Updated: 6 days ago
My First Journal
Before homeschooling, I started a nature journal to capture my deep love for God's creation. Whether watching the kids, sitting by the fire, or at the park, I wanted to jot down everything that brought me joy, peace, and excitement.
I like to think that I am a simple creature, someone who finds joy in the little things and appreciates the beauty of the world around me. However, don’t ask my husband, because he will tell you the complete opposite. He often gives me a hard time for being an overthinker and for making things more complicated than they need to be. But, even though I may have my quirks, I really am simple. My heart longs for moments spent outside, where I can immerse myself in the wonders of nature and find the peace that it brings.
My Kids Nature Journals
Once we started to homeschool, I wanted to get my kids started on their own nature journals. We got them their own sketchbooks along with a few other goodies to help them get started!
I also began creating our own Free Nature Journal Printables to assist with our nature adventures! Linked below!
Mind you, my children are young (Pre-K to 2nd grade), so we can keep it as simple as we need it to be. Thankfully, our nature studies can grow with them too. All you need is a desire to explore God's creation and never lose the wonder that comes from being in it.
Our Nature Bag
It didn't take me very long to realize that I had a lot of stuff that I wanted to bring on our nature adventures. Thankfully I had a bag that I never quite knew how to use before, which has now become our most essential bag. I can't imagine leaving the house for the park without it!
In our nature bag, I store our nature journals, books, art supplies, snacks, my devotional and sometimes even pinecones, acorns, or rocks that we discover along the way.
When it comes to books, I always carry a bird book with us, as we love to identify new birds. We love to try to discover what they are, discuss them, and sometimes attempt to draw them. Google can be helpful, but nothing compares to books, especially for nature studies. Many of our books are used books that we have found at book barns and thrift stores. Some books we have purchased. linked below! They cover topics like bugs, trees, birds, and weather. I rotate these books based on how I hope our nature adventure will look that day.
My Happy Place
If I had to describe my happy place, it would 100% be out in nature, surrounded by the beauty and calmness that only the great outdoors can provide. There’s something incredibly soothing about being in nature, whether it’s the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze, the birds singing, or the distant sound of a creek rushing by. When I consider all these things, one word comes to mind: peace.
Going outside instantly lifts my mood. A deep breath outdoors feels rejuvenating, easing my worries and reminding me I'm not alone, as if God is encouraging me to release my troubles and simply rest in His presence.
Get Started
I would like to encourage you to start your own nature journal. Whether it's a simple journal or more complicated, it will be what you make it, and I promise that it will be worth it! Maybe even start your own nature bag! The options are endless!
You got this mama!
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