3|6|24 - How to Start Your Own Nature Journal
Hello, young nature detectives! Today, we're going to embark on a thrilling new adventure. We're going to learn how to start our very own nature journals. A nature journal is a special book where you can draw pictures, write stories, and record all the amazing things you discover outdoors.
What is a Nature Journal?
A nature journal is like a treasure map that leads you back to all the wonderful moments you’ve experienced in nature. It can be any type of notebook or scrapbook where you record what you see, hear, smell, and feel while exploring the great outdoors. It’s a place to capture your thoughts, sketches, and discoveries about plants, animals, and everything else in the natural world.
Supplies You’ll Need:
A notebook or journal: This can be any kind of book you like. It could have blank, lined, or grid pages. Pick one that feels right for you! Try this one and design your own personal cover!
Pens and pencils: Bring along some writing tools. Colored pencils or markers can be great if you like to draw in color.
A small ruler: Handy for measuring leaves, footprints, or anything else you might find.
A magnifying glass: Not a must-have, but it can help you see small details up close.
Stickers or stamps: These are fun to decorate your pages and make your journal unique.
Starting Your Nature Journal:
Personalize Your Journal: Decorate the cover with stickers, drawings, or anything else that makes it feel special. You can write your name and the date you started your journal.
Make Your First Entry: Choose a nice day to go outside and find a comfortable spot in your backyard, a park, or any natural area. What do you see around you? Start by writing the date, time, and place at the top of a new page.
Observe and Record: Look around and notice the details. What color is the sky? What birds can you hear? Are there any flowers or trees nearby? Draw what you see or write about it. You can even press a fallen leaf or flower between the pages.
Ask Questions: Write down any questions that come to mind. Is there a bird you can’t identify? A type of tree you don’t know? You can look up the answers later and add them to your journal.
Express Yourself: There’s no right or wrong way to use your journal. Write poems, stories, or just thoughts and feelings about what you’re experiencing in nature.
Tips for a Great Nature Journal:
Visit Different Places: You can write about your backyard, a city park, a beach, or a forest. Every place has something unique to observe.
Be a Regular: Try to make entries regularly. You’ll be amazed at how things change from day to day and season to season.
Share Your Discoveries: Share your nature journal with family and friends. They might be inspired to start their own!
Remember:
Your nature journal is a personal adventure book. It’s a way to remember your adventures and learn about the natural world. Every leaf, every bug, and every ray of sunshine has a story. Your journal is where those stories live!
Thank you for joining us on this creative journey. Grab your journal and pencils, and let’s head outside. The world is waiting to be discovered, one page at a time! Happy journaling!
