Learning Through Literature about Birds

Birds are warm-blooded vertebrates and their covering of feathers is the one characteristic that distinguishes them from all other animals. Birds have a four-chambered heart; forelimbs modified into wings; a calcareous-shelled egg; and keen vision, the major sense relied upon by birds for information about their environment. My Happy Homeschool recommends learning through literature about birds with the following books –

 

What’s that Bird? by DK Publishing is perfect for beginning birders. It is an indispensable pocket guide that includes full-color photographs and illustrations of more than 150 common birds, and instructs bird watchers how to identify different birds and how to tell them apart.

 

National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America by Jonathan Alderfer is essential for the millions of Americans who watch and feed birds in their backyards – whether experienced birders or new birding enthusiasts. No matter where you live, this handy guide will quench your curiosity about the feathered creatures in your midst. It features 150 of the most common and interesting birds likely to be observed at backyard feeders, nesting nearby or just migrating through. An indispensable visual index of all 150 species appears on the inside front and back laminated covers, making identification a snap. Beginning with Backyard Basics, an easy-to-follow, richly illustrated presentation on observing and identifying birds – with tips on attracting and feeding your favorite birds, birdhouses, and bird-friendly landscapes to entice nesting – the book is full of National Geographic’s iconic field guide images and maps.

 

National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Birds of North America by Edward S. Brinkley is the most up-to-date, all-photographic field guide to North American birds. Birders will find it indispensable: this single, portable volume features more than 750 species, along with more than 2,000 stunning images by leading nature photographers showing birds in their natural habitats. Captions highlight important field marks, and comprehensive species accounts describe habitats, behavior, flight, migration, songs, and plumages. Other features include: more than 600 maps showing bird distribution in every season; strategies for watching and identifying birds; a complete species index plus a quick-flip index; a glossary of terms; and a checklist of birds. The guide’s unique waterproof cover makes it especially valuable for use in the field.

Happy Homeschooling!

 

Vermilionville

If you are ever in Lafayette, Louisiana, plan to visit the Vermilionville Living History Museum & Folk Life Park. Your group has the choice of either a guided or self-guided tour. If you choose the guided tour option, the tour guide will lead the group through the village. If you choose the self-guided tour option you will be provided with village talking points prior to your visit and brochures with a map to help you navigate your way through the village upon arrival. Please note, if you wish to use tour guides they must be scheduled in advance. And your group can add the following tour enhancements: dance lesson, cooking demonstration, rag doll craft, watershed exhibit tour or boat tour. Vermilionville provides an educational experience for children and young adults.

Visit http://www.vermilionville.org for more information.

Eclectic Homeschooling

If you find yourself combining several homeschool methods, you are probably an eclectic homeschooler. Eclectic homeschooling is the method used by most homeschoolers. Eclectic homeschooling is not a style itself but a combination of styles, which allows you to pick and choose curriculum that works best with your student’s learning styles.

 

Over the years, I have tried many different curricula and eventually I learned to stick with what works best for my students. I also learned that there is no such thing as the “perfect” curriculum. Each curriculum has its pros and cons. I learned that I needed to be free to admit something was not working and try something else. A mother’s willingness to make mid-course curriculum corrections alone can transform her homeschool.

 

Although we did not set out to be eclectic homeschoolers, we learned over the years that we needed to invest in curriculum that works for our individual family. Don’t be afraid to try a variety of curriculum, don’t be afraid to scrap what does not work and recycle it in a used curriculum sale. Commit your way to the Lord and you will be able to preserve and finish the race.

 

Happy Homeschooling!

Cherish the Moment

As I was driving home this evening, I was thinking about the weekend – musical theater, service scouts, grocery shopping, homeschool prom, two soccer games, and a ballet performance – yes, it was a very full weekend and yes, I am tired; but if I had to do it all over again, I would in a heart beat. As I was thinking on these things, a song came to mind “Cherish the Moment” by Ron Hamilton. God knows how to reach my heart, through a song or piece of music. Sometimes we get so busy, making sure everything is picture perfect, that we fail to cherish the moment. Needless to say, as I was driving God spoke to me through these words –

Read my book, rub my back; Mommy listen to my prayer.

Let me sit in your lap. Daddy, fly me through the air.

Throw a ball, make a snack; Can we go to the park?

Tuck me in, hold me close; I’m afraid of the dark. 

 

Sing a song, play a game; Swing me high in the air.

Ride a bike, fly a kite; How I love the times we share.

Hold my hand, hug my neck; Daddy, bounce me on your knee.

Come and sit by my bed; Mommy, rock me to sleep.

 

Think ahead to a time When your little ones are grown;

Hold them tight, don’t lose sight Of the blessings you have known.

Think ahead to a time When your little boy’s a man

And you’d give anything Just to hold him again.

 

Chorus

Cherish the moment; Soon you’ll be apart.

Cling to the mem’ry; Clasp it to your heart.

Soon comes the day when you’ll have no child to hold,

So cherish, cherish the moment.

Learning Through Literature about Earth Day

Earth Day is celebrated around the globe on April 22 each year. It is a time for people to consider our impact on the Earth and to commit ourselves to making the Earth a cleaner and healthier place to live. My Happy Homeschool recommends learning through literature about Earth Day with the following books:

 

Earth Day by Clara Cella is a non-fiction book that shares information about the history of Earth Day – when it began, who started it, and how people have responded to it. Readers will learn about ways they can care for the Earth. The book includes fun and simple activities kids can do to learn about different kinds of recyclable materials.

 

True Green Kids by Kim McKay features 100 simple solutions to the environmental challenges facing kids today. This book offers fun and easy ways to make a difference in our local and global environment. For anyone who wants to help save our planet – here’s your chance!

 

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a children’s book addressing economic and environmental issues. When the greedy Once-ler cuts down the lovely Truffula Trees for the sake of manufacturing, the fuzzy, yellow Lorax speaks up “for the trees have no tongue”.

Happy Homeschooling!