Nature plays a vital role in the development of a child and is often overlooked in favour of early academics. Homeschooling allows you to make nature a part of everyday learning because you have a lot of time to explore in your day. Allah’s creation is the ultimate classroom, and by incorporating the outdoors into your homeschool, you can foster a deep connection to the natural world. Here are 10 reasons why nature is an important part of your homeschool:
- Nature Is Allah’s Creation
By spending time in nature, your child can reflect on the beauty and complexity of Allah’s creations. Tip: There are several animals named in the Quran. You can do a unit study on all of them with arts and crafts as a way to connect. - Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wassalam, would often retreat to the mountains and into nature for deep reflection. Nature provides a calming environment where children can find peace and reduce their stress and anxiety. - Encourages Physical Activity
“Verily, your body has a right over you” (Bukhari). Trails, parks, hills, and grassy areas encourage movement—whether walking, running, jumping, hopping or climbing—all of which are vital for a child’s health (and yours)! Using playground equipment, such as monkey bars, swinging, and climbing up and down, all play a role in building gross motor skills. - Enhances Creativity
Nature stimulates the senses and inspires creativity. You can observe nature closely and then try to bring nature indoors by asking children to draw the shapes of leaves, see the beautiful colours, and make their own paintings. Building with nature’s tools, rocks, sticks, and soil and more is nature-based learning. It is the best hands-on and imaginative learning experience. - Fosters Curiousity and Observation
Children who spend a lot of time in nature learn to observe and ask questions. “And He shows you His signs. So which of the signs of Allah do you deny?” (Quran 40:81). Every tree, animal, and cloud is a sign from Allah, encouraging children to think and reflect. Have children ask their questions, capture them in a journal, and then ask them to become researchers to find the answers later. (This takes the pressure off you to have the answer in the moment!) - Teaches Responsibility
Caring for plants in a garden or on your counter teaches responsibility and compassion. Green onions, celery, parsley and cilantro grow quickly and are fun for children to witness. Your child learns that their actions, like sticking to a watering schedule, have consequences, and they develop a sense of stewardship. - Connects to Islamic Teachings
The Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wassalam, loved nature and was often described as planting trees. Encourage your child to plant seeds and connect their actions to Islamic teachings about the environment. - Boosts Mental Health
Time spent in nature has been proven to improve mood and focus. It is also a proven way to help children sleep better during the night. - Promotes Family Bonding
Outdoor activities bring families closer. Whether hiking, picnicking, caring for animals, or gardening together, these natural moments foster a sense of togetherness. Families report that spending time outside often decreases sibling rivalry and releases energy. - Builds a Connection to the Creator
Nature teaches children about Allah’s infinite wisdom and creativity. “And the earth – We have spread it out and cast therein firmly set mountains and caused to grow therein [something] of every well-balanced thing” (Quran 15:19). Use nature walks to discuss how Allah created everything in perfect balance. There are a wide variety of beautiful nature books that you can take out from the library to enrich your child’s experience!
By incorporating nature into your homeschool routine, you will enhance your child’s education and deepen their appreciation for Allah’s creation, subhana wa ta’ala.
