RAR #224: Cozy Couch Nature Study

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Today, I’m sharing a conversation with my friend and colleague, Cindy West.

Cindy teaches at No Sweat Nature Study, a homeschool nature study program that takes the guesswork out of nature study by teaching your kids directly. Cindy is also the host of the No Sweat Nature Study podcast, which features short episodes about nature. (My kids absolutely love it!)

Cindy and I recently had a conversation for her community about how to use picture books to teach nature study and today, I wanted to share it with you.

Because nature study kind of has a name for itself in the homeschooling world. We've sort of built it up as the supreme science activity and it can be wonderful - getting out in nature, observing and learning about the world around us …

But we also tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves about it. There are just times in life when getting out in nature is harder than others – maybe you have a new baby, maybe someone has allergies, maybe the weather is just plain terrible. 

There are plenty of reasons why you might need or want to do some of your nature study from the couch or the kitchen table.

And that’s why on today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival Podcast, Cindy and I are talking about teaching nature study through books.

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

• How “living literature” helps you kids make connections between books and the world around them
• How making connections through picture books can relieve some of the pressure around nature study
• Why picture book biographies are great launching points for all ages

Learn more about Cindy West:

• No Sweat Nature Study
• No Sweat Nature Study Podcast

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

• Read Aloud Revival
• Waxwing Books
• Subscribe to the Newsletter

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Nature Study Book List and Activity Guide