Pocketful of Pinecones: Nature Study with the Gentle Art of Learning

Diaries are usually kept private--but not this one! It reveals the secret hopes, joys and disappointments one woman experiences throughout her first year of homeschooling. Filled with delightful quotes and other tidbits, this book on 'the gentle art of learning' provides over 100 examples of what to look for on a nature walk, poems and questions for your own homeschooling journey. More than heartwarming reading, it offers both a practical guide to nature study and a little encouragement for you. A supplemental section features Charlotte Mason quotations and suggestions for further reading. 272 pages, softcover.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Many home educators get frazzled. Don’t give up. What you need is a little encouragement. That’s why I wrote you this story. It is a diary of one mother’s year of home teaching. In her diary, Carol pours out her secret hopes, joys, and disappointments. Does she get frazzled? Yes. She is on her feet a lot, caring for the needs of her family. Her heart is full of service, so it is no surprise that come nightfall she is frequently exhausted. How does she manage? Carol feeds her soul by reading in snatches. She decides to follow “the gentle art of learning”—a lifestyle of learning that helps to focus her days. She also takes joy in the simple things she considers to be God’s blessings. She goes on nature walks with her children each Wednesday afternoon. Together they observe God’s marvelous creation and record their findings into their Nature Notebooks. Meanwhile, Carol copes with the late hours her husband, Michael, must keep at his workplace, yet she learns to trust God with their circumstances. Pinecones also features nature poems and verses, Latin names for the living things observed by the characters, and study questions. 272 pages, softcover from Charlotte Mason Research.

—Karen

Average Rating:

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Reviewed by Margaret Oleary (Kooskia, ID), January 11, 2010

I really enjoyed this book. It gave me some great ideas on nature study and home schooling. I do think it is geared more to those who live in urban and suburban areas than to those who live in rural areas. I liked the questions and supplemental notes. I really thought the poems were wonderful and enjoyed reading some of it to my children even though it is meant for mothers.

Reviewed by Kathy (Racine Wisconsin), March 16, 2006

I read this book two years ago and loved it! The story is of Carol, a stay at home wife/mother/homeschooler in the 1930's. We learn about Carol's triumphs/tragedy's through the diary she keeps. This is an excellant resource for those who are considering homeschooling, exploring the topic of how to teach nature study or for the mother who needs gentle encouragement.

Reviewed by Debra Garner (Astoria, OR), April 30, 2004

I just loved this book. I read it in one day! I couldn't put it down. My only complaint was that it ended! I certainly hope Karen writes a sequel! Thanks for such a great book! It ministered to my spirit!

Reviewed by Lisa Winton (Anderson, CA), September 30, 2002

This book ministered to my heart and refreshed my spirit! The characters in the story face real-life challenges with grace and faith, and I was inspired and encouraged as I also gained valuable insight into nature study through the eyes of this first-year homeschooling mom. This story is a wonderful addition to my 'Mother Culture' library, and I can't wait to read it again! Thanks, Karen Andreola, for another wonderful resource.

Reviewed by Jillian (Ashland City, TN), August 10, 2002

I loved this book!! This book from Karen is a neat story about life with nature as the core of learning with everyday living. Funny it mentions where I used to live so I am going to find out more about her. This is a must read for nature lovers of stories and natural learning. My children will read this next!! God Bless

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