Nature Journals & Scavenger Hunts

When I was engrossed in my master's degree program, nature journaling was a huge part of it. My master's is in outdoor education so we kept field journals full of notes, sketches, and watercolor paintings. That journal has since disappeared somewhere in my mementos, I am sure. But those classes, those moments sitting quietly, soaking nature in by streams, in fields, and by simple planters got me thinking about how this could make a difference in my classroom and with my students. 

In the years since, I have done nature journaling with some classes and not with others. I loved the times that I did do nature journaling and the students seemed to as well. This is a great activity that can enhance observation techniques and documentation skills. It is a reflective activity that brings those tech overloaded students a way to connect again with nature. 

Statistics show that today's children are outdoors less than ever before. While they spend hours staring at a screen each day, the average student spends merely a handful of minutes in unstructured outdoor activities. Despite the research that shows the way students with ADHD and other disorders are impacted positively with a few minutes in nature, students are kept inside, locked in their learning indoors. 

Why can't they go out and experience the calming effect of nature? Why aren't they being allowed to garden, play, walk, and yes, journal in the great outdoors? Students and all people need this connection to nature as it reduces stress and gives a sense of peace. 

This year I have moved to a new school. At our school, we are creating a lot of outdoor learning environments. We have an osprey pole that is waiting for nesting season and an osprey family to build it's first nest. We have a bat house. A pond with an island and dock are situated at the back of our property. A trail has just been blazed through our wooded area. You guys, I am so excited about all that is happening. I have big plans for these gifts our school has been given. But even if your school is in a city with little natural areas, most schools do have flower boxes or shrubs, trees, or even picnic areas. Get those students out of the class. You will never regret it.

Here is a collection of resources to help me along the way. You can also check them out on TPT by clicking on the names below.


Bug Journal

Nature Journal

Scavenger Hunt

I am getting ready to brush off my nature journaling resources and get my students out there to connect with nature again or maybe for the first time. I can't wait to combat their nature deficit disorder with a touch of nature. What about you?