Handbook of Nature Study

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Genre: NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE and PETS; Reference; Nature / Field Guide Books; Nature; Nature/Ecology; General; Nature study;

Average Review: 4.5 stars

Review: Educating With The Natural World : Nature study is not just for crunchy granola, back to nature, tree hugger types. You don't need to strap a two hundred pound backpack onto your aching spine and head off into some Blair Witch project area just to teach your younglings about trees and wildlife. Color field guides are extremely helpful, but you certainly don't need an advanced degree in botany to teach your child the difference between a morning glory and a daisy. And almost one hundred years ago, Ms. Comstock recognized that and set about showing others the joy of introducing a child to the natural world with her book, Handbook of Nature Study. The first section covers the how-tos of her method. This method encompasses all the core subject areas and is covered in further detail in the methodology section - a link is provided at the end of this article. Subsequent sections cover the entire spectrum of the natural world. There is an area devoted to animals, which includes subsections on mammals, fish, birds, and other branches of the animal family tree. Another area is devoted to plants and covers trees, wildflowers, crops, and even weeds. But this is not just a biology and botany manual. The third main area is devoted to the earth and sky and includes astronomy, climatology, and geology. Lessons include an information section for the parent/teacher to read followed by observational questions to be asked of the student. Easily utilized in a zoo, botanical garden or local park, even those in the most urban of areas will find incorporating this book into their lives relatively simple. Best used with the 12 and under set, the Handbook of Nature Study should have a place on every homeschooler's bookshelves.