When you commit to a one year pond study, you do so with enthusiasm—and realism. As any homeschooling parent knows, life happens. Illness, weather, and energy levels can all interfere with even the most beloved weekly traditions. As we reached Week 21 of our homeschool pond study, illness meant we couldn’t physically get to the pond. Thankfully, I had a Plan B tucked away. That backup plan came in the form of a book that has since become one of the most treasured resources in our homeschool: Pond (One Small Square) by Donald M. Silver.
Find out more! If you’d like to know more about why we decided to do a year long pond study, this is the post for you!
Pond (One Small Square)
The One Small Square series is built on a simple but powerful idea: instead of trying to study everything, choose one small square of nature and observe it deeply over time. This philosophy aligns beautifully with both Charlotte Mason–style nature study and modern project-based learning.
When we opened Pond (One Small Square), the children were instantly engaged, even while unwell, because it mirrors exactly what we’ve been doing all year at our pond.
Read More! We learnt all about the variety of pond birds in the UK and the summer pond fauna and the animals and plants we have found around our pond
Book Review: Pond (One Small Square) by Donald M. Silver
This book is nothing short of a homeschool nature study masterpiece.
Read about our very own pond ecosystem as well as our examination of the pond water
A Gentle, Thoughtful Beginning
In the very first pages, Silver covers:
- Pond safety
- Simple equipment to enhance observation
- How to choose and measure your own “small square”
Almost immediately, the children began planning where their square would be, proof of how naturally this book invites ownership and curiosity.
Layer by Layer: A True Immersion into Pond Life
The book guides readers gradually through the pond ecosystem:
- Just above the water
- The water’s surface
- Beneath the surface
- Under lily pads
- Into microscopic worlds found in a cupful of pond water
Each section builds logically and visually, making complex ecosystems understandable for a wide range of ages.
Despite not being physically at the pond, the children frequently exclaimed:
“Oh! I remember seeing one of those!”
“Yes—we didn’t know its name though!”
Our repeated visits over the past 21 weeks meant the book felt like a return to the pond rather than a replacement for it.
I have written a post about Moorhen chicks and have included a follow up to show their growth from eggs to chick to fledgling teen-agers!
More Than a Field Guide
This is where Pond (One Small Square) truly shines.
It doesn’t just tell you what you might find—it explains:
- Why certain creatures live where they do
- How they behave
- What role they play in the ecosystem
For example, the book explains that mosquito nymphs live underwater but must breathe air, which is why they’re found just beneath the surface using a breathing funnel. This kind of explanation transforms simple observation into real understanding.
Embedded Science Without Overwhelm
Complex scientific concepts, such as:
- Photosynthesis
- Surface tension
- Life cycles
- Food chains
are seamlessly woven into illustrations and explanations so naturally that children don’t even realise they’re learning ‘hard science.’
My four-year-old grasped the food chain, while my nature-loving older child still found plenty of depth and challenge. Even our two-year-old lingered over the illustrations.
That is rare.
Check out my post all about our gorgeous heron!
Built-In Extension Ideas for Homeschoolers
Along the margins of each double page are optional activity ideas, including:
- Keeping a pond notebook
- Observation challenges
- Habitat extensions (yes, even duck nesting houses!)
These gentle suggestions make this book exceptionally well suited to a homeschool pond study, whether you’re following a one year pond study or dipping in seasonally.
How We’re Using This Book in Our One Year Pond Study
This week, we read the first half, completing our understanding of the pond’s layers. Next week, we’ll continue with Part 2 as Week 22 of our study.
Even after 21 weeks of visiting the same pond, we finished this week knowing more than we did before, a testament to the depth and quality of this book.
So far, this is hands-down the best book we have ever used for ponding, and we recommend it wholeheartedly.
Reflection Questions for Children
- Why do you think studying one small square is better than trying to study the whole pond at once?
- What new creature or fact surprised you most in the book?
- How does knowing why an animal lives somewhere change how you observe it?
- Can you think of another place where a “one small square” study would work?
- How did the book help you remember things we’ve already seen at the pond?
Hands-On Activity Ideas to Go With This Lesson
1. Create Your Own Small Square
Mark out a 1-foot square near a pond, stream, or even a garden and observe it weekly.
2. Pond Layer Drawing
Have children draw the pond in layers, above water, surface, below, and microscopic.
3. Micro World Investigation
Collect a small jar of pond water and examine it with a magnifying glass or microscope.
4. Nature Notebook Entry
Sketch one creature from the book and write what it eats, where it lives, and why.
5. “Why Here?” Game
Choose a pond creature and ask: Why does it live in this exact place?
Final Thoughts
Pond (One Small Square) is not just a backup plan, it’s a core resource for any homeschool family pursuing a homeschool pond study or a one year pond study. It deepens observation, strengthens recall, and gently teaches real science in a way that feels natural and joyful.
Next week, we’ll continue with One Small Square Part 2, and I can already say, this book has earned a permanent place on our homeschool shelf.
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