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This series of study guides was
born out of our family’s love for using real, living books to learn. For years, we had studied history through
the use of such books - wonderful biographies, narratives, historical fiction, and the like, and found that in
addition to much improved retention, we actually had fun studying our chosen topics in this way. Science, however,
was another story. We had yearned for years to put into practice the methods of Miss Charlotte Mason, who advocated
nature study, nature journaling, etc. But, the problem was, we were just not organized or faithful enough to actually
DO nature study each and every day! It seemed to get pushed to the “back burner”, which for us, was becoming further
and further back!
In my many conversations with
other homeschooling parents in my workshops on Charlotte Mason’s methods, I found that we were not alone. While
many homeschoolers yearned, as we did, to apply Miss Mason’s methods in their homes, when the reality of teaching
several different ages of children, changing baby’s diapers, doing laundry, cooking dinner, etc. kicked in, more
often than not, the well-meant nature lesson got pushed aside in favor of more “pertinent” things. What to do?
For us, it all began with the
forming of a homeschool co-op at our church. As a writer, I was chosen to teach the literature and writing class
for the upper elementary and junior high students. We live in an extremely rural, wooded area, where the popular
activities are hunting, fishing, hunting, hiking, hunting, 4-wheeler riding, and of course, hunting. The people
here are very outdoors oriented, but simply could not find the time for daily nature study, even though we live
right in the middle of it. Knowing the children in my class as I do, I could think of only one book to use to begin
the class - My Side of the Mountain, by Jean Craighead George. My class consisted of all boys, mostly non-readers,
and my youngest daughter, Haley. Though Haley is all-girl, and this is considered by some to be a “boy book”, my
Haley loves to explore the woods we live in, grow flowers, and read about animals, so I knew she’d love this book,
too! As I prodded her before the first class began to read the first four chapters in preparation, she reluctantly
picked the book up. She finished reading it that very day. It is simply that kind of a book.
While our co-op study was intended
mainly for literary purposes, I knew that this particular book was one with so very many science and nature study
lessons in it, I could not bear to pass them up. As I pondered further, I realized that this book could be the
beginning of the solving of our little “nature study problem”. The kids would read this book. The kids wanted to
know more about the main character, Sam, and his life on the mountain. I could do something with this! And so,
a study guide was born. As the feeling of satisfaction grew, I realized that this was only the beginning. There
were many, many wonderful living books out there that focused on a science or nature study theme. And so, a series
was born.
Because of our great love for
literature and wonderful, living books, we have loved learning about nature through this effortless, natural method.
Knowing personally what it is like to work with many different levels, and trying to kill all my birds with one
stone by teaching them all out of the same material, I recommend that you use this same study guide for all ages.
Crawl up on the couch and use the book as a read-aloud, then delve into the study guide to see how to use what
you read to spur on a study in nature. I have listed activities for each chapter that are flexible. Many of the
writing assignments can be done orally with a young child, and length of assignments can be varied by the teacher,
according to the child’s ability. Each student should keep a binder, to which they will add personal drawings,
writings, and research notes as they complete the study. Each student’s work will be individual, a work of art
- similar to a nature journal, when they are through with the study. And, unless you want to simply add a bit of
realism, you won’t even have to step outside the door to complete it! Though, after so much studying God’s beautiful
world, you’ll probably be encouraged to anyhow!
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Daniil the Triceratops
by Mary E. Woodis
The call has come...the call from the Creator...for some of every living creature to move to the east. What lies
there? Why must they go? Why are only a few going?
Join the adventure of young Daniil, a Triceratops
youngster, and his dinosaur friends, as they are called by their Creator, God, to move eastward to an unknown destination
- Noah's ark! Along the way, you'll learn simple lessons in faith, trust, obedience, and more through this lively
tale from the author of "Oakie of the Oak Tree" and other titles. Through the study guide that corresponds
with the book, your child will study various animals, plants, and dinosaurs, as well as doing an in-depth Bible
study about Noah's ark and the flood. Suited towards elementary ages.
NSTLB: Daniil the Triceratops Guide, by Sandi
Queen................. .................$6.95
Corresponding Book: Daniil the Triceratops, by Mary E.
Woodis..................$8.95 |
 Titles
in the Series:
NSTLB Guide - My
Side of the Mountain - $6.95
A wonderful study on the mountains, woods, trees, wild plants and edible plants, and wild animals!
My Side of the Mountain (corresponding
book), by Jean Craighead George - $6.99
NSTLB Guide - Little House on the Prairie - $6.95
This endearing story of Laura Ingalls' childhood makes a thoroughly enjoyable study on the animals, plants, climate,
and more of the Kansas prairie. Also includes some U.S. geography,
vocabulary, and more!
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Little House on the Prairie (corresponding
book) - $6.99 |
NSTLB Guide - Pagoo
- $6.95
A study on tide pool and ocean life, from the viewpoint of the life of the title character, Pagoo, who is a hermit
crab.
Pagoo (corresponding book),
by Holling C. Holling - $10.95
NSTLB Guide: Misty of Chincoteague
Calling all horse lovers! This delightful study on horses revolves around the life of Misty, a pony on Chincoteague
Island. As usual, the author, Marguerite Henry, captures the reality of life from the equine point of view, while
the study guide takes the user to a deeper understanding of horses, plants, and island life.
NSTLB: Misty of Chincoteague.............................................................................. $6.95
Corresponding Book: Misty of Chincoteague..................................................$4.95
NSTLB Guide: Lost in the Barrens by Sandi Queen
This adventurous tale of a young Canadian boy who befriends a Cree Indian boy will keep you on the edge of your
seat! As Jamie and Awasin become lost in the Canadian wilderness called,
“The Barrens”, their only hope of survival is to become acquainted with the natural foods native
to this land, and learn to survive off the land. An exciting read, as well as a wonderful study on the wildlife
and plants native to the subarctic region.
NSTLB: Lost in the Barrens..........................................................................................................................$6.95
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Corresponding Book: Lost in the
Barrens by Farley Mowat .........................................................$5.99 |
NSTLB: Oakie of the Oak Tree by Sandi Queen
This study through the book, "Oakie of the Oak Tree", by
Mary E. Woodis, is a wonderful study of life in the forests of North America. All sorts
of animals and trees, the ecosystem, the food chain, and much more are studied, as well as Bible study.
Includes grammar, researching, writing, map charting, sketching, and more, for
elementary grades.
NSTLB: Oakie of the Oak Tree by Sandi
Queen..................$6.95....
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Corresponding Book: Oakie of the
Oak Tree by Mary E. Woodis..$8.95..... |
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