This month my study is nature which includes the topics of ‘a love of nature’ and ‘a drawing of nature.’  This Friday, when the "greats" come over, I hope for all of us to do some 'drawing of nature.' If your children draw something of nature, please post it so we can all enjoy it!

The objective of this months study is to learn how to nurture a child’s natural love of nature and how to give them eyes to ‘see.’ “Nature Study is emotional -- Science is intellectual. They're two completely different approaches. In time, heart and mind will work together, but heart work comes first. Unfortunately, in our excitement over science, we've left the study of nature behind. Children are taught the scientific method in kindergarten, but they have little awareness of the miracles of nature that surround them. The job of the mother is to open a child's eyes and especially his heart so he can 'feel' all the lessons Mother Nature teaches.”– Marlene Peterson

I am including a couple of video clips – one is entitled “The Wonderment”

https://vimeo.com/89042475

and the other is “Technology Addicted Children.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88o1TccaJw4&feature=youtu.be

Also, there is a longer clip that you could simply play for the beauty of the scenes and the relaxing music.  It is something you could play to bring down the noise level in the home if needed. It plays for about three hours but you can stop it any time you want, of course.  :-)  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V_RZoUUScY 

And here an interesting article entitled “How Nature Makes Kids Calmer, Healthier, Smarter”

 http://www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/family-life/nature 

"If the trees and flowers, the clouds and the wind, all tell wonderful stories to the child, he has sources of happiness of which no power can deprive him."

                   --Flora Cooke