Charlotte Mason began special studies with a look at the most basic plants and animals, including wildflowers. She said,”every wild flower that grows in their neighbourhood, they should know quite well; should be able to describe the leaf—its shape, size, growing from the root or from the stem; the manner of flowering—a head of flowers, a single flower, a spike, etc. And, having made the acquaintance of a wild flower, so that they can never forget it or mistake it” (1/51)
In this study you will learn about the eight most common wildflower families, including the structure, identifying features, and common pattern of each family. Also included are three teacher help videos, including a demonstration of an object lesson, an explanation on how to keep a “book of lists,” and a nature walk in Autumn with the goal of looking for wildflowers.
| Wildflower General: Learn about wildflowers in general. (Video 13:00 min.) Rotation: Form 1A Autumn |
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| Aster or Sunflower Family: Learn the identifying features and common pattern of the Aster Family. (Video 8:45 min.) Rotation: Form 1A Autumn |
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| Lily Family: Learn the identifying features and common pattern of the Lily Family. (Video 6:05 min.) Rotation: Form 1C Spring |
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| Mint Family: Learn the identifying features and common pattern of the Mint Family. (Video 4:35 min.) Rotation: Form 1A Spring |
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| Mustard Family: Learn the identifying features and common pattern of the Mustard Family. (Video 6:39 min.) Rotation: Form 1A Spring |
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| Parsley or Carrot Family: Learn the identifying features and common pattern of the Parsley Family. (Video 7:05 min.) Rotation: Form 1C Autumn |
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| Pea Family: Learn the identifying features and common pattern of the Pea Family. (Video 9:38 min.) Rotation: Form 1B Spring |
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| Wildflower Object Lesson: Experience an object lesson from the perspective of the student. (Video 33:15 min., no handout) Rotation: Form 1A Autumn |
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| Keeping a Flower List: Learn how to keep a “book of lists,” as CM’s students did in Form 3 and up. (Video 33:15 min., no handout) Rotation: Form 1A Spring |
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| Autumn Flower Walk: A nature walk in Autumn with the goal of looking for wildflowers (Video 33:15 min., no handout) Rotation: Form 1B Autumn |
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Each download includes a handout with a link to the video (unless noted above.) In addition, the handout includes the following sections:
- Teacher preparation
- Object lesson questions
- Nature walk goals (only on Wildflower General)
- Other activities
- Ways to record your observations
- Book suggestions