Create a Nature-Rich Home Atmosphere

Bring the Outdoors In With Nature Tables, Cozy Corners, Observation Windows and Gardening

From Hello Parent!

As the seasons change and the days grow shorter, many spend more time indoors. But that doesn’t mean we have to leave the wonders of nature behind! In this edition, we’ll explore how to create a cozy, nature-rich environment at home so our children’s connection to the outdoors stays vibrant and alive.

Start with a Nature Table
A nature table is a simple yet beautiful way to bring the outdoors into your home. It can be a small corner of a shelf or a dedicated table where you and your children display treasures from your walks—leaves, stones, feathers, pinecones, or even a delicate acorn cap. Rotate these items seasonally, adding new finds and clearing away those that feel a bit tired. This space becomes a living story of your family’s journey through nature.

With permission from Stir the Wonder

Add a few nature-themed books to your nature table to spark curiosity and learning. Include titles like Trees, Leaves & Bark from the Take-Along Guides, inviting children to match their finds with illustrations or stories. These books enrich your table, making it a hub for discovery and nature-based storytelling.

Seasonal Displays to Spark Curiosity
Encourage little hands to gather bits of the season and place them on the table. Add a magnifying glass for close observation or a small vase for holding wildflowers. You might place a few tiny animal figurines among the leaves or display field guides nearby for easy identification. By making seasonal changes to this space, you’ll inspire curiosity and create a gentle rhythm in your home that reflects the beauty of the outdoors.

Nature Journaling Supplies in a Cozy Corner, Ready to Use

A Cozy Corner for Nature Journaling

A particular spot dedicated to nature journaling can bring warmth and focus to this cherished activity. Set up a cozy corner with soft blankets and pillows, ideally near a window with a view. Keep journals, colored pencils, and other supplies nearby, always within reach when inspiration strikes. With this cozy setup, nature journaling becomes an inviting, relaxing part of your child’s daily routine.

Windows as Observation Spots

Invite your children to become “weather watchers” and bird observers by creating little observation nooks by the windows. Place a small chair or bench next to a window with a view of your yard or a nearby tree. Encourage your children to look out daily, noticing how the sky, trees, and sounds change over time. They might even spot a visiting bird or two! Add a simple bird feeder outside the window to attract feathered friends, or hang a rain gauge and thermometer to start tracking weather patterns together.

Another Way to Bring Nature Home

🌱 Inspire Learning Through Gardening! 🌱
Discover hands-on, science-based projects for growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers with your children. Homeschool Gardening integrates outdoor education, Charlotte Mason principles, and practical tips to foster curiosity, creativity, and a connection to nature.

👉 Purchase Here
Grow, learn, and explore together! 🌿✨

"The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper."
— W.B. Yeats

Please offer your wisdom and comments below.

With gratitude,

Sheila Carroll
Living Books Press