How to Create a Nature Journal: Tips and Ideas for Your Curious Kids

Hey there, Wild Wonder Explorers!

Picture this: It’s Saturday morning, the sun is just starting to rise, and you’ve got nothing but time. (Okay, maybe more like an hour or so of time, but who's counting?)

What could possibly be better than coaxing your troop outside, plunging into the wild fringes of your own backyard, or the local park, and embarking on a mini-safari? This isn’t just any outdoor romp, though.

Today, you’re armed with your secret weapon: a nature journal.

Now, if you’re picturing a dusty, old notebook filled with drab notes about bird species, think again. Nature journals are vibrant scrapbooks of discovery—they are the Instagram feed of the flora and fauna world, but this time with no filter needed, and no annoying trending songs.

They're time capsules -- and like our Wild Wonder letters, they can help your kid tap into what they care about, expressing it for themselves and others. 

What’s a nature journal, and why are they so powerful for kids?

A nature journal is essentially a diary for the outdoors. It’s a physical repository where kids (and hey, adults too!) can record what they see, hear, smell, and feel. More than just a collection of sketches or observations, it’s a playground for the senses and the intellect, marrying creativity with scientific observation.

Basically, it's not about documenting what you see, it's about sharing how you feel about what you see.  

Why bother? Because in a world where the answer to every question is a click away, the art of observing and documenting and reflecting slows us down. It makes scientists of us all, pushing us to wonder why the leaves turn red, why the ants move in a straight line, or why the birds sing louder at dusk.

The Cognitive Candy of Nature Journaling

Before we dive into the 'how,' let's chat about the 'why.'

Nature journaling is brain food.

When kids (or anyone, really) take the time to note down what they see or sketch a quick doodle of a leaf, they’re not just making art—they’re building neural pathways. Observational skills, critical thinking, problem-solving—these are just appetizers in the smorgasbord of cognitive development that nature journaling offers.

Research tells us that connecting with nature sharpens mental health and improves attention and focus. Combine that with the reflective practice of journaling, and you’ve got a powerhouse activity that boosts emotional and intellectual growth.

Plus -- it's worth mentioning along with all the brain boosts, journalling in and about nature is straight up fun. It feels good to be in nature, and your kids journal can become a direct line to helping their well being one leaf or page turn at a time.

Setting Up Your Nature Journaling Kit

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty to help you and your kids get started.

First, you'll need a journal. Pick something durable and preferably water-resistant—because adventures don’t wait for good weather. A simple spiral-bound or a beautifully crafted leather-bound book can be your canvas. Go big, go cheap -- whatever suits your budget is fine. 

Next, pack some pencils, colored pencils, maybe some watercolors, and definitely a pen or two. Oh, and don’t forget a glue stick for those leaves, petals, and whatever treasures you might find. Kid-friendly materials are all welcome, with crayons, markers, stickers, and anything else being more than welcome. 

When you've got your goodies together, find yourself a simple cloth bag or Ziploc to keep it all together and easy to grab as you head out on your adventures. 

The Art of Observation: What to Include

Here’s where the fun begins. Anything goes in a nature journal. Encourage your kids to draw what they see. No worries about perfection—we’re channeling curiosity, not entering an art contest. Remind them that there is no "bad drawing" here, and that they're allowed to interpret anything, exactly how they want. (They can also draw imaginary things, if that lights them up!)

• Sketches and Drawings: From the squirrels high-tailing it up a tree to the weirdly shaped cloud overhead, invite them to sketch it all down as they like. (If you're a Wild Wonder subscriber, show them some of our letters for inspiration here on how you can approach sketching in different ways!)
• Pressed Flowers and Leaves: A classic move in any nature journal for a reason! These add texture and colour. If you want to get extra fun with this, you can also include an extra plastic baggie in your kit, so they can collect little bits and bobs from their journeys. 
• Poems and Stories: Spotted a peculiar frog? Maybe it’s a prince in disguise. Write a short poem about him. Remind your child that not all poems need to rhyme!
• Scientific Observations: Note the weather, temperature, or phases of the moon. These details add context to your observations and can be great for pattern recognition over time.

• Nature Maps: Encourage kids to create maps of their exploration areas. They can mark where they found certain plants, spotted wildlife, or even where they felt most at peace. This not only helps with spatial awareness but also makes each visit to the area more meaningful as they add new discoveries. 

• Color Palettes: Kids can create color palettes from the environment around them. For instance, they can use coloured pencils to match and record the various greens of leaves or the blues of the sky. This is a great way for children to become more observant of the subtle differences in nature.

• Sensory Descriptions: Have them focus on using their senses to describe a scene. What do they hear, smell, or feel? Describing the roughness of tree bark, the sound of rustling leaves, or the smell of rain can make their journal entries richer and more vivid -- and connect the neurons of awareness that will pay dividends in their life.

• Comparison Studies: If they visit the same spot through different seasons, they can make sketches or write down observations of how the area changes. What differences do they notice in the types of wildlife active, the plant life, or even the sounds?

• Nature Bingo or Scavenger Hunt: Create a bingo card or a list for a nature scavenger hunt where they look for specific types of plants, animals, or landmarks. This can be a fun way to keep them engaged and eager to explore.

• Weather Tracking: Along with noting the current weather, they can predict the next day’s weather based on their observations and check the accuracy the following day. This encourages an interest in meteorology and teaches them how to recognize patterns.

• Photo Integration: If they have access to a camera or a smartphone, taking photos to later print and paste into their journal can complement their sketches and notes. This helps bridge their digital and physical experiences of nature. You can also use stickers or snippets from magazines or old books.

• Eco-Friendly Crafting: They can use natural elements like leaves, petals, and mud to create art directly in their journal pages. For example, leaf rubbings or prints from dipped leaves and flowers can add beautiful, natural art to their observations.

Making It a Family Ritual

One of the beauties of nature journaling is that it’s both a solitary and a shared activity. Make it a family ritual. Plan regular outings where everyone brings their journals. Compare notes and drawings, and share discoveries. It’s a great way to spend time together and nurture a shared love for the outdoors and learning. 

Remember: every second spent outside is likely to decrease stress and increase overall well being. Nature can heal us!

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

Aside from the fun and educational benefits, nature journaling fosters a deeper connection with our environment. It’s about building a relationship with the natural world at a time when so many of us feel disconnected.

For children, understanding and appreciating nature can foster a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship—a fancy way of saying taking care of our planet.

Engaging with nature through journaling allows children to express themselves uniquely and creatively. As they sketch, write, and reflect, they're not just recording what they see—they're interpreting and personalizing it.

As a writer and scientist, I know firsthand how liberating this act of creation can be. It encourages them to think outside the norm and develop their own artistic voice, which is crucial for creative thinking skills that apply well beyond the pages of their journal.

The Art of Self Discovery - Yes, I mean that! 😉

This feels like a deep point, but it's so true: This creative process is intimately tied to self-discovery. Children learn about their preferences, emotions, and thoughts as they decide how to depict a scene or what words to use to describe their feelings about a sunset or a wildflower.

This self-reflection helps them understand their place in the world and can boost their confidence and self-esteem.

By cultivating an appreciation for beauty and detail, we encourage children to notice and value the small, often overlooked aspects of their environment. These skills—observation, appreciation, and reflection—are essential for developing a thoughtful, compassionate, and proactive individual.

In a world that often values speed and efficiency over depth, nature journaling invites children to slow the heck down and immerse themselves fully in the moment, enriching their mental and emotional well-being.

Ultimately, nature journaling isn't just about creating a lasting record of the environment—it's about nurturing a mindful, creative, and conscientious approach to life. It equips children with the tools to creatively engage with the world, fostering a sense of curiosity and responsibility that will serve them throughout their lives.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

So, grab that journal, pack a picnic, and get ready to explore. Whether you wander far or gaze closer to home, the world is brimming with wonders waiting to be captured on the pages of your nature journal. And who knows? This little book could be the start of a lifelong journey through the wild, wonderful world around us.

Bring the wild wonders of the world right to them:

Ready to inspire curiosity and a love for the outdoors in your child every month? Subscribe to Wild Wonder Mail, where every letter is a gateway to global nature adventures, delivered right to your mailbox. We make every day an exploration, one letter at a time.

Because remember, the world is vast, and wonder is endless.

Let’s discover it together, one curiosity-filled adventure at a time.