Two years ago I read Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola. It was one of the most inspiring homeschooling books I have ever read. It certainly guided my decision to go from a very structured day to one of more fluidity, one more free-flowing based on our interests and the natural circumstances of our days.
Then last summer I participated in a blogging book study of The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller. Although I did not end up incorporating many of the specific ideas I learned in the book, it did inspire me to make reading a major part of our homeschooling days. And it was. Reading became the cornerstone of all we did. My philosophy became, "If you can't learn it by reading about it, you can't learn it."
This summer I have decided to lead a book study on my blog for Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. You can read all about this book, and an excerpt from it, by going to Louv's site.
Nature study is something that always gets cut first out of our curriculum. When we get busy, we tend to buckle down and do the things we "have" to do and abandon the humanities. Isn't that the way it usually goes?
I am needing some inspiration to make the great outdoors more of a natural part of our homeschooling experience. Especially in our family, where we are total homebodies and addicted to our electronics, I want us to have a more natural daily experience with our environment. I want us to crave God's creation, and to gravitate toward it.
I have not been very successful in the past at getting consistent followers to the events I have guided on my blog. But I do hope that I can get a few of you to join me in this, if for no other reason than to give me some accountability. I don't have the specifics nailed down yet, but just wanted to give a heads up. I am shooting to begin the first week of June. Let me know if you think you would be interested in joining me on this inspirational journey. Even if you don't want to join in, I am still planning to read the book and post about my findings.
Then last summer I participated in a blogging book study of The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller. Although I did not end up incorporating many of the specific ideas I learned in the book, it did inspire me to make reading a major part of our homeschooling days. And it was. Reading became the cornerstone of all we did. My philosophy became, "If you can't learn it by reading about it, you can't learn it."
This summer I have decided to lead a book study on my blog for Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. You can read all about this book, and an excerpt from it, by going to Louv's site.
Nature study is something that always gets cut first out of our curriculum. When we get busy, we tend to buckle down and do the things we "have" to do and abandon the humanities. Isn't that the way it usually goes?
I am needing some inspiration to make the great outdoors more of a natural part of our homeschooling experience. Especially in our family, where we are total homebodies and addicted to our electronics, I want us to have a more natural daily experience with our environment. I want us to crave God's creation, and to gravitate toward it.
I have not been very successful in the past at getting consistent followers to the events I have guided on my blog. But I do hope that I can get a few of you to join me in this, if for no other reason than to give me some accountability. I don't have the specifics nailed down yet, but just wanted to give a heads up. I am shooting to begin the first week of June. Let me know if you think you would be interested in joining me on this inspirational journey. Even if you don't want to join in, I am still planning to read the book and post about my findings.
I read the book a couple of years ago, so I probably won't read it again, but I'll be following along with what you do.
ReplyDeleteWhen we first started homescooling 5 years ago, nature study was a much bigger part of what we did. Now, sad to say, it is almost nonexistent. I'd love to spend more time outside. I did start a homeschool hiking group in my area and that has helped.
One of the best sources of inspiration is Barb at Handbook of Nature Study. I know you have done some of her Outdoor Hour Challenges. I really want to add those back into our weeks.
I can't wait to see what you think of the book and ideas you have for including nature in your school.
Thanks,
Sarah
Nicole, The book "Last Child in the Woods" looks so interesting, I would like to join you in your book study of it.
ReplyDeleteDonna
I have always wanted to read this book. Would love to join the book club.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Diane
Its a great book!!! will try to join will there be ??'s, activities or just thoughts for each week?
ReplyDeleteI've read this one in the past and really connected with it...I wish the library was open before we headed off to our week of camping so I could "catch up"!
ReplyDelete