Summer is a great time to get outside and explore nature using our free printable nature scavenger hunt.
Little ones can mark off all the things they find. Your budding artist can sketch their finds if they’d like. Pack a bag with some colored pencils or bingo dotters. Clip your free printable to a clipboard.
Head outside!
Want to sneak in a little learning this summer?
If your little one finds an insect that they’d like to learn more about, make note so you can grab a book about it at the library.
Take some field guides along with you on your scavenger hunt to see if your child can identify the type of butterfly or caterpillar or flower they find on the scavenger hunt.
I recommend two books to have on hand for nature study:
Pocketful of Pinecones is the story of a mom who enjoys nature walks with her children. This introduction to Charlotte Mason-style nature study shows how we can naturally incorporate nature study into the every day.
The Handbook of Nature Study is a meaty book to have on hand for teaching. The author introduces so many plants, animals, and insects in this book. She describes their life cycle. She then offers suggestions on how to study and observe each specimen. This is more of a teaching tool – meant for the parent/teacher to use instead of the child.
Another fun set of nature study books to have on hand is the nature series by Thornton W. Burgess. In The Burgess Bird Book for Children, kids will meet dozens of common birds with stories that also include Peter Rabbit.
The Burgess Animal Book for Children introduces readers to animals such as Silvery Bat, Flying Squirrel, Pocket Gopher, and more.
The Burgess Seashore Book for Children introduces readers to spider crabs, sea horses, sea cucumbers, and more. In each of these books, the characters are introduced through little stories that engage the child while sharing facts about the lives of each of the animals.
Do you have a favorite nature study resource?
Vicky says
Thanks for the free printable! Pinning!