ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - s4story -- Susan Shining-Star marks the first anniversary of Backyard Homestead Adventures: Companion Workbook (Sunny Stella®), a structured nature study resource designed for teachers, homeschool educators, parents, and other adults guiding children ages 8 to 12. Created as a companion to Backyard Homestead Adventures: Storybook 1, the workbook gives middle-grade learners opportunities to move beyond reading by exploring nature and homesteading, strengthening observation skills, and practicing environmental stewardship through adult-guided experiences.

Designed to complement the stand-alone adventures in the storybook, Backyard Homestead Adventures: Companion Workbook (Sunny Stella®) provides more than 50 guided nature and homestead learning activities. Discussion prompts encourage children to explain what they observe, make connections, develop curiosity, and think critically about the natural world. The activities do not require a specialized outdoor classroom. They help adults and children use backyards, gardens, and other accessible outdoor spaces for meaningful discovery and practical education.

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The workbook also incorporates the GROW Anywhere System®, Shining-Star's practical framework for nature-based learning and homesteading. The framework encourages children to begin with the resources and spaces already available to them.

For adults seeking alternatives to passive learning, the resource emphasizes observation, conversation, and critical thinking. It can be used flexibly in classrooms, homeschools, family settings, and other educational environments. A QR code provides access to the Backyard Homestead Adventures: Storybook 1 eBook so children and adults can use the stories and companion activities together.

Shining-Star is a Naturalist Educator and author who creates nature-based learning materials for children and the adults who guide them, as well as professional development resources for educators and facilitators. Her work combines storytelling, practical learning, educator support, and environmental stewardship.

Backyard Homestead Adventures: Companion Workbook (Sunny Stella®) is available on Amazon.

For interview requests or additional information, please contact:

Susan Shining-Star
Email: contact@explorebackyardhomesteading.com