National Wildlife Federation Field Guides

Description

When I look at a field guide, there are three things that I want to see. First of all, photos. Good photos! Second of all, well-organized information that's quick to read and easy to understand. And lastly, I want a MAP that clearly shows the species' range. I don't have a lot of patience to decipher what "East of the Appalachians, and north to Ontario" means to me in Central Illinois. So, because I am recommending these beautiful field guides to you, you can safely assume that they meet these three qualifications (with the exception of Insects & Spiders, which does not have range maps). Each guide is approximately 500 pages in length and features a waterproof cover. Inside, each devotes about 50 pages to introductory material, and after that, species are organized according to their characteristics. Trees are grouped by their leaf types while birds are grouped by type and insects are grouped by order. The format varies a bit by topic. Trees typically has one to two entries per page, each with several full-color photos (focusing on different parts of the tree), and information on the height, diameter, appearance, habitat, notes, and a description of the leaves. In Birds, there are about two entries per page, each with at least two photos (of adult and juvenile or male and female), information on the length, wingspan, diet, habitat, and call. Range maps show the distribution of the species throughout the year with different colors representing different seasons. Insects has about three entries per page, each including one or two photos, and information on appearance of the young and adult forms, adult size and range. Portable, easy-to-use, and with a great format, these are my new favorite field guides! - Jess

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.