DIY Homeschooler

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Outlines of Lessons in Botany ~ Free eBook

Outlines of Lessons in Botany by Jane H. Newell is a true gem! The subtitle is telling: For the Use of Teachers or Mothers Studying with Their Children. This free eBook states as its goal, fostering the power of observation, letting Nature truly be the teacher:

The former method of teaching Botany was confined almost wholly to dry, technical classification. The pupil learned to find the name and order of a plant, but its structure, its habits, its life in short, were untouched by him. We know now that Nature is the best text-book. The pupil should first ask his questions of her and try to interpret her answers; then he may learn with profit what those who better understand her speech have to tell him.

With that said, the author also realizes and appreciates the role the tutor plays:

This method of teaching, however, requires much, very much, of the teacher. He must be himself intelligent, well trained, and able to give time to the preparation of his lessons. It seems to us, who are but amateurs, as if it were impossible to teach thus without a thorough comprehension of the whole field. Our own ignorance oppresses us so much that we feel tempted to say that we cannot attempt it. But if the work of leading children to observe the wonders about them is to be done at all, it must be done by us, who are not masters of our subject, and we must find out for ourselves how we can best accomplish this result, since we have so little to guide us.

The book is aimed at ages 12 and up. (For younger children, the author recommends observing and charting plant growth, for example.)
Part I: From Seed to Leaf (this volume) covers:

Plants and their uses.
Seeds.
Roots.
Buds and branches.
Stems.
Leaves.

If you are at all familiar with our Free Nature Studies, you will recognize that this book tracks nicely and will be a valuable reference!

Throughout you will find experiments, illustrations perfect for a notebook, and discussion questions that can be used for narrations. There are also extensive teaching notes and references to books containing more information.

Perfect book for getting outside and observing nature…and it’s free!