Walks with a Naturalist
By the Alveary Team
Melissa Dowland of Roads End Naturalist started writing stories during indoor recess in second grade. Years later, after working in museums, teaching nature study, exploring North Carolina swamps and Yellowstone, and helping others learn to observe the natural world, she was asked to write something Charlotte Mason families had been searching for: living science readers filled with wonder.
The result became our new Natural History Readers.
Inside are stories about cicadas, caterpillars, butterflies, mud daubers, and the fascinating things children might discover right outside their own homes. Many pages even include Melissa's own watercolor illustrations and photography, making each story feel like an invitation to go outside and look a little closer. In her own words, "I love sharing nature with others. I love making a difference in their lives and helping them see the world with new eyes. I hope that my books will be another way to do just that."
We would love for you to meet the author behind the books and hear how the series came to life (Vol. 3 is coming!). Melissa recently shared the full story on her blog, along with a story on cicadas your children are bound to love. Go check out her post here, we think you will love it!
Spotlight: May is packed with giveaways leading up to our Alveary 2026–27 Lesson Plan Launch Party on June 4th. If you’re a 2026–27 Alveary member, you’re already entered. Winners will be announced in Alveary Weekly and emailed directly. You can also earn bonus entries by sharing and tagging us on social media. This week's winner: Erika R. Next giveaway: Upgrade to Alveary+
Notes:
- 2026–27: Have you seen the updated Reflective Practice Plan Book? We’ve added new book suggestions and refreshed introductory pages while keeping many familiar weekly prompts. Preview it online to decide whether to print the new version or continue with your current copy. Either way, the important thing is continuing the practice of reflection.
- Alveary+: As you begin thinking about next year, we want to remind you to archive courses once they are completed. Keeping old courses archived will make it much easier to manage and organize the new courses coming from the portal starting in June.
- Humble Heart Press: We have a new print partner this year. Humble Heart offers high-quality printing, all in one place, with improved shipping options. Printed lesson plan ordering will open in June.
- Favorite Books: We’d love to celebrate the books that made this year memorable for your students! What titles stood out? Tell us here!
- Office Hours: Join us for a relaxed conversation with the Alveary team, where you can ask questions, explore the dashboard, and feel supported as you begin the year. RSVP here.
- Award: Before Age Six received a 2026 Practical Homeschooling® Reader Award for the second year in a row, as voted on by the homeschool community. If you haven’t explored this resource yet, you can find it on the Lesson Plan page.
- Home Science Tools: Use code ALVEARY10 during the month of May to get 10% off your order. Only one offer code may be used per order. Discount does not apply to shipping, tax, gift certificates, sale items, or select individual products. Maximum discount amount cannot exceed $150. Offer expires on 5/31/26.
- CMI Courses: Looking for opportunities to deepen your understanding of Charlotte Mason's ideas? Auditing and payment plan options are available for the graduate-level courses. Join us for a summer course.
- 2026 CMI Conference: We hope to see you this summer at Faithfully Present. There will be so much to take in at the conference. Be sure to check out the different “Tracks” to help sort through it all and find sessions that most interest you. Register today!
- Friends & Fellow Labourers: The first Friends and Fellow Labourers talk is this month. Join Amber O’Neal Johnston for “Parenting the Charlotte Mason Way,” a conversation on living out these principles at home. Saturday, 30 May 2026 | 3:00–4:30 pm Learn more here.
Have a wonderful weekend!
