Homeschooling is on the rise in the United States, and if you are a parent who believes in nature-based spirituality, you might wonder how to create a nature-based homeschooling curriculum.
Nature spirituality is all about living in tune with nature, and that starts with the seasons. Nature-based homeschooling in September is the perfect opportunity to teach children about science and spirituality and the nature of the changing seasons.
This blog is all about homeschooling from a nature-based spiritual perspective, and it’s about developing lessons that teach children about science and nature, as well as how to be self-sufficient, creative, and productive for the Virgo season. So, subscribe to the newsletter and let’s get started.
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What is Nature-Based Homeschooling and What is Relevant for September?
If you’ve taken your kids out of public school and teach them at home, you can integrate nature-based homeschooling into your curriculum by incorporating the seasonal theme of each month.
September has some important opportunities for learning about the Earth, the stars, and about mythology and spirituality. The fall equinox is the time when the day and night is balanced. Mabon is the perfect opportunity to mix science with seasonal celebration.
Virgo is not just a zodiac; it’s a constellation. And it’s a seasonal time of year. You can blend spirituality with science, history, culture, and morality. And you can also teach important self-sufficiency and life skills.
Nature-based Homeschooling September Dates to Remember
- Virgo Season: It lasts from August 23rd to September 22nd. Blend some spirituality by explaining some important affirmations about this season. Organization, practicality, attention to detail. You can also talk about astronomy, show your homeschoolers the night sky, help them point out constellations that are visible at this time of year. Explain how the Earth moves around the sun. Check out my blog about Stargazing.
- Harvest Season: September is harvest season. Teach children the meaning of the harvest. Make this a chance to talk about history. How important was agriculture in the lives of the ancient people? What about the medieval times? Colonial times? Check out my blog about Sacred Grain and the County Fair for more insights into the importance of agriculture.
- Hunter Moon: September’s full moon is called the Hunter’s moon, or the Corn moon. Teach them about the moon cycles, the astronomy of the moon, how it formed, etc. Check out my blog on Fall mythology for Native American hunter moon mythology.
- Virgo is ruled by Mercury and is an Earth sign. Teach them about Mercury, the closest planet to the sun. And also talk about Mercury, the Roman messenger of the gods.
Setting the Tone for September and Virgo Season
Creating a Seasonal Atmosphere
Decorate your homeschool space with autumn treasures. Check out my Seasonal DIY crafts and florals Pinterest board for inspiration. Think pressed leaves, acorns, and natural materials. Engage with questions about each one.
- Where do acorns come from?
- Why do the trees shed their leaves?
Add a seasonal calendar to keep track of the equinox and moon phases and encourage your kids to observe nature. This will help kids feel grounded in the rhythm of the seasons. My Cozy Autumn blog will give you some ideas for making your home an Autumn home.
Daily Nature Walks and Journaling
Take a short walk every day to observe the changing seasons. Have children write the things they see in a journal. Make a list of animals and plants that are common in your local area and see if children can identify them. Teach children to be aware of their surroundings and the world around them. Teach them to respect nature and to honor it. Nature walks should teach children about:
- Identity local plants and animals, especially ones that can be poisonous or harmful
- Notice the weather.
- Notice animals: learn to respect nature by keeping their distance from wild animals and not feeding them.
- Practice nature safety
Embracing Virgo Energy in Your Homeschool
Virgo season encourages organization and practicality. Use this season to teach your kids how to:
- Organize their learning space
- Create checklists for daily tasks
- Develop routines that balance work and play
This season also offers a great opportunity to talk about Earth stewardship, gratitude for harvests, and mindful living.
Nature-Based Homeschooling Fall Curriculum
Every kid learns differently, and you should always encourage them towards subjects they are interested in. As children grow, consider more in-depth subjects and assignments.
Elementary Ages (K–5)
- Science Projects: Explore plant life cycles. September is a good time to harvest the last of the produce. If you are a homesteader or have a small garden, elementary school children aid in collecting seeds to save for next year.
- Math Outdoors: Measure fallen leaves, sort them by size, and calculate averages. Cooking is also a good way to teach math skills. You can teach your children measurement.
- Creative Arts: Make leaf rubbings, pressed-flower bookmarks, or nature-inspired watercolor paintings.
- Reading and Writing: Read seasonal picture books or write simple autumn poems. Have them read about myths like Demeter and Persephone.
- Spiritual Element: Create a gratitude jar for daily blessings during the harvest season.
Middle School Ages (6–8)
- Science: Explain the equinox—why day and night are equal—and show using a globe and flashlight. Learn basic astronomy and how the moon, Earth, and sun interact with one another.
- History: Study ancient harvest festivals like Mabon and compare them with modern Thanksgiving traditions.
- Math Challenge: Track daylight changes in different cities and graph the results.
- Practical Skills: Learn basic woodworking or dry herbs for winter teas.
- Mindful Connection: Encourage your kids to journal about how seasonal shifts affect mood and energy.
High School Ages (9–12)
- Astronomy Lessons: Identify Virgo and other constellations visible in September using star maps.
- History & Mythology: Research Mercury (Virgo’s ruling planet) and its significance in Roman culture.
- Practical Skills: Teach food preservation—canning, fermenting, or dehydrating seasonal produce.
- Critical Thinking: Compare modern agriculture to traditional farming practices.
- Spiritual Element: Create Virgo-inspired affirmations for organization and mindfulness.
Seasonal and Spiritual Activities and Life Skills
These are some activities and day trips you can take with your kids to teach them life skills and science and history.
Go to a Farm
Visit a local farm. Teach children the importance of agriculture, where their food comes from, and about what is in season.
Cultivate a Meal, Shop it and Cook it
Decide on a September-themed meal. Think pumpkins, squash, apples, and potatoes. Include meats like pork, chicken, seafood, etc. Think of a meat main course, two vegetable sides, and a dessert. Then go to the farmer’s market and grocery store to collect the ingredients. Teach children about money and shopping within a budget. Then cook the meal, teaching food safety, fire and knife safety. You can foster an interest in natural kitchen living from an early age.
Go to a Local Park or Natural History Museum
If you live close to a national or state park, plan a day trip. Attend ranger programs that explore the wildlife in the park. Go on a hike and learn about survival safety skills. Learn to forage or fishing skills. Go to a museum of natural history to learn about your local geology. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and there are some important geological history events that kids could learn, like the Missoula Floods. Or the volcanology of the Cascades. Check out my Summer road trips blog for ideas on travel, and check out my nature-inspired spiritual travel Pinterest board.
Go to a Pumpkin Patch
Visit a pumpkin patch so kids can pick out a pumpkin. They can learn more about the importance of the harvest season.
Go to a Living Museum or Historical Site
If your local area offers living history museums, they are a great way to learn about how life was like in historical times. Consider local history museums or historical sites as well. Do you live near a national battlefield monument, such as Civil War or Revolutionary War sites? They are a great way to learn about the history of those events.
Study Genealogy
September and Autumn is a time to remember your ancestors. Especially to prepare for Samhain. Teach your children about their own family history through genealogy. Talk about the lives of your parents or grandparents and those who came before them. Learn about how to host a dumb supper, the perfect festival to have with your ancestors.
Tips for Planning Nature-Based Lessons for September
Organize Your Seasonal Calendar
Mark important dates such as the equinox and full moon to keep lessons timely and relevant.
Integrate Multiple Subjects into One Activity
For example, an apple-picking trip can cover science, math, and history. It can also teach cooking and preservation skills.
Be Flexible with Weather and Nature
Nature is unpredictable, but it’s an opportunity for learning. As Autumn brings colder weather, if rain foils any planned activities, change your plan to talk about weather and the science behind clouds and precipitation.
Encourage Reflection
Incorporate journaling, sketching, or photography projects. Encourage creativity through art. In all the activities you plan through your nature-based homeschooling September curriculum, make time for the arts. Learn about how to foster family connections from my spiritual family connections Pinterest blog.
Resources for Nature-Based Homeschooling
States have different laws regarding homeschooling, so it’s important to keep track of what your kids are learning and keep records. You can organize things in binders and planners. But there are also lots of learning resources out there like books, websites, and hands-on materials that can help your homeschooler learn. Posters for reference are great resources for kids to learn to memorize important facts.
Books to Explore
Go to the local library frequently and encourage children to read. Consider some of these books to teach about Autumn and about mythology.
- All About Autumn by Wander Will
- Elsie and Pooka Wheel of the Year: Autumn by Lora Craig-Gaddis
- Mythology Stories for Kids by Cozy Nook Books
Websites and Online Tools
- Project Learning Tree
- Pinterest boards like my Spiritual Family Connections Pinterest board where you’ll find homeschooling resources.
Hands-On Materials
- Field guides for identifying local plants
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- Astronomy apps for easy constellation spotting
Bringing It All Together
September marks the start of autumn. It’s an opportunity to root your homeschool in nature’s rhythms. By embracing nature-based homeschooling for September, you’re weaving science, history, and spirituality into lessons that inspire curiosity and creativity.
I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite September homeschool activities? Share them in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more seasonal ideas and a supportive community, join our Facebook group for nature-based homeschooling families. Let’s make this season a beautiful, educational journey together!
