Why the name "Old Forest School"?

When I began my homeschool journey with my oldest child, I had just finished the book In the House of Tom Bombadil by C R Wiley and Bradley J. Birzer (I recommend it to any Tolkien fan). The book illuminated Tom Bombadill as an excellent character and image. He lives near The Old Forest, a scary and mysterious place, but he rules and subdues* it with seeming ease. While planning our family homeschool, I began to think of it like Tom's cottage. I want to guide my children in growth (not simply teach them facts) so they can thrive, even in a world like The Old Forest. When it came time to name our family business, which aims to build relationships with and encourage families, the name was a natural fit.

*Genesis 1

What is nature study?

In the words of Charlotte Mason, nature study is prescribed as “...one afternoon in the week, the children (of the Practising School) go for a ‘nature walk’ with their teachers. They notice for themselves, and the teacher gives a name or other information as it is asked for, and it is surprising what a range of knowledge a child of nine or ten acquires. The teachers are careful not to make these nature walks an opportunity for scientific instruction, as we wish the children’s attention to be given to observation with very little direction. In this way they lay up that store of ‘common information’ which Huxley considered should precede science teaching; and, what is much more important, they learn to know and delight in natural objects as in the familiar faces of friends".

Nature Study by Old Forest School is a group of families that goes outdoors once a week with nature notebooks, observing God's creation together. Each week, there is a theme, an invitation to find and explore a specific nature friend. There is no talky-teacher lesson, only the invitation to interact with nature by observing it and making entries in our nature notebooks. Some information is provided about our theme, which families can expand upon at home. While in nature, we aim to enjoy it fully and enjoy our time together.

What ages is nature study for?

Nature study is for the whole family! Nature Study by Old Forest School is designed for families with children of elementary school age; however, younger children, often the siblings of school-age children, are welcome! Parents are invited to make and keep nature notebooks with their children.