To learn more about the powerful practice of Nature Journaling, click the button above. The following is a glimpse into the activity of Nature Journaling.

Part of the practice of Nature Journaling that can be used verbally instead of being written down on paper involves a triad that guides our observations. The following sentences are the prompts and are spoken aloud: 1. “I notice…,” 2. “I wonder…,” and 3. “It reminds me of….”

Within the first part “I notice…”, specific, clear, detailed description is asked for, not judgement, opinion, or speculation. What exactly do you see?

Secondly, “I wonder...” brings to the surface questions that may come to mind. This part of the process stimulates the curiosity and inquisitive mind to go deeper into the study of whatever it is that one is observing. There are surface questions that may initially be thought of, but when given more time to think about it, deeper questions may arise that go beyond the obvious ones.

Within the third part, “What does it remind me of”, connections are made between previous knowledge and understanding with this new phenomenon, allowing one to construct new knowledge, meaning, and understanding (Constructivist Theory of Learning). This lends itself to making relevancy a stronger component of this process because it is personally meaningful.

Following these Nature Journaling prompts is a way of thinking, a way of focusing our thoughts when making observations of the natural world all around us. The goal and result is to increase observational skills. This can be done individually or as part of a discussion with a group of children or adults. 
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