A little time outside can go a long way to break up hours of screen time in an e-learning environment. The ability to get some sunshine, enjoy a little exercise and appreciate the outdoors can help the kids maintain their focus throughout the day.
Studies also suggest that these activities can help boost immune system function, increase attention span and grow problem solving abilities. With that, it’s no wonder why creative living expert Lynn Lilly wanted to create this DIY outdoors activity!
We suggest putting together your own nature journal on Saturday or Sunday. That way, it will be ready to use for the coming week. Once you’ve made your journal, make plans for some fun recess activities for the week ahead!
Use this as an opportunity to learn more about a certain nature subject. Walk around and collect items that you find beautiful, interesting, strange or anything else that may come to mind! Become an expert in backyard bugs, autumn foliage, mineral rocks and more.
Grab your binoculars before heading out for recess. Embark on a short nature hunt to find things great and small. Bring your family along to see what you can discover. Maybe you’ll find a prickly pinecone or a sweet-smelling flower!
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your first journal entry. Draw pictures to help remind you of past discoveries. Cut out colorful paper shapes found in nature to create an outdoors scene. You can include things like leaves, flowers or even a ladybug.
There are other ways to reflect what you find in nature in your journal. You could, for instance, grab a leaf and place it on a hard surface. Cover up your find with a piece of paper and use a crayon to trace its shape. Or, simply write down or draw a picture in your journal of what you see so you can remember all the great, wonderful memories from your outdoor exploration!
Check out the instructions below to get started.
Supplies:
- Construction Paper
- Printer Paper
- Scissors
- Crayons
- Glue Stick
- Markers
- Stapler
- Pencil
Time to craft: 10 minutes
Nature Walk: 10 minutes
Step 1: Fold your construction paper in half vertically.
Step 2: Fold a piece of printer paper in half vertically and insert into the folded construction paper.
Step 3: Close your journal and staple the closed ends shut.
Step 4: Next, trace and cut out your favorite things in nature. We love trees, leaves, and ladybugs, so that’s what we cut out, but you can do anything you like! Use our template to get started.
Step 5: Glue your cut outs to the front of your nature journal.
Step 6: Write your name on the front of your nature journal.
Step 7: Grab your binoculars and get ready to explore! What can you find on a nature walk? We found flowers, pinecones, and leaves. You can make a game of it! Enjoy this with family and challenge each other to see who can make the most discoveries. Ready, go!
We hope you had a blast making your very own nature journal. Visit us again soon for more ideas on how to have fun at home with the family during your eLearning recess break. If you’re curious about visiting Great Wolf Lodge, be sure to read our Paw Pledge. We’re committed to keeping your family safe while you play!
Created by CraftBoxGirls.com / @craftboxgirls
