Welcome to week 13, Field Lore and Naturalists’ Books, Charlotte Mason Home Education Read-Along Series.
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Field Lore and Naturalists’ Books
This week we are reading pages 62-65 of the Home Education volume, Field Lore and Naturalists’ Books. If you would like to see the rest of these posts all in one place you may view them HERE. And don’t forget to download your free worksheets to go with each reading! If you are interested in a Charlotte mason “curriculum”, our favorite resource is Ambleside Online.
****If you need to purchase the Charlotte Mason Home Education volume, it is available in a newer version HERE. (Affiliate link)****
I am using the Original Homeschooling Series, Volume One, Home Education- the pink books. ?
Reverence for Life
Charlotte begins by saying that children should know something about their natural surroundings and that the practice of sightseeing should be so natural that they are well familiar with the land and plants before them.
Rough Classification at First Hand
If it grows in their neighborhood, they should know it well. They should be able to describe from root to leaf each plant they are familiar with, and they should even be able to recognize where the plant grows and in what kind of soil. She encourages the use of field guides as well as making collections and labeling them. She also encourages children should draw or paint the whole plant when possible.
Uses of Naturalists’ Books
She talks of choosing 6 trees to study for a year-long project to become well-acquainted with each species. This will allow children a front-row seat to the changes that occur seasonally in each tree.
Mothers and Teachers should know about Nature
Following the seasons is a wonderful way to observe and study nature. With the trees, Charlotte suggests beginning in Winter.
My Takeaway
Reading this section has opened my eyes to how intentional we must be with our studies in order to produce the excellence we are seeking as homeschool moms. A Charlotte Mason Education is not fluff. I will definitely be incorporating the specifics mentioned here for our time-in-nature study.
Don’t forget your free printable to go with this week’s reading!
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