Are you searching for a comprehensive resource to ignite a passion for nature in students? Do you dream of seamlessly blending art, science, and critical thinking into your curriculum? The answer to having it all in nature education might just be simpler—and more accessible—than you think. John Muir Laws, renowned naturalist and author, along with experienced educator Emilie Lygren, have created a groundbreaking guide: How to Teach Nature Journaling, and a free PDF download is available to get you started today.
This isn’t just another textbook; it’s a dynamic, hands-on toolkit designed to empower educators, parents, and mentors to connect young minds with the wonders of the natural world through nature journaling. Expanding on the principles of Laws’ acclaimed The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling, this book offers 31 engaging field activities that transform observation into an adventure, whether you’re exploring a vast wilderness or your own backyard.
Why Nature Journaling? The Answer is in Observation
In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, this book arrives as a vital resource. It champions routines, rituals, and creative expression, fostering crucial skills like observation and concentration. Nature journaling becomes a bridge, connecting individuals to nature and to each other, even from afar.
No sprawling green spaces nearby? No problem. How to Teach Nature Journaling brilliantly demonstrates that nature is everywhere. From a bird perched on a wire to a tenacious weed in a sidewalk crack, the book equips you with the tools and techniques to document the natural world in any setting. It’s about opening your eyes and your journal to the everyday miracles around us.
What Will You Learn from This Free PDF Download?
How to Teach Nature Journaling provides step-by-step strategies to make nature journaling accessible and effective for all students. Within this invaluable guide, you will discover how to:
- Guide Students Effectively: Learn proven methods to lead students through the nature journaling process, ensuring engagement and meaningful learning.
- Manage Outdoor Groups: Gain practical tips for organizing and supervising student groups in outdoor settings, maximizing learning and minimizing logistical challenges.
- Inclusive Education: Discover techniques to adapt instructions and activities to meet the diverse needs of all learners, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
- Interdisciplinary Learning: Seamlessly integrate nature journaling into various subjects, teaching drawing, math, writing, and scientific thinking through a nature-based lens.
- Curriculum Alignment: Understand how to connect nature journaling to educational standards, including Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, and models like the 5E Instructional Model and Charlotte Mason Education.
- Lesson Integration: Learn to incorporate journaling into both short activities and extended, in-depth lessons, providing flexibility for your teaching schedule.
This resource is versatile and adaptable, designed to complement various educational approaches, from Waldorf Education to Forest Schools and traditional classroom settings.
Get Your Free PDF and Explore the Possibilities
Ready to unlock the potential of nature journaling in your educational practice? You can download a free PDF of How to Teach Nature Journaling today and begin exploring its wealth of activities and insights. This free download offers a fantastic introduction to the book’s comprehensive content.
If you find this free resource valuable, consider supporting the creators by purchasing the full version of the book and donating to Heyday, the non-profit publisher dedicated to sharing important stories. The full book offers even richer detail and serves as a lasting resource for your nature education journey.
Rave Reviews from Educators and Naturalists
Don’t just take our word for it. How to Teach Nature Journaling has garnered praise from leading figures in education and nature conservation:
- Robert Bateman: “Laws and Lygren have created a powerful and practical resource for teachers to help children and adults discover, explore, love, and protect the natural world around them.”
- Richard Louv: “Here is a natural way for parents and teachers to integrate the beauty and mystery of nature into the lives of children. The book itself is a work of art.”
- Jo Boaler: “This book beautifully demonstrates how nature journaling is a valuable, multidimensional approach to science… resulting in more flexible thinking and creative problem-solving in all areas of life.”
- José González: “This book is a gem for educators, first-time journalers, and for the experienced naturalist as well. It’s art, it’s writing, it’s education, it’s science, naturally so.”
- Rodger W. Bybee: “This book is useful, full of activities, and manageable for classroom teachers… meaningful ways to implement contemporary standards.”
- Craig Strang: “Thanks to Emilie Lygren and Jack Laws, we now have the vision and the tools to make this our reality.”
- Rob Wade: “Nature journaling is the single most valuable tool and skill a teacher can possess and use to move the Next Generation Science Standards and environmental literacy forward…”
Meet the Minds Behind the Magic
John Muir Laws is an award-winning scientist, educator, artist, and author, dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of nature through art and observation. His expertise and passion shine through every page of this guide. Discover more resources at johnmuirlaws.com.
Emilie Lygren brings her extensive experience as a facilitator, educator, and poet to this collaboration. Her insights into curriculum development and outdoor science education make this book exceptionally practical and user-friendly.
Unlock the answer to enriching your teaching and your students’ lives. Download your free PDF of How to Teach Nature Journaling today and embark on a journey of discovery, creativity, and connection with the natural world.
