Nature Journaling For Kids: Easy Ways to Get Started
Nature journaling for kids is a fun activity to get your family out of the house and into nature.
All it takes is a few simple supplies, and your child will be well on their way to all kinds of exciting discoveries.
Let’s face it, nature is a fantastic teacher. Imagine what it would be like if your kids couldn’t wait to get outside?
Read on to discover more about nature journaling and how to get started!
Most children are fascinated by the natural world around them. Have you ever seen a child entranced by a natural wonder?
It could be a rock with sparkles or a fearsome-looking bug with pincers! Children tend to experience the elements of nature with a sense of awe.
In school, they learn about different animals and basic scientific facts about the world and the forces of nature.
Nature journaling for kids is a great way to build on all those experiences.
What Is Nature Journaling For Kids?
First off, what is nature journaling? Nature journaling is about spending time in nature and recording your observations and impressions of the natural world.
Think about it this way. A nature journal for kids is like a scrapbook of all the things your child finds interesting in the great outdoors.
Nature journaling encourages children to slow down and take notice of the world around them.
Your child doesn’t have to be an artist or a nature expert. Nature journals are all about creativity and exploration! Every nature journal is unique, and that is the beauty of them.
Your child might use their journal for drawing, painting, writing, and making scientific observations. However, journals can include stories, poetry, bark rubbings, leaf prints, and even photography.
Kids can enjoy nature journaling anywhere in the natural world, from backyards to national parks. It is a beautiful way to document and reflect on their discoveries, making them a marvelous memento of time spent outside.
Need more ideas for outdoor adventures? Our Outdoor Activities page is packed with all kinds of fun ideas to entice your kids outside.
Essential Nature Journaling Supplies For Kids
The beauty of nature journaling is that it doesn’t require a lot of expensive supplies.
- A journal or sketchbook for recording observations and impressions. Take a look at our beautiful printable nature journal below.
- Pencils and pens to write and draw with.
- Other art supplies: Depending on the age and interests of the child, you may want to provide additional art supplies such as pencil crayons, crayons, small field set watercolors, charcoal, or oil pastels.
- A backpack to carry your supplies can be handy.
- A magnifying glass allows kids to get a closer look at small details in nature.
- A collection bag or box (egg carton) to collect natural treasures.
- A tape measure or ruler
- A field guide can be handy for older children who want to know more about their finds.
How to Start a Nature Journal For Kids
Starting a nature journal with your kids can be a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family. Here are some steps you can follow to get started:
- Gather the supplies: Have them ready in a dedicated backpack.
- Choose a location: It can be anywhere you may encounter the natural world. It can be as simple as going out into your backyard or to your local park.
- Encourage observation: Invite your children to pay attention to the details of their surroundings. Ask them questions to help them think more deeply about what they see. Remind them to use all of their senses. A nature journal with prompts can be helpful here.
- Encourage creativity: Encourage your children to express themselves as they wish through words and art in their nature journals. You can also provide prompts or activities to help them get started.
- Make it a regular activity: One of the best ways to learn is to observe the changes in nature from week to week. Try to make nature journaling something you do with your children regularly. This can help them develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world over time.
- Have fun: Above all, make sure that nature journaling is a fun and enjoyable activity for your children.
- Lead the way: Remember that nature journaling is a great activity for adults. Keep your own journal and enjoy the activity along with your kids.
At What Age Should You Start A Nature Journal?
There is no specific age at which you can start a nature journal. The important thing is to tailor the activity to the age and interests of the individual.
Children as young as 3 or 4 can begin to participate in nature journaling with some guidance. At the same time, older children and adults can also benefit from this activity.
Younger children may need more structure, while older children may be more comfortable with more open-ended journaling.
It’s also important to consider the individual’s attention span and ability to sit and focus on a task for an extended period.
Overall, the key is making nature journaling enjoyable and engaging for the individual, regardless of age.
How Do You Make A Nature Journal For Kids?
Any journal or sketchbook can be used. However, having a dedicated nature journal with prompts and directions can be handy.
A Printable Nature Journal
With this in mind, I’ve designed a beautiful printable nature journal to help you get started with your kids.
I pulled on all my skills as an educator to make something that would capture kids’ imagination and encourage them to observe, explore, and document the wonders of nature.
Our printable Nature Journal is illustrated with gorgeous watercolor and vintage images, so it is lovely to look at.
It provides the perfect platform for kids as they begin to explore nature and document their observations.
The best part is that you can pick out the pages you want and create a unique journal for your children.
Kids get an exciting assortment of activities, and you can watch the learning unfold! It is the perfect way to get started on nature journaling.
Download the files, print the pages you want, and put them in a file folder or on a clipboard.
I’ve deliberately kept the price low, and you can print as many copies as you like. Let’s take a closer look at the journal. This is what you will get.
What Is Included in The Nature Journal For Kids?
Four Observation Pages
The journal has four different kinds of observation pages. The first two are very directed and ask specific questions. The other two are open-ended and provide space for artwork and writing.
Two Open Ended Pages
We have included a lined page for writing and a blank page for artwork. These have no directions so that children can use them how they want.
Suggestion: Make some land art and take a photograph to add to your journal
Five Activity Pages
These pages provide a specific activity and a space for children to record their observations. They invite children to focus and observe.
One of the pages asks children to list some of the colors they see. Older children can go beyond simple colors and learn about different shades.
For example, can you see an emerald, olive, lime, and jade green? Windsor Newton has a variety of color charts that you can download and print if you need help with different colors.
Four Seasonal Pages
These pages invite children to record the signs of the four seasons. They can draw or write about what they notice. They could also take photographs, print them, and paste them into the page.
Four Study Pages
We have leaf, rock, and mini-beast study pages. These pages will help children focus on one specific aspect of nature and describe it in detail. We have also made a generic nature study page, so kids can choose what they want to study.
Three Scavenger hunts
Scavenger hunts are always fun and encourage children to really look closely. We have 3 kinds. Texture, color scavenger hunts, and an editable page so you can create your own.
A Page Of Nature Journal Prompts
This page will help inspire children that get stuck. It contains 14 journal prompts to help kids get started.
- Write a story about a day in the life of a small creature.
- Draw a map of your favorite place in nature.
- Write a poem about something beautiful you saw in nature.
- Lie down and watch the sky for a while. Draw some of the clouds.
- Write about an adventure you had in nature.
- Draw a picture of the landscape. Don’t forget to include the sky.
- Do another picture of the same place at a different time.
- Make a collection of natural treasures and draw them.
- Write a list of questions about what you find or see.
- How will you find the answers to your questions?
- Measure a few small items using a ruler.
- Collect 4 different leaves, rocks, or sticks to draw.
- Write a short story about an adventure you had in nature.
- Find some quotes about nature. Write them in your journal.
Why Is Nature Journaling Good For Kids?
Nature journaling can be an enriching activity for children, and it is a fantastic family activity. But here’s the exciting thing, it also turns out to be very beneficial. Before I finish this post, I want to briefly discuss some of the benefits of this activity. Let’s take a quick look.
Develop Their Observation Skills
Nature journaling is an easy way to help children develop their powers of observation as they hone in on the details of nature.
The activities encourage children to slow down and look closer than they might normally. And just think, while they look closer, they are learning all kinds of skills! It’s great!
Foster A Sense Of Curiosity And Wonder
Curiosity and wonder are two incredible gifts we can give our children. Nature journaling is the perfect way to foster both!
It’s an opportunity for kids to observe nature, document what they see, ask questions, and do their own research to seek out answers.
Children can learn to explore nature, build relationships with their environment, and make connections through nature journaling.
Nature journaling could be just what your child needs to kick-start a profound journey of exploration and discovery!
Promote Creativity and Self-Expression
We can all agree that pursuing creativity and self-expression should be integral to our lives. Nature journaling is a great way to do this.
Children can use their journals to draw pictures, write stories, and explore their creativity as they observe and document the natural world around them.
Remember, a nature journal is a very personal thing. Some children may create a detailed field guide, and others may prefer to keep a diary or write poetry.
In addition, nature journaling can also help children develop their artistic skills and techniques. As they draw and paint what they see, they practice and improve their skills in various media.
Of course, we can encourage children to try different techniques. Bark rubbing, leaf prints, collages, and photography are all suitable mediums to add to your journal.
Nature journaling is all about exploring nature in unique and creative ways!
Looking For some fun things to do when outdoors? Try making a nature mandala and then draw a picture of it in your journal.
Deepen Their Connection To Nature
For many years scientists have made the connections between exposure to nature and our physical and mental well-being.
The bottom line is this, having a deep connection with nature is really good for you.
“The sense of connection you have with the natural world seems to contribute to happiness even when you’re not physically immersed in nature.” Dr. Lisa Nisbet
Spending time in nature and documenting their observations is an easy way for children to foster a deeper appreciation and sense of connection with the natural world.
Nature Journaling Encourages Hands-On Learning
Nature journaling is the perfect educational tool! It incorporates elements from various disciplines, including science, art, literature, and environmental studies.
Children will learn about different plants, animals, and ecosystems as they observe and document the natural world. They will learn to ask questions, research, and study shapes, sizes, and symmetry.
As they draw, they will discover how to identify different species, make behavioral observations and gain an understanding of nature’s cycles.
This learning goes far beyond the classroom, as nature journaling builds an appreciation for nature and encourages stewardship. This kind of discovery-based learning is priceless.
All in all, nature journaling can be an enriching and exciting activity for children of all ages. It encourages creative exploration, promotes outdoor education, and helps to cultivate appreciation and mindfulness of nature.
Download your copy of our printable nature journal so your children can start discovering the beauty of nature today. Here’s to inspiring curiosity and cultivating an enduring respect for the natural world! Trust me. It’ll all be worth it.
A nature journal would be a fantastic gift for kids who love nature. Take a look at our other suggestions.
Looking for more fun ideas to keep kids entertained? Head over to our Kids Activities page where you’ll find hundreds of fun ideas all in one place.