Cindy West is a homeschooling mother of three and the author of the NaturExplorer series. She joins us on this episode of the podcast to share her contagious enthusiasm for nature study. She discusses the importance of this sometimes-neglected subject--how nature study helps us develop keen observation skills, teaches us important truths about our Creator, and gives us opportunities to make connections to  subjects like science, geography, and math. Cindy has an impressive list of simple, meaningful ways to spend just a few minutes of Morning Time on nature study. So, whether you are a seasoned nature enthusiast or someone who prefers to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your air-conditioned living room, you will be sure to find some great ideas in this episode.

YMB #11 All About Nature Study: A Conversation with Cindy West

Are you ready for homeschooling to feel joyful again? Want to build relationships and enjoy learning with your children?  Welcome to Your Morning Basket. Hosted by Pam Barnhill, this podcast shares the magic and fulfillment that Morning Time aka Morning Basket or Circle Time can bring to your homeschool.Join host Pam Barnhill every other Tuesday as she shares principles and practices that can help you create a delightful start to your homeschool day. Discussions with experts and mentor-moms cover everything from choosing the right books for a wide age range to memorizing poems to getting kids to sit still. If you are ready to spend less time planning and more time engaged in learning with your children, join Your Morning Basket Plus https://plus.pambarnhill.com/your-morning-basket-plus-membership/

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In this episode of Your Morning Basket, host Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Dawn Garrett and Laney Homan share insightful strategies for incorporating picture study into your homeschooling routine. This episode discusses the benefits of picture study, such as creating a mental gallery of paintings for children to enjoy as well as highlighting that it's not about learning art history, but rather about observing and appreciating the details in a painting.  Gain practical insights on how to conduct picture study sessions, including the basic method of observing a painting, discussing it with your children, and prompting them to think about and offer their own titles for the artwork. Whether you're new to picture study or looking for fresh ideas to invigorate your homeschooling curriculum, this episode has something for every homeschooling parent. Key Takeaways:Emphasize the value of setting a timer for 5 minutes to draw a painting as an exercise in attention, not about recreating the style of the artist.Highlight the importance of dividing a painting into thirds and showing each part to children, focusing on details like colors, brushstrokes, light, and texture. Discuss the process of telling a story about a picture to engage with the painting, emphasizing the use of details in the painting to guide the story.Encourage the community to share more ideas for picture study and other activities in a free homeschool portal.Stress the significance of building the habit of attention through picture study and other activities like nature study, music, and poetry.Recommend not revealing the title of the painting initially to encourage critical thinking, and suggest asking questions to prompt children to think about the painting and offer their own titles.
Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Morning Time PlansArtistic Pursuits curriculumThe belated Party on Mansfield Mountain by Jerome B. Thompson"Impression Sunrise" by Claude MonetAngelica KauffmanJ.M.W. Turner
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb151 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

YMB #151 Five Ways to Do a Picture Study

In this episode of “Your Morning Basket,” host Pam Barnhill and co-host Heather Tully, a mom of ten and a veteran morning time homeschooler, discuss the enriching experience of nature study. Parents will discover the benefits of incorporating nature study into their homeschool routine, learning how it can foster observation skills, connect children with science in a vivid and approachable way, and significantly benefit mental wellness by encouraging outdoor time. This episode covers practical tips for making nature study a seamless part of morning time, including building drawing and watercoloring skills as well as choosing specific topics for deeper exploration. Listen in for inspiring strategies to bring the wonders of the natural world into your homeschool. Key Takeaways:Nature study in homeschooling encourages children to observe and connect with science in a tangible and engaging way.Integrating nature study into morning time can be achieved through skill-building activities like drawing and watercoloring, and by focusing on thematic studies such as rocks or evergreens.Even without venturing outdoors, nature study can be effectively conducted at the table with resources like nature lore books and magnifying glasses for closer observation.Consistency in nature study can be fostered by forming groups for regular nature walks, thereby making the practice a communal and anticipated event.Nature study not only deepens child's understanding of the natural world but also promotes mental well-being by encouraging them to spend time outside, observing and appreciating their surroundings.
Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Gather: Exploring the Wonder, Wisdom & Worship of Learning at HomeHeather Tully PhotographyEyes and No Eyes: Volume 1Among the Meadow PeopleThe Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir LawsCircle of Seasons; The Journal of a Naturalist's YearSimply Charlotte Mason
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb150 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

YMB #150 Let's Gather for Nature Study with Heather Tully

If you're a homeschooling parent looking for meaningful ways to engage with your high schoolers and bring joy to your homeschool routine, this episode of Your Morning Basket is for you. Join host Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Laney Homan and Dawn Garrett, as they discuss incorporating Morning Time for high schoolers and the importance of Morning Time, plans that cater to the whole family. Laney Homan shares her experience of using Morning Time plans with her senior high schooler and her 7-year-old, emphasizing the value of not making high school plans and engaging in enjoyable learning together. Dawn Garrett discusses making Morning Time count for high schoolers and provides insight into incorporating it into their daily routine. Discover how morning time plans offer valuable learning experiences for children of different ages, including high schoolers. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that will inspire and guide you in making Morning Time work for your high schoolers! Key Takeaways:Morning time plans for homeschooling high schoolers can be varied and flexible, incorporating activities that cater to different subjects and interests.Morning time plans include diverse activities, videos, picture study, poetry, and level-up activities suitable for older students.High schoolers can engage with morning time plans through activities like math, which includes advanced concepts suitable for their age and ability.Discover how morning time plans can benefit high schoolers and the whole family
Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Month of Morning TimePicture Books Aren't Just for Preschoolers
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb149 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

YMB #149 Why We Don't Make High School Morning Time Plans

If you're a homeschooling mom looking for ways to incorporate current events into your homeschool, episode 148 of Your Morning Basket is a must-listen! Join host Pam Barnhill and returning guest, Carl Azuz the host and executive producer of The World From A to Z as they delve into the world of news and media literacy. Pam and Carl discuss the importance of engaging kids in meaningful conversations about global events and navigating the complex landscape of media and news consumption. Carl shares his experience as a news presenter for CNN and his reasons behind creating, "The World From A to Z," a nonpartisan news show designed to provide a well-rounded look at international events, cultures, and stories for students. Discover how "The World From A to Z" can help bring current issues to your homeschool in a family-friendly manner. Key Takeaways:Learn how, The World From A to Z provides a well-rounded perspective on news and culture.As homeschoolers, we have a unique opportunity to engage our kids in critical thinking conversations about what's happening in the world. Carl shares his journey from CNN to creating The World From A to Z, a family friendly news outlet for students.Carl encourages multiple perspectives and fact-checking in an ever growing digital age. Learn how discussing news and current events can help our children think critically and have meaningful discussions.Encourage our children to have well-rounded perspectives, especially on controversial topics. Encourage our children to bridge disagreement and polarization within their communities with factual news information. The World From A to Z runs a fresh, nine minute episode each weekday.
Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket PlusThe World From A to ZCarl Azuz's YouTube channelCarl Azuz on Your Morning BasketPoynter InstituteSonlight Homeschool Curriculum
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb148 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

YMB #148 Why Current Events? with Carl Azuz

In this episode, discover practical strategies to combat burnout in your homeschool with Pam Barnhill and co-hosts, Ali Madej and Meg Angelino. You will gain valuable insight on using Morning Time and other tools to engage your children during times of curriculum fatigue, seasonal illness, new baby, or overall burnout.  This candid conversation acknowledges the natural ebbs and flows in the homeschooling journey and the importance of extending grace to both parents and children during periods of burnout. The team offers practical insights into managing grading and striking a balance between pleasurable learning and skill subjects. Tune in to Your Morning Basket Podcast and start your journey towards a more intentional and joyful homeschooling approach today. Key Ideas About Morning Time and BurnoutUtilize library apps, such as; Hoopla, Libby for audiobooks and online resources to engage kids in learning during times of burnout.Embrace the fun and learning potential in Explorations, read-aloud time, and strewing to keep kids engaged.Explore strategies for managing burnout, including; managing mom's health, starting with enjoyable subjects, and outsourcing subjects.Emphasize the importance of balance and grace for both the homeschooling parent and the children during times of burnout.See Morning Time as a fundamental tool to combat burnout. 
Links and ResourcesYMB+HooplaLibbyLife of FredPut Your Homeschool Year On AutopilotDenise Gaskin on YMBHandbook of Nature Study
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb147 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

YMB #11 All About Nature Study: A Conversation with Cindy West

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