If you've followed my blog for any time you'll know I absolutely love nature-based picture books! This past year was a great one for introducing new nature-based narratives with beautiful illustrations to inspire children to grow their love for the natural world and get out and explore and enjoy it as well. Most of the… Continue reading Best Nature-Based Picture Books of 2022
Author: The Silvan Reverie
History Quest is Not Just for Homeschoolers
History Quest as Interest-Based Chapter Books History Quest is a chapter book series and curriculum for elementary aged children from Pandia Press that our family used for several years of homeschooling. We used History Quest: Early Times when my children were in First Grade and Kindergarten and then History Quest: Middle Times when my children… Continue reading History Quest is Not Just for Homeschoolers
All About Reading Level 2 – Curriculum Review and Lesson Example
Why We Used All About Reading As of January this year we are public schoolers, but while homeschooling I used All About Reading to teach both of my children to read. My oldest completed Levels 1-3 and my youngest went about halfway through Level 2. I shared a detailed look about Level 1 when I… Continue reading All About Reading Level 2 – Curriculum Review and Lesson Example
Deep Dive: Thoughts on Our Transition from Homeschooling to Public School
I shared in January how we decided to switch to public school mid-school year and I was met with a lot of encouragement and support but also lots of questions! All excellent questions, but I know many of you want more details and I am happy to take the time to share. I think a… Continue reading Deep Dive: Thoughts on Our Transition from Homeschooling to Public School
Climate Change and Earth Advocate Books for Children
There's no way around it: This is a hard topic for kids. It's a hard topic for all of us. I think it's important to understand the readiness of your child, not just by age, when discussing big issues like this. In my personal opinion, often climate change books aimed at children are either (a)… Continue reading Climate Change and Earth Advocate Books for Children
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Nature Poetry for Kids
April is National Poetry Month and I am excited to share a number of favorite children's books that celebrate poetry inspired by nature. There are so many benefits in reading poetry with children or in children reading (and writing) poetry on their own: building literacy skills, gaining a fresh perspective on life, celebrating creativity, and… Continue reading Celebrate National Poetry Month with Nature Poetry for Kids
Nature Nonfiction Author Spotlight: Gail Gibbons
About Gail Gibbons' Books Gail Gibbons' nonfiction picture books are likely already familiar to you. She has written close to 200 books, after all! Her books span a wide range of topics, from transportation to sharks, clocks to tornadoes, and holidays to apples. Her nonfiction picture books are aimed at children ages 4-8 years old… Continue reading Nature Nonfiction Author Spotlight: Gail Gibbons
Engaging STEM Activity Books for Children
The popularity of STEM-based activity books for children has increased over the last few years. Today I am excited to share The Kitchen Pantry Scientist books that I think really hit the mark in this genre of books. The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series, from Quarto Kids, contains the following three books: Physics for Kids (published… Continue reading Engaging STEM Activity Books for Children
Favorite Nature Writing from BIPOC Authors
Over the past few years I have made it a goal to seek out nature writing by BIPOC authors. When I entered a public university studying Environmental Science 20 years ago, I was introduced to the field through the writings of the great American naturalists like John Muir, Henry David Thoreau, Aldo Leopold, John James… Continue reading Favorite Nature Writing from BIPOC Authors
Our Transition from Homeschool to Public School
We did a thing! We decided as a family to transition to public school with the start of 2022, having my kids enter second and first grade mid-school-year even though we had originally planned to homeschool this entire school year. I wanted to update you on our decision since I created this blog as a… Continue reading Our Transition from Homeschool to Public School
THE SILVAN REVERIE 