Keepers of Life: Discovering Plants Through Native American Stories and Earth Activities Forchildren (Keepers of the Earth)

Rating:
Summary: for all of us
Review: Excellent book on many levels, for teachers, yes, of course, but also perfect for the broad range of environmental sciences and just about anything that takes us out of doors. It highlights the essentiality of our relationship and kinship with the living Earth through Native American traditional story-telling and its profound influence upon environmental thinking, as well as how important these concepts are to our future. The stories and activities are able to take on a mulitplicty of perspective, beyond a human centered world. The original beauty of the traditional story or narrative is not lost as the discussion may gently weave into a broader complex ecological framework -- made manageable by breaking down the studies of habitats/plants/animals into units. Ideaology flows from a healthy inter-connectedness of all life -organic and inorganic- and emphasizes observation and trusting in the senses. If a book can be beyond "helpful," then I would say this one is "nurturing" and does justice for what the scope of nature offers as we in turn may offer our stewardship. If we are truly to understand the responsibility in the use and care for Earth's rich and diverse resources, we need books like this to help us grow richer spirit first.

Rating:
Summary: I can't say enough about these books!
Review: The entire series is excellent!!! I have all four and I highly reccomend them. They teach science, literature, native american culture, and give children a respect for the natural world at the same time. (there is even the occasional bit of math thrown in). My son loves doing the activities with me! Excellent for unit studies!

Rating:
Summary: I can't say enough about these books!
Review: The entire series is excellent!!! I have all four and I highly reccomend them. They teach science, literature, native american culture, and give children a respect for the natural world at the same time. (there is even the occasional bit of math thrown in). My son loves doing the activities with me! Excellent for unit studies!

Rating:
Summary: Great for Homeschooling Ecology Unit
Review: We use this book as a homeschool social studies/ecology resource. Each section begins with a Native American story related to the topic of the chapter, then moves on to a discussion of the subject matter. Each section also has activities/experiments, questions for review and discussion, and recommendations for materials for further study. My kids really look forward to each lesson in this book, because the information is presented in a fun manner, and the activities are appropriate for a wide-range of ages!