Peaceful Ponds

About NaturExplorers

NaturExplorers: Educational Journeys into God’s Creation

What will I find in each NaturExplorers guide?

• Inspirational literature suggestions
• Background information for the parent or teacher concerning the main focus of the nature topic
• An abundance of creative nature walks
• Follow-up hands-on activity ideas
• Writing and research ideas that encompass several subject areas
• References for Bible study, artist study, composer study and poetry tie-ins
• Child-friendly internet links and book lists for further study
• Ideas for adapting the material for younger and older children, as well as ideas for groups of children
• Several colorful, prepared notebooking pages
• General nature study suggestions

For what grade levels are the NaturExplorers guides appropriate?

The NaturExplorers series was written with 1st-8th graders in mind.  All of the activities in the curriculum are very adaptable for all ages, though, and specific ideas are included for incorporating your older and younger students. We have personally used NaturExplorers with children from three to fifteen, with all ages (even adults) drawn in almost magically.

Are NaturExplorers guides appropriate for group situations like co-ops, clubs or traditional classrooms?

Yes!  Most of the ideas can easily be used with groups of children -traditional classrooms, homeschool co-ops, summer camps, after school programs, 4-H programs, and more.  Additionally, there is a small section of ideas written specifically with groups in mind.

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

Any homeschooler using any homeschooling style will find NaturExplorers guides 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 study 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 and teachers will appreciate the thoroughly laid out ideas, while veteran homeschoolers and teachers will be thankful that the ideas are already pulled together and ready to use.

How long does each NaturExplorers study last?

It depends entirely on how you decide to use the curriculum.  Since the guides 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!

The beauty of each study is its adaptability. You can simply pick one nature walk and put the book down, or you can take nature walks again and again focusing on the same nature topic and not run out of new ideas for a very long time. If desired, the nature topic can be used as a full-fledged, science-based unit study. Besides math and phonics, you will find ideas for virtually every other subject. Some of the guides even include a hands-on math idea or two!

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

No need to worry!  The NaturExplorers curriculum is 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

Are NaturExplorers only for those living in the United States?

No way! While each NaturExplorers guide focuses on a particular topic, the lessons are not dependent on any particular things within that topic. For instance, if you have access to any flower anywhere in the world, you will be able to use the Wonderful Wildflower guide. Or, if you have access to any deciduous tree, you will be able to use the Delightful Deciduous Trees guide.