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Frequently Asked Questions

Our Journey Westward FAQ's

GENERAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is your copyright policy?

In regards to downloadable curriculum and freebies on Our Journey Westward:

When purchasing a downloadable product, you are actually purchasing a license to use the product, not the product itself, and that license is not transferable.

Please Do:

  • After purchase or when obtaining a subscriber freebie, download the e-file to your computer to save and/or print for your personal use.

  • Link directly to my blog post or product page when sharing or blogging about the products or freebies.

  • Consider joining our affiliate program.

Please Don’t:

  • Share or link to the e-file directly; link to the blog post or product page instead.

  • Alter the e-files in any way.

  • Sell or distribute the e-files in any way.

  • Host an e-file on your own website or upload it to a shared website.

In regards to co-op or classroom use of Our Journey Westward downloadable curriculum:

Our Journey Westward downloads are meant for single family use.  We do offer a co-op discount and licensing.  Please contact us to inquire about use with a co-op or in a classroom setting.

In regards to creating derivative products:

Some of you enjoy creating additional notebooking pages, worksheets, charts, etc. to go along with the NaturExplorers studies and other Our Journey Westward publications.  The pages you create must only be used with your children and may NOT be sold for profit or shared with others (online or otherwise) as free enhancements, go-alongs or otherwise.

While Our Journey Westward is pleased you enjoy our products and wish to create derivative materials, to do so without authorization is a violation of copyright law.  In other words, it is considered the stealing of intellectual property rights.  We trust that you will understand the importance of this and thank you for your cooperation.

If you wish to create derivative materials for sale or as freebies, please contact us to discuss possible permission.

What is your return policy?

If you are not satisfied with a product, your entire purchase price will be gladly refunded.  We only ask that you please request a refund within two weeks of purchase and delete the file from your computer.  Thank you for respecting these terms.  Please contact us for a refund that meets these criteria.

Why do you only offer e-books?

Printing fees are incredibly expensive for small, independent publishers.  For our sake and yours, Our Journey Westward strives to keep costs as low as possible, making  digital curriculum the most reasonable solution.

NATUREXPLORERS QUESTIONS

How do I use the NaturExplorers studies?

Please read this page

for suggestions.

For what grade levels are the NaturExplorers units appropriate?

The NaturExplorers series was written with 1st-8th graders in mind.  All of the activities in the studies are very adaptable for all ages, though, and specific ideas are included for incorporating your older and younger students.

 

Are NaturExplorers studies appropriate for groups situations like co-op classes or clubs?

Yes!  Many (if not most) of the ideas contained in the main part of the studies can be used with groups of children.  Additionally, there is a small section of ideas written specifically with groups in mind.

Are NaturExplorers studies only appropriate for those using a certain homeschooling method?

Any homeschooler using any homeschooling style will find NaturExplorers studies useful.  Charlotte Mason homeschoolers will love the ideas for tying in poetry and artist and composer studies, as well as the living literature lists to enhance learning.  Those who use Unit Studies will be excited that most of what they need for a full unit is already here.  Unschoolers will appreciate the ability to find easy to implement ideas at just the right time.  Project-Based homeschoolers will be excited at the large amount of project ideas that meet many learning styles.  Traditional and Classical homeschoolers will be able to pull as little or as much from the ideas as they desire.  New Homeschoolers will appreciate the thoroughly laid out ideas, while Veteran Homeschoolers will be thankful that the ideas are already pulled together and ready to use.

Do you have to be a homeschooler to use NaturExplorers studies?

Not at all!  NaturExplorers studies will work in any teaching situation – traditional classrooms, summer camps, after school programs, 4-H programs, and more.

How long does each NaturExplorers study last?

This question really doesn’t have a good answer because it depends entirely on how you decide to use the studies.  Since they are extremely flexible, you might choose to spend a week, two weeks, a month, or more immersing your family in the study of one topic – much like a unit study.  If you simply need nature walk ideas, you might spend one month or one year on a single topic.  Either way, you’ll have plenty of ideas to keep you busy!

What if I can’t find the books you recommend in the NaturExplorers studies at the library?

No need to worry!  The NaturExplorers studies are not at all dependent on the literature suggestions.  You are free to find other books on the same topic, or leave extra reading out completely.

Which NaturExplorers studies are appropriate for the various seasons?

This answer varies depending on the part of the world in which you live.  A sample list provided below is most appropriate for those who enjoy each of the four seasons in their fullness.  Keep an eye open in your area and you’ll soon see which topics are most appropriate during a particular season.

Spring

  • Animal Signs
  • Beautiful Birds
  • Captivating Clouds
  • Constant Conifers
  • Delightful Deciduous Trees
  • Everchanging Erosion
  • Frogs and Toads
  • A Fungus Among Us
  • Hard as a Rock
  • Incredible Creeks
  • Peaceful Ponds
  • Remarkable Rain
  • Wonderful Wildflowers
  • Nature Study Through the Holidays: Easter

Summer

  • Animal Signs
  • Beautiful Birds
  • Butterflies Flutter By
  • Captivating Clouds
  • Constant Conifers
  • Delightful Deciduous Trees
  • Everchanging Erosion
  • Flying Creatures of the Night
  • Frogs and Toads
  • Fruits and Nuts
  • Hard as a Rock
  • Incredible Creeks
  • Peaceful Ponds
  • Remarkable Rain
  • Spectacular Spiders
  • Wonderful Wildflowers

Autumn

  • Animal Signs
  • Beautiful Birds
  • Butterflies Flutter By
  • Captivating Clouds
  • Constant Conifers
  • Coping with the Cold
  • Delightful Deciduous Tres
  • Everchanging Erosion
  • Fruits and Nuts
  • A Fungus Among Us
  • Hard as a Rock
  • Incredible Creeks
  • Peaceful Ponds
  • Remarkable Rain
  • Spectacular Spiders
  • Wonderful Wildflowers
  • Nature Study Through the Holidays: Advent

Winter

  • Animal Signs
  • Beautiful Birds
  • Captivating Clouds
  • Constant Conifers
  • Coping with the Cold
  • Delightful Deciduous Trees
  • Everchanging Erosion
  • Hard as a Rock
  • Snow and Ice

Where can I share photos and stories of our nature study adventures?

Please feel free to comment and upload pictures or links of your nature study adventures anytime you like on our Facebook page!

QUESTIONS ABOUT OTHER PRODUCTS

Your Living Literature Grammar and Language Arts lessons only last 15 weeks.  What do I do the rest of the year?

When I was using the curriculum, I typically followed a one week on/one week off approach. During the week using the packets, I kept note of anything my children were struggling with. The following week, I would copy freebies from the internet to help with the problem areas. Additionally, I would usually spend the following week focusing on writing creative stories, research, etc.

For what age level is Loving Living Math?

Loving Living Math teaches the parent how to add living math into her homeschool, so it can be used by any parent of any aged child.

If you have questions that haven’t been answered here, please feel free to fill out the contact form below.

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NaturExplorers Science Curriculum

NaturExplorers guides are perfect for the 1st-8th grade homeschool, co-op or classroom. This highly adaptable curriculum series uses nature study as the starting point for science lessons that reach into every other subject and meet all learning styles.

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Happy birthday to my favorite girl in the world! L Happy birthday to my favorite girl in the world! Love you, @mahaylawest_1! 🥰
The breath of God produces ice,⠀ and the broad The breath of God produces ice,⠀
and the broad waters become frozen.⠀
He loads the clouds with moisture;⠀
he scatters his lightning through them.⠀
At his direction they swirl around⠀
over the face of the whole earth⠀
to do whatever he commands them.⠀
He brings the clouds to punish people,⠀
or to water his earth and show his love.⠀
Listen to this, Job;⠀
stop and consider God’s wonders. ⠀
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Job 37:10-14⠀
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Winter isn’t my favorite season, but an icy landscape is truly incredible to see. ❄️⠀
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Click the link in my bio for science curriculum to help you take advantage of snow and ice. ⠀
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#winterhomeschool #naturestudy #naturexplorers #winternature #snowandice #naturephotography #charlottemasonnaturestudy #charlottemasonirl #wildandfreehomeschool #homeschoolscience ⠀
When my boys were little, I loved reading these “letters from God” to them as blessings to start the day.
As I was sorting bookshelves earlier this month, I stumbled across this sweet book again. I decided the blessings are still as pertinent today for my bigger boy as they were years ago. So, we’re starting our day yet again with a quick, but powerful “letter from God” before jumping into our daily Bible studies.
Do you do anything special to start your day off on the right foot? I’d love to hear about it!
Click the link in my bio for a link to the book.
#homeschoolblessings #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolmom #homeschool #homeschooling #yourmorningbasket #startthedayoffright #charlottemasonmama #loveyourkids #wildandfreemama #childrensbook #devotionalforkids #homeschool365 #homeschoolmorning #ourjourneywestward #ihsnet
Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. It’s cold, the days are dark, and everyone’s cooped up together 24/7. That’s a recipe for the winter blahs to march right into your house and wreak havoc on attitudes and motivation.⠀
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This year’s winter is unlike any other and those blahs may have actually settled in long before now. If you or your children are feeling down, anxious, or bored with school, are “at” each other constantly, bouncing off the walls, or tears and fighting are the norm…the blahs are there.⠀
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Let’s get you, your children, and your homeschool back on track. I’ll be teaching a Homeschool Masterclass on Thursday afternoon to help you kick the blahs to the curb. If you can attend live, come! If you can’t attend live, catch the replay!⠀
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We’ll tackle all sorts of problems the blahs bring with them with very practical  ideas that are easy to implement! ⠀
⠀
Click the link in my bio to join me. There is no shame in admitting that the blahs have arrived and you need a little boost from a friend. ❤️ ⠀
⠀
#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolfamily #wildandfreemom #charlottemasonmama #winterhomeschool #homeschoolhelp #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #homeschoolmasterclass #homeschool365 #ihsnet #homeschoolmama #helpmehomeschool #winterblahs
Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’ Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’s true, you know. I’ve told my children for years that it only takes a nature walk to see God through His handiwork and to know that His promises are true.⠀
⠀
When the world seems to be falling apart around you, the sun never stops shining. The seasons never stop moving. Without a single, solitary effort of human hands, the woodlands still buzz with life.⠀
⠀
A student of nature can see the consistency in cycles and notice the incredible and creative intricacy of even the smallest specimen and be in awe that we truly serve a God who isn’t unaware of even one tiny detail in our world right now. ⠀
⠀
Life kind of seems overwhelming, though, I know. Remember when I said my motto lately has been to just put one foot in front of the other to do the next right thing? Nature walks (even when it’s cold) never fail me as a right thing. ⠀
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Breathe, friend. Take a nature walk today and let God speak to your soul.⠀
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#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolfamily #wildandfreemom #charlottemasonirl #winterhomeschool #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #winternaturestudy #nosweatnaturestudy #homeschool365 #ihsnet #naturestudy #naturexplorers #nature #hewins
It might seem trite to post a winter picture book It might seem trite to post a winter picture book list right now, but I’m a big believer in keeping things as normal as possible in my home when things aren’t so normal otherwise.⠀
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It’s the principle of putting one foot in front of the other as you simply do the next right thing. Good books almost always can be a “next right thing” choice.⠀
⠀
Even though I’m not homeschooling younger children anymore, I’ll probably never stop sharing wonderful picture book ideas with you. 🤓 I’ve spent way too many hours reading and collecting to ever stop loving them!⠀
⠀
Eli and I may not be using these books right now, but they are still some of my favorites for winter reading. Whatever may be going on around you, the winter months are always a good time of year to get in lots of extra reading. Snuggling and hot chocolate are optional, but encouraged.⠀
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Click the link in my bio to find a blog post about these books + some of our favorite winter chapter books, too!⠀
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#homeschool #readmorebooks #livingbooks #livingliterature #picturebooks #winterpicturebooks #homeschoolmom #wildandfreefamily #charlottemasonirl #winterhomeschool #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #winternaturestudy #nosweatnaturestudy #homeschool365 #ihsnet
We celebrated a 14th birthday over Christmas break We celebrated a 14th birthday over Christmas break! 🎉🎁🎂🏀🥰
I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍 I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍

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