A Nature Notebook from Charlotte Mason’s House of Education

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As some of you will know, I had the pleasure to visit Ambleside, home of Charlotte Mason’s House of Education twice over the last couple of months. Whilst there, I spent time documenting one of the student’s Nature Notebooks from the Armitt archives.

It is with much joy that I share with you a PDF of the Nature Notebook of Monica Watson who was a student at Miss Mason’s House of Education.

This is a free download, but I would ask that you consider making a donation, however small, to the Armitt Library in Ambleside, England. The library is responsible for the conservation of the archives from both Miss Mason herself, and the House of Education.

You may donate here at the Armitt website: Armitt Donations

(Please do not send donations to myself, donate directly to the Armitt, thank you.)

Nature Notebook from Charlotte Mason’s House of Education

 

A Nature-Themed Advent Calendar

Over the last couple of Advent seasons I have shared with you a daily, nature-themed Advent calendar. So many of you let me know how much you enjoyed it, that I have decided to run it again this coming Advent.

Beginning on December 1st, through to December 24th, I will be sharing last year’s daily Advent posts; an unfolding of the Christmas Story in scripture, and an activity for the day. The activities will be mostly nature-based, with a few special, festive activities here and there, to add a little Christmas magic.

On November 22nd I will post a list of the supplies you will need to stock up on, in preparation for the daily activities.

Please use the share buttons to spread the Christmas joy, and be sure to subscribe to the blog so as not to miss a day!

Christmas Gifts For Nature Loving Children

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It’s that time of the year, when I get to share some ideas for smashing presents for nature-loving children. I hope it helps to give you some ideas for nature-inspired gifts.

We are a diverse bunch here at Raising Little Shoots, with readers from around the globe. Please note that some of the selections may not be available world-wide.

Home

Fox table lamp from John Lewis

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Perfect for a child’s room, this beautiful Red Fox Wall Hanging is made from reclaimed wood by Pine Needles and Pins.

Be still my beating heart! Fairy House Kit by GypsyRaku

Brittany has very kindly offered a 10% off coupon to you for anything in her Esty shop: GYPSYBLOGGER10

A lovely sandpit, many of which can be purchased with covers to keep the sand in good, clean condition.

A bug hotel from FlotsamJetsamCrafts

A beautiful stocking present, this Allens Hummingbird enamel pin is from The Knothole Tree

Work

Bushcraft Knife Choice for Children and Young People by Barry Smith. This is a smashing article on choosing the correct knife.

Handmade Curly Maple pen or pencil for your child’s nature journal by Exquisite Ink

Their own quality tools encourage children to be diligent in their work. Gardening equipment from Myriad Online

Depending on your climate, you could give your child their very own fruit tree! Here is some information to help you

And perhaps the ultimate gift: Their own greenhouse!

Play

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Woodland Play Set by Happy Nature Kid

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This is a real favourite! The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer

The beautifully illustrated Bug Bingo

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For your wee one who loves to pretend: Giraffe Ears Headband and Giraffe Tail Set by oKidz

Stilts by Myriad Online

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Inspiration for hours of creative play! Tree Blocks Forest Friends by Treemagination

Skipping rope from woodforgeuk

Explore

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Child’s Hiking Pole

A tent and the promise of an adventure! The family tent buying guide.

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2018 Guide to the Night Sky: A month-by-month guide to exploring the skies above Britain and Ireland We have used these books for several years. Highly recommended.

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The 5 Best Telescopes for Kids – super article to help you chose your child’s first telescope.


Bring the night sky into your home by shining a flashlight through these coins towards your walls or ceiling. Wooden Constellation Coins by From Jennifer

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Annual Pass for a local aquarium.

Sea Life UK Annual Pass

Riding lessons. Here is good advice on choosing a place to learn.

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Red light torch for watching wildlife at night time

Audubon Bird Caller Necklace from Lil Bellies

Why not combine the bird caller with this gorgeous book of North American birds? My Book Of Birds

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And perhaps this beautiful birding journal from Tanglewood Hollow

I do hope that this list gives you some inspiration for Christmas gifts for your wee nature sprites.

Happy exploring and a Merry Christmas!

 

Moss Week: Exploring Nature With Children

Moss Week

This week in Exploring Nature With Children it is ‘Moss Week’.

Here are some helpful links to get you going:

Happy exploring!

Our Nature Journals This Week

 

Rosie has done a lot of sketching of animals this week. Here are a couple of examples

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This one she copied from the internet

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My Calendar of Firsts: Week 45

Gorgeous sunny days here this week, combined with heaps of rain!
I sketched a Blue Tit and a Larch cone.
Armistice Day on Saturday

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Happy exploring!

We Remember

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They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

~ Laurence Binyon

Fungus Week: Exploring Nature With Children

Fungus Week

This week in Exploring Nature With Children is ‘Fungus Week’.

Here are some helpful links to get you going:

Happy exploring!

Our Nature Journals: Week 44

Rosie’s phenology wheel for October:

A tree losing it’s leaves, and Halloween for the Liturgical / special days section.
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My wheel:

A Cherry leaf, and a pumpkin to represent Halloween for the Liturgical / special days section.
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Rosie’s Journal pages for this week: a pumpkin of course!
My Calendar of Firsts: This week we had our first frost, which gave us the most gorgeous sunrise. I also painted my wee pumpkin for Halloween, too.