So, you’re thinking about diving into a nature-based curriculum? First of all—high five! 🌿✨ Whether you're a homeschooling parent just starting out or a seasoned homeschool mom looking for new resources, embracing outdoor learning will transform the way your child experiences education.

Nature-based learning can be a beautiful holistic approach to homeschooling meaning it nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. And there’s no better way to do that than by stepping into the great outdoors. Nature keeps our sense of wonder wide open! But if you’re wondering where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Gather the Essentials (Hint: You Already Have Most of Them!)

One of the best things about nature schooling is that nature itself is the classroom. You don’t need an overwhelming amount of materials—just a few well-loved basics:

• A nature table or shelf – A special space to collect and display treasures from outdoor explorations: pinecones, feathers, seashells, seasonal flowers, or even a really cool rock (because every child finds at least one rock they refuse to leave behind).
• Journals and sketchbooks – For hands-on exploration through drawing, storytelling, and creative learning—because real learning doesn’t come from mindless copy work.
• Outdoor gear – Weather-appropriate clothing so you can explore year-round without turning into popsicles or sunburnt tomatoes.
• Basic art supplies – Watercolors, colored pencils, and glue sticks for nature-inspired crafts.
• Amazing books – Rotate seasonal reads that tie into nature lessons and a particular theme for the month.
• Explorer's kit - Keep a simple kit with a magnifying glass, small binoculars, field guides, and a bug container for impromptu discoveries and hands-on activities at the ready! No special equipment here!

Step 2: Create a Daily Rhythm (Not a Rigid Schedule!)

In early childhood education, routines help children feel secure while still leaving room for spontaneity. A nature-based curriculum flows best when it follows a child’s need rather than a rigid schedule. Keep your rhythm flexible! The beauty of homeschooling is that kids can move at their own pace, soaking in knowledge in different ways based on their interests and development.

Here’s an example of a homeschool rhythm with natural inhales and exhales throughout the day:

☀️ Morning: Start with a cozy ritual—maybe a nature poem, copy work, or time spent observing your nature table. Then, dive into short lessons on language arts, social studies, or science through storytelling and discussion.

🍎 Midday: Head outside! This is the perfect time for outdoor play, a hands-on activity, or outdoor learning through observation. Let your child climb, explore, and connect with the natural environment.

🌙 Afternoon/Evening: Wrap up the day with journaling, reflecting on nature studies, or reading from your amazing books collection.

Step 3: Lean Into Nature—Don’t Rush It

One of the biggest mistakes homeschooling parents make is trying to rush through nature-based activities to check off a lesson plan. But outdoor learning isn’t about speed—it’s about deep connection.

Instead of focusing on covering a certain number of topics each week, let your child truly experience nature.

• Watch how sunlight dances through the trees.
• Feel the rough texture of bark under your hands.
• Listen to the symphony of birds, rustling leaves, and buzzing insects.

Children learn best when they are given time to observe, ask questions, and interact with the world. A child watching ants at work is engaging in critical thinking—no worksheet required!

💡 Pro tip: Try a “Sit Spot” routine—find a special outdoor space where your child can sit quietly for a few minutes each day. Over time, they’ll start noticing small changes in the environment, strengthening their connection to the land.

Step 4: Plan Your Year Seasonally

Instead of breaking your school year into traditional units, think seasonally! Your main curriculum can be built around nature-based activities and wild schooling themes that align with what’s happening in the natural environment. These unit studies keep learning applicable and fun! The units can bring together your language arts, math lessons, physical health, science curriculum, etc., and make it into experiential learning.

Here’s a simple seasonal breakdown:

• Spring = Planting seeds, observing bird nests, and studying insects
• Summer = Water play, stargazing, and learning about pollinators
• Autumn = Leaf studies, fungi explorations, and animal tracking
• Winter = Cozy crafts, storytelling, and studying animal adaptations

Rather than mapping out every single day in advance, create a seasonal bucket list of activities and topics you’d like to explore. This keeps things flexible while ensuring you embrace nature studies in real-time.

Step 5: Adapt Activities for Different Ages

One of the best things about a secular homeschool curriculum rooted in nature-based activities is that it’s naturally multi-age friendly! You can create a flexible curriculum right outside your back door.

Here’s how you can tweak lessons:

• Young children (preschool & kindergarten curriculum): Sensory play, hands-on nature crafts, and simple observation games (e.g., "Can you find something soft? Something round? Something tiny?")
• Older children (elementary & middle school): Nature journaling, simple science experiments, and storytelling inspired by outdoor adventures.
• High school: More in-depth social studies and critical thinking projects, research on ecosystems, conservation efforts, and field studies.

💡 Pro tip: Let older children take the lead in teaching younger siblings! It builds confidence, reinforces learning, and makes homeschool feel like a team effort.

Step 6: Incorporate Outdoor Activities & Field Trips

Nature schooling doesn’t have to happen only in your backyard. Plan field trips that bring learning to life in natural settings!

Some ideas:

• Visit a nature preserve or wildlife refuge – Observe local flora and fauna.
• Go tide pooling or explore a riverbank – Discover aquatic ecosystems.
• Take a camping trip – Learn about constellations, fire safety, and outdoor survival.
• Explore a local park – Parks are full of hidden wonders! Check out seasonal events, guided nature walks, or just spend time discovering new trails, creeks, and climbing trees. New happenings are going on all the time there.

You can also weave in hands-on learning at home with various activities, such as:

• Leaf rubbings and tree identification
• Nature-inspired storytelling and poetry writing
• Growing mushrooms or sprouting beans indoors during winter

Step 7: Have Fun—This Is Not a Test!

This might be the most important step: have fun!

A nature-based curriculum isn’t about acing tests or memorizing Latin plant names—it’s about spending time outdoors, hands-on exploration, and building a lifelong love for the world around us.

Some of the best learning happens when kids are just being kids—climbing trees, digging in the dirt, and laughing at the way a squirrel flicks its tail. And guess what? It’s okay if a lesson goes off track. The goal is connection, curiosity, and joy.

💡 Pro tip: Join in! Jump in puddles, build a fairy house, or start a leaf fight. Your child will remember these moments far more than any worksheet.

Bringing It All Together with Wonder Garden

If you’re looking for a nature-based curriculum that makes outdoor learning easy, engaging, and meaningful, Wonder Garden is the perfect fit. Designed for both secular homeschoolers and non-secular families, it weaves nature studies, hands-on activities, and seasonal rhythms into a well-rounded learning experience.

Wonder Garden includes specific nature connection activities, lesson plans, and our favorite books and book lists to guide your journey—whether you want a full curriculum or just a few resources to enrich your days. And if this is your first year homeschooling, you’ll love how it provides structure without rigidity, allowing your child to learn at their own pace while building a deep connection with the natural environment.

Whether you’re setting up a nature table, planning your first field trips, or embracing wild schooling, Wonder Garden is here to support you every step of the way. 🌿✨

Keep It Simple, Follow the Joy

A nature-based homeschool curriculum isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing things differently. Let your child’s curiosity guide the way, embrace wild schooling, and trust that real learning happens in the little moments.

So, are you ready to step outside and begin? 🌿 What’s your biggest question about nature schooling? Drop it below, and I’d love to help!