NEE Reviews

Nebel’s Elementary Education: Creating a Tapestry of Learning

Excellent Education Book with Emphasis on Science,

I stumbled across this book when I asked the Well Trained Mind Discussion Board to recommend a program to introduce my kids to fundamentals of economics. Two people recommended "Nebel’s", which I googled searched, found, and purchased.

I was quite surprised that economics is just one chapter. But it is an excellent introduction, and is indicative of all the other interesting ideas in this book.

The book begins with a discussion of teaching strategies, and it is interesting to see that as a homeschooling parent, I am providing the first three methods in spades - lecturing, hands-on activities, and coaching. However, my children are not experiencing much in the way of "seminaring", or small group discussions. Reading his section, I can see how valuable this would be for my children - to help my son communicate his ideas orally and help my daughter learn to listen to others patiently and thoughtfully.

After the first chapter, the Nebels book is divided into themes.

The first theme is "Communication", which discusses strategies for teaching reading, writing and fine arts. I do wish this chapter discussed oral communication as well - recitations, public speaking, presentations.

The second theme is "Values, Purpose, History and Society", which contains three chapters. The first chapter is on virtues/values/justice. It doesn't really discuss history, other than to say use a timeline, make history relevant, and check out various scope/sequences such as the Core Knowledge Curriculum and state standards. I would also suggest the Well-Trained Mind as an excellent resource.

The next chapter is on "Economics: Exchanging Goods and Services"; and the next on "Government and Leadership". These chapters are not textbooks that tell you exactly how and what to teach, but rather guidelines that urge you to cover certain concepts and material.

So far, this covers about 25% of the book.

The rest of the book is a wonderful science text, the three themes are "Discovering our Planet Earth" (4 chapters), "Water Wonders" (1 chapter), and "Physical Forces and Principles" (4 chapters). These chapters are very specific in the material to be covered and the methods to help children experientially learn the concepts/ideas.

There is also an interesting theme/chapter on "Numerical Skills" which discusses mathematical concepts a child should learn by the end of elementary school. This is not a math program in itself, but you can compare the math program you are using to the ideas in this chapter to make sure you are covering your bases and that the child can apply math in a practical way.

All in all, I think this is a very interesting and valuable book. I am surprised this book is not more widely known among homeschoolers.

 

 Finally! A curriculum strong in science!
By Ann O'Neal (Michigan)

I am homeschooling a gifted 5 year old who is intensely science-oriented. Every science curriculum I've looked at is either way too easy for him (the typical elementary school curriculum) or too reading/writing oriented (the typical middle school curriculum). I am delighted to have found Nebel's Elementary Education. It provides a strong and well-balanced curriculum overall, but especially so in the sciences. The science portions are simply the most complete and challenging science curriculum I have found, while still being the kind of hands-on curriculum that an active young boy needs.
There is a strong emphasis on collections, from leaves to bugs to rocks, and learning about the enormous complexity of the natural world. What I like best is the way the inter-relationships between different areas of science are stressed. No topic is studied in isolation, and the author has taken great care to connect each topic with related topics (so instead of studying the human skeleten the student studies skeletal systems across the animal kingdom) and to connect the topics with other areas of science (for example, the physics underlying the movement of the skeletal system as muscles pull on it). This makes for an extremely strong curriculum that will undoubtedly lead to a strong understanding of the natural world.
Nebel's Elementary Education is very hands-on, tons of activities and experiments, and very flexible... the scope and sequence is similar for each grade level, with the complexity and depth of study increasing each year. This is especially helpful to me, as a homeschooler, since I will be able to include my younger children in most of the discussions and activities.
Dr. Nebel has included teaching suggestions, bulletin board and wall display ideas... there is a lot of extremely good information in this book, in addition to the actual curriculum material.

 

 A Great Homeschooling Resource!,
by Patty Miller, Ohio USA
   
My nine-year-old son is a budding scientist, and he has little patience with the more language arts- based curricula ususally offered. Nebel's has provided an alternative that has made him a more eager student, and me a more relaxed and happy teacher!

The book has a framework for all the basic subjects that should be covered in elementary school, along with suggested websites, over 200 experiments and many ideas for getting the points across. The first chapter, "Teaching Strategies", is very valuable.

The book is non-sectarian, with no disrespect for religion or the lack thereof, so it can be used by anyone.

 Fabulous!
By Melissa Milligan Cordova, TN

I bought Nebel's Elementary Education on an impulse and have been most impressed with Dr. Nebel's educational philosophy and his ideas on implementing them into a child's life. The science education that most children recieve is dismal. I am most grateful that I have Nebel's Elementary Education to help me along the way to guide my children in discovering the world around them. If you are looking for a book to help you help your child learn reading, writing, math, government, and a broad range of science areas then this is it!

Instill the love of learning in your child,
By D. Keene
   
This book is an amazing teaching tool whether you are a parent home-schooling (or not) or an educator. In addition to the instructions of how to do many, many hands-on exercises and "scientific experiments," which enable you to get a child excited about learning and to bring them to think for themself, it includes a chapter on basic "virtues"(not "values" which can vary widely depending on many factors.)

And to put the icing on the cake, you can join Dr. Nebel's on-going on-line email newsgroup to communicate with him and also other parents/teachers who are using the book - to ask questions, make suggestions or share experiences. This book is particularly a "must" for parents who are home-schooling.

Dr. Nebel has followed-up with a new book, formatted in specific lesson plans.

 

I really enjoy this book!
By Alicia A. Ebert, Woodruff, SC

I really like this book! It's very simple to understand and follow the recommendations. We're making use of the 'notebook' idea ourselves, and my sons actually like looking back to see the work they've done. I also particularly like 'Theme Four: Living, Nonliving, and Human-made Things'. Science is one of my sons' favorite subjects. I like the way you explain things in 'every day terms' that are easily presented to a youngster with an inquisitive mind. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to look over your book. I have already recommended it to a couple of friends who are thinking about home schooling their children. Thank you again, and God bless!

 

WHAT CURRENT USERS ARE SAYING:
"Thank you, Dr. Nebel. I have stayed away from science until now. Your book has given me the courage and the confidence to do it. Most importantly, my children are enjoying and retaining the knowledge we are gaining with your help."
- Patricia in ATL, homeschooling mom to 3
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"To me, one of the most valuable things about your book [Dr. Nebel] is your continued personal involvement in it through this forum [http://groups.yahoo.com/nebelselementaryeduction] and your willingness to answer questions, engage in conversations, and support kid's and parent's enthusiasm about science. It's very clear that you are not just an expert on the content of you book, but also are actively engaged in the support system for the families who use it."

- Amy W., VA, Homeschooling mom for son, 4 and daughter 2
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"I have a gifted 6-year-old boy, who is intensely science-oriented. Your text [Dr. Nebel] has the strongest science content I've seen, with a wonderful collection of hands-on activities. We especially love the long-term projects, the collections and bulletin board ideas. My kids love updating our maps and models; I include my 4 year old in our lessons and both boys have gained a tremendous insight into the natural world. I am so pleased to have found a program so well suited to gifted
learners."

- Ann O., MI, homeschooling mom to 2 boys, 6 and 4
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"Dr. Nebel seems to approach each topic like an exploring scientist rather than in a cut and dried, assignment-oriented way. I like the book because the topics are interconnected with cross-references and are thus suited to following my daughter's interests without penalty for changing or repeating topics as curiosity strikes. At the same time, there is plenty of content that can be adjusted according to the child's maturity level. Also the experiments are simple and stress meaning over 'recipe.' And of course, I like being able to ask question on the e-mail list [http://groups.yahoo.com/nebelselementaryeduction]."

- Laura A., Homeschooling mom to daughter, 8
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"Even though I've been teaching science in public and private setting for several years, I have learned much about teaching a "love" of science from Dr. Nebel. I had always thought that it was mysterious how something occurred, or didn't, irrespective of my teaching. Dr. Nebel's book opened my eyes and changed my teaching style. My students always enjoyed science, but now they are much more likely to explore a concept in depth and recognize its connections to other topics."
- Jill S., private science teacher and tutor and homeschooling mom to son, 10 and daughter, 7
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MORE PRAISE:
"I purchased NEE a few months ago and I am 'addicted.'"
"Thank you Dr. Nebel. I have stayed away from science until now. Your book has given me courage."

"The demonstrations are straight forward, mostly easy, and I can see the true educational value in them."
"I have never seen the sciences pulled together in such a holistic, integrated, brilliant way. I am incredibly impressed."
"[Our daughter] is only two but we have been researching homeschooling since before she was born. I feel that your book is the core of our curriculum."
"I am constantly amazed by what a tremendous wealth of information your book contains."
"I cannot think of a better way to invest $30.00 for your kids."
"I ordered Dr. Nebel's book after already covering the skeletal system. What a blessing it was. I couldn't have been able to put it together the way he did. What a great way to integrate all the systems. My kids [1st and 2nd grades] really enjoyed it."
"My friend and I have begun weekly nature walks together with our children and they have been a great success. Thanks so much…Dr. Nebel! I am so happy with this style of teaching and learning."
"I find the material covered is suitable for older children. The book is not limited to what to teach but offers guidance in how to teach."
"I love the life sciences, although I don't know a lot about them. [However,] I am learning through reading this wonderful book. (I am 34.)"
"I am sure many of your little ones ask lots of questions. Mine always have of course, but I am just now taking note of them and realizing what teachable moments they can become [as described by Dr. Nebel]."
Re: THE E-GROUP
"I am impressed with how available you are [Dr. Nebel] to the users of your book. There's nothing like going straight to the source with your questions."
"Thank you very much for the helpful answers on engines and electricity."
"You're a gold mine, [Dr. Nebel]."
"Thank you Dr. Nebel for suggesting that project. It was just the thing to get and keep [my daughter's] interest."