Nature Journals
- Melissa
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
My First Journal
Before we started homeschooling, I actually began doing my own nature journal. I have such a deep love for God's creation and wanted a way to capture it. Whether I was watching the kids ride their bikes, sitting by the fire, or going on a park adventure, I wanted to be able to jot down anything and everything that brought me joy, peace, and even 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 printables to assist with our nature adventures! Mind you, my children are young, so we can keep it as simple as we need it to be. Thankfully, our nature studies can grow with them. 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
I eventually realized that I had a lot of stuff that I wanted to bring on our adventures. I picked up a bag that I never quite knew how to use before, and now it's 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, 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 me, as we take great pleasure in identifying new birds. I make an effort to discover what they are, and then we discuss them and might even attempt to draw them ourselves. Google can be helpful at times, but nothing compares to books, especially for nature studies. I've discovered numerous used books in book barns around our town and even at thrift stores. These books cover topics like bugs, trees, birds, and even the weather. I rotate the books in the bag based on what I aim to explore during that day's nature adventure.
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.
If I'm having a bad day or feeling down, sending me outside will change everything in an instant. Stepping outside and taking a deep breath is like breathing in life for me. The weight of my worries begins to lift, and I am quickly reminded that I'm not alone. It’s as if God is reminding me to let go of my troubles and simply be 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! I started easy with this journal linked below. It directs you on what to do but also gives you space for freedom to jot down what you want. The art in the journal is beautiful too, so if you want an easy place to start, check out this journal!
You got this mama!
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