Ours was a little different this year. Quite unintentionally, I had booked a few days away for my husband and me in Croatia—only to realise, rather too late, that our trip fell directly over the Easter weekend. It is such a sacred and meaningful time in our home, as we gather to reflect on the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour and to celebrate together as a family. I must admit, I felt a quiet sense of disappointment when I realised.

And yet, the Lord is gracious in all seasons. We had a lovely time away. It was restful, restorative, and filled with beauty…and it has made our return home feel all the sweeter.

There is something about April that invites us outdoors again. The air softens, the hedgerows begin to stir, and if you are near water, whether a garden wildlife pond, your local lake, or a quiet pond, you may notice one of spring’s most delightful signs of life: frogspawn.

Looking over the years of homeschooling, our frog and tadpole nature study remains one of the most memorable and joy filled projects we undertook. It was simple, deeply engaging, and full of wonder. Today, I want to share not only our experience, but also guide you in creating your own frog and tadpole study with your children.

One blustery spring day, amid what felt like near gale-force winds, we wrapped ourselves in coats and made our way down to the lake, Handbook of Nature Study in hand. That book became our quiet companion, offering both structure and freedom as we explored.

Armed with a small aquarium, curiosity, and a sense of adventure, we waded into the flag iris and bull rush encrusted banks of our local lake and gathered a small amount of frogspawn and pond water to bring home. This would form the beginning of our very own tadpole aquarium.

If you are doing this today, I encourage you to keep it simple:

• Take only a small amount of spawn
• Collect water from the same pond
• Handle everything gently and respectfully

This is not just a project, it is an introduction to stewardship.

Creating a Tadpole Aquarium at Home

Setting up the aquarium was wonderfully straightforward, and that is part of its charm.

We used:

• A small aquarium we had at home. You could use a glass bowl
• Pond water
• A little pond weed for oxygen and shelter
• a rock that breaches the water just a little as your tiny frogs will need somewhere to rest out of the water in time.
• A place indoors with natural light (but no direct sun)

And that was it.

The beauty of this kind of learning is that it asks very little of us as mothers or educators. We create the conditions, and then we step back an allow nature to teach.

Unexpected Discoveries Beneath the Water

Even before we placed our frogspawn into our aquarium, we noticed something remarkable: movement.

On closer inspection, we discovered a rather fierce little creature among the spawn we had collected, intent, it seemed, on making a meal of it. Naturally, this caused great excitment.

We carefully removed him for observation and later identified him as a diving beetle larva, often described as a formidable predator even at this early stage of life.

Alongside him, we found a quieter presence, a caddisfly larva, engly encased and altogether less dramatic in its habits.

Both were placed in separate containers so we could observe them more closely.

This, I think, is where nature study truly comes alive, not in the plan, but in the unexpected.

To Interfere or Not? A Lesson in Nature Itself

When it came time to assemble our aquarium, we faced a small dilemma: should we include the predator?

In the end, we chose to do so.

Our reasoning was simple, we wanted to reflect nature as it truly is, not as we might prefer it to be. Life in a pond is not tidy and controlled; it is dynamic, sometimes harsh, and always facinating.

This decision led to some of the riches conversations we had:

• About ecosystems
• About balance
• About life cycles and survival

And yes…a little drama unfolded before our eyes.

Ultimately, we were successful and managed to raise a little groups of teeny tiny frogs which released into the same lake where we had gathered the spawn.

Nature Journaling: Capturing the Moment

As the days passed, we turned to our nature journal.

• We sketched
• We observed
• We noted changes, tiny at first, and then unmistakable.

Encourage your children (and yourself) to:

• Draw what you see (not what you think it should look like_
• Record dates and observations
• Write a few simple sentences

There is no need for perfection. The Journal is not a performance, it is a record of attention

A Simple Guide for Your Own Frog & Tadpole Study

If you feel inspired to begin your own study this April, here is a simple rhythm to follow:

Week 1: Collect and Set Up

• Visit a local pond
• Collect a small amount of frogspawn
• set up your aquarium

Week 2-4: Observe Daily Changes

• Watch for hatching
• Note movement and growth
• Introduce journaling

Ongoing: Ask Questions Together

• What are tadpoles eating? (we fed ours tulip leaves which they loved)
• How are they changing?
• What else lives in the water?

When Ready: Release Back

• Return froglets to their original habitat.

A Final Reflection

Looking back, this was never just about frogs.

It was about slowing down. About paying attention. About allowing my children to witness life unfolding in real time.

In a world that rushes us forward, a simple bowl of pond water can gently call us back to wonder, to patience, and to learning that is both meaningful and lasting.

If you do try this in your own home this spring, I would truly love to hear about it.

The post Frog and Tadpole Nature Study in Spring appeared first on Seasons of Grace and Learning.

In our homeschool we have enjoyed participating in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch each year. It’s a fantastic way of being part of a nationwide citizen science project while helping out the birds in your area to survive these cold winter days.

What Is The Big Garden Birdwatch? 

Every year, people take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch by counting the birds they see in their garden.
It’s been going for 45 years already! Can you believe that?
The Big Garden Birdwatch provides important data on how our garden birds are faring across the UK.

When Does It Take Place?

The Big Garden Birdwatch happens once each year over the last weekend in January.

Who Can Take Part?

Anyone! Even if you are not ‘scientifically minded’ this is a great way to participate and a countrywide citizen science initiative!

How Can We Take Part?

• Register on the RSPB website to take part. You will be able to download your Big Garden Birdwatch guide and tally chart. This includes a handy bird spotter identification sheet.

• Save the Date: The next Big Garden Birdwatch takes place 23-25 January 2026
• All you need to do is make sure that you keep your feeders well stocked for your feathered friends. 

• Then spend just one hour watching and recording the birds in your garden or in your local green space. Then send your results to the RSPB by submitting them on their website.

Start By Getting To Know The Top Ten Birds Reported In The Big Garden Birdwatch 2025

If you are just starting out on your Big Garden Birdwatch adventure then you may want to familiarise yourself with last years top ten Big Garden Birdwatch birds. Many of these birds may already be known to you and be regular visitors to your garden, they certainly are regular visitors to my garden.

• House Sparrow
• Blue Tit
• Wood Pigeon
• Starling
• Blackbird
• Robin
• Great Tit
• Goldfinch
• Magpie
• Long-tailed Tit

Prepare Your Feeders

You will want to ensure that you are feeding the birds well in advance of the Big Garden Birdwatch. Word does get round quickly but in order to have a good turnout for your count you want it to become known amongst our feathered friends that you are a reliable source of food!

• Place your bird feeders and tables in a quiet spot where the birds won’t be disturbed. Don’t place them too close to bushes, you may think that you are doing them a favour but you are not. Cats love to hide in shrubs and pounce on our poor unsuspecting feathered friends.
• Provide a variety of food. There are lots of different foods available but try to avoid foods that have ‘fillers’ such as dried peas and beans. The birds don’t usually eat those.
• Don’t forget to provide water, birds get thirsty and would welcome a good drink of water, especially if you have had a prolonged period of ice and snow.
• Remember to keep your feeders clean. A good clean once a week with warm soapy water is all you need. Make sure that the feeder is completely dry before refilling.

Nature Journal Your Big Garden Birdwatch Experience

The Big Garden Birdwatch is a great nature study project. You get to learn about the birds that visit your garden in preparation for the big weekend and you can create a lovely nature journal page to record your data. here are some of my own nature journal pages from previous years…

The post The Big Garden Birdwatch Homeschool Resource: Everything You Need To Know! appeared first on Seasons of Grace and Learning.

I spent 15 years home educating my daughters at a time when home education in the UK was very much the road less travelled. Instead of following the traditional British route for high school qualifications, we felt led to pursue the American SAT pathway. To say I often questioned myself and felt out of my depth is an understatement. Yet we held fast to our conviction that continuing with a Charlotte Mason education through the high school years was right for our daughters and best suited to their learning styles. 

In God’s kindness, that decision was rewarded—both girls went on to be accepted into British universities. As I look back, I see how those years were filled with both joy and challenge, and how the lessons we learned remain just as relevant today. This post, originally written some years ago, is one I believe still speaks into the heart of the homeschooling journey, so I’m delighted to share it again from the archives.

From the Archives…

Choosing to homeschool our children has truly been one of the best decisions of our lives. The memories and experiences we’ve gathered are treasures we will carry forever. I feel deeply blessed that I still have two years left of shared learning with my youngest. Our homeschooling journey isn’t over yet, and I intend to savour every single moment that remains.

 But today, I want to talk about something that can quietly steal our joy along the way: the “voices” that come at us from every side. Some mean well, trying to encourage us, yet they leave us feeling judged or inadequate. Others are far less external—they are the whispers of our own fears and insecurities, growing louder until they become a flood of doubt that threatens to paralyse us.

 These are my own reflections on those two types of voices. Perhaps they’ll resonate with you—or perhaps not. Either way, I share them in the hope of encouragement.

The Voices That Mean Well

Who are the voices in your life? For me, they’ve often come from the blogs I’ve read, the online groups I’ve joined, the books or podcasts I’ve followed, or even from fellow Christians we love and respect.

When you see another homeschool mum’s beautiful blog, complete with perfect photos and inspiring projects, it’s easy to compare and feel “less than.” Or when a popular podcast suggests a particular method, you start to wonder if that must be the only “right” way because of their large following.

Sometimes, it’s even the subtle pressure from within our Christian communities—well-meaning comments that leave us feeling that if we allow our children to read certain stories or watch certain programmes, we’re somehow falling short of God’s will.

The danger is this: if we give those voices too much weight, they drown out the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit, the only voice we should ultimately be following.

The Voice of Fear and Doubt

Then there’s the inner voice—the one fuelled by our fears and uncertainties. I’ve wrestled with this deeply, especially when I’ve found myself without a community of like-minded homeschooling mums.

More than a decade ago, God called us to homeschool. He placed on our hearts the desire to raise our children to know Him and live for Him. By His grace, that has been our guiding light. Yet even with that assurance, the world’s expectations can press heavily. We wonder: What if my child’s path looks different? What if it doesn’t align with what is considered “normal”?

Community makes all the difference. When we walk with others who share the same vision, we can pray together, encourage one another, share ideas, and remind each other of God’s faithfulness. Without that, it’s far easier to slip into fear-driven decisions.

 Here’s a real example. A while back, I found myself in knots because my daughter would finish her A-Levels at 19 instead of 18. For reasons I can’t quite explain, this consumed me. I stressed about university applications, worried about being “behind,” and allowed fear to overshadow peace.

 Then God graciously intervened through a simple conversation. I was speaking with a fellow homeschooling mum—someone who had already graduated two children and was calmly guiding her son through his A-Levels, also to finish at 19. She answered my questions with wisdom and reminded me that this was not unusual. More importantly, she reminded me that God’s plan for each child is unique.

I left that conversation both refreshed and repentant. I realised I had been listening more to fear than to God. And I was reminded how vital it is to stay connected with others walking the same road.

Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to build that fellowship again. A few local homeschooling mums and I now meet monthly, simply to encourage one another. It has been life-giving.

Guarding Our Hearts

Fear and doubt creep in quietly, but they take root quickly. Guard against them by surrounding yourself with voices that strengthen rather than weaken your trust in God’s calling. Stay connected with people who point you back to Him, and keep His gentle voice louder than all the rest.

Wishing you God’s richest blessings today. 

The post Lessons From Our Homeschool Journey:: When Doubt Calls appeared first on Seasons of Grace and Learning.

In our home, nature study became more than a subject; it became a way of seeing. It even played a part in inspiring my eldest daughter to pursue a career as a botanical illustrator—proof that the seeds you plant in those early days can bear beautiful, lasting fruit.

Why Nature Study Matters

At its heart, nature study is simple: it’s about spending time outdoors, observing, and forming a connection with God’s creation. It lays a natural foundation for more formal science lessons down the line, but just as importantly, it teaches attention, wonder, and reverence.

Yet, many parents feel unsure about where or how to begin. If that’s you, take heart—this post is for you.

Step-by-Step with Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason encouraged families to spend regular, unhurried time outdoors—at least once a week. Each family member should have a simple nature notebook for recording observations, which may take the form of sketches, written notes, watercolours, quotes, or poems.

She championed long hours outside, even in winter, because she understood that nature itself is a master teacher. Children naturally tune in to the patterns of the world around them when they have the time and freedom to explore it. They learn best through observation—watching patiently until they come to know the habits of bees, ants, dragonflies, and spiders.

As Charlotte wisely put it: “Never be within doors when you can rightly be without.”

Letting Go of Pressure

One of the most freeing aspects of the Charlotte Mason approach is that you don’t need to be an expert. In fact, she cautioned against doing too much talking or ‘teaching’. Let nature do the speaking. Your role is to gently facilitate by making time, showing delight, and occasionally pointing out something especially lovely.

You don’t need to know all the answers either. In our home, we often turned to Anna Botsford Comstock’s Handbook of Nature Study to learn together. The joy is in the shared discovery.

Charlotte reminds us: “By-and-by he will learn the bearing of facts with which he is already familiar… a very different thing from learning the reason why of facts which have never come to his notice.”

Where to Begin

Nature study doesn’t require anything elaborate. Start by heading outdoors together, journals in hand, or bring something home from your walk to draw or explore more deeply. If you’re looking for guidance, I highly recommend Karen Andreola’s A Charlotte Mason Companion or her delightful narrative A Pocketful of Pinecones—a gentle, story-based introduction to implementing nature study.

Favourite Supplies

Here are some tried-and-true resources we’ve used for years:

• A set of 12 half-pan watercolour paints — one per child lasts for years!

• Square Watercolor Journal’s — These are my personal favourite. They have lovely thick pages perfect for watercolour

• Anna Botsford Comstock’s Handbook of Nature Study — a foundational investment used weekly in our home

• Outdoor Hour Challenges — free, seasonal step-by-step nature study lessons from Homeschool Nature Study

If you’re just starting out, begin with the “Getting Started” section of Homeschool Nature Study. It’s full of gentle encouragement and practical tips.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post has given you the courage to simply begin. Don’t let lack of confidence in your drawing or scientific knowledge hold you back. Your children don’t need perfection—they need presence. And you might just find yourself learning and growing right alongside them.

Let this be the year you embrace nature study. Go outdoors, be still, and wonder. You never know where it might lead—perhaps even to the heart of a future naturalist, a scientist, or a botanical artist in your own home.

Here’s to the journey, and all the beauty it brings.

The post How To Get Started With Nature Study appeared first on Seasons of Grace and Learning.

This post is a glimpse into our homeschooling days, which I thought would be lovely to revisit and share. And if, like us, your formal homeschooling chapter has closed, take heart—your learning doesn’t have to end. As an amateur naturalist, I still delight in observing the shifting seasons, keeping a personal nature journal, and discovering the quiet beauty in the everyday. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, reconnect with the rhythm of the year, and simply breathe.

So come with me, back to a time when we lived just a stone’s throw from the shore. Let’s wander together down a winding coastal path to a seaweed-strewn beach, and see what secrets lie waiting in the rock pools…

Nature study, if you are not careful, can fall by the wayside (as can composer and artist study) in favour of exam subjects. 

If these things are important to you then you simply have to plan them in. There is no need to lose the joy of learning just because you are homeschooling a high schooler. 

I confess that our own nature/composer/artist studies have been sporadic at best this year and we can definitely feel the difference in the joy of learning as a result. So it is with a determination that Fridays will once again be set aside, as it always has been in our home, for these and other studies. 

I believe that good living books can be enjoyed at any age. 

My grandmother and I share that simple joy that is picking up a Beatrix Potter/AA Milne/Kenneth Grahame/Jill Barklem, and a myriad of others, book. I really don’t see why, for the pure joy of reading these beautiful books, you would neglect to enjoy them because they are aimed at younger readers.

So for the pure joy of it, my daughter and I are enjoying reading Enid Blyton’s ‘Nature Lovers Book’. Because it is a living book it is instructional although it is our field guides and observational skills that we turn to as a matter of course. 

Today I had planned for us to take a walk to the beach and see what we could find. We started by reading from the ‘Nature Lovers Book’. It gave us a starting point on what to look out for which was quite useful as we have not done a marine nature study before. We learnt throughout reading about various shells and seaweeds that we could possibly expect to find – a great starting block.

The footpath down to the beach is just at the end of the lane, then it’s a 1/4 mile walk down to the beach.

Once there we found copious amounts of kelp and seaweed. Immediately we were able to identify three different types based on our reading. If we had not read that “children’s” story we would have identified a whole lot of nothing. Are you seeing the value of good living books being ageless yet?

We found Oar Seaweed [Laminaria digitata], Sea Lettuce, a Kelp Holdfast which we identified at home after a bit of research, and some Bladder Wrack which we had read about in our reading too.

We found 3 of the 5 different shells mentioned in our reading…

Whelks, Limpets and Periwinkles.

We learnt that ‘Whelks’ is a generic name given to sea snails and the shells can vary drastically. 

We even found skate egg cases amongst the seaweed! Another thing that was mentioned in the reading so we had a huge amount of learning and discovering in today’s lesson.

We brought all beach-combing treasures home to document in our nature journals. My daughter simply printed off the photographs and wrote a narration in her journal as she really does not like drawing or painting. I’ve mentioned that here before. For years I insisted she draw, but really, the joy was not there for her. Last year I decided that I would rather have her enjoy engaging with nature and keep a journal that works for her. So that’s what we do.

I, on the other hand, love keeping a nature journal as you know. So I sat down to a good two hours of recording our finds…

When we lived in South Africa, we were literally only a mile from the beach. Beach-combing in all weathers and searching rock pools was a weekly activity. I hadn’t realised until today how much I miss that! Now that we live so close to the ocean I am looking forward to picking up our beachy pursuits once more.

The post Homeschool Seaside Nature Nature Study, Living Books, and Nature Journal Pages appeared first on Seasons of Grace and Learning.