Fall Farm School Class:Backyard Wildlife Steward
- Belinda Jones
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
A Few Questions to Consider
Hey homeschool parents, what if your child could develop the skills of a scientist, the curiosity of a naturalist, and the heart of a conservationist—all while exploring the wildlife and habitats right outside their own door?
How do we help today’s students understand the importance of wildlife, environmental conservation, and the habitats that support life all around us?
How do we teach them that the health of an earthworm beneath the soil, a pollinator in a garden, a bird in a tree, and a stream flowing through a neighborhood are all connected?
How do we help them understand that communities continue to grow and change through new homes, businesses, parks, farms, and transportation systems—and that careful planning is needed to balance human needs with the needs of wildlife?
The answers may be closer than you think.
Because when students begin to see their own backyard as a living ecosystem, they start to understand the larger “backyard” of their community. They discover that wildlife exists not only in forests and nature preserves, but also in neighborhoods, farms, city parks, school grounds, and community green spaces.
The purpose of the Backyard Wildlife Stewards class on the farm this fall is to help students make those connections. Through hands-on exploration, nature journaling, poetry, art, music, games, critical thinking activities, and outdoor discovery, students will investigate local wildlife and learn why habitats matter.
As students study animals such as earthworms and other backyard wildlife, they may begin asking important questions like:
Where do animals live?
What happens when habitats change?
How can communities grow while protecting natural resources?
What role can each of us play in caring for the environment?
These questions help students develop an understanding of stewardship—not simply learning about nature, but learning how to care for it.
By exploring both the farm , their backyards, and their wider communities, or extended backyards, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnected relationship between wildlife, people, and the places we share. They will learn that conservation begins with awareness, and that every steward, regardless of age, can make a positive difference.
Backyard Wildlife Stewards combines nature exploration with creativity, discovery, and hands-on learning. Students will observe and record their findings through nature journaling, express their thoughts through poetry and creative writing, and connect with the natural world through music and art. Along the way, they will strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills through investigations, challenges, and wildlife-focused activities. Best of all, learning takes place through instruction that will include games, exploration, and plenty of outdoor fun, helping students build a deeper connection with nature while creating lasting memories with friends.
This fall, Backyard Wildlife Stewards invites students to discover the wonders of nature, think critically about the world around them, and become thoughtful caretakers of both their personal backyard and the wider backyard of their community.
Register here.
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