How to Start a Nature Journal

A beginner-friendly guide for kids to observe, draw, and record the wonders of the natural world in their own nature journal.

1. Pick your spot. Find a place outside where you can sit quietly for a few minutes. It could be your backyard, a local park, or even just a spot near a window with a good view of a tree or garden.
2. Record the basics. Start each entry by writing the date, the time of day, and what the weather feels like. Is it sunny, windy, or cloudy? Knowing these details helps you see how nature changes over time.
3. Observe and draw. Pick one thing to focus on, like a flower, a bug, or a rock. Draw what you see in your notebook. Don't worry about making it look perfect; the goal is to capture the details you notice, like the shape of the petals or the pattern on a leaf.
4. Write down your questions. Next to your drawing, write down one thing you notice and one question you have. For example, you might write, 'This leaf has jagged edges. Why is it shaped that way?'