So you have The Handbook of Nature Study on your bookshelf. Are you wondering how to use it? Having used it for a number of years in my homeschool I have a few tips to share with you to help put this fantastic resource to good use!
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The Value Of Nature Study In Our Homeschools
There are the obvious benefits of adding time in nature to our homeschool days (think kids outdoors and burning off all that extra energy!). But more than just getting some fresh air and taking an outdoor break, there is significant educational value in the study of nature.
It’s a wonderful way to study science, develop attention to detail, and encourage exploration and self-directed learning.
One of the best resources I have found to help guide and cultivate our homeschool nature study is this guide!
Helpful tips for using The Handbook of Nature Study
- Don’t carry it on your nature hikes. It isn’t a field guide so you will more than likely not pull it out anyway.
- When you come indoors from your nature time, pull it out and turn to the index to see if something you saw that day is covered in the book.
- Quickly skim the information in the book that talks about the subject you observed.
- Share a few points with your children.
Try those steps as a good place to start until you get more familiar with the book. Are you ready for more?
Additional Tips For Using The Handbook Of Nature Study
- If you find a subject that your interested in covering with your children, read the introduction to yourself. Make pencil notes of anything you want to share.
- Take a few minutes and share those points and then help your child make a nature journal entry using those points.
- If you want to make a more in depth study, turn to the end of the section and use the suggested activities or just pick out one or two items to try.
Purchase Your Copy of The Handbook of Nature Study
Hi there!
I stumbled upon your blog through a yahoo group. I love it! I am trying to take a gentler approach to learning by incorporating more of CM teachings and your blog is going to be a valuable resource for me! I am not too confident in beginning a nature study with my boys, but I know I just need to start by getting outside. We actually went hiking this morning and just absorbed our surroundings. Thank you for this post. I am going to order the book and use it the way you suggested. I can do that! :0) So, thank you for inspiring me!
Brittney