Best Books About Florida Nature for Kids: Our Family’s Favorites for Outdoor Learning

If you’ve ever stood in a bookstore (or scrolled endlessly online) trying to find nature books that actually show your kids what they’re seeing in their backyard — not some forest in New England or a prairie in Kansas — I get it. Living in Florida means our kids encounter a completely unique ecosystem, and generic nature guides just don’t cut it when your six-year-old wants to know what that weird bird at the feeder is or why the lizard on the porch does those funny push-ups.

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We’ve spent years building our nature book collection, and I’m sharing the ones that have actually earned their keep on our shelves — the books that come outside with us, that have sand in the spine and maybe a few mud smudges on the pages. Because that’s how you know a nature book is doing its job.

Why Florida-Specific Nature Books Matter

Here’s something I’ve learned after years of Charlotte Mason-style homeschooling in Northwest Florida: regional context matters more than you’d think. When my kids flip through a general “birds of North America” book and can’t find the white ibis that just walked across our lawn, they get frustrated. When the wildflower guide doesn’t include the beautyberry bushes growing along every trail in our area, it feels disconnected from real life.

Florida has over 500 native bird species, completely different ecosystems from the Panhandle to the Keys, and wildlife you simply won’t find anywhere else. Our kids deserve books that reflect their world — the one they’re actually exploring.

Our Favorite Florida Nature Books for Kids

For Bird Identification and Study

We’ve gone through several bird guides over the years, and I always come back to recommending the Sibley Guide to Birds as a main reference. Yes, it covers all of North America, but the illustrations are unmatched, and it includes excellent coverage of Florida species. We keep ours on the back porch where we can grab it quickly when something interesting lands near the chicken run.

For younger kids (K-2), look for “Florida’s Birds” by David Maehr and Herbert Kale. The photos are clear, and it focuses specifically on what you’ll actually see here. My kindergartener can flip through it independently, which matters when you’re trying to foster that independent discovery Charlotte Mason talks about.

For General Florida Wildlife

“The Florida Wildlife Encyclopedia” by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is dense but incredibly useful. We don’t read it cover to cover — it lives on our nature study shelf, and we pull it out when we need answers.

For something more kid-friendly, “Florida Nature Guide” by Craig Hepworth has been wonderful. It’s organized by habitat (beach, swamp, pine forest), which makes so much sense when you’re actually in those places. We’ve taken it to the Gulf Islands National Seashore more times than I can count.

For Beach and Coastal Exploration

Living near Pensacola Beach, we needed good resources for shell identification and coastal ecosystems. “Seashells of Florida” by Blair and Dawn Witherington is gorgeous and comprehensive. My kids love matching their beach finds to the pictures.

“The Living Beach” by the same authors is more of a reading book than a field guide, but it’s sparked incredible conversations about coastal ecology. If your kids ask a lot of “why” questions, this one answers them beautifully.

For Backyard Nature Study

Since so much of our homeschool happens in our own backyard — between the garden, the chickens, and whatever creatures show up uninvited — we needed books that covered the everyday stuff.

“Insects of Florida” by C.D. Morris has been invaluable. When you find something with too many legs near the compost bin, this book probably has it. For younger children who want to do their own bug hunting, pairing a good insect guide with a bug catcher kit makes for hours of outdoor exploration.

We also keep a pocket microscope in our nature study basket. It’s been a game-changer for looking at insect wings, plant cells, feathers from the chicken coop — all the tiny things that make kids say “whoa.”

Making the Most of Your Florida Nature Library

Pair Books with Nature Journals

We don’t just read about Florida nature — we document it. Every kid in our house has their own nature journal, and we bring them outside at least a few times a week. Sometimes it’s formal — sitting under the oak tree sketching whatever we find. Sometimes it’s just jotting down what birds we saw that morning while eating breakfast on the porch.

I keep a set of Faber-Castell watercolors in our nature basket because they’re sturdy enough for kids but have beautiful pigments. There’s something about adding color to a journal page that makes the observation stick.

Take Books Into the Field

I know it feels precious to keep books pristine, but nature guides are meant to be used. We have a dedicated “outdoor books” bin with our most-used guides, and they go with us everywhere — state parks, the backyard, even the front porch when we’re watching the sunset and trying to identify that bird call.

A quick Florida tip: keep your field guides in a gallon ziplock bag during summer. Our humidity is no joke, and afternoon thunderstorms appear out of nowhere. Ask me how I learned this lesson.

Connect Books to Real Experiences

The magic happens when the book and the real world meet. Last week, my oldest found a Gulf fritillary caterpillar on our passionflower vine. We grabbed our insect guide, identified it together, and then watched that vine for days. That’s the kind of learning you can’t manufacture with worksheets.

This is the heart of Charlotte Mason education — living books and real-world observation working together. Florida gives us endless material to work with. We just need the right resources to help our kids make sense of it all.

Building Your Collection Over Time

You don’t need every book at once. Start with one good bird guide and one general Florida wildlife book. Add from there based on your family’s interests. If your kids are beach kids, prioritize coastal resources. If you’re doing a lot of hiking at state parks, invest in a good wildflower guide.

I’ve found that places like Rainbow Resource often carry nature study materials and regional guides that you won’t find at big box stores. It’s worth checking there when you’re building your homeschool library.

A Few More Tips for Florida Nature Study

Get outside early or late. Midday in July isn’t the time for leisurely nature observation — trust me. We do most of our outdoor learning before 10 AM or after 5 PM during hot months.

Don’t forget the bug spray, but keep it non-toxic. We use Wondercide for the kids and have been happy with it.

And embrace the weird. Florida nature is strange — we have dinosaur-looking birds, lizards everywhere, and more species of ants than seems reasonable. Lean into it. The weirdness is what makes our state fascinating.

Raising Kids Who Know Their Place

There’s something beautiful about raising children who can identify the birds in their backyard, who know which berries are safe and which aren’t, who understand why we don’t disturb the gopher tortoise burrow at the edge of the yard. It connects them to where they live in a way that screens and structured activities never will.

These books have helped our family do just that. They’ve turned ordinary backyard moments into discoveries and everyday walks into adventures. And really, that’s what I want for my kids — a childhood full of wonder, rooted in the real, wild world right outside our door.

Happy exploring, friend. Florida’s got so much to show your kids if you just open the door and let them look.

How to Start a Homeschool Nature Club in Florida (Even If You’re Not a Nature Expert)

If you’ve been craving more community in your homeschool journey — and more time outdoors for your kids — starting a nature club might be exactly what you’re looking for. I know it sounds like a big undertaking, but I promise it doesn’t have to be complicated. Some of our sweetest homeschool memories have come from simple mornings at a local trail with a few other families, kids running ahead with nets and magnifying glasses, mamas walking behind with coffee in hand.

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Here in Florida, we’re blessed with year-round opportunities to get outside (humidity and all), and there’s something magical about kids exploring together — noticing things, asking questions, getting gloriously dirty. If you’ve been thinking about pulling together a little group, here’s how to make it happen without overcomplicating things.

Why Start a Homeschool Nature Club?

Let me be honest: I didn’t start our nature club because I had everything figured out. I started it because I wanted my kids to have what I had growing up — afternoons spent catching tadpoles, building forts, and coming home with scratched-up knees and stories to tell. That 1990s childhood where we disappeared outside until the streetlights came on.

A nature club gives your kids regular time in creation with friends who are learning the same way. It gives you built-in community with like-minded families. And it doesn’t require a formal curriculum, a teaching degree, or even a plan every single week. Some of our best meetings have been nothing more than “meet at this park and see what we find.”

Keep It Simple: The Basics of Getting Started

Decide on Your Vision (But Hold It Loosely)

Before you send out that first text or Facebook post, think about what you’re hoping for. Do you want a structured Charlotte Mason-style nature study with journaling and guided lessons? Or more of a free-play, exploratory vibe where kids just be outside together?

Our group leans Charlotte Mason — we bring nature journals and sometimes watercolors, and we try to slow down enough to really observe. But we also let the kids lead. If they want to spend forty-five minutes watching a line of ants, that’s science. That’s wonder. Don’t overthink it.

Find Your People

You don’t need a huge group to start. Honestly, three to five families is the sweet spot — enough for the kids to have playmates, small enough to actually coordinate schedules.

Here in Northwest Florida, I found our families through our local homeschool co-op, church, and a few Florida homeschool Facebook groups. You can also post in park district pages or Nextdoor. Keep your invitation simple: “We’re starting a casual nature club for homeschool families — just exploring local trails and parks together. Anyone interested?”

You’ll be surprised how many mamas are craving the same thing.

Choose Accessible Locations

Florida has no shortage of outdoor spaces, and variety keeps things interesting. We rotate between state parks, local preserves, and even our own backyards. Here in the Pensacola area, we love spots like Tarkiln Bayou Preserve (those pitcher plants!) and the trails at UWF. But a neighborhood pond or a creek behind someone’s house works beautifully too.

Think about what’s realistic for young kids: easy parking, bathroom access (or at least good tree cover, if we’re being real), and trails that aren’t too long. Elementary-age kids do better with shorter distances and more time to stop and explore.

What to Do During Nature Club Meetups

Embrace Unstructured Exploration

The best nature club meetings often have no formal agenda. Kids are naturally curious — give them space and they’ll find things to investigate. Pack a bug catcher kit and a pocket microscope, and watch what happens.

Our kids have spent entire mornings examining lichen on tree bark, tracking animal prints in the mud, and debating whether a particular bird call was a cardinal or a mockingbird. (Spoiler: someone always pulls out Sibley’s bird guide to settle it.)

Add Light Structure When It Fits

Some weeks, we’ll have a loose theme — birds, insects, trees, water habitats. I might print a simple nature scavenger hunt or bring along watercolors. Faber-Castell watercolor pencils are our favorite for nature journaling because they’re forgiving for little hands and the colors are beautiful.

But here’s the key: structure should serve the experience, not dominate it. If the kids find a turtle and want to observe it for an hour, let the “planned” bird study go. Follow the wonder.

Let Different Families Take Turns

You don’t have to lead every single meeting. In our club, we rotate who picks the location and (optionally) suggests a focus. One mom might bring a read-aloud about Florida ecosystems. Another might know a great spot for finding shells. Shared ownership keeps it sustainable and brings in different strengths.

Florida-Specific Tips for Nature Club Success

Work With the Seasons

Florida’s seasons are subtle, but they matter for planning. We do most of our nature club mornings in fall, winter, and spring when the weather is gorgeous and the mosquitoes are manageable. Summer meetings happen early — like 8 AM early — before the heat and afternoon storms roll in.

Speaking of bugs, we always pack Wondercide spray and non-toxic sunscreen. Florida nature comes with Florida wildlife, and being prepared means we can stay out longer.

Know Your Local Habitats

One thing I love about our state is the diversity — we have salt marshes, longleaf pine forests, freshwater springs, coastal dunes, and cypress swamps all within driving distance. Rotating through different habitats keeps kids engaged and exposes them to Florida’s unique ecology. They start recognizing patterns: “This plant only grows near water!” “We always see these butterflies at this park!”

That kind of repeated observation over time? It’s real science. And it builds a deep sense of place.

Plan for Rain (It’s Florida, Y’all)

We’ve had plenty of meetings where the sky opened up halfway through. Now we embrace it — kids in rain boots splashing through puddles, watching how the forest changes in the rain. Some of our best nature journaling has happened under a pavilion during a downpour, sketching the storm.

A Note on Keeping It Sustainable

The homeschool nature clubs that last aren’t the ones with the fanciest plans — they’re the ones with realistic expectations. We meet twice a month, and that’s plenty. Some months, life happens and we skip a week. Grace upon grace.

Don’t feel pressure to make it Instagram-worthy. The goal is muddy shoes, tired kids, and that quiet car ride home where someone says, “Mom, did you know dragonflies can fly backwards?” That’s the win.

You’re Ready for This

If you’re a Florida homeschool mama who’s been daydreaming about more outdoor time and more community, this is your sign. You don’t need to be a naturalist or a master organizer. You just need to pick a park, invite a few families, and show up.

Our little nature club has become one of the anchors of our homeschool rhythm — a space where the kids connect with creation and each other, where the mamas encourage one another, and where learning happens the way I believe it was meant to: slowly, joyfully, outside.

I’m cheering you on, friend. Now go find your people and get outside together.

Non-Toxic Body Wash for Kids with Sensitive Skin: A Real Mama’s Guide

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If your kids come inside looking like they’ve been mud wrestling with the chickens (and honestly, mine sometimes have been), you know that bath time is non-negotiable. But here’s the thing — finding a non-toxic body wash for kids with sensitive skin that actually works without leaving your child itchy, rashy, or smelling like a chemical factory? That’s a whole journey.

I’ve been on it for years now, and I want to share what I’ve learned so you don’t have to wade through the same trial-and-error we did.

Why We Switched to Non-Toxic Body Wash in the First Place

When my oldest was a toddler, we were using whatever the pediatrician recommended — the typical drugstore “gentle” baby wash. And for a while, it seemed fine. But as she got older and started developing little patches of eczema, especially after playing outside in our Florida humidity, I started reading labels more carefully.

Y’all, what I found was not great.

Fragrance (which can mean literally hundreds of undisclosed chemicals), sulfates, parabens, dyes — all in products marketed for babies and young children. My science brain couldn’t unsee it. And my mama heart couldn’t ignore that maybe these daily exposures were adding up.

So we made the switch. It wasn’t overnight, and it wasn’t perfect, but it’s been worth every bit of the learning curve.

What to Look For (And What to Avoid)

Ingredients That Are Generally Safe

When I’m scanning a body wash label now, here’s what I actually want to see:

• Castile soap base (saponified oils like coconut, olive, or sunflower)
• Aloe vera for soothing
• Vegetable glycerin for moisture
• Essential oils in small amounts (though we avoid these for our most sensitive kiddo)
• Colloidal oatmeal — a lifesaver for itchy skin

Red Flags to Skip

And here’s what makes me put a bottle right back on the shelf:

• “Fragrance” or “parfum” (unless specified as essential oil-derived)
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
• Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.)
• Phthalates
• Formaldehyde releasers (like DMDM hydantoin)
• Artificial dyes

I know that’s a lot to remember. Honestly, I keep a little note in my phone for shopping trips. No shame in the reference game.

Our Family’s Go-To Approach

Here’s what actually works for us, and I want to be real — every kid is different. My youngest can handle more than my oldest ever could. You know your babies best.

Keep It Simple

The fewer ingredients, the better. We’ve had the best luck with body washes that have maybe 5-10 ingredients total. If I can’t pronounce it or don’t know what it is, I look it up before buying.

Match the Season

In the summer here in Northwest Florida, the kids are in and out of the sprinkler, the kiddie pool, and covered in non-toxic sunscreen by 9 AM. They need a wash that actually cleans off all that buildup without stripping their skin. In the cooler months (all three weeks of them, ha!), we can get away with gentler, more moisturizing formulas.

Don’t Overwash

This might be controversial, but we don’t do full soap-downs every single night. If the kids weren’t particularly grimy, a good water rinse and soap on the “important parts” is plenty. Over-washing can actually make sensitive skin worse by disrupting the skin barrier.

Making Non-Toxic Living Manageable

I’ll be honest — when we first started switching to cleaner products, it felt overwhelming. Body wash, shampoo, laundry detergent, dish soap, hand soap… where does it end?

My advice? Start with what touches your kids’ skin the most and work outward. Body wash and lotion were our first switches. Then laundry detergent. Then household cleaners.

Grove Collaborative has been a lifesaver for finding cleaner versions of everyday products without having to research every single item from scratch. They do a lot of the vetting for you, which — when you’re also homeschooling, managing chickens, keeping a labradoodle from eating crayons, and trying to get dinner on the table — is genuinely helpful.

The Connection to Our Outdoor Life

Here’s something I’ve noticed over the years: the more time our kids spend outside — really outside, in the dirt, catching bugs, feeding the chickens, exploring — the more their skin is exposed to environmental factors. And that’s actually a good thing for their immune systems and overall health.

But it also means we need to be thoughtful about what we’re layering on top of that. If they’re already getting exposed to pollen, grass, sand, and Florida’s special brand of humidity, I don’t want to add unnecessary chemical stress through their soap.

We joke that our kids need a bug catcher kit more than they need toys these days. They come home with specimens, stories, and a whole lot of grime. That’s the good stuff — that’s childhood the way I remember it.

But the bath products they use after those adventures? Those I want to be as clean as the life we’re building.

What About After the Bath?

If you’ve found a great body wash but your kiddo is still itchy, look at what comes next. We use a simple, fragrance-free lotion right after bath while skin is still slightly damp. It seals in moisture and makes a huge difference.

Also worth mentioning — if your kids are handling chickens or spending time in the coop, make sure their clothes and skin get a good wash afterward. We use Wondercide around our coop and yard for pest control, which helps minimize what the kids (and the dog) might be tracking inside.

A Note on Eczema and Extra-Sensitive Skin

If your child has diagnosed eczema or truly reactive skin, please work with your pediatrician or a dermatologist alongside making product switches. Non-toxic products are wonderful, but they’re not a replacement for medical care when it’s needed.

That said, I’ve talked to so many mamas whose kids saw significant improvement just from eliminating fragrance and sulfates from their bath routine. It’s often low-hanging fruit that makes a real difference.

The Bottom Line

Finding a non-toxic body wash for kids with sensitive skin doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a little intention. Read labels. Start simple. Give your child’s skin time to adjust. And remember that you don’t have to be perfect — just more mindful than you were yesterday.

Our kids deserve to play hard, get dirty, explore the world around them, and come home to products that support their health instead of working against it. That’s the goal, anyway. Some days we nail it, and some days we’re just trying to survive until bedtime like everyone else.

But every small switch adds up. And your kids are worth it — dirt, chicken feathers, and all.

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Have you found a non-toxic body wash that works for your sensitive-skinned kiddo? I’d love to hear about it — drop a comment or send me a message!

Best Chicken Run Flooring Options: Pros and Cons from a Florida Backyard

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If you’ve ever stood in your chicken run after a Florida afternoon thunderstorm, watching your birds wade through what looks like a small pond, you know exactly why flooring matters. When we got our first flock three years ago, I honestly didn’t think much about what would go under their feet. Dirt seemed fine, right? Nature handles itself.

Oh, sweet summer child.

After one particularly soggy July, I realized we needed a better plan. Our run had turned into a mud pit that smelled questionable and had me worried about the health of our girls. So I did what any homeschool mama does — I researched the heck out of it. And now I’m sharing what I’ve learned so you don’t have to make the same muddy mistakes we did.

Why Your Chicken Run Flooring Actually Matters

Before we dive into options, let’s talk about why this decision is worth your time. The flooring in your run affects:

• Drainage — standing water breeds bacteria and parasites
• Odor control — nobody wants the neighbors complaining
• Your chickens’ foot health — bumblefoot is real, y’all
• Ease of cleaning — because we’re busy enough already
• Pest management — flies and mites love a damp, dirty environment

Here in Northwest Florida, we deal with intense humidity, heavy summer rains, and sandy-but-clay-heavy soil in many areas. What works for a chicken keeper in Colorado might be a disaster in Pensacola. Keep your local climate in mind as you read through these options.

Option 1: Sand

The Pros

Sand is probably the most popular recommendation you’ll see in chicken keeping circles, and for good reason. It drains beautifully — water passes right through instead of pooling. It’s easy to scoop (think giant litter box), which makes daily maintenance quick. In our Florida heat, sand stays cooler than many other options, and the chickens love dust bathing in it.

We use construction sand, also called coarse sand or river sand. The finer play sand can actually cause respiratory issues when it gets dusty, so stick with the coarser stuff.

The Cons

Sand requires a commitment to regular scooping — we’re talking every day or two. If you let it go, it compacts and stops draining well. It can also get expensive upfront, especially for a larger run. And here’s something nobody told me: if you don’t have excellent drainage underneath (we added a layer of gravel first), sand can still turn into a wet, compacted mess during our summer monsoon season.

Option 2: Gravel or Pea Gravel

The Pros

Gravel is the drainage champion. Water disappears almost instantly, which is a huge win in humid climates. It’s virtually maintenance-free and lasts forever. Some folks use it as a base layer under sand or wood chips for the best of both worlds.

The Cons

Here’s the thing — poop doesn’t disappear into gravel. It sits on top, and it’s nearly impossible to rake or scoop out. Over time, things get… funky. It’s also tough on chicken feet for everyday living, and our girls definitely preferred softer surfaces for scratching and foraging. Gravel works better as a base layer than a top layer, in my experience.

Option 3: Wood Chips or Mulch

The Pros

Wood chips are affordable (sometimes free from tree services!) and give your chickens something to scratch through, which keeps them entertained and exercising their natural behaviors. The chips help absorb moisture and odor, and they eventually break down into lovely compost for the garden.

The Cons

In Florida’s humidity, wood chips can hold moisture and start to mold or smell if you’re not careful. They break down faster than you’d think in our climate, so you’ll be adding more regularly. Some folks worry about the oils in cedar chips, though research is mixed on whether it’s actually harmful. We stick with pine or hardwood to be safe.

One tip: make the layer deep. A thin layer of wood chips turns into a soggy mat. We’re talking 4-6 inches minimum.

Option 4: Straw or Hay

The Pros

Straw is inexpensive and readily available. It provides good insulation in colder months (less relevant for us Floridians) and gives chickens something to scratch around in.

The Cons

I’m going to be honest — straw in a Florida chicken run is asking for trouble. It mats down quickly, holds moisture like a sponge, and becomes a paradise for mites and mold. We tried it briefly and regretted it. If you’re in a drier climate, straw might work fine, but down here? Hard pass.

Option 5: Bare Dirt or Grass

The Pros

It’s free! And it’s natural. Chickens love scratching in actual dirt and nibbling on grass. If you have a large enough space and rotate your flock around, grass can regenerate.

The Cons

In a typical backyard run, grass dies within weeks. Chickens are efficient little destroyers. What you’re left with is bare dirt, which turns to mud with rain and dust bowls in dry spells. Here in Florida, our dirt alone just couldn’t handle the drainage demands. We dealt with standing water and a smell that had me embarrassed to have guests over.

What We Actually Use (Our Setup)

After trying a few different approaches, here’s what works for our family in the Pensacola area:

Base layer: About 3-4 inches of gravel for drainage

Top layer: Coarse construction sand, about 4 inches deep

I scoop the run every morning while the kids collect eggs and check on the waterers — it takes maybe five minutes. We refresh the sand once or twice a year. Even during heavy summer rains, we rarely have standing water anymore.

We also sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in the coop and run periodically to help with pest control. It’s a natural way to manage mites and other crawlies without spraying chemicals around our birds.

For keeping the coop itself pest-free without harsh chemicals, we’ve had good luck using Wondercide around the perimeter — it’s plant-based and safe to use around animals and kiddos.

A Few Extra Tips for Florida Chicken Keepers

• Consider an automatic coop door — it’s been a game-changer for us, especially during summer when we want the flock out early before it gets too hot
• Upgrade your waterer — we switched to a nipple-style chicken waterer to keep the water cleaner and reduce spillage in the run
• If you’re new to chickens, Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens is the reference book I go back to again and again

Making It a Learning Experience

One thing I love about keeping chickens as a homeschool family is how naturally it weaves into our days. When we were researching flooring options, the kids learned about drainage, soil composition, and animal husbandry — all without a worksheet in sight. My oldest even sketched our coop setup in her nature journal and labeled the layers of our run flooring like a little diagram.

That’s the kind of real-world learning I wanted when we started homeschooling. Not memorizing facts for a test, but understanding how things actually work because we’re living it.

The Bottom Line

There’s no single “right” answer for chicken run flooring — it depends on your climate, your budget, and honestly, how much time you want to spend on maintenance. But if you’re in a humid, rainy area like we are, I’d strongly encourage you to prioritize drainage above all else. Your nose (and your chickens’ feet) will thank you.

And hey — if your run is currently a mud pit, don’t feel bad. We’ve all been there. The good news is, it’s totally fixable. Grab a cup of coffee, make a plan, and know that a dry, happy flock is just a few wheelbarrows of sand away.

Happy chicken keeping, friends. 🐔

How to Do Composer Study in Your Charlotte Mason Homeschool (Without Overthinking It)

If you’ve been putting off composer study because you don’t have a music background, or because it feels like one more thing to figure out, I want you to take a deep breath. This is honestly one of the simplest parts of a Charlotte Mason education—and one of the most rewarding once you just start.

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I remember feeling intimidated by the whole thing when we first started homeschooling. Classical music? Composers? I grew up on country radio and church hymns, y’all. But Charlotte Mason’s approach to music appreciation isn’t about training concert pianists or passing music theory exams. It’s about filling your home with beautiful things and letting your children’s souls absorb them over time.

And honestly? It’s become one of our favorite parts of the week.

What Is Composer Study in the Charlotte Mason Method?

Charlotte Mason believed that children deserve exposure to the best—the best books, the best art, the best music. Composer study is simply the practice of spending time with one composer’s work over a period of weeks or months, letting your family become familiar with their music, their life, and their style.

It’s not about memorizing dates or naming every symphony. It’s about knowing a composer the way you might know a friend. You hear a piece of their music and think, “Oh, that sounds like Beethoven,” because you’ve spent enough time together to recognize his voice.

That’s the whole goal. Recognition. Appreciation. A lifelong ear for beauty.

How We Do Composer Study in Our Florida Homeschool

Our approach is simple, and that’s intentional. We school year-round here in Northwest Florida (partly because summer is too hot to be outside all day anyway, and partly because our rhythm just works better that way), so we have plenty of time to let things unfold slowly.

Here’s what composer study looks like for us:

Pick One Composer Per Term

We choose one composer to focus on for about 6-12 weeks. That’s it. No rushing through the greatest hits of classical music history. Just one person, one body of work, explored at a leisurely pace.

For elementary-age kids, I like to start with composers whose music is accessible and has some “story” quality to it—Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Tchaikovsky’s ballets, Beethoven’s dramatic symphonies. Save the more abstract stuff for later.

Listen During Everyday Moments

We don’t have a formal “music class.” We just play the composer’s music during ordinary life. While the kids are coloring. While we’re eating lunch. While I’m folding laundry. Sometimes while we’re out collecting eggs from the coop in the morning—I’ll leave the back door open and let Bach drift into the yard.

The key is repetition without pressure. Over weeks of hearing the same pieces, something clicks. My kids started humming Vivaldi’s “Spring” without even realizing they’d learned it.

Add a Short Biography

Once a week or so, we read a little about our composer’s life. There are some wonderful living books for this—look for picture book biographies or narrative-style books rather than dry textbook entries. Rainbow Resource has a great selection of music appreciation materials if you want to browse options.

Keep it short and story-like. Kids don’t need to memorize birth years. They need to know that Beethoven went deaf and kept composing anyway, or that Mozart was a child prodigy who drove his sister crazy practicing at all hours. Those human details stick.

Invite Narration and Response

This is the Charlotte Mason secret sauce. After listening to a piece, ask your child what they noticed. What did it make them think of? Did it feel happy or sad? Fast or slow? Did any part surprise them?

You’re not looking for “right” answers. You’re building the habit of paying attention—of actually listening rather than letting music be background noise.

Sometimes we’ll pair our listening with art. I’ll put on a symphony and set out our Faber-Castell watercolors, and the kids paint whatever the music makes them feel. It’s not about creating masterpieces. It’s about connecting ears to hands to hearts.

Simple Tools That Help

You don’t need a curriculum for this. You really don’t. But a few simple tools make it easier:

• A music streaming service: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube—whatever you already have. Search for your composer and make a playlist.
• A living book biography: Check your library or Timberdoodle for engaging options.
• A nature journal or sketchbook: We use our nature journals for composer study too—sometimes the kids sketch while they listen, or we jot down the name of a piece we especially loved.

That’s genuinely all you need to start.

What About Older or Younger Kids?

Composer study works across ages because you’re not teaching at anyone—you’re just sharing beauty and letting it do its work.

My kindergartener might just hum along and dance around the living room. My older elementary kids can narrate what they heard and start recognizing different instruments. Everyone’s getting something from the same experience, at their own level.

This is one of those beautiful parts of Charlotte Mason homeschooling that scales so naturally with a multi-age family.

Why This Matters More Than We Think

I’ll be honest—when we first started composer study, I thought of it as a nice extra. A way to check the “music appreciation” box. But it’s become something deeper.

My kids are growing up with ears that recognize beauty. They’ve developed opinions about music. They have favorites. They notice when something sounds like Baroque versus Romantic. They’re not intimidated by classical music—it’s just part of their world.

And that’s exactly what Charlotte Mason was after. Not expertise, but relationship. Not performance, but love.

Getting Started This Week

If you’ve been putting this off, here’s your permission to begin small:

1. Pick one composer (Vivaldi is a great first choice)

2. Find a playlist on your streaming service

3. Hit play during lunch tomorrow

4. That’s it. You’ve started.

You can add biographies and art responses later. You can get more structured next term. But for now, just let the music play. Let it fill your home the way sunshine fills a room—naturally, gently, without any effort on your part except opening the window.

We usually have music playing while the kids run in and out, screen door banging, dog barking at the chickens. It’s not a quiet, reverent concert hall experience. It’s just life, with beauty woven through it.

And that’s exactly how it should be.

Florida Spring Wildflowers Identification for Kids: A Simple Guide for Nature-Loving Families

If you’ve stepped outside in Northwest Florida anytime between March and May, you’ve probably noticed them — those cheerful pops of color along roadsides, in empty lots, and scattered through your own backyard. Florida spring wildflowers are absolutely everywhere right now, and honestly? They’re one of my favorite parts of homeschooling through this season.

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There’s something magical about watching your kids crouch down in the grass to examine a tiny bloom, ask “What’s this one called, Mama?”, and actually care about the answer. This is the kind of learning that sticks — not because there’s a test at the end, but because it’s real and beautiful and right in front of them.

Why Spring Wildflower Identification is Perfect for Florida Kids

Here in Florida, we don’t get the dramatic seasonal shifts that other parts of the country experience. But spring? Spring gives us wildflowers in abundance. And unlike studying plants from a textbook, wildflower identification gets kids outside, moving, observing, and wondering.

This is Charlotte Mason nature study at its finest — no curriculum required, just open eyes and a willing heart.

Plus, let’s be honest: Florida spring weather is chef’s kiss for outdoor learning. We’ve got maybe six more weeks before the humidity makes everyone miserable, so now is the time to get out there.

Common Florida Spring Wildflowers to Look For

You don’t need to be a botanist to help your kids identify wildflowers. Start with these common Florida species that are easy to spot and recognize:

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

These are everywhere in our area — bright red and yellow daisy-like flowers that look like little sunbursts. Kids love them because they’re bold and cheerful. You’ll find them along roadsides and in sandy areas. They’re also a Florida native, which makes them extra special to learn about.

Tickseed (Coreopsis)

Fun fact: Coreopsis is Florida’s state wildflower! The bright yellow blooms show up in masses this time of year. Point them out to your kids and suddenly they’ll start noticing them everywhere. It’s like a treasure hunt that never ends.

Blue-Eyed Grass

Despite the name, this isn’t actually grass — it’s a tiny purple-blue flower that grows low to the ground. My kids get so excited when they find these because you have to really look to spot them. Great for building observation skills.

Black-Eyed Susan

Another yellow beauty with a dark center. These are easy for little ones to identify because of that distinctive “eye” in the middle. We see tons of these on nature walks near our home in the Pensacola area.

Spiderwort

These purple three-petaled flowers are striking and hard to miss. They tend to grow in clusters and bloom in the morning, closing up by afternoon. A great lesson in how different flowers have different rhythms!

Phlox

Look for clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers with five petals. Wild phlox carpets roadsides and woodland edges in spring. The kids call these “the pretty pink ones,” which is a perfectly acceptable identification method in my book.

How to Make Wildflower Identification a Habit

The best nature study isn’t a one-time event — it’s woven into everyday life. Here’s how we make wildflower identification a natural part of our homeschool rhythm:

Keep a Nature Journal

A simple nature journal is one of our most-used homeschool tools. When we find a new wildflower, the kids sketch it, note the date and location, and add any observations. No artistic perfection required — the goal is attention and memory, not museum-quality art.

We keep a set of Faber-Castell watercolor pencils in our nature bag because they’re easy to use in the field and the colors blend beautifully for capturing flower details.

Use a Good Field Guide

While there are apps for flower identification (and they can be helpful!), I prefer starting with a physical field guide. There’s something about flipping pages and comparing pictures that builds deeper learning than tapping a screen.

The Sibley Guide to Birds is our go-to for bird identification, and we use similar quality guides for plants. Your local library likely has Florida-specific wildflower guides you can borrow to get started.

Slow Down and Really Look

This might be the hardest part for our modern, hurried brains. But wildflower identification teaches kids (and us!) to slow down, crouch low, and really see what’s in front of us. How many petals? What shape are the leaves? Is there a scent? Where is it growing — sun or shade?

These observation skills transfer to everything else in life. Science, writing, relationships — it all starts with paying attention.

Take It Further: Simple Wildflower Activities

Once your kids start recognizing common wildflowers, you can extend the learning with simple activities:

Wildflower Press and Preserve

Press flowers between heavy books and use them for art projects, bookmarks, or nature journal additions. This is a beautiful way to remember what you found in spring when August rolls around and everything outside is just… green and hot.

Pollinator Watch

Spend time near a patch of wildflowers and observe what visits. Bees? Butterflies? Our chickens love to free-range near the wildflower areas in our yard, and we’ve had great conversations about how different creatures interact with the same plants.

Magnified Exploration

A pocket microscope turns any wildflower into a science lesson. Let kids examine pollen, petal texture, and tiny details invisible to the naked eye. This is the kind of hands-on exploration that makes science come alive.

Create a Backyard Wildflower Map

Have your kids map where different wildflowers grow in your yard or a nearby park. This combines nature study with geography skills and gives them ownership over “their” discoveries.

A Note on Picking (and Not Picking)

We have a family rule: look first, pick thoughtfully. Many wildflowers are important food sources for pollinators, and some are protected. We photograph, sketch, and observe more than we pick. When we do collect a bloom for closer study, we take only one and leave the rest for the bees — and for the next family who walks by wanting to see something beautiful.

Making Time for Wonder

I know homeschool life is full. There’s always another math lesson, another read-aloud chapter, another load of laundry that somehow involves chicken poop (just me?). But spring wildflower walks don’t have to be a big production.

Throw on some rain boots if it’s been wet, grab your nature journals, and just… go outside. Walk slowly. Let your kids lead. When they stop to look at something, stop with them.

This is the 1990s childhood we’re trying to recreate — not perfectly curated, just present. Outside. Curious. Free.

And when your kindergartener proudly identifies a tickseed without any help? That’s the good stuff, friend. That’s what we’re doing this for.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go convince my kids that yes, we can look at wildflowers AND still do our math lesson today. Some things never change.

Happy exploring, y’all. 🌼

Best Nature Study Spine Books for Florida Families: Our Top Picks for Year-Round Learning

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If you’ve ever tried to follow a nature study curriculum written for families in, say, New England or the Pacific Northwest, you know the struggle. They’re talking about watching leaves change colors in October while we’re still sweating through 90-degree afternoons. They mention tracking animals in the snow while our kids are splashing through afternoon thunderstorms in flip-flops. Finding nature study spine books that actually work for Florida families? It takes a little digging.

But here’s the beautiful thing — once you find the right resources, nature study in Florida becomes this incredible, year-round adventure. We don’t have to pause for harsh winters. Our kids can be outside exploring in January just as easily as June (honestly, January is even better). We just need books that understand our unique ecosystem.

After years of homeschooling with a Charlotte Mason approach here in Northwest Florida, I’ve finally landed on the spine books that actually serve our family well. These are the ones that get picked up again and again, that travel with us to the beach and the backyard, and that help my elementary-age kids really see what’s happening in the natural world around them.

What Makes a Good Nature Study Spine Book?

Before I share our favorites, let me explain what I look for in a nature study spine. A spine book is essentially your go-to reference — the book you return to week after week as a foundation for your studies. For our family, a good spine needs to be:

• Regionally relevant (or at least applicable to Florida’s subtropical climate)
• Visually beautiful (Charlotte Mason emphasized living books, and illustrations matter)
• Accessible for elementary ages but deep enough to grow with them
• Practical for field use — we’re taking these outside, y’all

Our Favorite Nature Study Spine Books for Florida

The Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock

This is the classic Charlotte Mason nature study spine, and for good reason. Yes, it was written over a hundred years ago. Yes, some of the language is dated. But the approach to observation and the depth of information on birds, insects, plants, and animals is unmatched. I use this as my teacher reference and then translate lessons for my kids.

The sections on birds, butterflies, and garden insects are particularly useful here in Florida. We skip the sections on snow and evergreen forests (obviously) and lean into the chapters that match our environment.

The Sibley Guide to Birds

If your family is going to do any bird study at all — and in Florida, you absolutely should — The Sibley Guide to Birds is worth every penny. The illustrations are stunning, and the range maps actually make sense for our region.

We keep this one on our nature table and grab it whenever we see something new at the feeder or while we’re out walking. My kids love flipping through and finding birds they recognize. Just last week, my oldest identified a painted bunting all on her own using this guide. That’s the kind of moment that makes nature study feel alive.

Keeping a Nature Journal by Clare Walker Leslie

This book transformed how we approach nature journaling. Instead of just “draw what you see,” Leslie teaches observation techniques, seasonal awareness, and different journaling styles. It’s written for all ages but works beautifully for elementary kids with a little guidance.

We pair this with a simple nature journal for each child, and it’s become one of our most treasured homeschool practices. There’s something about sitting outside with our journals while the chickens scratch around the yard that just feels right.

Florida-Specific Field Guides

Honestly, any nature study library for Florida families needs at least one or two Florida-specific field guides. The National Audubon Society puts out regional guides that are excellent. Look for ones covering Florida wildflowers, trees, and insects specifically.

These aren’t necessarily spine books in the traditional sense, but they become essential references. When your kid finds a weird bug on the porch (daily occurrence around here), you want a book that actually includes Florida species.

Adding Hands-On Tools to Your Nature Study

Books are the foundation, but nature study really comes alive when you add simple tools for exploration. Our family favorites include:

• A pocket microscope for examining feathers, leaves, and insect wings up close
• A bug catcher kit for gentle observation before release
• Watercolor pencils for nature journal illustrations

These aren’t fancy, but they turn a simple backyard session into something memorable. My kids will spend an hour examining a single beetle if they have the right tools.

How We Structure Nature Study in Florida

Since we don’t follow traditional seasons the way northern families do, our nature study flows differently. We pay attention to:

• Wet season vs. dry season — this affects everything from bird behavior to which insects we see
• Migration patterns — Florida is a major flyway, so spring and fall bring incredible bird watching opportunities
• Hurricane season — yes, really. We study weather patterns and how ecosystems recover after storms
• Ocean and coastal life — living near the Gulf means tide pools, shore birds, and marine biology are part of our regular rotation

We typically do formal nature study two to three times a week, but honestly, it spills into every day. You can’t have backyard chickens without learning about animal behavior, life cycles, and ecosystems. Our dog flushes rabbits on walks, which leads to conversations about predator-prey relationships. It all connects.

Where to Find These Books

I order most of our curriculum through Rainbow Resource or Timberdoodle — both are PEP-approved vendors if you’re using the Florida scholarship. They carry most of the nature study spines I’ve mentioned, plus tons of supplementary materials.

Your local library is also a goldmine. We check out stacks of nature books regularly and only purchase the ones we know we’ll reference again and again.

The Heart of Nature Study

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of doing this: the best nature study spine book is the one your family will actually use. It’s the one that gets grass-stained and dog-eared. It’s the one your kids reach for when they find something interesting.

Nature study isn’t about checking boxes or completing a curriculum. It’s about cultivating wonder. It’s about raising kids who notice the world around them — who stop to watch a caterpillar cross the sidewalk or who can identify three different hawks by their flight patterns.

That’s the childhood I want for my kids. Less screens, more dirt, more time under the big Florida sky with a good book and a curious heart.

I hope these recommendations help your family find your own rhythm with nature study. If you’re just starting out, grab one spine book, one field guide, and a journal. Head outside. See what you notice. That’s really all it takes.

Happy exploring, friends.

How to Teach Geography the Charlotte Mason Way with Living Books

If you’ve ever watched your kids’ eyes glaze over at the mention of “geography worksheets,” you’re not alone. I remember sitting in my own childhood classroom, filling in blank maps and memorizing state capitals, wondering why any of it mattered. Fast forward to now, and I’m homeschooling my own elementary-age kids in Northwest Florida — and geography looks completely different in our home.

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Charlotte Mason had this radical idea that children deserve living ideas, not dead facts. And nowhere is this more apparent than in how we approach geography. Instead of rote memorization, we travel the world through stories, trace rivers on real maps, and connect what we read to the ground beneath our feet — whether that’s the sugar-white sand of Pensacola Beach or the piney woods in our own backyard.

What Makes Geography “Living” in a Charlotte Mason Education?

Charlotte Mason believed geography should be taught in connection with real life and real books. She wanted children to feel the heat of the Sahara, smell the salt air of coastal villages, and understand why people live where they do. This isn’t about flashcards — it’s about wonder.

Living books are the heart of this approach. These are books written by authors who are passionate about their subject, who tell stories rather than just present facts. Think of the difference between reading a textbook entry about the Amazon River versus getting lost in a beautifully written account of a family navigating its waters.

For us, geography happens:

• Through the stories we read aloud
• On the maps we pull out during those stories
• In our nature journals where we sketch local landscapes
• Outside, where we observe how our geography shapes our daily life

Starting with Your Own Backyard

Before we travel the world through books, we start right here. Living in Florida gives us such a unique geographical perspective — we’re surrounded by water, we deal with hurricanes, and our landscape is flat and sandy and absolutely teeming with life.

Some of our favorite local geography lessons have come from simply paying attention:

• Watching how afternoon thunderstorms roll in from the Gulf
• Noticing which birds migrate through our area (our Sibley bird guide gets heavy use)
• Talking about why our chickens need shade structures in the brutal summer heat
• Observing how the coastal ecosystem differs from the forests just twenty minutes north

Charlotte Mason called this “home geography,” and it’s the foundation for understanding anywhere else in the world. When my kids understand why we have sandy soil and what that means for growing things, they can better understand why other regions grow different crops.

Choosing Living Books for Geography

Here’s where the magic happens. Instead of a geography textbook, we reach for books that transport us somewhere. The best living books for geography:

• Tell a story set in a specific place
• Include rich descriptions of landscape, climate, and culture
• Are written by someone who clearly loves their subject
• Spark questions and curiosity

Types of Living Books We Use

Picture Books for Younger Kids: Even my kindergartener is learning geography through beautifully illustrated books about children in other countries. We look at what they wear, what their homes look like, what grows around them.

Biographies and Adventures: Books about explorers, missionaries, and travelers naturally weave in geography. When you’re following someone’s journey, you need to know where they are.

Literary Geography: Classic literature is full of geographical richness. When we read about the English countryside or the Australian outback, we pull out the atlas.

I find many of our living books through Rainbow Resource, which has an incredible selection organized by subject and approach. They make it easy to find Charlotte Mason-friendly options.

Map Work: Making It Hands-On

Charlotte Mason emphasized map work alongside reading. But this isn’t busywork — it’s active engagement with the story.

Here’s what this looks like in our homeschool:

During Read-Alouds: We keep a world map and a globe within arm’s reach. When a book mentions a place, we find it. Simple as that.

Map Sketching: Older elementary kids can sketch simple maps in their notebooks. This isn’t about perfection — it’s about seeing the geography. We use our Faber-Castell watercolors to add color to map drawings, which makes the activity feel special rather than tedious.

Blank Map Narration: After reading about a region, I’ll sometimes hand my kids a blank map and ask them to label what they remember. No pressure, no grades — just retrieval practice disguised as a challenge.

Connecting Geography to Nature Study

This is where our Charlotte Mason approach really shines. Geography and nature study are natural companions.

When we’re outside doing nature study — which is most days, honestly, even if it’s just observing the chickens or sketching a flower in the yard — we’re also learning geography. We talk about:

• Why certain plants grow here but not up north
• How our latitude affects our seasons (or lack thereof — Florida kids have a unique perspective on “winter”)
• What animals are native to our region versus visitors

A pocket microscope has become one of our favorite tools for examining the details of our local geography — the composition of our sandy soil, the structure of local plants, the tiny creatures in a drop of pond water.

Scheduling Geography in Your Week

Charlotte Mason didn’t recommend long, drawn-out geography lessons. Short, focused times are more effective and more enjoyable.

In our homeschool, geography happens:

• Daily: Through our read-alouds (we’re almost always reading something set somewhere specific)
• Weekly: Intentional map work connected to what we’re reading
• Seasonally: Deeper dives into specific regions or countries

For curriculum planning, I’ve found Timberdoodle helpful for finding geography resources that fit a hands-on, living books approach. They curate materials thoughtfully.

Florida-Specific Geography Ideas

Since we’re here in the Pensacola area, I wanted to share some ways we make geography personal:

• Tracing the Gulf of Mexico coastline and talking about barrier islands
• Learning about the watershed that feeds into Pensacola Bay
• Comparing our coastal geography to the inland areas just a short drive away
• Discussing how geography affects local industries (fishing, military presence, tourism)

When my kids understand their own place deeply, they have a framework for understanding everywhere else.

The Goal: Children Who See the World

At the end of the day, Charlotte Mason geography isn’t about producing kids who can ace a geography bee (though they might!). It’s about raising children who see the world as a connected, fascinating, living place.

When my daughter reads about a child in Japan and then finds it on the map, something clicks. When my son notices that the landscape in a book illustration looks different from our Florida pines and asks why, that’s geography coming alive.

We’re not just teaching facts. We’re nurturing wonder about this incredible planet we call home — starting with the sandy backyard where our chickens scratch and our dog digs and our kids build forts. That’s the 1990s childhood I want for them, full of dirt and discovery and big questions about the world.

And honestly? I’m learning right alongside them. That’s one of the unexpected gifts of this homeschool journey.

When my youngest was crawling across the kitchen floor, putting every single thing in her mouth (including the dog’s toys — yes, really), I had a moment. I’d just mopped with something from under the sink, and there she was, face-down on those same tiles, licking the floor like it was dessert.

That was my wake-up call.

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If you’ve got a baby at home — whether they’re just learning to roll or they’re full-on cruising the furniture — you’ve probably had a similar thought. What exactly is on these surfaces my child is absorbing through their skin and mouth all day long?

The good news? Creating a non-toxic cleaning routine for homes with babies doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It took me some trial and error, but we’ve landed on a system that keeps our home genuinely clean (we have a dog, chickens that track in who-knows-what, and elementary-age kids who treat mud like a hobby) without the synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals.

Here’s what actually works for us.

Why Non-Toxic Cleaning Matters More with Little Ones

Babies aren’t just small adults. Their systems are still developing, and they’re exposed to chemicals at much higher rates than we are. Think about it — they spend their days on the floor, they mouth everything, and their skin-to-body-weight ratio means they absorb more of what touches them.

Conventional cleaning products often contain things like phthalates (hidden in “fragrance”), chlorine bleach, ammonia, and synthetic surfactants. These can irritate developing respiratory systems, disrupt hormones, and linger on surfaces long after that “fresh” scent fades.

I’m not here to fear-monger. But I do think it’s worth being intentional about what we bring into our homes, especially during those early years when little bodies are so vulnerable.

The Core of Our Non-Toxic Cleaning Routine

Keep It Simple: The Basics That Do the Work

Honestly, you don’t need a cabinet full of specialty products. Here’s what I actually use week in and week out:

White vinegar — This is my workhorse. I dilute it 1:1 with water in a spray bottle for counters, highchair trays, and general surfaces. Yes, it smells like vinegar for about ten minutes. Then it doesn’t. And it actually disinfects.

Castile soap — A little goes a long way. I use it diluted for mopping floors, washing down the bathroom, and even cleaning up after chicken coop adventures track inside.

Baking soda — For scrubbing sinks, deodorizing, and tackling the occasional mystery stain.

Microfiber cloths — These pick up so much more than paper towels or regular rags, and you can wash and reuse them endlessly.

That’s genuinely it for 90% of what we clean.

Our Weekly Rhythm

I won’t pretend we have a spotless house. We homeschool, we have animals, and we actually live here. But I’ve found that a simple rhythm keeps things manageable without turning cleaning into my whole personality.

Daily: Wipe down kitchen surfaces and the highchair (where most of the mess concentrates), quick sweep of high-traffic floors, and spot clean as needed.

Every few days: Mop the main floors with diluted castile soap. In Florida, with the humidity and the amount of dirt that comes in from outdoor play, this is non-negotiable for us.

Weekly: Bathroom deep clean, dusting, and washing all the cloth napkins and kitchen towels.

The key is that everything I use is safe enough that if my baby crawls across a freshly cleaned floor, I don’t panic.

Products I Actually Trust

When I do buy cleaning products (because sometimes you want something ready-made), I’m picky. I’ve tried a lot of “natural” products that were either greenwashed nonsense or just didn’t clean well.

Grove Collaborative has been my go-to for a few years now. They carry actually clean brands, and I can set up recurring shipments of the things we go through regularly. Their house brand concentrates are solid, and I love that I can get everything from dish soap to laundry detergent without having to scrutinize every label at the store.

For pest control around the house — and if you live in Florida, you know this is a year-round reality — Wondercide is the only thing I’ll use indoors. It’s plant-based, safe around kids and pets, and it actually works on the palmetto bugs that think they own the place.

What About Laundry?

This was honestly one of the last things I switched, but it made such a difference. Babies live in their clothes and sleep on their sheets. All of that is pressed against their skin constantly.

We use unscented, plant-based laundry detergent now. I add white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener (it doesn’t make your clothes smell like vinegar, I promise). For cloth diapers or heavily soiled baby items, I occasionally add baking soda to the wash.

And here’s my Florida-specific tip: with our humidity, you really need to stay on top of washing towels and sheets to prevent mildew. I’d rather wash more frequently with gentle products than less often with harsh ones.

Cleaning with Chickens and Dogs in the Mix

Real talk — having backyard chickens and a mini labradoodle means our floors see a lot of action. There’s dirt, there’s hay, there’s the occasional muddy paw print situation.

This is actually where non-toxic cleaning makes the most sense. I’m mopping and wiping surfaces constantly. If I were using conventional products, we’d all be breathing in chemicals all day long.

I keep food-grade diatomaceous earth on hand for the chicken coop and run area — it helps with pests naturally and is safe around the kids when they’re helping with chicken chores. When that inevitably tracks inside, I’m not worried because it’s just fossilized algae, not something toxic.

Making Non-Toxic Cleaning Easy for Your Family

Start with One Swap

You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. When I started this journey, I just replaced one thing at a time as products ran out. First went the all-purpose spray. Then the floor cleaner. Then laundry detergent.

Within a few months, we’d transitioned without any big expense or overwhelm.

Involve the Kids

My elementary-age kids can help with cleaning now because I’m not worried about them being exposed to fumes or harsh chemicals. My oldest loves spraying the vinegar solution and wiping down surfaces. It’s not always perfect, but it builds responsibility and life skills — very Charlotte Mason, if you ask me.

Let Go of “Clean” Smelling Like Chemicals

This was a mindset shift for me. I grew up associating that strong chemical scent with cleanliness. But clean doesn’t actually have a smell. If anything, that overwhelming fragrance was just masking what was really there.

Now, our home smells like… our home. Sometimes there’s bread baking or dinner cooking. Sometimes it smells like outside because we’ve had the windows open. And that feels right.

You’re Already Doing Great

If you’re reading this with a baby on your hip, wondering if you’re doing enough to protect them — take a breath. The fact that you’re thinking about these things means you care deeply. And caring is the first step.

Our homes don’t have to be perfect. They need to be safe enough, clean enough, and full of love. A few simple swaps can reduce your family’s chemical exposure significantly without adding stress to your already full plate.

Start where you are. Use what you have. And trust that small, intentional changes add up over time.

We’re all just figuring this out as we go — together.

Backyard Chickens and Cats: How to Manage Them Peacefully (From a Florida Chicken Mama)

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So you’ve got a cat—or maybe a neighborhood cat situation—and you’re wondering if adding backyard chickens to your life is even possible. Or maybe you already have hens and a curious kitty keeps eyeing them through the window. Friend, I get it. When we first started talking about getting chickens, one of my biggest concerns was how our animals would coexist. Would chaos ensue? Would someone get hurt?

I’m happy to report that after a few years of keeping chickens here in Northwest Florida, we’ve figured out a rhythm that works. Cats and chickens can live peacefully in the same backyard—but it does take some intentionality, especially in those early days.

Understanding the Natural Dynamic

Here’s the thing most people don’t realize: adult chickens are not easy prey. A full-grown hen is actually pretty intimidating to the average house cat. Our girls weigh anywhere from five to eight pounds, they’ve got sharp beaks, and they travel in a group. Most cats take one look at an established flock and decide it’s not worth the trouble.

The real concern? Chicks and young pullets. Baby chickens are small, fluffy, and move erratically—basically everything that triggers a cat’s prey drive. This is where you need to be most careful.

If you’re raising chicks, keep them completely separated from any cats until they’re close to full size. We brood ours in the garage with a secure cover on the brooder box. No exceptions. Even the sweetest, laziest cat can have instincts kick in when they see something small and fluttery.

Introducing Cats and Chickens Safely

Start with Barriers

When your chickens are ready to move outside, give everyone time to get used to each other with a physical barrier between them. A secure run with hardware cloth works perfectly for this. Let your cat observe the chickens from outside the run. Let the chickens see the cat. Everyone gets to satisfy their curiosity without any risk.

We did this for about two weeks before we ever let them share space during supervised free-range time. Boring? Maybe. But nobody got hurt.

Supervise Early Interactions

The first few times your chickens free-range with a cat nearby, be present. Watch body language. A cat in hunting mode will crouch low, tail twitching, eyes laser-focused. If you see that, redirect immediately. Most of the time, though, you’ll see a cat who’s mildly interested, maybe follows the chickens around for a bit, and then loses interest when the hens don’t run.

Chickens that stand their ground actually help train cats faster. A hen who puffs up and holds her position sends a clear message: I’m not prey.

Consider Your Cat’s Personality

Not all cats are the same. A senior indoor cat who’s never hunted anything but dust bunnies is very different from a young outdoor cat with a track record of catching lizards and birds. Be honest with yourself about your cat’s prey drive. Here in Florida, we’ve got cats who are excellent hunters because there’s so much wildlife around—anoles, small birds, the occasional unfortunate frog. If your cat is an active hunter, you’ll need to be more cautious and possibly keep them separated long-term during free-range time.

Securing Your Coop and Run

Whether you’re worried about cats, neighborhood dogs, raccoons, or the hawks that circle our Florida skies, a secure coop is non-negotiable. Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire—it’s too flimsy) and make sure there are no gaps a determined predator could squeeze through.

We installed an automatic chicken coop door last year and it’s been a game-changer for peace of mind. The girls are locked up safe at dusk and let out at dawn, even when we’re running late with morning chores or—let’s be real—when I just want to drink my coffee before heading outside in the Florida humidity.

Inside the run, a good chicken waterer with nipples keeps the water clean and doesn’t attract cats (or other critters) the way an open water dish might.

What About Neighborhood Cats?

This is trickier because you can’t control someone else’s pet. If you’ve got cats wandering through your yard, focus on what you can control:

• A secure run for when you’re not outside with your flock
• Supervised free-range time when you’re present in the yard
• Removing attractants like open food dishes that might draw cats in

Some folks use motion-activated sprinklers to deter wandering cats. We haven’t needed to go that route, but it’s an option if you’re dealing with a persistent visitor.

Teaching Kids About Animal Interactions

One of the unexpected gifts of having both chickens and other pets is how much it teaches our kids about animal behavior, body language, and respect for different creatures. This has become part of our nature study in a very practical, living way.

When my kids observe the chickens and notice how they react to the dog walking by versus a hawk shadow overhead, they’re learning to read animals. When they see our cat lose interest in the hens after a few days, they understand something about predator-prey dynamics that no textbook could teach as well.

We keep a nature journal going where the kids sketch and write about what they observe—chicken behavior, weather patterns, what bugs they find in the garden. It’s very Charlotte Mason, very low-key, and very much how I remember learning as a kid in the 90s: just paying attention to the world around you.

If your kids are really getting into chicken keeping, Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens is my go-to reference for the grown-up stuff, and there’s also a fantastic kid-friendly chicken guide that my elementary-age crew has loved flipping through.

Keeping Everyone Healthy

One more thing worth mentioning: keep up with parasite prevention for all your animals. Fleas and mites don’t discriminate, and you don’t want anything spreading between your cat and your coop. We use food-grade diatomaceous earth in our coop and dust bath areas as a natural way to keep mites at bay. For the yard, especially during Florida’s brutal mosquito and flea season, I really like Wondercide—it’s effective without the harsh chemicals I’m trying to avoid around the kids and animals.

The Bottom Line

Cats and chickens can absolutely share a backyard. It takes some patience during introductions, a secure setup, and realistic expectations based on your specific animals. But once everyone settles in? It’s pretty peaceful around here. The cat lounges in the shade, the chickens scratch around the yard, and the kids run between them all, barefoot and happy.

That’s the backyard life we were going for when we started this whole adventure. A little wild, a little rooted, and full of creatures who’ve all figured out how to coexist.

If you’re on the fence about adding chickens because of your cat, I’d say go for it—just go in with a plan. You’ve got this, mama.