Science:  Grades K - 12
The Nature Study Idea Book
Author:  Mary Woodis
Publisher:  Crooked Pines Publishing
For more information or to order:  www.crookedpinespublishing.com

As I opened The Nature Study Idea Book, I found myself encouraged and refreshed!  I am constantly looking for books that will help me teach a subject to my children naturally. I want a relationship to grow between the subjects they study and their life. This book definitely shows us how to accomplish this goal.

Nature study is not a new idea to me; I learned about it from Charlotte Mason. However our studies tend to get a little "boring" according to our children. Mary Woodis is changing that for us. I plan to take The Nature Study Idea Book with me when we begin our own Nature Club. This is my favorite chapter in the book. In her class, God is the center of their lessons. He is their teacher as they search the beauty He alone has created! In fact there is a whole chapter entitled, "Teaching Science through the Attributes of God".

I really enjoy how Mary shares the stories of her childhood nature lessons. I also enjoy how she weaves the lessons she and her husband have created with their own children through the pages of this book. Unlike a textbook, this book shares lessons through the author's experience. This is an idea book. You have the freedom to take your lessons where you want them to go. I like this kind of book compared to one that tells me everything to do. There is even a chapter by Cindy Rushton sharing ideas to include your highschooler in nature studies. For those of us concerned about the scientific names they use in textbooks as we study science, you'll find chapter 8 very useful - "The Process Skills of Scientific Inquiry". After this chapter you'll find information to assist your geology, ornithology, entomology, and meteorology studies - Naturally!

As you begin your nature study, you'll want each child to keep a journal. Throughout the pages you'll want to include scripture verses and poetry, as well as illustrations of your finds. Mary has pages set aside which are full of scripture verses and poems. As you can see, a nature study will provide a lesson in science, literature, grammar, and most importantly, God. All of these subjects are woven together as you simply enjoy the world around you.  If you include the reading of good books with your nature study, your children will become A+ students in science.  Yes! Mary has even prepared a book list for us as well as links to helpful websites.  One of the highlights for me is her glossary.  She has listed a few words to get us started and all the definitions came straight out of Webster's 1828 Dictionary.

This book may be used for individual families or with groups. Thank you Mary Woodis for helping my family enjoy our nature study and for encouraging us to begin a nature club in our area. If you aren't in the habit of taking your classroom outside for their lessons, I believe you'll be inspired by the ideas presented in Mary's book.

Making the Grade:  A
Cost:  $18.00
Value for Your Homeschool Dollar:  9
Review provided by Donna Porter, homeschool mom of 4