THE YOUNG NATURALISTBY BOB REPOLEY AND BARBRA ENGLISHAge level 6 to adult 
The Young Naturalist training guide is designed for young people who desire a deeper connection with the natural world. It is based on the popular Kamana Naturalist Training Program for adults. In ten chapters, we provide a foundation for a lifetime of nature learning. We guide each child, at any age level, through new and exciting experiences in the natural world by asking questions and presenting challenging activities. Think of it as a home "experience" course for children, rather than a home "study" course for adults. CHAPTER TITLES: MAPPING, PEOPLE AND THE EARTH, WATER, PLANTS, MAMMALS, TRACKING, TREES, BIRDS, WEATHER, SUN AND MOON AND UNSEEN FORCE Each chapter begins with a story that is related to the topic. It then moves into three levels of questions and activities. The first level, for the younger readers, is called Basic Bobcats. Next is Mid Merlins. The final or "upper" level is called Old Oaks. Children are encouraged to complete whatever level he or she is comfortable with, regardless of age. Space is provided at the end of each section for answers and drawings. THIS IS HOW WE DO ITChapter 8, for example, is called Birds. It starts with a story in which Running Deer and her friend Courtney, have an interesting talk with Bashful Bill, a great blue heron. Bill helps Courtney solve a troubling problem she is having. In Basic Bobcats, we offer activities that will help children to be aware of the birds in their backyard. We create an awareness of birds by observing size, shape, and color. Now we have a foundation for future learning. In Mid Merlins we focus on a single species and deepen our observations to include where the bird spends most of its time, what it eats, and whether or not it has a song. In Old Oaks we challenge the children to spend enough quiet time with three different species in order to learn each bird's song. |