I am currently reading for the third time a little novel that is such a treat for me and one that I have a difficult time putting down. It’s a delightful story and homeschool idea book all rolled into one. I’m talking about the book Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola, the veteran homeschooling mother who brought to light the works of Charlotte Mason.
About Pocketful of Pinecones
The story is set in New England in the 1930’s and is the fictional account of Carol, a first-time homeschooling mother who is learning to apply Charlotte Mason’s methods as she teaches her children. Carol’s journal entries give the reader a window into the daily life of her and her family, as well as her hopes, fears, joys, and dreams, revealing that she is not so different from mothers today.
Mrs. Andreola weaves a heartwarming story of motherhood and family with the main emphasis on Carol’s carrying out nature study with her two children. Without sounding like a “how-to” manual, the story carefully incorporates ideas for nature study topics, nature walks, and keeping a nature journal. The reader can also learn from Carol’s example how to gently share and discuss information about nature with children without merely throwing facts at them.
One of my favorite things about this book is the inclusion of nature-related poems and hymns that would make wonderful additions to your own children’s nature journals. Mrs. Andreola also provides the scientific names of any nature subjects mentioned in the story, as well as thoughtful questions and ideas designed to get your wheels turning about studying nature with your own children. Because the chapters are short, you can enjoy each one in as little as fifteen minutes each day, coming away with a new idea or two to ponder and try out for yourself.
Whether or not you use the methods of Charlotte Mason or incorporate nature study into your own homeschool, this book makes for a welcome escape to a simpler time and place. Carol’s calm and gentle demeanor has a soothing effect on me and is something that I aspire to in my own mothering. Each time I read this story I come away refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired to continue setting aside time to explore God’s creation with my children.
Also be sure to check out another Pocket Full of Pinecones review here at TCC from Shirley Ann.
You can learn more about the Charlotte Mason method and Karen Andreola’s books by visiting her websites, Homeschool Highlights and the Charlotte Mason Research and Supply Company.
Purchase Pocket Full of Pinecones
More Nature Study and Charlotte Mason Resources
The Charlotte Mason Homeschool Guide – The who, what & how of Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
Exploring Nature with Children – This Charlotte Mason type study consists of a 240 page pdf file by Lynn Seddon, providing pages and pages of amazing fun and hands-on learning! This study incorporates MANY different things: nature walks, books to read, poems to recite and art to review.
The Best Homeschool Nature Study Resources – a collection of unit studies, full curriculum and reference books for homeschool nature study.
Homeschool Nature Study Membership – Homeschool Nature Study makes it easy to enrich your homeschool with nature study. You will have everything you need to bring the Handbook of Nature Study to life in your homeschool! Access to Outdoor Hour Challenges curriculum, resources to enrich your homeschool and so much more!
Charlotte Mason Guides – a collection of books and websites to help you learn about and implement the Charlotte Mason Method in your homeschool.
Written by Shannon, who enjoys learning about nature with her own children.
I am so happy you wrote this! I have never heard of this book before. I am rushing to get it now! THANKS!
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I really enjoyed this book but for many not obivious reasons. My DH’s likes to tease that her sequel should have been called A Fistful of Acorns. I like the second book also Lessons at Blackberry Inn.
I really want to read this book! I love Karen Andreola’s book A Charlotte Mason companion. It is one of my favorite homeschool books-thank you for reminding me of this one. I’ll have or order a copy.
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