The Outdoor Life of Children ― The Importance of Nature Study and Outside Activities

Book Number Two in the Charlotte Mason Topics series, The Outdoor Life of Children is a compilation of Charlotte Mason’s writings on the topics of Nature Study, teaching natural philosophy, and the importance of children being out-of-doors. Now all of Charlotte Mason’s writings on Nature Study and the outdoors (from the original six-volume set) are located in this one, easy-to-use volume.

The teachings and philosophies of Charlotte Mason, a British educator from the last century, are currently experiencing a revival, especially among American private and home schools. Mason’s educational ideas were originally used by governesses in England to educate the children in their charge. Eventually, schools based on her philosophies sprung up throughout England, and her original training school became a college to supply teachers for the Parents’ Union Schools throughout the world.

Mason developed a lifetime love of learning in her students by actively engaging children firsthand with nature, literature, science, history, art, music, and avoiding dumbed-down materials — what she referred to as twaddle — as much as possible.

The content of The Outdoor Life of Children was compiled and adapted by Deborah Taylor-Hough, long time homeschooling mother of three, author ofA Twaddle-Free Education: An Introduction to Charlotte Mason’s Timeless Educational Ideas, and editor of the Charlotte Mason eMagazine.

CONTENTS INCLUDE:

• Knowledge Through Senses
• Out-of-Door Geography
• Flowers and Trees
• ‘Living Creatures’
• Field-Lore and Naturalists’ Books
• Walks in Bad Weather
• Teaching Natural Philosophy
• … and more!
  
  From the Foreword:
  
  “Nature Study is the backbone of introductory natural sciences in Charlotte Mason style homes and school, but Mason also felt it was beneficial for children to spend a great deal of time out-of-doors for their physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
  
  "In spite of often rainy, inclement weather, Charlotte Mason insisted on going out once-a-week for an official Nature Walk, allowing the children to experience and observe the natural environment firsthand. These excursions were nature walks, not nature talks.
  
  "In addition to the weekly Nature Walks, Mason also recommended children spend large quantities of time outside each day, no matter what the weather. Take a daily walk for fun and fresh air.
  
  “I want to encourage those of you who don’t have your own fields and forests, there are other readily available opportunities for outdoor play and learning activities. Basically, go outside with your kids as often as you can. You’ll all be healthier and happier, and you may even learn a thing or two in the process.”
  
  ~Deborah Taylor-Hough, Seattle 2015
  
  The Outdoor Life of Children: The Importance of Nature Study and Outside Activities is available in both paperback and Kindle ebook formats.