Kids Who Love Nature: Talk, Draw & Write
In this inquiry based ongoing class, we will explore nature topics (learning about animals, plants, bugs, rocks, birds...), then use our curiosity for the outdoors as inspiration for drawing/emergent writing, encouraging young learners to keep a nature journal.
Inga Vintimilla
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(309)
Star Educator
What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 1 - 3
Nature presents amazing opportunities to observe, discover, learn, and to become inspired - that is exactly what this class is all about! New learners are welcome to join anytime! Each class is divided into three parts: Nature Sharing: Learners will be invited to share a nature item or experience with the class. Exploring the weekly nature topic (an animal, plant, insect, bird, etc): Using real nature artifacts, photos, and/or video clips, we explore the weekly topic. I share interesting facts and guide the discussion with open-ended questions, encouraging learners to make discoveries, share their prior knowledge and uncover new questions. Examples of topics that have been explored in class are listed below. Drawing/Nature Journaling: We then use nature as inspiration for drawing and/or writing. Learners can choose to draw/journal about the topic discussed in class or a nature topic of their choice. Everyone is welcome to journal in their own way – drawing, painting, writing, etc. I will help learners who are new to nature journaling to brainstorm ideas/ways to add to a nature journal (using our senses, making observations for drawing, adding labels or important words, coming up with questions, etc). After class, I will share information in the Outschool classroom about what was discussed in class. When possible, I also provide resources for learners to find more information about the topic that I introduced in class. The overall goal of this class is to bring together young learners who are curious about nature and to use that love of the outdoors as inspiration for drawing/emergent writing. It is also about supporting and encouraging curiosity about nature, sharing our ideas and theories, as well as uncovering new questions. Examples of topics that have been discussed in class: Tide pool discoveries Pinecones Acorn Woodpeckers Bird nests Leaves changing over the seasons Sand crabs Garden snails Hawks Unusual seed pods Grasshoppers
Learning Goals
The overarching goal of the class is to help learners dig deeper into their curiosity about nature and to get excited about putting their ideas down on paper - planting the seeds for nature journaling. Nature journaling is wonderful way to grow as scientific thinkers and gives kids meaningful reasons to draw and write. This class is designed for children with a range of literacy skills and I think it is important to celebrate all stages of literacy development. The way each child adds to their nature journal in this class will depend on their stage of literacy development (they may be drawing, writing letters, words, or sentences). The class is designed to support the child in their current stage of development and to encourage them to try out new ideas.
Other Details
Supply List
An artifact found in nature or a nature related idea/discovery to share in class. Paper and something to write/draw with (pencil, crayons, markers...), or a simple writing journal that can be blank paper stapled together or paper in a binder. For younger learners, I recommend blank paper with no lines, but if your learner is starting to write and finds lines helpful, then I suggest a page that is blank on the top and a few lines for writing at the bottom.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
309reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Portland State University
I have a Master's degree in early childhood and inclusive education and curriculum development with an emphasis on literacy. I have been an educator for 20 years and am passionate about teaching literacy skills that support a lifelong love of reading and writing. I see all children as capable individuals who are motivated to learn when their interests are honored and they are encouraged to make their own discoveries. I love spending time outdoors with my own family, making discoveries and nature journaling. I have seen that spending time in nature sparks so much curiosity and opportunities for learning which makes it a perfect match for getting children excited about continued research & reading as well as using drawing and writing in meaningful ways.Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly1x per week
40 min
Completed by 141 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-9
2-6 learners per class
