Dec. 4, 2008 - The Handbook of Nature Study
I put off ordering this book for a few months. It finally came today in the mail. It is quite a book. Has anyone used this book before? There is so much in it that I'm not sure where to even start.
I skimmed over the section "The Teaching of Nature-Study". Here is one quote:
"Nature-study cultivates the child's imagination, since there are so many wonderful and true stories that he may read with his own eyes, which affect his imagination as much as does fairy lore; at the same time nature-study cultivates in him a perception and a regard for what is true, and the power to express it. All things seem possible in nature; yet this seeming is always guarded by the eager quest of what is true. Perhaps half the falsehood in the world is due to lack of power to detect the truth and to express it. Nature-study aids both in discernment and in expression of things as they are."
That is powerful!
Since we've tried to do things the Charlotte Mason way, I think that the nature study has been one of my favorites. There is power in being in and learning about nature. We are learning and observing God's marvelous creations in nature. Now that it is getting colder - I'm missing that part because I hate being out in the cold! What do you do for nature study in the cold months??
Comments
Dec. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by OldSchoolMarm
I am actually using my book today as we further study mold, fungus, and germs. It is a rather weighty book, but so far I have found it most helpful when we were studying trees, flowers, and insects. It's heft takes a little getting used to but I've loved it, I think because the author so obviously loved what she was doing...nature study :-). Have a great day!
Blessings, Julie
Dec. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kimalita
Hey you! Hope yoru Thanksgiving was wonderful!
I have thumbed through that book, but I have yet to order myself a copy. I really ought to!! I knwo many moms that do nature studies with it and have heard nothing but wonderful things about it.
As far as winter studies -- I'm having a difficult time with it. I have started doing things inside that we can grow -- to keep learning about nature. But I know there are other things you can do with the winter -- snow etc. Also, drawing what the winter holds. Draw the same treee all year round--- spring, summer, fall and winter. Taking walks, even in the cold -- that can prove to find some nature things to look, study, smell, hear and draw!!! There is a book that I jsut found out about from another friend that i am going to see if the library owns before I buy it.... Exploring Winter by Maxine Anderson and another by her Exploring Spring. They seem promising!!
Hope that helps!
Dec. 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Joycemarie
Have a wonderful week!
Joyce
Dec. 9, 2008 - Hi
Posted by momofsix
If you enjoy that type of study, you might also enjoy the lapbooks which will incorporate nicely with that. We just finished the Cricket in Times Square. You would have fun adding the nature study to it. It is free on http://www.homeschoolshare.com/Lapbooks_at_HSS.php Also, www.bookadventure.org (free reading comprehension tests and reward program sponsored by Sylvan and other comp.)
Dec. 19, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by cahanbury
I have seen that book; I couldn't deal with it, it was too much. I did enjoy Pocketful of Pinecones, which has some stuff in it about winter. Also, try the Hearts & Trees blog, it used to have a winter nature study for free on it. There's a link to it on my blog.
Dec. 29, 2008 - exciting
Posted by momofsix
It sounds like you are going to have a lot of fun with your young ones. I think your educating them in this way is a very nurturing way to homeschool. How wonderful.
Jan. 8, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kimalita
Wondering how you are? Hope your holidays were blessed!! Hurry back and re-join the blogging world..... :))
miss you!
Jan. 18, 2009 - I miss you
Posted by Joycemarie
I hope all is well and that you are just really busy with school. All is going well despite our Arctic weather...Have a wonderful week!
Joyce
