Thursday

Nature Based Character Development Unit Study: Diligence and the Ant


The idea to do nature based character studies came to me one day while sitting in church. I thought of the many examples that God gives us in Scripture of things that are found in nature that He uses to help shape our character. Probably the most familiar example is the ant in Proverbs 6:6-8. God tells us to take the time to observe the ant and to see how she works. Her very nature is diligence. She doesn’t need someone standing over her telling her what to do. She has initiative and a hardworking spirit. I don’t know about you, but that’s the kind of character I want for myself and my family.

This led me to start thinking about studying the examples that are laid out for us in Scripture and to faithfully teach them to my children. I was thrilled with the results! Scripture was easily memorized, character was supernaturally developed and fun was had as we snacked, read and crafted our way through the unit.





One thing I didn’t expect to discover in these units was how badly I needed them! It was heart wrenching sometimes to have the magnifying glass of God’s Word show me where I needed to change. But transparency on my part and love from my children helped me to grow alongside them. It also allowed them to have the freedom to be honest with their own struggles. The only way true change can take place is when we allow our sinful hearts to get a thorough cleansing on a daily basis from God’s Word.  He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5





God designed us in such a way that the more senses we use, the more learning will take place. With that in mind, I designed activities that use various senses. As you work through the character study activities, be sure to incorporate the verse for that unit during your time with your child. God’s Word is hidden deep in our hearts simply by talking about it regularly. In fact, young children will often memorize things without any effort on their part simply because they heard something over and over. I can think of no better way for them to meditate on and memorize God’s Word than by hearing a caring adult talk about it with them often. (Psalm 119:11; Deuteronomy 6:9) 







I used this character study with my children ages 4-13 You will probably find that it will take you about a week, on average, to work through all of the activities. Some of the activities might be a little advanced for a toddler/preschooler and some will be below an older child. What I have found to be true in our home is that when I teach everyone together, some things go over the younger children’s heads but they pick up on things along the way. Additionally, some things might be considered too young for an older child but they are flexible and go along with the activities simply because we’re completing them together. 

Click here to read about my "Bee Kind" Character Study.


I compiled a list of resources that I found to be helpful, although not necessary, for this unit study. You will find them below.
*Affiliate links, including those from Amazon.com, may be present in any of my posts. You can read my policy in more detail at the bottom of this post.


Resources
Ant Puppet
Ant Farm
Ant Life Cycle
The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone
Ant and Grasshopper by Luli Gray
Are You an Ant? By Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries
Ant Cities by Arthur Dorros
Hide 'Em in Your Heart Vol 1 and 2
Lazy Bones by Patch the Pirate
Chocolate Pudding
Graham Crackers
Raisins
Cute Gingham Napkins with Ants 





It would make me so happy to see how you incorporate this unit study into 
your home. I love the creativity that abounds among families! If you would like to, please tag @purposefulhomemaking on either Instagram or Facebook so I can see how you are using these studies to develop godly character in your home. 

Are you looking for ways to improve your health? Then I'd love to have you join me in my private Facebook group called Bridging the Gap. Also, be sure to check out my "Bee Kind" and "Diligence" nature based character development unit and my ebooks as well: A Wife's Guide to Studying ProverbsTopical Devotions for Pregnancy and Early Potty Teaching. Or, if you're looking for a way to get 30 raw fruits and vegetables in your diet every day, contact me here
Thanks so much for visiting Purposeful Homemaking. Stay connected so you don't miss a thing:




This post may involve product that was received in exchange for a review or contain affiliate links for which I will earn compensation should you choose to make a purchase. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you for your support of Purposeful Homemaking.

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