We decided to extend our nature study from our nature walks by focusing on a few of the spring flowers. We started with the crocus since it bloomed only for a very short time compared to some of the other flowers.
We followed the suggested observation points listed in the Handbook of Nature Study, pages 547-549. This book is a very good place to start being closely engaged in nature observation as it provides much detailed background information on the topic/plant in question, as well as excellent questions and suggestions for study that we hadn't even thought to do before. For example, prior to using the book, we had not thought to count the number of leaves of the crocus plant. As it turned out, a crocus plant usually has four or eight leaves each.
After our outdoor observations, we brought one flower indoor to study it further. We looked at the flower closely from different angles, looked at its various parts, measured its style, and cut it open to see what's inside.
I then asked Tiger to make an entry in his nature journal. The crocus flower is a very simple design which makes it ideal for observational drawing. After a slight protest, and seeing that I was making my own journal entry, Tiger got on with the task.
After Tiger has completed the first drawing, I asked him to draw a cross-section of the flower by copying the diagram from page 548 of the Handbook of Nature Study:
In my effort to get the most out of this unit, I made a pre-cursive handwriting worksheet by typing out an excerpt of the poem, The Crocus, by Harriet E.H. King (also found in the Handbook of Nature Study) and gave it to Tiger to practise his handwriting:
I know there are many points of view about the importance of handwriting. It is fashionable nowadays to argue that in the digital age, handwriting or penmanship has become an obsolete practice. My view is that handwriting is important for developing neuro-pathways, the process of which cannot be totally replaced by the act of typing.
I did not push too hard on handwriting while Tiger was little and was developing his fine motor skills, but as he gets older I expect him to write legibly and tidily, if not beautifully. This is why I am insisting upon good handwriting from him from now on, with plenty of practice using the handwriting worksheets that I will be printing out for his copywork.
To show my support for Tiger's effort at journaling, I made an entry alongside him. Somehow, having mum work alongside him makes the tasks of drawing and writing more tolerable.
This is part of our flower study series, otherwise known as:
This post is linked up to:
We followed the suggested observation points listed in the Handbook of Nature Study, pages 547-549. This book is a very good place to start being closely engaged in nature observation as it provides much detailed background information on the topic/plant in question, as well as excellent questions and suggestions for study that we hadn't even thought to do before. For example, prior to using the book, we had not thought to count the number of leaves of the crocus plant. As it turned out, a crocus plant usually has four or eight leaves each.
After our outdoor observations, we brought one flower indoor to study it further. We looked at the flower closely from different angles, looked at its various parts, measured its style, and cut it open to see what's inside.
I then asked Tiger to make an entry in his nature journal. The crocus flower is a very simple design which makes it ideal for observational drawing. After a slight protest, and seeing that I was making my own journal entry, Tiger got on with the task.
After Tiger has completed the first drawing, I asked him to draw a cross-section of the flower by copying the diagram from page 548 of the Handbook of Nature Study:
In my effort to get the most out of this unit, I made a pre-cursive handwriting worksheet by typing out an excerpt of the poem, The Crocus, by Harriet E.H. King (also found in the Handbook of Nature Study) and gave it to Tiger to practise his handwriting:
I know there are many points of view about the importance of handwriting. It is fashionable nowadays to argue that in the digital age, handwriting or penmanship has become an obsolete practice. My view is that handwriting is important for developing neuro-pathways, the process of which cannot be totally replaced by the act of typing.
I did not push too hard on handwriting while Tiger was little and was developing his fine motor skills, but as he gets older I expect him to write legibly and tidily, if not beautifully. This is why I am insisting upon good handwriting from him from now on, with plenty of practice using the handwriting worksheets that I will be printing out for his copywork.
To show my support for Tiger's effort at journaling, I made an entry alongside him. Somehow, having mum work alongside him makes the tasks of drawing and writing more tolerable.
This is part of our flower study series, otherwise known as:
This post is linked up to:
- Nature Study Monday: It's March! NSM! Link Up!
- Hip Homeschool Hop - 3/25/14
- Virtual Refrigerator - Obey
- Entertaining and Educational - Science of Light
- Collage Friday - Great Homeschool Convention Recap
- Weekly Wrap-up: The One with the Crazy March Snow
- The Homeschool Mother's Journal (3/29/14)
- Science Sunday: Science Activities for Kids
It's interesting to see how you inspired Tiger to complete this activity. I tried similar nature studies in the past several times with lots of resistance. I think it's a great idea, but am sad that it hasn't been successful in our house. This year I tacked a sheet of paper on the refrigerator and have been writing down dates and firsts for the year; "first tulips blooming"..... One day the kids added something for me. We'll see if this method works better for us. Maybe it will lead to more nature journaling?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your method is working for your children. Different children respond differently to various activities. Although nature journaling is a visually satisfying way to record nature observations, it is by no means the only way to learn from or about nature. Taking photographs is another way that might appeal to children who aren't too keen about drawing.
DeleteNature study has more to do with making a close connection with nature and learning to observe closely than with producing beautiful journal pages, so don't feel bad about the lack of nature journaling in your home. There are many different ways to learn. :-)
I with you on this one Hwee. I find when I work alongside Sir N he does so much better :) Love both your drawings.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chareen. It seems that it's a matter of finding a balance between independence and working alongside each other to support our children's growth. I'm glad you've stopped by. :-)
DeleteI love the idea of the journals. I just wish my son would draw! Enjoy your weekend and I will be looking today for the snow melting and to see if our Crocus have made an appearance!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Melissa. From what I've seen in the blogosphere, it seems that girls are more inclined to produce beautiful journal pages than boys. Boys clearly learn in a different way so I won't worry too much about boys not producing journals. I happen to like drawing so am able to do it alongside my son, but even with that, we don't draw every time we do nature study. :-)
DeleteWe're doing similar things with the handwriting. I ignored it for so long because T really found it physically hard work, to the point of tears. But I can see that by not dealing with it earlier he has picked up some bad habits which may be really hard to correct. I have just bought in a curriculum for him to almost relearn how to write legibly. He wants to take exams and is a phenomenally bright boy, only no one will be able to tell because his handwriting is so poor! Sigh, we live and learn!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry too much, Claire, I'm sure T's handwriting will improve in a very short time, now that he's older and more able (motor skills-wise) to withstand the stress of forming the words on paper. It won't be long before his handwriting improves. :-)
DeleteI love the cross section of the crocus Tiger drew - and can I just say, your nature journal is gorgeous and oh so creative! Now I'm off to read the poem - I will experience spring one way or another!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Marie. I enjoy journaling, but don't do enough of it. :-) Journaling can be a very calming experience, as it requires time to slow down to draw and write our notes clearly. I'm sure spring is on its way to you, and you'll soon enjoy the warmth and spring colours very soon.
DeleteI completely agree that handwriting is important. Your nature journals are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer. :-)
DeleteI really need to pick up a copy of the Handbook of Nature Study, it would be quite fascinating to read for my kids.
ReplyDeleteThat and start working on their observational drawing skills.
It's a really good book, and more relevant to North American than to Britain, so I'd highly recommend it.
Delete