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Nature Journaling: I Notice..., I Wonder...?, It Reminds me of...
Nature Journaling: I Notice..., I Wonder...?, It Reminds me of...
Nature Journaling is an incredible tool for students to connect with themselves and the world around them. Their nature journal allows them to write/draw their observations helping to cement the concepts being taught.
Nature Journaling is an incredible tool for students to connect with themselves and the world around them. Their nature journal allows them to write/draw their observations helping to cement the concepts being taught.
At this age all three prompts "I notice..., I wonder...?, and It reminds me of..." become very intuitive. However the last statement becomes very important to making connections. Encourage them to begin writing themselves using single words or simple sentences. Please note that spelling is NOT a focus in the nature journal. At this age you may start to see art fears - please ensure you are re-iterating it is NOT ABOUT A PRETTY PICTURE. It is about their observations. Please see the link feedback at the bottom of this lesson for tips on this. Using words, pictures and numbers allows the students multiple tools to document their observations. With permission Bethan Burton has allowed us to link to her website as she has written a blog post for Teaching nature journaling at all ages.
At this age all three prompts "I notice..., I wonder...?, and It reminds me of..." become very intuitive. However the last statement becomes very important to making connections. Encourage them to begin writing themselves using single words or simple sentences. Please note that spelling is NOT a focus in the nature journal. At this age you may start to see art fears - please ensure you are re-iterating it is NOT ABOUT A PRETTY PICTURE. It is about their observations. Please see the link feedback at the bottom of this lesson for tips on this. Using words, pictures and numbers allows the students multiple tools to document their observations. With permission Bethan Burton has allowed us to link to her website as she has written a blog post for Teaching nature journaling at all ages.
Here are some more ideas to get you started.
Engage the fives senses (whenever possible)
Make leaf prints ( paint the leaf and press the print into the journal)
Observe the living things around you and document their behaviour
Count the birds/squirrels/insects etc.
Measure as much of the phenomena as the students can using non standard and standard units of measurement.
Here is a downloadable lesson from John (Jack) Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren book: How to Teach Nature Journaling. All resources shared with permission. "I Notice..., I Wonder...?, It Reminds me of..."
GIVING FEEDBACK here is a fantastic resource from Jack and Emilie
NOTE: You are encourage to spend time in the outdoors Nature Journaling. However, you can also bring nature inside, look out your wonder window, have a refrigerator Safari or even observe a house plant or pet.
Photo by: Sabrina Zito-Insalaco
How Am I Like A Plant?
How Am I Like A Plant?
Did you know that in order to grow and thrive, plants need very specific conditions? Too much of one thing may impede the plant’s ability to grow, not enough of another may lead the plant to other challenges it may experience.
Did you know that in order to grow and thrive, plants need very specific conditions? Too much of one thing may impede the plant’s ability to grow, not enough of another may lead the plant to other challenges it may experience.
In this activity, we are going to explore how our own bodies have similar needs to that of a plant, in order to flourish and be healthy!
In this activity, we are going to explore how our own bodies have similar needs to that of a plant, in order to flourish and be healthy!
Plants require 5 basic things to survive. They need light, air, water, nutrients, and space! We can remember this with the acronym L.A.W.N.S. Let’s explore what plants need from each of these:
Light: Plants typically get the light they need from the sun, but they can also grow in artificial light like the ones we have in our classrooms or homes. If plants do not receive enough light, they will grow very slowly. However, if they receive too much light, it could cause the plant to burn and the soil to dry out.
Air: Plants take in and release air! Through the process of photosynthesis, plants take in the carbon dioxide from the air, and turn it into a special type of sugar called glucose. They then release oxygen into the air for us to breathe!
Water: Water helps to transport nutrients, from the soil up into different parts of the plant, to help keep the plant strong, and healthy. As the water evaporates from the leaves, it also helps to keep plants cool.
Nutrients: Plants use nutrients from the soil to grow and have energy to produce new leaves and flowers! Some nutrients they need include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Space: Plants have roots and foliage that need space to stretch out. Different plants have different space requirements. For example, a Sugar Maple Tree is much larger than a dandelion, and therefore needs more space to grow! If plants are too close together, they can become stressed out and will compete for their basic needs to survive. This can result in plants that are weaker, more susceptible to getting sick, and struggle to produce food.
On a piece of paper, whiteboard, or digital document, write the following:
Light
Air
Water
Nutrients
Space
Work through each need of a plant, and record your responses on how your own needs may be similar. For example: Plants require access to nutrients. My body needs a balanced diet in order to function properly.
If you are feeling unsure of how your needs may be similar to a plant, consider the following questions:
How do I feel when I am in the sun?
What happens if I am not properly protected from the sun?
What do I need air for?
How do I feel after getting some fresh air?
How does water help my body function properly?
What do I feel like if I do not drink enough water?
What nutrients do I need to grow?
How do I feel if I do not receive enough nutrients throughout the day?
How do I use and rely on space?
Am I more comfortable in crowded, noisy spaces? Or quiet spaces?
Curriculum Link:
See Media Literacy - Why Care About Self-Care
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