I love this topic and couldn't agree more with the recommendations and conclusions.
I even take my children hunting with me. While they're too young to participate in the actual killing and cleaning of animals for food (that will happen later and offer plenty of lessons), they get outside and learn directly about animal habits, movements, and sounds, as well as how to interact in nature to accomplish a task.
So very true. Hunting is another great opportunity for learning and for bonding. Plus, it normalizes for children the animal-food connection, rather than making it something "weird" or "gross" or hidden under layers of supermarket packaging.
I love this topic and couldn't agree more with the recommendations and conclusions.
I even take my children hunting with me. While they're too young to participate in the actual killing and cleaning of animals for food (that will happen later and offer plenty of lessons), they get outside and learn directly about animal habits, movements, and sounds, as well as how to interact in nature to accomplish a task.
So very true. Hunting is another great opportunity for learning and for bonding. Plus, it normalizes for children the animal-food connection, rather than making it something "weird" or "gross" or hidden under layers of supermarket packaging.
Are there any educational philosophies (Montessori, etc.) that have specifically carved out a place for nature and outdoor studies?
Definitely Montessori and Charlotte Mason. Both (especially Mason) explicitly discuss nature and outdoor learning. Also, forest schools (https://forestschoolassociation.org/full-principles-and-criteria-for-good-practice/) are built upon principles centered in nature studies.