Morning Star Learning

A Pocketful of Pinecones-

Nature Study With the Gentle Art of Learning

By Karen Andreola

Only $17.00

Pocketful of Pinecones is the fictional account of Carol, a mother living in the 1930s, and using Charlotte Mason's methods, particularly her nature study methods. I really enjoy the fact that the story is based on Karen Andreola's experiences with her own children. It reads as a real life homeschooling experience.  The trials and temptations are there, but Carol thinks before speaking so as not to be harsh to her family.

In all our educating we should remember as Carol-Karen tells us,

"...that not all of what they will learn about God's creation will conveniently fit into my lessons. My students have a lifetime ahead of them in which to observe and discover - to become self educated in their leisure, so to speak. My job is to allow their feet to walk the paths of wonder, to see that they form relations to various things, so that when the habit is formed, they will carry an appreciation for nature with them throughout their lives."

When I first started Nature Journaling I was sometimes a bit "frozen" and not sure what to do next.  This book gave me direction on nature study ideas and a whole new mindset towards observing God's creation with love and care.  I am grateful that Karen gives us 100 examples of what to look for on a nature walk, along with Latin names for the items observed, study questions and nature poems and verses.

Britta McColl 

Morning Star Learning 2007