Journal Prompts
Oxbow’s Education Team is looking at this unexpected pause as an opportunity to connect with nature where ever we are—whether it’s a yard, a park, or even a potted plant—through the practice of Nature Journaling.
Each week of April 2020, we posted a journal prompt inviting you to look closer, detail your observations, make a record, and ask questions. We’re asking participants near and far to share their experience by tagging @OxbowCenter and #earthmonthjournalchallenge on Facebook and Instagram!
We may live surrounded by a beautiful community, or travel to the farthest corners of the earth, but if we are not present and fully awake in these experiences, we will miss most of what they have to offer.
Nature journaling is an extremely effective and engaging way to teach observation, curiosity, and creative thinking. Journals are the ubiquitous tool of scientists, naturalists, thinkers, poets, writers, and engineers.
– John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren, How to Teach Nature Journaling
We hope you’ll start your Nature Journal today, or join in at any time to work on your journaling skills!
Nature Journal Prompt #3: Bird Observation Challenge
Learning how to carefully observe and identify birds, you can become more aware of the wildlife all around you!
Ages: 4 and up
Time needed: 30-45 mins
Download a PDF
Nature Journal Prompt #2: Zoom in, Zoom out!
A new perspective can help you see patterns, shapes, and relationships that you may have otherwise missed!
Ages: 4 and up
Time needed: 30-45 mins
Download a PDF
Nature Journal Prompt #1: Map an Outdoor Space
Get oriented to an outdoor space near you by drawing a map.
Ages: 4 & up – journaling can be adapted for any age!
Time Needed: Approx. 1 hour
Download a PDF
Check out the video below to see how Oxbow Educator Zoe mapped her backyard space!