This class is designed to set up your child to the process of nature journaling, which is the practice of observing and responding to nature through drawing and writing. This journal is not only a record of observations in their natural surroundings, but one that has value in the process as well. It encourages your child to increase their mindfulness of their natural habitat and pay attention to detail. The goal is to increase an appreciation of nature's beauty, improve recognition of different species, and have an understanding of their local flora and fauna. This is done while also improving the ability of writing, drawing, and researching. This will provide time to be in nature, listen, and have some quiet time. Give your child a break from screen time and encourage a connectedness to nature by providing the skill of nature journaling!

I will be teaching this skill over a five week self-paced class. The way I will teach the lessons is providing them an image of a step-by-step drawing. After drawing, the learners will get the chance to label the parts of their nature drawing, which I will provide a diagram of what they can label on their drawing. I will then share a video that provides information that will be put into their nature journal. They can add color to make it a beautiful record of their learning. I will provide examples from my own nature journal of the finished product. The learners will also be asked to provide a picture of their finished drawing into the classroom so we can celebrate our nature journal entries together. Each learner will be expected to leave comments for their three favorite postings for the week to encourage learner-to-learner participation. I will also ask the learners to create their own nature journal entry from their own surroundings. The learner will take what they have learned about nature journaling and identify a part of nature that peaks their interest. They will draw it, label it, and research a few interesting facts about it, posting their entry into the classroom. Of course, as the teacher, I will provide constructive feedback for each posting. In addition to this, I will ask each learner to participate in a scavenger hunt-like activity where they find and take a photo of a tree or the rings, an insect or bee, and a bird or blue heron in their local environment. Lastly, they will identify a part of nature of their choice that they would like to journal about and share!

Week 1: Tree Rings
Week 2: Honey Bees
Week 3: Blue Heron
Week 4: Mushrooms
Week 5: Choose your own!

They will learn what a nature journal looks like, what is included, and how to learn more about the aspects of nature studied that day. They will learn how to slow down their mind, focus on the quiet, and appreciate the natural environment that they inhabit.

This class is for students that enjoy being in nature and also have an appreciation for drawing! Come join us in the wild world of nature journaling!