Keeping a Nature Journal

Step-by-step approach to learning to observe & journal about Nature; 224 pages. This is the 3rd Edition; originally published in 2000 and endorsed by E.O.Wilson and Jane Goodall. Published in 2021 by Storey Publishing.

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Clare Walker Leslie

Leslie is a self-taught artist and naturalist; she writes to inspire and encourage others to develop a deep love of nature. 

"The process of seeing is what counts, not “how good is my drawing?”"-- Clare Walker Leslie

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Book Brief

Learning Activities

There is quite a movement to encourage children and young adults to spend time in nature - just a walk in a park or through a field is good for physical and mental health.  Learning to journal -- purposefully recording what is observed outside -- also fosters the ability to be present in the moment, lowers our stress level, and improves perception and analysis skills.

This, the first of three nature journaling books reviewed this week, is by-far the most detailed resource available to parents -- and young adults -- interested in developing a shared love of nature with children. Divided into sections such as Getting Started, Journaling Through the Seasons, and Learning & Teaching Nature Journaling this book is a "must-have" book on your shelf!

Family Read Aloud Time
While this is an excellent book, it probably should not be used in the same way we would read a traditional read aloud.  Yet, there are small tidbits about nature journals which are perfect for sharing with family members -- and the illustrations are delightful!

Learning Ideas
Leslie provides learning prompts throughout the book, as well as an entire section dedicated to teaching others the processes of nature journaling. Teachers could develop a series of "lessons" from these prompts alone.

If you want an introduction to nature study at home, Charlotte Mason & Anna Comstock were big proponents of  nature-diaries as a delight-filled activity for children.

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