How to Make a Nature Journal with Children

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By Lynn W
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Nature Journal

Creating a nature journal is a fun and educational activity for children. It helps them with their observation skills and gives them a good science lesson. Here is how to get started making a nature journal.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

journal, notebook, sketchbook or 3-ring binder with paper
pencil
drawing materials

Step 1

Start with a journal, notebook, art sketchbook or 3- ring binder for your child’s nature journal. This is what your child will be putting in their nature observation. When your child goes on a nature walk or if they are observing nature somewhere (even in the backyard) have them use their nature journal.
Step 2

Have your child add drawings of what they see in nature in their nature journal. Don’t worry if they have trouble at first, this is a skill they will get better at as they get older and practice it.
Step 3

Next, have your child label their drawing. This can be as simple as writing what it is and the date or it can be more complex by labeling the different parts of the drawing. They can even add details in their nature journal as to what type of weather it was, what type of clouds in the sky, or what was the temperature outside.
Step 4

If your child can write poetry, have them write some poetry in their nature journal. If they just can’t get the hang of making up their own poems, then have your child copy other authors’ poems into their nature journal. Just make sure if they are copying, that they also write down who wrote the poem.
Step 5

Don’t forget to look down at the bottom of the article for the resources. You may also want to look around on the sides of the article for related articles.