
We have just completed another term of nature study in our homeschool; this time focusing on British birds. Nature study is one of our most-loved subjects and part of our Charlotte Mason inspired homeschool curriculum.
Below, I have listed all the resources we love and have found useful in the study of birds; including living books, beautiful children’s literature for all ages, reference books, preschool picture books, our treasured nature journal supplies and more!
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Make sure you WATCH THIS VIDEO to get a closer look at these resources and take a peek inside the books!
WATCH THIS VIDEO!
Living Books about British Birds
Here is a selection of wonderful literature about birds; stories that are infused with scientific facts, as well as noble morals, memorable characters and moving storylines.
Tales of Wild Birds Life by Harry M. Batten
A charming collection of 15 short-stories featuring various wild birds from around the U.K.
An Owl in the House: A Naturalist’s Diary
This is the diary of a naturalist who rescued an abandoned owlet from the woods and hand-reared it at home. This true story also features tips on how to keep your own nature journal and original black-and-white photos.
Deep in the Woods – Richard L. Bell
A beautifully illustrated book about all the animals found in the woods. Perfect for children aged 5-8 years old.
Ali and the Golden Eagle by Wayne Grover
The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White
Poetry of Birds compiled by Simon Armitage
This collection has been a great source of poetry for memorisation and for copying into our nature journals.
Picture Books for Early Years
The Eagle and the Wren by Jane Goodall
My children are still talking about this delightful book!
The Little Books of Woodland Bird Song by Caz Buckingham
Press the buttons and hear the bird song of 12 different woodland birds. This board book also has interesting facts about each bird.
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Set in New York and utterly charming!
Hedgie’s Surprise by Jan Brett
A sweet story about chickens that children under 5 will enjoy.
Reference Books about UK Birds
Collins Lifesize Birds – The Only Guide to Show British Birds at their Actual Size
This book has been such an asset to us these past few months. We have used it to sketch the birds from into our nature journals. For each bird you are given a variety of large high-quality photos and plenty of information.
This lovely little book is our trusty guide to identifying birds when we are on nature walks. It is small enough to carry with us, with just enough information to help us identify any new birds we see.
Looking at Nature by Elsie Proctor
Looking a Nature is a collection of nature-study lessons for children aged 4-11. It is perfect for those people who are unsure how to begin the study of Nature in their homeschool.
The Usborne Complete Book of Nature
This charming book is an lovely introduction to nature study for children under 6 year-old.
The Usbourne Little Book of Birds
This book from Usborne focuses on birds from many different habitats. It discusses many aspects of their behaviour, life cycle, indientifaction and some myths and legnends! The illustrations are beautiful too!
A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston
OK, confession time…I don’t have this book….But I want it!
Other Resources
For Mum: Online course: Navigating Nature Study by Modern Miss Mason
Bird Bingo – A delgihtful board game featuring birds from all around the world.
A Guide to British Garden Birds CD or Audible.
Learning about the Bird Songs has probably been my favourite aspect of the study of British birds, and this CD played a massive part in that! I highly recommend it.
At the moment, you can get it for FREE with the Audible Trial.
YouTube video: John Muir Laws: How to Sketch Birds
If you’re not confident at sketching birds, this YouTube video is fantatic. My boys followed along and really enjoyed it.
Nature Notebooks: Wiro Bound Sketchbook
Prang Watercolour Paints
Bird Feeders and Feeding Station
There is nothing quite so heart-warming as seeing tiny birds, of many coours and varieties, flock your garden, to eat the seeds you put out. They even develop a routine so you know what time each bird will arrive at your feeders that day!
Birds feeders, if placed close enough to your windows, can even be a way to do nature study on those days you cannot leave the house.
Local park
Your local park or woodland is a fantastic resource for you and your family. Get outdoors and explore the nature to see these incredible birds first-hand.
Enthusiasm
Your example and enthusiasm for nature study will influence you children far more than any book ever could. If you, as a parent, enjoy learning about birds and take part in nature journalling yourself, you children will be eager to follow your example. And besides, you might actually learn something…right?!!?
If you have any questions, please leave them for me in the comment below.
Peace and Love,
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