Summer Nature Study: Tree Observations; Crape Myrtle

http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/

The next part of our Summer Nature Study is to engage in tree observation.  We have chosen two trees.  The first is a Crape Myrtle located in our front yard.  Our first assignment was to learn and identify the parts of a tree.  The head/crown, the spray; consisting of twigs, leaves and fruit/berries, the branches which hold the spray, the trunk/bole, the base of the trunk and the roots.  Due to the mulch covering the base of the Crape Myrtle we did not see the roots of this tree.  We did see the roots of the Pin Oak we are also observing.  Those pictures will be in a later post.  For now, we have captured in photographs the parts of the Crape Myrtle.

Crape Myrtle Tree
The Crown! 

Spray of the Crape Myrtle

Branch holding the spray.

Trunk of the Crape Myrtle

Anne of Green Gables: Picture Narration with a Hint of Sweetnees

Picture Narration for Anne of Green Gables

And sweet encouragement from the book: Anne of Green Gables by: Lucy Maud Montgomery

"It gives you a lovely, comfortable feeling to apologize and be forgiven, doesn't it?" Anne stating to Marilla after requesting forgiveness from Mrs. Rachel Lynnde for an outburst of anger.

And, my personal favorite of the day;

"Saying one's prayers isn't exactly the same thing as praying," said Anne meditatively.

Sketch Tuesday: Wildflowers - Tulips

This sketch was accurately titled: Two Pretty Tulips

We enjoyed making Sketch Tuesday; a weekly online initiative hosted by Harmony Art Mom, a part of our art curriculum for this week.  This sketch along with many others drawn by people all over the country/possibly the world will be available in a slideshow format on Harmony Art Mom blog today.

Poet of Choice: Walt Whitman

We have chosen the poetry of Walt Whitman for summer/fall readings.  The book chosen for our readings is Poetry for Young People: Walt Whitman.  I enjoy using this book because of the brief, yet informative biography of Whitman leading us to the poetry.  It creates a significant glimpse for the reader into the life and thoughts of the poet.  Not to be neglected are the illustrations; which are superbly suited to an all american poetry experience.

On Land

O the gleesome saunter over fields and hillsides!

The leaves and flowers of the commonest weeds, the moist fresh stillness of the woods,

The exquisite smell of the earth at daybreak, and all through the forenoon.                                                                                                                                            from "A Song of Joys"

After reading our poetry for the day I was amazed at seeing the excitement of my child.  She felt an immediate need to practice piano.  I am always in observation at the effect that different forms of creativity issue a desire to experience another, and such it is as I observe creation itself.  One thing leading to another.

Summer Literature

Our summer literature choice is Anne of Green Gables.  It is a delicious read.  We find ourselves captivated by the words of Lucy Maud Montgomery.

These words were singing to our hearts this morning...a special, gentle, soothing sort of singing.

"There, there, Marilla, you can have your own way." said Matthew reassuringly.  "Only be as good and kind to her as you can be without spoiling her.  I kind of think she's one of the sort you can do anything with if you only get her to love you."

I find myself considering how sweet, and tender, and true these sweet words are to me.

We are in eager anticipation as Anne soon learns of her destiny.

A Sea Turtle Cloud

A sea turtle cloud was spotted in the sky while driving to a piano lesson.  "Look Mom! There is a sea turtle floating by.  Do you see it?"

A sea turtle is growing out of its shell in an old mayonnaise jar on the counter at home.  "Look Mom!  Do you think this might really be what they look like breaking out of their shell?"

Mom is thrilled to look and see. What she loves most is seeing the child - looking to see!

Summer Nature Study: Mosquito Study

We are participating in the Summer Nature Study; Using Your Senses: Nature Study at Sundown written by: Barbara McCoy.

Due to vacations, out of town business trips and overall summer fun our progress with the Summer Nature Study is slow, but steady. I find this approach to our studies for the summer is one that encourages a true sense to learn.

A fascination for mosquitoes has developed as we've grown to learn the complexities in how they breed and exist. After I was bitten by a mosquito on Wednesday evening it was with exuberance that my daughter exclaimed, "A female bit you, a female bit you."

Resources for this study include: The Handbook of Nature Study, Discover Nature at Sundown and Summer Nature Study .

The Art of Organic Education

Organic as defined by www.dicitionary.com; developing in a manner analogous to the natural growth or evolution characteristic of living organisms; (and my favorite part) arising as a natural outgrowth.

Arising as a natural outgrowth. This definition sums up perfectly the reason we educate at home. Simply put it feels appropriate to the natural process of raising our child. Dropping off our little one at an institution for eight hours a day did not feel natural, nor an efficient use of the days time.

Over the past three years I have spent countless hours researching education philosophy and coming to the conclusion that there are nuggets of truth revolving in each of them. After testing many styles throughout the past two years, this year - our third year, I have adopted what I would consider a Charlotte Mason style for educating within our family. I am still growing and learning within the realm of her philosophy but it suffice to say this is the path we are now on.

There are many excellent online resources for Charlotte Mason education, encouragement and ideas. Here are two of my favorites!

• http://www.amblesideonline.org/ (my favorite)
• http://simplycharlottemason.com/ (my other favorite)

Although I feel we are headed gently in this direction, there are still other resources we utilize from the classical, traditional, unit study, and unschooling traditions.

Up to this point I would consider our education style eclectic. In truth, a testing of what would work and what would not. What I've come to realize is that habits, and discipline in those habits is essential for education and more so it is essential for life.

Coming to these conclusions has happened through prayerful consideration of what God would have our family to do with education. It has been a natural progression without push, pull, or striving. The disciplines within our lives growing daily, organically and without pollutant.

I hope you'll join me in our gentle way of learning - The Art of Organic Education!