Nature Journaling in the Classroom: A Fall Workshop Journey

In the Fall of 2023, I had the privilege of teaming up with the wonderful Lauren Hickie, a Grade 6 teacher at my children's school, to run my very first 8-week nature journaling workshop. This experience was truly magical, and I am still reflecting on the impact it had on both the students and myself.

Each week, I introduced the students to a new skill that built on the lessons from the previous week. My goal was not only to teach them how to nature journal, but also to help them become more comfortable with drawing and observing the world around them. We started with the basics—what nature journaling is, why it’s important, and how it can enhance our connection to nature. From there, I aimed to make drawing fun and accessible, so I introduced them to blind contour drawing, a technique that quickly became a favourite! It was a playful way for them to let go of perfection and embrace the process of observation.

As the weeks went by, we journaled together, creating a sense of community and shared learning. But soon, the students were eager to strike out on their own and find their “sit spots”—places in nature where they could sit quietly, observe, and reflect. It was a beautiful sight to see them become more comfortable and confident in their abilities to document the world around them.

One of the most rewarding parts of the workshop was introducing the students to biometrics. I showed them how to collect data and use graphs to illustrate their findings, helping them link their observations to real-world concepts. The students really enjoyed this hands-on approach, and it was amazing to see them apply their new skills in meaningful ways.

The highlight of the 8-week experience was our culminating nature journaling morning at a local park, where we observed the local biodiversity and applied everything we had learned. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with nature in such a deep and focused way, and it was amazing to see the students’ excitement as they documented everything from tiny insects to towering trees.

What made this experience so special was not just the skills we taught, but the sense of connection that blossomed over the weeks. Nature journaling helped the students slow down, observe more closely, and appreciate the world around them in a new way. It was a joy to witness their growth, not just as artists or scientists, but as curious, thoughtful individuals.

This 8-week journey also gave me the opportunity to support Lauren in integrating nature journaling into her classroom, showing how this practice can complement and enrich the curriculum in a meaningful way. It was such a rewarding experience, and I am so grateful to have had the chance to work alongside such an amazing teacher and group of students.

As a educator, there's nothing quite like the feeling of helping students connect with nature and develop new skills. This workshop was just the beginning, and I look forward to continuing to bring nature journaling into classrooms and communities in the future.