4Real Forums: Nature Connection

Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.

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Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science
4Real Forums : Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science

Topic: Nature Connection

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AmandaV
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Joined: Aug 27 2009
Location: Texas
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Posts: 707

Posted: May 14 2012 at 10:22pm \| IP Logged

This looks so intriguing and has great reviews. Has anyone looked through or used Nature Connection by Claire Walker Leslie?

I'm comparing to several other nature journals/books as referenced here and here along with my own ideas for picked up mostly from this forum :). I've also just been looking at Barb's ideas (Harmony Art Mom) about Nature Journaling.

What I'd really like to know is, is a book like this necessary? Helpful? Not a Charlotte Mason approach but neat? I like that it is directed to the child. While I love introducing things to my children, I also am learning how important it is to "get out of the way" after putting the child "in the way" of books and ideas.

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Amanda

wife since 6/03, Mom to son 7/04, daughter 2/06, twin sons 6/08 and son 7/11, son 1/2014

Grace&Chaos
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Joined: June 07 2010
Location: California
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Posts: 1261

Posted: May 15 2012 at 11:04am \| IP Logged

Hi Amanda, I think you've answered your own question in a way. I own the book and you are right it is meant for a child to work right in the book. However, I like it and use it for myself as a reference. The book is lovely and I've gained some inspiration already for some nature table ideas. CM mentions how we should be prepared so that when the children wonder and ask questions we can respond/guide.

"Mothers and Teachers should know about Nature.––The mother cannot devote herself too much to this kind of reading, not only that she may read tit-bits to her children about matters they have come across, but that she may be able to answer their queries and direct their observations. And not only the mother, but any woman, who is likely ever to spend an hour or two in the society of children, should make herself mistress of this sort of information; the children will adore her for knowing what they want to know, and who knows but she may give its bent for life to some young mind designed to do great things for the world." Volume 1 Home Education pg 65-66

Like you've mentioned sometimes it is our job to place the child "in the way" and then "get out of the way". So while the book is helpful and is broken into seasons/months I don't plan on giving it to the kids as a workbook. I really prefer each keeping their own nature journals. It is fun and pleasing to see their entries even from just a few months ago

BTW: I think Barb's site is a great place for nature journaling ideas

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Blessings,
Jenny
Mom to dds(00,03) and dss(05,06,08,09)
Grace in Loving Chaos

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