In this episode Nicole Williams and I discuss why you should be studying nature (hint: it's the foundation of all STEM skills, but that's not the most important reason...), how to teach it to different ages, and what kind of book and resources you’ll need.

Nicole is the most knowledgeable person I know on the subject and I know you’re going to come away feeling excited and equipped to begin studying nature with your kids!

Nicole Williams, a leading expert in Charlotte Mason homeschooling, is the author of the 27-book Living Science Curriculum, founder of Sabbath Mood Homeschool, host of A Delectable Education Podcast, and has over two decades of experience educating and inspiring thousands of parents and teachers.

Nicole’s Website:

https://sabbathmoodhomeschool.com/

A Delectable Education Podcast

https://www.adelectableeducation.com/

Special Gift for Listeners!

https://sabbathmoodhomeschool.com/sw/

AMAZON STOREFRONT

PATREON

INSTAGRAM

www.simplewonders.org

In this episode I get to chat with my friend and fellow homeschool mamma, Havalah Turner.

Grammar and writing can be terrifying subjects for homeschoolers. We either overdo it with stacks of worksheets, or we don’t teach it all.

But there is a better way!

Writing is simply putting thoughts down on paper, and grammar is playing with words and finding the clearest and most beautiful way to convey those ideas. And in this episode we talk about exactly that – how to encourage your kids to write down their ideas (i.e. narrations!) and some ideas of how to teach grammar in a way that is playful and useful.

Some topics we cover:

Grammar instruction, Copia, The Writing Revolution, The Brave Writer, Institute For Excellence in Writing, Know and Tell, written narration, composition.

Links

The Writing Revolution by Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler

Know and Tell by Karen Glass

But How Do You Teach Writing? By Barry Lane

The Writing Thief by Ruth Culham

Grammar Matters and Should Be Taught Differently

Teaching Grammar in the 21st Century

Playing With Words: AKA Grammar | However Imperfectly

“In this time of extraordinary pressure—educational and social—perhaps a mother’s first duty to her children is to secure for them a quiet growing time" -Charlotte Mason, Home Education "What should I do with my preschool-age kids to make sure they're ready for school?" "Which preschool/kindergarten curriculum should I use?" "My first grader keeps getting in trouble at school. He's so wiggly and disruptive. What should I do?" The Early Years, the stage from birth to six years old, is a special time of immense growth -- both physically, mentally, and emotionally. And because of this they require a totally different educational approach than school-age children. What do young kids actually need from adults and how can we best provide a "quiet growing time?" I'll answer those questions and more in this episode. __

(03:10 - 04:35) Early Childhood Development Priorities

(07:48 - 09:53) Analyzing Trends in Early Childhood Education

(11:50 - 13:41) Parental Attachment Impacts Child's Mental Health

(18:17 - 20:25) Sensory Development in Children

(25:47 - 27:12) Balancing Formal Lessons With Child-Led Learning

(28:08 - 29:11) Importance of Quiet Growing Time

(34:47 - 36:07) Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children

(42:41 - 43:39) Early Years Development Guide and Activities

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Become a Patreon Member for only $5/month The Early Years Guide Preschool + Kindergarten at Home | YouTube