Nature Study Tree Drawing

One day last month the kids and I tackled our first nature drawing in our new nature study notebooks. We picked a tree, discussed it, and drew it. The hardest part for the kids was reining in their creative juices - I can't remember now what they wanted to draw the tree doing but it was a heck of a lot more interesting than just a tree standing in the middle of a lawn. The hardest part for me was that they draw better than me.

After our nature study I read a book while the boys rode their bikes around the parking lot and my 11 month old chased them. Yes, she ran around trying to catch them on their bikes. That picture of her crawling is the first time she crawled all month. Of course she picks an asphalt parking lot when she is wearing white leather shoes. Oh, I should specifically mention that middle bottom picture is the tree we drew. Otherwise when we compare it to our nature books later I might wonder why I photographed a completely different tree. Give us time. And lots of practice before you expect our drawings to resemble the actual nature we draw.

Nature journal

Once a week go on a nature walk. Do not instruct. Have them observe with very little direction from us. Visit the same area quarterly to note how seasons have altered the life.

Begin observing trees in the winter when the trees are bare. Sketch the tree, noting the branches and the bark. Observe which birds and insects live in the trees we are visiting. What purpose does the tree serve (syrups, nuts, wood)?

The only info recorded in these optional, never mandatory, books is firsthand observation the child has done. We do not correct spelling errors. He should feel safe to use his book knowing it will not be looked at or compared to others. Begin as soon as the child is old enough to write or draw. These become a lifetime hobby.

Provide a large variety of specimens. Use the best artistic equipment available, sketch pencils and good colored pencils and watercolors. It makes a difference. Use spiral bound sketch pads so they open flat. Children can label the drawings in English and Latin. You may assist in finding the names. Note the location where the specimen was found.

Other ideas to include:
An occasional nature poem
Note the temperature or weather.
Lists of animals and birds seen.
Life cycles and developing buds on tree limbs.
Describe an ant hill and what the ants are doing.
Rising and setting times of the sun.
Changing of the tide.
Record the science experiments you do.

Source: A Charlotte Mason Education; A Home Schooling How To Manual by Catherine Levison