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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