"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein
Falling In Love With Nature Through Journaling
Spending time in nature is more than just fresh air and exercise—it sparks curiosity, boosts creativity, improves focus, and nurtures emotional well-being. For children, being outdoors can encourage a sense of wonder, help them develop observation skills, and provide a healthy break from screens. These early experiences lay the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of the natural world.
In this heartfelt reflection, Fiona Clare Gillogly shares how a chance encounter at age 13 with naturalist and educator John Muir Laws introduced her to nature journaling—a creative practice of taking a notebook outdoors and using words, sketches, maps, and numbers to record what you notice, wonder about, and feel connected to in the natural world.
Since then, she has filled over 2,000 journal pages, blending art and observation to explore and document the wonders around her. Through journaling, Fiona finds herself deeply immersed in her surroundings—losing track of time, focusing more intently, and remembering details more vividly. She notes that drawing and writing help reinforce memory and strengthen connection to what’s observed.
The article beautifully shows that nature journaling is not only a creative outlet but also a powerful way to cultivate curiosity, mindfulness, and a lasting bond with the natural world—all through the simple yet transformative act of paying attention on the page. [read more]
In this heartfelt reflection, Fiona Clare Gillogly shares how a chance encounter at age 13 with naturalist and educator John Muir Laws introduced her to nature journaling—a creative practice of taking a notebook outdoors and using words, sketches, maps, and numbers to record what you notice, wonder about, and feel connected to in the natural world.
Since then, she has filled over 2,000 journal pages, blending art and observation to explore and document the wonders around her. Through journaling, Fiona finds herself deeply immersed in her surroundings—losing track of time, focusing more intently, and remembering details more vividly. She notes that drawing and writing help reinforce memory and strengthen connection to what’s observed.
The article beautifully shows that nature journaling is not only a creative outlet but also a powerful way to cultivate curiosity, mindfulness, and a lasting bond with the natural world—all through the simple yet transformative act of paying attention on the page. [read more]
Reading Corner
Title: Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature
By: Rachel Williams
Ages 6-10
"All around us, nature is working wonders. Every day, hour by hour, magical transformations happen right in front of you. But it’s not always easy to see them . . .
In this beautifully illustrated collection, 50 moments in nature are paused for you to watch them in detail. Then you should go outside and explore and see what you find when you take the time to slow down. Gorgeously illustrated, this charming collection celebrates the small wonders happening all around us every day." -- Publishers
By: Rachel Williams
Ages 6-10
"All around us, nature is working wonders. Every day, hour by hour, magical transformations happen right in front of you. But it’s not always easy to see them . . .
In this beautifully illustrated collection, 50 moments in nature are paused for you to watch them in detail. Then you should go outside and explore and see what you find when you take the time to slow down. Gorgeously illustrated, this charming collection celebrates the small wonders happening all around us every day." -- Publishers
Recommended by Kindful Kids Editors
Be the Change
Here are some kid-friendly Nature Journaling ideas for Families
Draw the smallest thing you can find and the largest thing you can see from where you’re sitting.
Close your eyes for one minute—write or draw what you heard.
Look for something that has changed since your last visit (a new flower, a missing leaf, different clouds).
“I wonder why…” → Write down something you see in nature and what you wonder about it (e.g., “I wonder why that ant is carrying something so big”).
Imagine you are an animal or insect, you see—what would your day be like?
Pick a tree or plant—what do you think its life story is?
Pick the same object (like a pinecone, rock, or flower) and have each family member journal about it in their way—then share your pages.
Start a “family nature journal” where everyone adds to the same notebook after each outing.
Draw the smallest thing you can find and the largest thing you can see from where you’re sitting.
Close your eyes for one minute—write or draw what you heard.
Look for something that has changed since your last visit (a new flower, a missing leaf, different clouds).
“I wonder why…” → Write down something you see in nature and what you wonder about it (e.g., “I wonder why that ant is carrying something so big”).
Imagine you are an animal or insect, you see—what would your day be like?
Pick a tree or plant—what do you think its life story is?
Pick the same object (like a pinecone, rock, or flower) and have each family member journal about it in their way—then share your pages.
Start a “family nature journal” where everyone adds to the same notebook after each outing.
