If you’re unfamiliar with the term ‘Nature Journal’, this blog is for you. Find out what they are, why you need to incorporate them into your home-school routine and how you can easily get started!
What exactly is a Nature Journal?
A nature journal is simply a notebook or diary of whatever natural observations, treasures or questions you feel inspired by. Is your child fascinated by the moon and the night sky? Do you have a bug fanatic who wants to know anything and everything about insects? Or is your little flower fairy obsessed with the beauty of florals? Start where feels natural to you. Utilise photographs, drawings, annotations or whatever else you choose to add to your journal – the more creative, the better!
So why is Nature Journaling so important?
Nature journals make for great places to explore several subject areas including science, maths, art and language – making them the perfect addition to your home-school! 4 subjects at once? YES PLEASE. Journaling in all forms is so beneficial – for everyone, not just kids! It acts as a creative outlet and a place to house thoughts, observations or extra research you might want to delve deeper into. But if you need more convincing, below are some of the benefits of incorporating nature journals into your home education.
– Nature journals make for a fun way to practice writing, art and encourage creativity.
– Inspire curiosity around natural science topics, maths and geography concepts.
– Spend more time in nature for better emotional regulation and reduced risk of anxiety, stress and depression!
– Encouraging thoughtful observation making and appreciation for our environment makes children more likely to grow up to both love and respect nature.
– Get the whole family involved, from toddlers through to elders, you are never too young (or too old) and there is ALWAYS something new to learn!
PLUS in the eyes of my children – at least, nature journaling doesn’t feel like school work! With young children try flower pressing, hape zome (the Japanese art of flower smashing) or explore pollination by observing bee friendly plants. Alternatively, older kids may enjoy dissecting flowers to learn anatomy, researching the life cycle of a specific organism or researching the food chain of a certain habitat.
Ok, but how do I get started?
Simple.
All you need to start nature journaling is a notebook and a pencil. Although a nice set of watercolours is a nice to have too. Get inspired by anything you see, hear or smell out in the woods or at the park and let your creativity flow. Delve into any topic that picques your interest, think:
- Anatomy and life-cycles
- Habitats and ecosystems
- Food chains/webs
- Classification
- Diets or reproduction
BUT…
I get it. Getting started feels overwhelming, where do you even begin? If that is the case, I’ve got you covered. Purchase my guided nature journal for over 100 pages jam packed with questions, topics and prompts for you to use as a platform to inspire further research. It’s the journal my kids have used since they were around 2 years old and still use today.
Nature journal Guided fall nature walk journal notebook – Print and go
Topics include everything from:
- Weather and temperature logging
- Animal classification
- Moon diaries and phases
- Species deep dives
- Habitat discovery
- Anatomy
- Shadows
- Symmetry
- Life cycles and much more.
There is even a list of naturalists to study with a biography template too. The beauty of a nature journal is you can use it as a springboard, delve deeper into topics that interest you and eliminate those that don’t.
You can thank me later, but for now, purchase the nature journal, go outside and get journaling!
Other posts you may enjoy:
How to Integrate a Morning Menu For a Simplified Home-school Routine