curiosity is the best teacher… And don’t forget to be curious yourself! It really is contagious. 

Keep a Simple Nature Journal – Even the youngest children can scribble, draw, or tape a fallen leaf into a little notebook. Older preschoolers may enjoy painting what they see or telling you a description to write down. 

Observe the Familiar – You don’t have to go anywhere special to study nature. Watch how the same tree changes through the seasons, listen for birds in the morning, or notice how the sunlight shifts throughout the day. 

My son and I each “adopted” a tree and we visit it each month to document the changes we observe. It’s been a really fun way to notice the small changes… even if he’s not documenting them in any way. 

Make it Hands-On – Let your child dig in the dirt, press flowers, build fairy houses from sticks, or collect acorns and leaves. Learning happens best when children can touch, hold, and experience things for themselves.

A Slow and Simple Childhood

In a world that often rushes children toward academics, Charlotte Mason’s approach reminds us to slow down. The early years are not a time for hurrying through lessons but for soaking in the beauty of the world. Nature study is not just about teaching children facts—it’s about giving them a childhood full of wonder, curiosity, and delight in God’s creation.

So step outside. Feel the breeze, listen to the birds, and let your little ones run free. Because, as Charlotte Mason so wisely asked, “Why be indoors, when you can be out-of-doors?”