Nature Journaling — Drawing & Writing Outdoors
Take sketchbooks outside and observe and record the natural world — plants, insects, weather, habitats. Combines drawing, scientific observation, and writing. Inspired by the great tradition of naturalist illustration.
Drawing
Ages 6–1145 minsEasyIndividual
Watch on YouTube
Search: "nature journaling kids how to draw outside sketchbook tutorial" — video tutorials from popular craft channels
What you'll need
- A5 sketchbook or blank paper folded into a booklet
- Pencils, black fine-liner
- Coloured pencils or watercolour for optional colour
- Magnifying glass (optional)
How to do it
- Sit or crouch near something natural — a plant, a puddle, a section of bark, an anthill.
- Observe carefully for 2 minutes before drawing. Use a magnifying glass if available.
- Draw what you see as carefully as possible — not what you think it looks like.
- Add labels: point to parts of the organism and name them.
- Note the date, time, weather, and location in a corner.
- Add colour if time allows — coloured pencils or watercolour.
💡 Tips
Model your own nature journal entry first — show them yours, mistakes and all. The best nature journals are honest, not beautiful. Charles Darwin, John Muir, and Beatrix Potter all kept them. Show examples.
Books and materials
Convenience links for everything mentioned above. We link to Amazon — LessonKind may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nature journaling books
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T The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling — John Muir Laws
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T The Nature Connection: An Outdoor Workbook — Clare Walker Leslie
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T The Wildlife ABC: A Nature Alphabet — Jan Thornhill