I think it is a widely known fact among homeschoolers that the very best of lessons in the Natural Sciences occurs spontaneously and in their very own backyard.  However, not all know this in direct correlation with Charlotte Mason’s advice on childhood education.  Allowing children hands-on access to the great outdoors, out our own door, is the best thing we can do to instill within them a lifelong fascination with God’s creation.

This came to mind when, just yesterday, we happened upon a little lizard in our dog’s empty water bowl.  Rather than just tipping it over and letting the little fella run off into the bushes, we took him inside to study him.  We keep a nature notebook, thanks to another wonderful suggestion by Charlotte Mason.  So, logged into our notebook is this lizard.  He is drawn, colored and examined.  We then look him up on the internet to identify his species.  (This is a perfect opportunity for a lesson in scientific classification and possibly leading to a biographical study of Carolus Linnaeus!)  We find out that he is an Eastern Blue-Tailed Skink, thus explaining his gorgeous cobalt blue tale.  We learn that this very tail color tells us that he is a juvenile.  Of course the kids wish to keep it as a pet.  I am feeling agreeable to this idea until I read that it’s favorite food is spiders!  Nope, not feeding that little critter!

Time to say goodbye to our little friend, but a fantastic unplanned lesson on the skink was enjoyed by all!  And it did not end with this lizard, my littlest loved the website we found so very much, we spent a good hour listening to bird calls of species in our area!  So, relax, try not to worry about the dirty fingernails or stained knees, and let those children explore their world!

For a great site to use in identifying local wildlife, try eNature.com.  Just type in your zipcode to view wildlife in your area.  For information on starting a nature notebook a la Charlotte Mason, click here to read an article by Karen Andreola, founder of the Charlotte Mason Research and Supply Company.

Our little friend in my daughter's hands.