September: Observation and outdoor learning

Nature Journaling

What is a nature journal?
A nature journal is a journal that is kept to record one’s observations of nature. They often contain written observations, sketches, pressed plants, photographs, and nature-inspired quotes or poems. They are the product of time spent in nature observing the world around you.

Nature journaling is a great way for students to connect with nature and their own feelings. It is a great way for students to learn to observe, and records their observations. Nature journals are usually an on-going process throughout the year. Nature journaling has been used in science, biology, art and writing classes (and more I’m sure!). Many people keep a nature journal on their own throughout the year.

Either have students bring in a blank journal to use in class or create journals as a class. Journals can be on lined or unlined paper. Sketch pads work well. They are best when they are smaller and easily tucked into a pocket or backpack so they can be brought with you on a nature hike.

Some things to think about while writing in your nature journal:
• Describe what you see in as much detail as possible
o What am I looking at?
o What does it look like?
o What is it doing?
o How does it move, sound, smell, feel?

• Think about connections
o Why is it here?
o What lives nearby?
o How can it live/grow here?
o How did it come to be here?

• Sketch a picture, take a photograph
o If you can, sketch a quick picture of what you are observing
o Take a picture with a camera and later print a picture to put with your observations

• Look within and reflect
o How do you feel while you are out in nature?
o How does the sight of an ant crawling up a tree make you feel? What are thinking about as you listen to a bird call?

Stick Journal
What you need:
• Paper (8.5 x 11 cut in half width-wise)
• Rubber bands
• Small but strong sticks about the width of your paper
• Hole punch

Cut stacks of paper in half creating sheets that are 5.5 x 8.5. Along the top edge of each stack of paper (one of the 5.5 sides, this is your width) punch two holes approximately ½ to 1 inch from side edges and ½ inch from top edge. From the back side thread a rubber band through the holes. It should lay across the back between the holes with ends or loops sticking through to the front. Place the stick across the front top edge over the holes. Place the stick through the rubber band loops that are sticking out of each hole. The rubber band and the stick are now holding the stack of paper together. This is your stick journal. Cardboard or cardstock can also be used to create a cover. Just cut to size and hole-punch with the paper before stringing with a rubber band and stick.

For more ideas check out The Nature Connection: An Outdoor Workbook for Kids, Families, and Classrooms by Clare Walker Leslie.