Nature Journaling With Kids Part I

Nature journaling with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating! Even if you ‘can’t draw’ yourself and you don’t know a lot about plants or birds, you can take your kids on a nature journaling adventure!

Supplies for Nature Journaling With Kids

Really all you need to get started is a piece of paper and a pencil or pen. However, with just a few inexpensive supplies, you can help your kids get really excited about getting out there and journaling.

• Small sketchbook – Choosing a sketchbook can be confusing! Your kids will go through a lot of paper quickly, so do yourself a favor here. There is no need to buy an expensive one. Look for a spiral-bound book that is a comfortable size for your child, as they will often hold it and stand while sketching. If they will be using anything other than a pencil or pen, you’ll want to find one filled with multi-media paper. This means it can handle markers and watercolor paints.
• Drawing utensils:
  • A graphite pencil for doing a quick sketch. A regular #2 school-pencil is perfectly fine. A mechanical pencil is a great option here – no need to carry a sharpener. An artist quality drawing pencil from the art supply store will run a little over $1 in the U.S. 
  • For a slightly older child who is into drawing and sketching you might want to add a fine-line waterproof marker or pen. These are great for outlining a drawing before adding watercolors or markers. They’re also nice for adding final tiny details after the color.
  • Watercolor paints are a great addition to a nature journaling set for kids. What kid doesn’t love water and paint?!  A kid’s set from the big box store is sufficient. Capturing the color of the flowers, the bird, or the insect they’ve just drawn is an important part of the process. Hint: keep this as a special nature journaling supply — it’ll give the kids another reason to get really excited about getting out there!
  • Markers come in so many colors and sizes! Your child may prefer to use markers rather than paint. (You may prefer markers, as they’re a bit less messy!) Again, no need to break the bank here. An inexpensive set is fine. If your child can handle the thinner markers, choose those as they can add more detail than with the larger ones.

• 

• 

As far as the journaling itself goes, that’s really all you need to have lots of great nature adventures throughout the year. If you’re in the U.S., back to school time is the best time to grab some of these items. You can often grab paint, pens, pencils, and markers for under $1.

Outdoor Gear for Nature Journaling With Kids

Depending upon where you plan to go nature journaling, there are a few things besides drawing supplies that you’ll need to consider. It goes without saying that you need to check the weather forecast ahead of time and dress accordingly. If your kids are uncomfortable, they won’t be inclined to spend much time sketching.

Get kids in the ‘mood’ to become explorers! I bought a set like the ones below for both of my grandkids — they loved it! They would often get all geared up on their own and head out to the backyard.

If you’re going to be out in a wooded area, a meadow, or prairie:

• Hair ties and/or hats to keep their hair (and sun) out of their face.
• You will want to consider long pants (even in hot weather!). You may at times have to dodge fallen branches or weeds hanging over the trail. Long pants can protect from scratches and they also help deter insect bites.
• Speaking of insect bites – insect repellent should be in your nature journaling bag! I make my own, so I control the ingredients! Find the recipe below.
• Covered toe shoes with a good grippy sole. Keeps the toes protected from protruding branches and rocks and will give your kids traction for walking on multiple surfaces.
• A small backpack or bag for carrying their supplies. Carrying their own things gives them a sense of being more grown-up and part of the process. It also helps teach them responsibility.
• Last but certainly not least – a water bottle! If you’re anything like me and my crew, you’ll often end up staying longer than you thought. Always have water handy, no matter what the weather. You can get dehydrated even in cold weather. (If your kids are carrying watercolor paints, you’ll also want water for that.)

• Spray bottle
• Fill ¾ full with ½ witch hazel & ½ water
• Add 20 – 50 drops (depending on size of bottle) of any 2 or more of these essential oils:
  • Lavender
  • Lemongrass
  • Eucalyptus
  • Tea tree
  • Peppermint
  • Clove

    *Never put undiluted essential oils directly on your skin.

Sketching in Urban & Suburban Areas

It’s not always necessary to get out to the woods or an exotic natural location. There is plenty of nature study to be found closer to home. In the city, notice dandelions growing through the cracks in the sidewalk; or take a stroll to the nearest park. You’ll undoubtedly discover squirrels, birds, insects, and plenty of interesting trees and plants. 

If you’re walking through your suburban neighborhood, you’ll find all kinds of different flowers, bushes, and trees along with squirrels and birds. 

Even though you probably won’t need as much gear in the city, you’ll still probably want sturdy walking shoes, insect repellant, and water bottles.

If you’d like a bit of help learning the basics to get you started, grab your FREE copy of my ‘Quick-Start Guide to Nature Journaling’ from the Freebie Library.

Continue reading Nature Journaling with Kids Part II: Let’s Sketch!