I'm Stephanie Hathaway, an author and illustrator inspired by nature, science, and the beauty of everyday life. Together with my husband Ben, I create thoughtfully designed educational resources and illustrated products that invite children to explore, observe, create, and learn.

From nature studies and homeschool resources to nature journaling lessons, illustrated products, and hands-on learning, everything we create is designed to help children explore the natural world with curiosity and creativity.

Open Nature School: Planet Earth curriculum guide showing the Chapter 1 lesson alongside the corresponding pages in the book and workbook.
Open Nature School: Planet Earth curriculum guide showing the Chapter 2 lesson alongside the corresponding pages in the book and workboo
Open Nature School: Planet Earth curriculum guide showing the Chapter 4 lesson alongside the corresponding pages in the book and workbook.
Open Nature School: Planet Earth curriculum guide showing the Chapter 3 lesson alongside the corresponding pages in the book and workbook.
Open Nature School: Planet Earth curriculum guide showing the Chapter 5 lesson alongside the corresponding pages in the book and workbook.

How to Use the Guide

The curriculum guide is designed to be used alongside Nature School: Planet Earth and the companion workbook. Each lesson follows a single two-page spread from the book and encourages deeper exploration through reading, discussion, and hands-on learning.

Every lesson includes:

  • Questions to Ponder to guide discussion and encourage curiosity

  • Extend the Lesson ideas for additional exploration

  • References to related activities in the book

  • Corresponding workbook pages & bonus materials (when applicable)

How Long Does Each Lesson Take?

There is no right or wrong way to use this guide! Lessons can be completed at your own pace and adapted to fit your family's interests and schedule.

Some families may complete a lesson in 15–30 minutes, while others may spend several days exploring a topic through additional books, nature walks, experiments, documentaries, or independent research.

Use this guide as a starting point and let curiosity lead the way.

Do I Need the Workbook?

The workbook is not required to use this curriculum guide. The guide can be paired with Nature School: Planet Earth on its own.

However, the companion workbook includes additional activities, worksheets, and quizzes that coordinate with the lessons and provide even more opportunities for learning and exploration.

Who Is the Guide For?

This guide is designed to be flexible for a variety of ages and learning styles.

Younger children may enjoy listening to the book read aloud, discussing the illustrations, and participating in hands-on activities with an adult. Older students can explore discussion questions, workbook pages, and extension activities more independently.


Coming Soon!

We’re currently working on free curriculum guides for the other books in the Nature School series, including Nature School and Nature School: In the Garden. Stay tuned for more!


MEET THE AUTHORS

Lauren Giordano- Artist and Owner of Chickieandroo.com
Laura Stroup- Writer and Owner of Fireflynatureschool.com
Stephanie Hathaway- Artist and Owner of Stephaniehathawaydesigns.com 

Portrait of Lauren Giordano.
Portrait of Laura Stroup.
Portrait of Stephanie Hathaway.