For children, exploring the great outdoors is an essential part of growing up. Not only does it provide a chance to get some fresh air and exercise, but it also fosters a sense of wonder, curiosity, and connection with the natural world. Being in nature has been shown to have numerous benefits for children’s physical and mental health, including reduced stress, improved mood, and increased creativity. Additionally, it’s beneficial for children not to only get outside – encouraging them to engage with nature in a meaningful way can create wealth of oppotunities for their development.
“There is no description, no image in any book that is capable of replacing the sight of real trees, and all of the life to be found around them in a real forest.” – Maria Montessori
Why Observe Nature?
Observing nature is important for children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development. By exploring the natural world, children can:
- Develop curiosity and wonder: Encouraging children to observe nature helps them develop a sense of awe and curiosity about the world around them.
- Improve problem-solving skills: Observing natural phenomena can help children develop critical thinking skills, as they try to make sense of the world.
- Enhance creativity: Nature provides endless opportunities for creative expression, from drawing to writing poetry or composing music inspired by the outdoors.
- Build empathy and compassion: Interacting with nature can foster a sense of responsibility and care for the environment and its inhabitants.
- Improve physical health: Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mental health, reduced stress levels, and increased physical activity.
Tips for Observing in Nature
To make the most of your outdoor adventures, here are some tips for observing in nature:
Start small: Begin with short excursions or visits to nearby parks or gardens to help build confidence and excitement.
Be still: Encourage children to sit or lie down quietly for a few minutes to observe their surroundings without distractions.
Use all senses: Encourage children to use their senses – sight, sound, touch, smell, and even taste (if safe) – to explore their environment.
Ask open-ended questions: Encourage children to ask questions like “What do you think is happening?” or “Why do you think that plant grows there?”
Take your time: Don’t rush – let children explore at their own pace and take their time to observe the smallest details.
What Tools to Bring Along
To make the most of your outdoor adventures, here are some essential tools to bring along:
Nature journal: A dedicated notebook or journal specifically designed for recording observations and sketches.
Pencils and crayons: For sketching and color-coding observations.
Binoculars: For getting a closer look at distant objects or animals.
Camera: To capture memories and record observations (with permission from parents/guardians).
Field guide: A resource book about local flora and fauna to help identify species.
Compass: To learn about directionality and navigation.
Space for drawing: Ample room for children to sketch their findings and add color with pencils or crayons.
The Free Guided Nature Journal
Our free guided nature journal is designed to help children document their outdoor adventures in a fun and engaging way. The journal includes:
Guided prompts: Encouraging children to observe specific aspects of nature, such as seasons, weather patterns, or animal tracks.
Space for drawing: Ample room for children to sketch their findings and add color with pencils or crayons.
Determine the size of your students’ journals. Print A4 size pages or choose ‘Multiple’ and print two pages per sheet for the smaller size journal. If you wish to take the journal outdoors, I would recommend printing two pages per sheet and using A 5-size clipboard.
This way it will be easier to hold and carry around. Younger children may benefit from working with full-size journal pages as they will most likely feel sturdier in their hands.
So decide on the size, get a binder and print the cover. Before venturing outdoors, print pages for the child to work with.
Fill them in while you are out and about or invite the child to document his or her thoughts and discoveries upon your return. Insert completed pages into the child’s nature journal binder.
How to Use the Guided Nature Journal
- Choose an outdoor location: Decide on a nearby park, trail, or even your backyard!
- Gather supplies: Bring along the journal, pencils, crayons, clipboard, binoculars (if needed), field guide (if needed), compass (if needed), and camera (with permission).
- Set intentions: Discuss with your child what they hope to observe or discover during the outing.
- Record observations: Use the guided prompts or blank pages to record observations, drawings, and thoughts.
- Reflect on experiences: After the outing, reflect on what was observed and what was learned.
By using our free guided nature journal, children can develop a deeper connection with nature, improve their observational skills, and cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. Whether you’re an educator or parent, this journal is an excellent resource to encourage children to explore and appreciate the natural world.
Download your free guided nature journal today and start inspiring your child’s love for nature!
Each page contains prompts to help children connect with the land on a more personal level.
Along with exploring local flora and fauna, children are encouraged to make personal reflections and deepen their understanding of the natural world.
This printable is great for first-time explorers who are just starting to venture outdoors. Children will work on developing their imagination, and observational skills while mastering their fine motor movements.
other resources you might find helpful in your classroom
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Animal Tracks 3 Part Cards Student Book$2.00 -
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What Goes Together in Nature Match Up$2.00 -
Birds And Their Eggs 3-Part Cards Information & Book$5.70 -
Natural Wonders of the Seven Continents Sorting Cards$3.50 -
Colors in Nature Picture Sorting Cards Coloring Sheets$4.20 -
Patterns in Nature Sorting Cards$3.00 -
Nature Journal Children’s Activity Book with Prompts I see I wonder I create$3.00