DIY Homeschooler

We are excited to announce the release of the first book in our new series of books — Our Wonderful World Fall — Backyard Neighbors: The World of Insects.

For years, many have enjoyed our free online nature study series based on the book Our Wonderful World by Emery Lewis Howe. Now we have divided these lessons into four books. The first is now available.

Our Wonderful World Fall covers the backyard neighbors that include:

• Earthworms.
• Ants.
• Aphids.
• Ladybugs.
• Spiders.
• Honey bees.
• Butterflies.
• Moths.

The book is aimed at younger students (older students can follow along by adding an age-appropriate biology text).

In the Book

Each lesson starts with the original story. Then come suggestions for things to do (draw, make a chart, research, compare/contrast, etc.).

Next up are experiments and suggestions for outdoor observation. We reference the corresponding pages of the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock. This much-loved handbook shows us how to observe nature in great detail. This is a wonderful reference when it comes to getting outside and observing. The paperback is still in print. But the original is also available online as a free download.

Narration suggestions are provided (oral or written). As are suggestions for memorization.

Then recommendations for what to put in a notebook are listed. These may include:

• Experiments and results.
• Copywork and narrations.
• Diagrams and illustrations.
• Bible verses and memory work.
• Summary of the insects.

A reading list follows for those who want to learn more.

In addition, extended readings have been provided. These are optional, but provide a more extensive background of the subject. A handful of suggestions follow each reading.

At the end is a review section that can be used for wrapping up.

Resources and links can be found on our Our Wonderful World Fall page.

We are so excited to finally be able to offer this series of books! Keep up to date on new releases on our Our Wonderful World ~ The Books page.