Nature Journaling with Kids: 3 Surefire Ways to Make it Work

For the past three years, I have been trying to get my kiddos interested in keeping a nature journal. I bought cute little notebooks and special journals all outfitted with fancy paper. I purchased paints of all sorts, colored pencils, wonderful paint brushes in all sizes and shapes, with coordinating mixing trays.  Did it make a difference? Not really.Art is my thing. It was my major in college. I love to create. I always have. So do they, for that matter. So imagine my frustration when I, for three years, was unable to make this beautiful habit part of our routine.Well, if you've struggled like I have, I'm writing to share with you the three ways that I discovered will get you well on your way to creating some beautiful nature journals.

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Do it with them.

I know. Oftentimes, we do not have the time to sit down and 'color,' but I'm telling ya, this is my key to success. It wasn't until I sat down with pencil and paper myself, that things really started to click. I could explain how to see the subject, paying special attention to light and shadows. I could help them through their frustrations. Maybe the legs are too long or the head is too small. When they have a bit of success, it helps to take the difficulty out of it. My work is an example for them to follow. I think it's important for them to see that adults don't always get it right, and art takes time. Speaking of time, it may not work for you all to sit down at the same time, and if so, that's okay. Leave it out for them to find. They can't help but be inspired to created a masterpiece of their own.

Let the child choose.

When they choose what to put in their journal, they show more interest, and they're apt to stick with it longer if/when it gets difficult. Sometimes my kids want to draw what I am drawing, and sometimes they don't. I don't mind one way or the other, as long as they are focusing their attention on nature. Usually they will chose one or two things in nature they saw that particular week. It can be a plant, and animal or even something having to do with the season i.e. snowflakes or lightening. I like to place our nature books in the middle of the table as a suggestion. Often they will page through to find their subject and copy it, or just to help jog their memory.

Keep their ears busy.

I like to use audio books. We have a subscription to audible which we love love love because they have so many great classics. You can also play music. We've focused on hymn studies, or classical composers in the past. I have found that when their ears are busy, their hands stay moving for a longer period of time. I don't know if there is science behind it, but speaking from experience, there is less frustration, less pestering one another, and, in general, an overal enjoyable experience.As it turns out, they don't need the fancy paints I bought.  They don't like my "bumpy paper."  They prefer their colored pencils on the plain old drawing pads. (Although they are starting to understand why the bumps on that paper is necessary as they experiment with water colors.)So whether or not art is your thing, sit down with your kiddos. Enjoy the process of observing nature, and creating something beautiful together. I'd love to hear if you've tried these tips & tricks. Shoot me a little message or find me on Instagram. I'd love to see what you're working on.Also, I have made my nature journal entries available to use in your home, so if you're interested, hop on over here and download a print for some inspiration ;)Until next time!Heidi