Studying Nature

This volume investigates crucial ways in which nature has been apprehended, understood and valued in different cultures and over time. It is grounded in current global concerns about growing threats to the natural environment. Through a critical appraisal of specific examples, it ranges widely over historical and contemporary attitudes and behaviours. It presents a wide ranging analysis of selected ideas and attitudes in the evolution mainly of western civilisation, from the time of the cave artists to the present day. It argues for preservation and conservation of the natural resources and beauty of the earth in the face of religious supernatural arguments and the rise of consumer capitalism and consumerism.

Home Education is a groundbreaking exploration into the art of cultivating a rich and vibrant learning environment within the confines of one's home. Mason, a visionary educator, lays out a compelling philosophy that transcends traditional schooling methods, focusing on the holistic development of a child's mind, character, and habits. Through the lens of living books, nature study, and a thoughtful approach to discipline, Mason offers a refreshing perspective that empowers parents to provide an education that is not only intellectually rigorous but also fosters a love for learning. In this timeless work, Mason provides practical insights into the daily rhythms of home education, emphasizing the importance of cultivating an atmosphere of curiosity and wonder. She advocates for the use of living books—engaging and narrative-rich texts that ignite a child's imagination and create a genuine connection to the subjects studied. Additionally, Mason encourages the integration of nature into the learning experience, promoting outdoor exploration and observation as essential elements of a well-rounded education. Home Education serves as a guide for parents seeking an alternative, more personalized approach to education that goes beyond rote memorization and standardized testing. Charlotte Mason's philosophy, outlined with clarity and conviction, resonates with those who aspire to nurture not only academically proficient individuals but also compassionate, well-rounded human beings. This book is a compelling resource for anyone looking to embark on a transformative journey in home-based learning.

An Effective, Holistic Guide for Teaching Children in Any Educational Setting Every parent and teacher wants to give his or her children the best education possible. They hope that the teaching they provide is a joyful adventure, a celebration of life, and preparation for living. But sadly, most education today falls short of this goal. For the Children's Sake imagines what education can be based on a Christian understanding of the meaning of life and what it means to be human—a child, a parent, a teacher. The central ideas have been proven over many years and in almost every kind of educational situation, including ideas that author Susan Schaeffer Macaulay and her husband, Ranald, have implemented in their own family and school experience. Includes a foreword by daughter and educator Fiona Fletcher. Simple and Practical: This user-friendly guide helps educators build a stable, enriching, and intellectually stimulating environment for children and also includes a list of additional resources Immersive Teaching: Shows parents and teachers how children's learning experiences can be extended to every aspect of life Proven Methodology: Used in school settings for 14 years, these easily applicable ideas will benefit parents and teachers in homeschooling, public school, or private school

In the early twentieth century, a curriculum known as nature study flourished in major city school systems, streetcar suburbs, small towns, and even rural one-room schools. This object-based approach to learning about the natural world marked the first systematic attempt to introduce science into elementary education, and it came at a time when institutions such as zoos, botanical gardens, natural history museums, and national parks were promoting the idea that direct knowledge of nature would benefit an increasingly urban and industrial nation. The definitive history of this once pervasive nature study movement, TeachingChildren Science emphasizes the scientific, pedagogical, and social incentives that encouraged primarily women teachers to explore nature in and beyond their classrooms. Sally Gregory Kohlstedt brings to vivid life the instructors and reformers who advanced nature study through on-campus schools, summer programs, textbooks, and public speaking. Within a generation, this highly successful hands-on approach migrated beyond public schools into summer camps, afterschool activities, and the scouting movement. Although the rich diversity of nature study classes eventually lost ground to increasingly standardized curricula, Kohlstedt locates its legacy in the living plants and animals in classrooms and environmental field trips that remain central parts of science education today.