Shining Dawn Books

GENERAL QUESTIONS

How can I contact Shining Dawn Books?

You are always welcome to email Cindy at naturexplorers@gmail.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

Where can I find your logo button codes?

Please visit this page.  Be sure to notice the instructions about the quotes.

Why do you only offer e-books?

Printing fees are incredibly expensive for small, independent publishers.  For our sake and yours, Shining Dawn Books strives to keep costs as low as possible, making e-books the most reasonable solution.

Do you offer discount pricing?

Yes!  We have bundles available which will save you on average of 25% or more.  We also run quarterly specials and occasional sales.  The best way to learn about discount pricing is to “like” our Facebook page.  Watch for giveaways there, too!

What is your return policy?

If you are not satisfied with a product, your entire purchase price will be gladly refunded.  We only ask that you please request a refund within two weeks of purchase and delete the file from your computer.  Thank you for respecting these terms.

What is your copyright policy?

Each e-book is intended to be used only by the purchaser.  The purchaser may make one copy of the entire book for her reference, if she desires.  The purchaser may make copies of the notebooking pages for her own children, or a group of children if she is the teacher.  E-books may NOT be forwarded to others under any circumstance.  E-book files may be copied to multiple computers within the same household (ie. the upstairs and downstairs computers.)

Some of you enjoy creating additional notebooking pages, worksheets, charts, etc. to go along with the NaturExplorers studies and other Shining Dawn Books publications.  The pages you create must only be used with your children and MAY NOT be sold for profit or shared with others (online or otherwise) as free enhancements, go-alongs or otherwise. While Shining Dawn Books is pleased you enjoy our products and wish to create derivative materials, to do so without authorization is a violation of copyright law.  In other words, it is considered the stealing of intellectual property rights.  We trust that you will understand the importance of this and thank you for your cooperation.

If you wish to create derivative materials for sale or as freebies, please contact naturexplorers@gmail.com to discuss possible permission.

I prefer not to purchase products on the computer.  Can I still order your e-books?

You may send a check or money order with a listing of the products you desire AND AN EMAIL ADDRESS to:

Upon arrival, you will receive an email receipt and the PDF file(s).  If you send a check, the PDF files will be sent after the check clears.

Can I get your products on CD rather than a PDF file?

Yes.  Send an email inquiry to naturexplorers@gmail.com.  Expect an additional charge for shipping.

NATUREXPLORERS QUESTIONS

How do I use the NaturExplorers studies?

Please read this page for suggestions.

For what grade levels are the NaturExplorers units appropriate?

The NaturExplorers series was written with 1st-8th graders in mind.  All of the activities in the studies are very adaptable for all ages, though, and specific ideas are included for incorporating your older and younger students.

Are NaturExplorers studies appropriate for groups situations like co-op classes or clubs?

Yes!  Many (if not most) of the ideas contained in the main part of the studies can be used with groups of children.  Additionally, there is a small section of ideas written specifically with groups in mind.

Are NaturExplorers studies only appropriate for those using a certain homeschooling method?

Any homeschooler using any homeschooling style will find NaturExplorers studies useful.  Charlotte Mason homeschoolers will love the ideas for tying in poetry and artist and composer studies, as well as the living literature lists to enhance learning.  Those who use Unit Studies will be excited that most of what they need for a full unit is already here.  Unschoolers will appreciate the ability to find easy to implement ideas at just the right time.  Project-Based homeschoolers will be excited at the large amount of project ideas that meet many learning styles.  Traditional and Classical homeschoolers will be able to pull as little or as much from the ideas as they desire.  New Homeschoolers will appreciate the thoroughly laid out ideas, while Veteran Homeschoolers will be thankful that the ideas are already pulled together and ready to use.

Do you have to be a homeschooler to use NaturExplorers studies?

Not at all!  NaturExplorers studies will work in any teaching situation – traditional classrooms, summer camps, after school programs, 4-H programs, and more.

How long does each NaturExplorers study last?

This question really doesn’t have a good answer because it depends entirely on how you decide to use the studies.  Since they are extremely flexible, you might choose to spend a week, two weeks, a month, or more immersing your family in the study of one topic – much like a unit study.  If you simply need nature walk ideas, you might spend one month or one year on a single topic.  Either way, you’ll have plenty of ideas to keep you busy!

What if I can’t find the books you recommend in the NaturExplorers studies at the library?

No need to worry!  The NaturExplorers studies are not at all dependent on the literature suggestions.  You are free to find other books on the same topic, or leave extra reading out completely.

Do you have a list of the various books recommended for each study?

Yes.  You can view them easily by visiting this page.

Which NaturExplorers studies are appropriate for the various seasons?

This answer varies depending on the part of the world in which you live.  A sample list provided below is most appropriate for those who enjoy each of the four seasons in their fullness.  Keep an eye open in your area and you’ll soon see which topics are most appropriate during a particular season.

Spring

• Animal Signs
• Beautiful Birds
• Captivating Clouds
• Constant Conifers
• Delightful Deciduous Trees
• Everchanging Erosion
• Frogs and Toads
• A Fungus Among Us
• Hard as a Rock
• Incredible Creeks
• Peaceful Ponds
• Remarkable Rain
• Wonderful Wildflowers
• Nature Study Through the Holidays: Easter

Summer

• Animal Signs
• Beautiful Birds
• Butterflies Flutter By
• Captivating Clouds
• Constant Conifers
• Delightful Deciduous Trees
• Everchanging Erosion
• Flying Creatures of the Night
• Frogs and Toads
• Fruits and Nuts
• Hard as a Rock
• Incredible Creeks
• Peaceful Ponds
• Remarkable Rain
• Spectacular Spiders
• Wonderful Wildflowers

Autumn

• Animal Signs
• Beautiful Birds
• Butterflies Flutter By
• Captivating Clouds
• Constant Conifers
• Coping with the Cold
• Delightful Deciduous Tres
• Everchanging Erosion
• Fruits and Nuts
• A Fungus Among Us
• Hard as a Rock
• Incredible Creeks
• Peaceful Ponds
• Remarkable Rain
• Spectacular Spiders
• Wonderful Wildflowers
• Nature Study Through the Holidays: Advent

Winter

• Animal Signs
• Beautiful Birds
• Captivating Clouds
• Constant Conifers
• Coping with the Cold
• Delightful Deciduous Trees
• Everchanging Erosion
• Hard as a Rock
• Snow and Ice

Where can I share photos and stories of our nature study adventures? 

Please feel free to comment and upload pictures or links of your nature study adventures anytime you like on our Facebook page!

QUESTIONS ABOUT OTHER PRODUCTS

Your Living Literature Grammar and Language Arts lessons only last 15 weeks.  What do I do the rest of the year?

When I was using the curriculum, I typically followed a one week on/one week off approach. During the week using the packets, I kept note of anything my children were struggling with. The following week, I would copy freebies from the internet to help with the problem areas. Additionally, I would usually spend the following week focusing on writing creative stories, research, etc.

For what age level is Loving Living Math?

Loving Living Math teaches the parent how to add living math into her homeschool, so it can be used by any parent of any aged child.

If you have questions that haven’t been answered here, please feel free to fill out the contact form below.

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