The best nature journal prompts for homeschool studies are the ones that get kids outside and active in the world around them. Although there are tons of nature studies out there, you want to make sure you know what they are, how to use them, and what they look like being used in your homeschool. We’ll answer those questions and others in this post, so read on!
What is Nature Journaling?
Nature journaling is writing and drawing as a response to what is experienced in nature. This is often considered a fun and relaxing experience, but it is also very educational. Nature journaling gives kids the opportunity to make connections with nature, but also with themselves. It has a way of sparking creativity, critical thinking, and teaches a variety of life skills.
What should be included in a nature journal?
First and foremost, a nature journal should come with lots of space for your kids to express what they see, feel, hear, and smell while on their nature walk. Another aspect a nature journal should have is prompts to help spark creativity. For older kids, they may benefit from having pre-lined paper, illustration boxes, and extended prompts.
Why is Nature Journaling for Homeschool Important?
A lot of homeschoolers choose to use nature journals because of their educational benefits. Here are just a few to consider:
- Nature journals are a great way to get kids outdoors.
- They help increase observation skills.
- It’s a fun way to get writing practice.
- Nature journal activities grow kids’ vocabulary banks.
How do you write a nature journal for kids?
Now that you know the benefits, you may be wondering how to write a nature journal for kids. In most cases, you can find pre-made journals, but you can certainly start with a blank spiral (or binded) notebook. Once you have your notebook, use these ideas to begin helping your kids create a fun and memorable nature journal.
Nature Study & Journal Ideas for Homeschooling
- Leaf tree rubbings
- Drawing/coloring with nature
- Illustration boxes for watercolor painting
- Measurement charts for weather
- Collection bag pouches (pasted to pages)
- Record animal tracks
- Document different kinds of leaves
- Draw the sounds heard
- Document what the air smells like
The possibilities are virtually endless when creating your own nature journal. The idea is to provide your kids with the opportunity to document what they see while they are outdoors. This often comes natural to them, but in the event they need a little inspiration, you can use a variety of nature journal prompts, such as:
- Draw what you see.
- Do you see any animals? If so, what kind?
- Write down the different sounds you hear.
- What colors do you see?
- What does nature feel like (hard, soft, squishy, etc.)?
- Paint a picture of a bird.
- Use this page to draw and color with nature.
Consider prompts that spark your kid’s exploration and creativity, yet are open-ended enough for them to use their own imaginations.
Conclusion
Using nature journals and nature journal prompts for homeschool studies crosses several different subjects and developmental domains. Without having to put in much effort, using these journals with your kids helps them learn science, geography, english, and language arts in fun, innovative ways. Once completed, their journals can become a nice keepsake. If you haven’t done so already, incorporate nature journals in your homeschool and watch your children thrive through creativity and exploration!
Try out nature journaling for homeschool today! It’s made easy with the provided nature study ideas and nature journal prompts from above.
