The Firefly Nature School Blog

So our school year started the week before Labor Day, and it started very differently than it is playing out now. We began the year with a fresh school room, fresh school supplies and fresh can-do attitudes. Our first day could only be described as ideal, refreshing, and fun. Our word for the year was perseverance. Seems ironic now. 

We took a much needed mini-vacay at the beginning of the week. We didn’t travel far, but relaxation took over the moment we pulled out of the driveway and headed south for our neighboring state. Our minivan was loaded to the gills with sleeping bags, firewood, cookout supplies, and children. Not even room for the dog :) It was Arkansas or bust.

Most of the time, the homeschooling mamas get to take all the credit for their children’s education. After all, we do the day to day teaching, feeding, nurturing, planning, refereeing, playing, organizing, shuttling, field tripping...you get the idea. At least that’s the way it goes in our family. We mamas put in a full day and then some. 

Our homeschool room used to be our playroom. Now it is dual-purpose. Join me on a little tour, but keep in mind, probably only 25% of our learning takes place here. It is nice for gathering, reading, practicing handwriting at desks, and it gives us a place to collect our books, nature treasures, and toys. Plus, the kids like having desks to call their own.

Our family has had the privilege of knowing Lauren Lockwood for many years, since we moved to the area and she was just a blonde little girl with four busy little brothers. She came to nature classes at the museum where I worked as an educator...and that is how I got to know her. And boy, to know her is to admire her. She has grown into a lovely young woman who is helping to preserve nature and wildlife for the next generation. Now you can get to know her, too! 

In observing my kiddos, I have noticed they all explore differently. Part of this may be dependent on age, maybe even gender differences. But, I think most of it can be attributed to them being individuals with different personalities, needs, and objectives. 

Downy feathers the color of rain clouds litter the landscape around our home. Soft cooing can be heard from the eaves of the house. Wings whistle as birds take to the sky. Yes, it is autumn in Missouri, and it is also dove season. Mourning doves are the first species of birds we have chosen to study.

I realized I never properly introduced myself and my sweet family. My name is Laura, and I love nature! Even more, I love exploring with my kids in...

Nature schooling may seem like an obscure concept to some, one that might be hard to implement into a routine. When it often seems like there aren...

Learning environment can make or break it for kids. Too much going on can equal distraction for some, too little action can quickly mean boredom for others. One place I can always take my kids where the setting is just right is OUTSIDE! Nature surrounds us, and peace envelops us.