Nature Journaling with Our Outdoor Preschool

 

 

Nature journaling enriches the experience of outdoor learning by allowing children of all ages to observe and record their observations in a meaningful way. For OEA’s preschool Nature School at Maple Grove, several students make a regular practice of packing up their journals and heading out to draw and note down their adventures in outdoor play. The nature journals allow for practice in drawing, mapping and writing. Even for those who are not yet reading and writing, journaling allows them to mimic the act of noting down thoughts and observations, incorporating these actions into their outdoor play. For those who are beginning to use letters and numbers, journaling allows for practice of these concepts and to begin ordering, formatting and otherwise making sense of their thoughts on paper. The incorporation of art allows students to express themselves beyond what can be done with writing or numbers. 

Modeling a practice: For all of the children, journaling has allowed them another space for individual expression and learning. To support this activity, teachers Heidi and Katie have provided materials and a link to a YouTube video on making their own nature journals at home. This was one of the first activities sent home and after they made their journals with their parents the journals were brought back to school where they are always available.  Heidi and Katie have provided a mobile basket of art supplies and writing utensils for use in the field. And, while Katie models regular journaling, the students are often drawn into her attempts to capture the garden at different seasons of the year. She uses simple tools such as cardboard frames (nature viewers) to focus children’s attention on creating a snapshot view of an area. These frames are then added to the basket of supplies for future use.

 

 

 

 

 

Mapping the world: Teaching about and expanding on the idea of mapping is one of the ongoing themes for the emergent curriculum during this year at Nature School. It is one that is well supported by journaling and most importantly, one that the students themselves are keen on learning about. Students have produced their own maps of Maple Grove School and participated in walk-around activities observing and mapping the school with guidance. It is notable that while these activities have had guidance and support from Katie or Heidi, they are student-led and have stemmed from the children’ s own interest in creating these maps and observations. 

Enhancing observational skills: Heidi has created worksheets for students to use to draw or write their observations using all of their senses. And regular mindfulness exercises allow the children to practice using multiple senses to observe the world around them.  These guided teaching moments allow the students to continue observing on their own terms and journaling is often initiated by the children as either individual or group activities.