A nature-based homeschool curriculum uses the natural world and treats the outdoors as an essential part of learning. Instead of spending long stretches sitting inside, children learn by moving, observing, exploring and interacting with what’s around them, whether that’s a backyard, a park, or a nearby trail. For families whose children haven’t felt comfortable or engaged in a traditional school setting, this approach can offer a gentler pace and a very different way to engage with learning.
Below, we’ll explain what a nature-based curriculum is, what a typical day can look like, and how families support academics alongside outdoor, hands-on learning. You’ll also learn about different approaches and simple ways to plan a schedule that works for your family's unique needs. If you're curious what learning in nature might look like for your family, this guide offers a closer look.
What Is a Nature-Based Homeschool Curriculum?
A nature-based homeschool curriculum moves learning from the inside of your home into the outside world. Nature becomes the backdrop of reading, writing, math, and science lessons. Learning occurs through observation, trial and error, exploration, hands-on projects, and problem solving.
Families often appreciate the flexible lesson planning that connects academics to nature. Families might observe ecosystems on a hike, measure plant growth in a garden, or write a nature poem by a backyard creek.
For example, a math lesson might involve estimating distances on a trail or tracking daily temperatures, while science lessons could grow out of studying insects, soil, or seasonal changes firsthand. Research shows that time in nature supports focus, motivation, and deeper cognitive connections.
Different Types of Nature-Based Homeschooling
Nature-based homeschooling can look very different depending on a family’s values, location, and a child’s learning style. Rather than following a single formula, families often draw from one or more of the approaches below, adapting them to fit their daily rhythm and environment.
Forest-based learning
Forest-based learning is largely student-directed and shaped by curiosity and play, with the natural world serving as the primary classroom. Learning happens outdoors in all kinds of weather, allowing children to experience seasonal changes firsthand while developing physical resilience and emotional regulation.
For example, a day might include building shelters with fallen branches, tracking animal footprints after a snowfall, or learning local history through repeated visits to the same wooded area. Academic skills are woven in naturally through counting, storytelling, mapping, and observation, rather than through formal lessons.
Montessori-inspired nature learning
Montessori-inspired nature learning treats the environment itself as the teacher, encouraging children to engage deeply through their senses. Lessons are experiential and hands-on, with subjects overlapping rather than being taught in isolation.
For example, a child might practice math by measuring garden beds, study biology through caring for plants or animals, and build writing skills by recording observations in a nature journal. This approach also emphasizes environmental stewardship, helping children develop respect for the natural world through daily care and responsibility.
Charlotte Mason with a nature focus
A Charlotte Mason approach with a nature focus emphasizes careful observation, attention, and reflection. Children are encouraged to spend time outdoors, noticing details, recording what they see, and building a personal relationship with nature.
This might include keeping a nature notebook, sketching plants or insects, or revisiting the same outdoor spot throughout the year to observe seasonal changes. Learning is gentle and deliberate, rooted in respect for the natural world and the child’s capacity for thoughtful engagement.
Project-based outdoor learning
Project-based outdoor learning centers on extended, real-world projects that grow out of a child’s interests. Instead of short, isolated lessons, children work on problems or questions over time, deepening their understanding as projects evolve.
For example, a child interested in water quality might test a local stream, research pollution sources, track results over time, and present findings to the community. This approach encourages independence, critical thinking, and persistence, while still grounding learning in practical, outdoor experiences.
Main Approaches of Nature-Based Homeschooling
Nature-based homeschooling isn’t a single method but a collection of approaches that share similar values, including child-led learning, real-world experiences, and strong connections to place and community. Many families blend elements from more than one approach to create something that fits their child and environment.
Wildschooling
Wildschooling treats nature as the classroom itself rather than a separate subject to study. Learning is child-led and driven by curiosity, with experiences unfolding naturally through exploration and play.
A typical day might involve climbing rocks, building forts, or following animal tracks, with learning emerging through questions, problem-solving, and discussion. Healthy risk-taking is encouraged in age-appropriate ways, helping children build confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Place-based education
Place-based education centers learning around the local community and environment. Instead of abstract lessons, children engage with nearby parks, neighborhoods, businesses, historical sites, and natural spaces.
For example, students might learn history through local landmarks, practice math by planning a community garden, or develop writing skills by documenting changes in their neighborhood. Learning remains student-centered and hands-on, shaped by both the learner’s interests and the unique features of the place they call home.
Experiential learning
Experiential learning emphasizes learning by doing rather than through passive instruction. Children actively participate in meaningful work and then reflect on those experiences to deepen their understanding.
This might include cooking meals to learn fractions, volunteering with a local organization, or helping with a small business or farm project. Reflection, through conversation, journaling, or creative expression, helps learners connect their experiences to broader academic concepts and real-life skills.
How Nature-Based Homeschooling Typically Works
Many families blend outdoor learning with an academic routine that fits their child, schedule, and local environment. Rather than following a rigid school-day model, learning is organized around goals, seasons, and natural rhythms.
Lesson planning
Lesson planning usually starts with specific academic skills or learning goals. Parents identify priorities across subject areas, such as reading comprehension, writing, math, or science, and then choose outdoor experiences that support those goals.
For example, a unit on measurement might involve tracking rainfall, mapping a trail, or building simple structures, while science lessons may grow out of observing plant life or weather patterns. Planning often happens seasonally or monthly rather than day to day, allowing families to adapt to changing interests and conditions.
Daily, weekly, or monthly routines
Most families follow predictable rhythms instead of a strict, hour-by-hour schedule. Mornings may focus on literacy or math through short lessons or independent work, while afternoons are reserved for outdoor projects, hikes, experiments, or free exploration.
Weekly check-ins or reflections help parents notice progress, identify gaps, and adjust plans as needed, keeping learning flexible without losing direction.
Example of a nature-based homeschooling day
A typical nature-based homeschooling day might begin with a short reading or math lesson at home, followed by time outdoors at a local park or trail. During outdoor time, children might observe plants and insects, measure distances or collect data, and record their findings in a nature journal.
After lunch, the afternoon could include a hands-on project like building a simple shelter, tending a garden, or researching a question that came up earlier in the day. The day often ends with reflection through discussion, drawing, or writing about what was explored.
Subjects Covered in Nature-Based Homeschooling
Nature-based homeschooling can cover all core subjects effectively, even though they may look different from lessons in a traditional classroom. Instead of relying on textbooks alone, learning is grounded in real experiences and daily observation.
Reading, writing, and literacy
Reading and writing skills develop through regular use of field guides, informational books, maps, and research tied to outdoor experiences. Learners might keep a nature journal, write short reports about animals or plants they’ve observed, or record questions and reflections after time outside.
Because topics often come from a child’s own interests, literacy skills tend to develop in a more meaningful and motivating way.
Math
Math naturally shows up through real-life tasks connected to outdoor projects. Children may measure distances on a trail, track weather patterns on a chart, calculate garden spacing, or estimate quantities of materials needed for a build.
Skills such as measurement, data collection, estimation, and problem-solving become practical tools rather than abstract exercises.
Science
Science is central to nature-based learning and emerges through observation, experimentation, and inquiry.
Learners might study ecosystems by examining soil and insects, conduct simple experiments with water or plants, or track seasonal changes over time. These hands-on experiences help build scientific thinking skills like forming hypotheses, recording data, and drawing conclusions.
Social studies
Social studies often begin close to home and expand outward. Learners explore local geography, history, and community systems through neighborhood walks, visits to museums or historical sites, and conversations with community members.
Field trips and service projects help students understand how people interact with their environment and how local history connects to broader social patterns.
How to Plan a Nature-Based Homeschool Curriculum
Planning a nature-based homeschool curriculum should be intentional and creative, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. A simple, flexible plan provides learning direction while still leaving room for curiosity and discovery. The steps below can help you get started without overplanning.
Identify academic priorities
Begin by identifying the core skills you want your child to develop across subject areas, such as reading comprehension, writing, math concepts, and scientific thinking. It can be helpful to review your local homeschooling guidelines for your child’s grade level to understand general expectations.
From there, layer in your child’s interests, whether that’s animals, weather, art, or building projects, so learning feels relevant and engaging rather than forced.
Choose a planning window
Next, decide how far ahead you want to plan. Many families find that planning one to four weeks at a time works well, especially when learning is shaped by weather, seasons, and changing interests.
Short planning windows make it easier to adjust if something isn’t working or if a child becomes deeply interested in a new topic. Flexibility is one of the strengths of nature-based homeschooling, so plans can evolve as your routine and needs change.
Build routines around learning blocks
Predictable routines help learners feel grounded and confident, even when each day looks a little different. Instead of scheduling every hour, try dividing the day into two or three learning blocks.
For example, mornings might include focused work like reading, writing, or math, while afternoons are reserved for outdoor exploration, projects, or hands-on investigations. Over time, this rhythm supports independence and helps children know what to expect.
Add support when needed
Many families choose to supplement their nature-based homeschool curriculum with outside resources.
Online classes, tutors, or group programs can be especially helpful for subjects like writing, higher-level math, or science labs. Using outside support isn’t a sign of failure, but a practical way to ensure your child gets the instruction they need while reducing pressure on you as the parent. Thoughtful support can help both you and your child stay motivated and confident throughout your homeschooling journey.
Popular Nature-Based Homeschool Curriculums
You don’t have to build a nature-based homeschool curriculum entirely on your own. Many families rely on trusted programs and resources to add structure, inspiration, and support along the way. Below are a few well-known options that work especially well alongside nature-based learning.
Outschool’s online Montessori curriculum and classes
Outschool offers live, small-group classes that align perfectly with nature-based learning. You and your child can decide together which core subjects or areas of interest you would like to try.
Children learn best when they have a supportive community, and Outschool is a safe place to learn, ask questions, and find like-minded students and families.
Other online guides and tools
Some families choose to supplement their nature-based homeschool curriculum with online programs that provide guided themes, lesson ideas, and creative activities.
These types of resources often blend science, writing, and math through observation, journaling, and hands-on exploration, helping parents add structure without losing flexibility. They tend to work especially well for elementary-aged learners who benefit from gentle guidance but still thrive in open-ended, outdoor learning environments.
Children and Nature Network’s resource hub
On the Children and Nature Network’s resource hub, you can explore evidence-based articles about the benefits of nature time, find guidance on creating meaningful outdoor experiences, and locate local groups or programs that share a nature-focused approach.
For nature-based homeschooling families, the resource hub can be a source of inspiration, practical ideas, and opportunities to connect with others who prioritize learning in and about the natural world.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nature-Based Homeschool Curriculums
Nature-based homeschooling can look different depending on your child's age and specific needs. These frequently asked questions address common concerns.
What should you consider if you’re planning a nature-based homeschooling curriculum for a preschooler?
Preschool-aged children learn through play and exploration. Academic skills will develop naturally as they move through and observe the world around them. Focus on expanding their sensory world and choose options that allow for movement, messy play, and problem-solving.
Preschool-aged children develop very quickly, so adjust teaching and learning month by month as they grow and their interests change.
Does nature-based homeschooling make sense to follow after 8th grade?
Yes. Many families continue nature-based learning into high school by adding more formal and challenging research, data analysis, and coursework. Hands-on projects can support advanced learning and crucial life skills. Outschool courses are perfect for an additional challenge and offer an opportunity for growth that a parent may not be able to provide directly.
Finding a Nature-Based Homeschool Curriculum
A nature-based homeschool curriculum supports curiosity and exploration, which are cornerstones of brain development. With clear goals and routines, families can support academics and also reap the benefits of a nature-based homeschool. This learning method may just be what your family needs. Real-life growth and adventure await!
Sources
- Child and Nature Network. “Benefits of Connecting Children with Nature.” Child and Nature Network, https://www.childrenandnature.org.
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Project Zero. “Learning Through Experience.” Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education, https://pz.harvard.edu
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