Breath of Fresh Air

"Nature study, is simple, truthful observations that may, like beads on a string, be threaded upon understanding and thus held together as a logical and harmonious whole."

"Nature study cultivates the powers of accurate observation and build up understanding within the child."

What nature study gives to childern

Practical and helpful knowledge about his world.

He becomes Familiar with natures ways and forces

Cultivates imagination

Fosters a regard for what is true and the power to express it

All things seem possible in nature

nature study aides in both discernment and in expression of things as they are.

Cultivates a love of beautiful things; it brings to him early a perception of color, form, music.

Natures laws are not evaded. A knowledge of thus naturally attained pf he immutability of natures must and shall not is in itself a moral education

Outdoor life takes the child a field and keeps him in the open air, which is not only helps him physically and occupies his mind with sane subjects, but keeps him out of mischief

But more than all nature study gives a child a sense of companionship with life out doors and an abiding love for nature.

Let this be the teacher’s criterion for judging her work.

"And he wandered away and away, with Nature the dear old nurse

Who sang to him night and day, the rhymes of the universe.

And when the way seemed long, and his heart began to fail

She sang a more wonderful song, or told a more wonderful tale."

- Longfellow

"Out in God’s beautiful world there is everything waiting to heal lacerated nerves, to strengthen tired muscles, to please and content the soul that is torn to shreds with duty and care. To the teacher who turns to nature’s healing nature study in the classroom is not trouble; it is sweet, fresh breath of air blown across the classroom. She who opens her eyes and her heart nature-ward even once a week finds nature study a delight and an abiding joy! She finds companionship with her children, and without planning or going on far voyage, she has found health and strength."     -Anna Comstock (all quotes)

Ideas for this post from the Handbook of Nature Study first Chapter.