ZZZ Kids Who Love Nature (Ages 7-9): Journaling Together
In this Reggio-inspired ongoing class, we will share our observations and discoveries in nature, then use our curiosity for the outdoors as inspiration for drawing and writing in our nature journals.
Inga Vintimilla
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(304)
What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
This class brings together young naturalists to share their discoveries made in nature and to explore various ways of nature journaling. This is also a class to support and encourage curiosity about nature, sharing our ideas and theories, as well as uncovering new questions. Each class includes: Nature sharing: We start every class with an invitation to share. This might be an item found on a walk, a recent outdoor experience, a page from a nature journal, or something they are curious to learn more about. I will also share my own nature artifact or a photo/video clip of something I recently observed outside (such as a leaf, animal in a tide pool, a seedpod, bird's nest …) and share some information related to this item. Journal warm-up activity: As a group, we do a brief warm-up activity to get us thinking about different ways to add to a nature journal. (See examples below) Nature journaling: We spend the rest of class working in our nature journals. Learners may choose to focus on the item they brought to share in class or have a new idea related to something that someone else shared in class. They are welcome to try out a strategy we used in the warm-up activity or to use their own way of adding to their nature journal. As we work in our journals, learners are welcome to share ideas or to ask for help if they get stuck. The goal is not to have a completed product by the end of class, but for all learners to leave class inspired to add their observations, ideas, and discoveries to a journal. This is an ongoing class, so learners are welcome to join anytime. No previous journaling experience is necessary. Journaling warm-up activities will change every week, giving us the chance to try out new ways of adding to a nature journal, such as: I notice & I wonder Using our senses Nature mysteries Nature memories Comparing similar items Finding similarities in different items Observing lines & shapes Some warm-ups will be repeated and additional topics will be added as the class progresses based on the learners' interests/needs. I draw inspiration for nature journaling from Clare Walker Leslie, John Muir Laws as well as other naturalists, writers, and artists. I also offer a version of this class for younger learners: https://outschool.com/classes/kids-who-love-nature-talk-draw-and-write-yx34L3IM?usid=3CuwGyJY&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
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. 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. 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/experience to share in class. A simple journal (this can be a bound journal, or blank paper stapled together / paper to add to a 3 ring binder). Something to write/draw with (pencil, crayons, markers...)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
304reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Portland State University
I have a Master's in early childhood and inclusive education 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 also love spending time outdoors with my own family and have enjoyed journaling since I was a child. I have seen that spending time in nature sparks so much curiosity and opportunities for learning and I love being alongside them as they make and share discoveries.Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly1x per week
40 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-9
2-8 learners per class
