Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do you have or plan to have living book recommendations to be read and narrated along with each Nature Study Hacking booklet? Maybe one per form?
A. YES! I make recommendations for great books to accompany each topic. These can be found in the "Resources" section at the end of each booklet. I also include excerpts to read aloud or assign as reading for older students from Handbook of Nature Study when that is appropriate. I include a short list of further reading books for books that are in print (bc out-of-print recommendations are not helpful for you if they cost $100+).

Q. My son is 9 and will be going into fourth grade (Form 2) next year and I would really like to use this for science. 
A. These books focus more on studying nature through observation and creating the habit of using a nature journal. What some people have done is use this guide for observations and journal entries and have older children read a book about the topic in their own. For instance, my 9 year old read a biography about Galileo “Along Came Galileo” by Jeanne Bendick while we studied Stars and Skies together. Technically, when children get into between fourth and seventh grade, they continue doing nature study but add a more in-depth science study. 
   One friend had her fifth grade student do nature study of "Stars & Skies" with the family. She then assigned History of Medicine for this same student to learn about anatomy. So, in this way, this student was doing both nature study (astronomy) and science (anatomy).

Q. Are these guides appropriate for students 6th grade and older?
A. These booklets are designed to train students how to use a nature journal. Through the course of each term they will have a variety of opportunities to research, draw, write, observe, make maps, measure stuff etc. I wanted to train my children in the various ways people use nature journals and not just watercolor. So, in that way, it could open up a new world of options for an older child - especially if he or she has not gotten into the habit of doing nature study and/or using a nature journal.  These booklets provide the training wheels to teach anyone how to incorporate this wonderful practice!

Q. We really prefer to do nature study at home (baby napping and a house of mostly introverts) will these plans allow us to do that?
A. These booklets are all designed to do from home and/or around your neighborhood. I live in a subdivision and have a baby and two preschoolers at home. I made these so that my scholars and I could do nature study at our school table (together at Morning Time and also for Independent Work). I’m sure going to the zoo or getting a pet would be amazing, but I need to operate in reality. We will read and do our nature journal entries in our school room. This, of course, with the habit of walking around your neighborhood and/or house regularly to study what is there. Some studies I've even included nature programs from YouTube to watch when space travel, woodland creatures and other wonders aren't convenient study.

Q. Does it matter which book you start with and what time of year you start it? For instance if I were to buy the tree book now would it be appropriate to start now or is that something that should be done in winter?
A. Most of these books are designed to use any time of year. I've woven in journal prompts that incorporate a "perpetual journal." About once each month students are prompted to draw or write about the current month in that section of their journal. In this way, students begin to learn the joy of following the seasons and are guided to pay more attention to the changes that occur.
The Trees book uses a phrenology wheel that is filled out once per month for a year. So, in that way, you will observe the tree all year. Some topics, such as insects, are better suited for summer since in most climates, insects aren't active in the Winter.

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