Nature Journal

This activity is a fun and educational nature observation activity suitable for preschool and primary school levels. Children create their own observation journals by reusing scrap paper. In these journals, they record their discoveries about nature and improve their observation skills.

Purpose of the Activity:

To help children develop the habit of observing nature.

To support their recognition of living beings and natural elements found in nature.

To raise awareness of upcycling by making use of waste paper.

To encourage children to express their observations through drawings, writing, or photography.

To help them notice natural variables such as weather and seasons.

To develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

To support scientific thinking skills and foster curiosity.

To increase time spent in nature and help children build a positive relationship with the environment.

Story First

One morning, while playing, Tako and Ruka noticed some old papers scattered around the room. The papers had been drawn and colored on, but were no longer being used. Ruka, a bit puzzled, began gathering the papers. Tako came over and asked:

Materials

Activity

In this activity, children will recycle waste paper at home to create their own nature journals. This journal is used for observing their surroundings, taking notes about nature, and making drawings.

First, unused papers at home that have drawings on one side but are blank on the other are collected. These papers are then cut or folded to the same size using scissors. After preparing about 10–15 sheets, two pieces of cardboard (for example, from an old box) are cut to serve as the front and back covers of the journal.

All the papers and covers are stacked together. They are then bound in the middle using a stapler, thread, or hole punch and ribbon. And just like that, the nature journal is ready!

The cover of the journal can be decorated with drawings, leaves, or upcycled materials. Inside, children can write or draw the birds, flowers, weather, stones they find, or any observations they make when they go outside.

Through this activity, children not only learn about the importance of recycling, but also develop a habit of observing nature. It also supports their fine motor skills and imagination.

Attention

The waste paper used in the activity should be clean and free of any chemical substances. Papers with paint, oil, or harmful materials should not be used.

Sharp or piercing tools such as scissors, staplers, or hole punches should be used by children only under adult supervision. Safety is always the top priority.

The edges of the cardboard used for the nature journal should not be sharp. Rounded corners help prevent injury to children’s hands.

Natural materials used for decorating the journal (such as leaves or flowers) should be dry. Fresh materials may mold over time or damage the pages.

Strings, ribbons, or adhesives used in journal-making should be safe for young children; contact with the mouth should be avoided, and materials should be used carefully.

While observing nature, children should be encouraged to avoid harming their environment. Instead of picking flowers, they can be guided to draw or write down their observations.

During outdoor observations, children should dress appropriately for the weather, and be reminded to bring hats and water on sunny days.

Throughout the activity, it should be emphasized that the journal is a nature observation notebook, and respectful behavior toward nature and living beings should be encouraged.

Evaluation Questions

What types of waste paper did you collect from home? Why is it important to reuse these papers?

What materials did you use to create your nature journal? What was the role of each material in making the journal?

What did you pay attention to when cutting or folding the papers to journal size? Why is this step important?

Which method did you use to bind your journal? (Stapler, thread, hole punch, etc.) Which of these methods felt easiest for you?

How did you decorate the cover of your journal? Can you explain how the materials you used are related to nature?

What did you write or draw in your nature journal? What natural events, animals, or plants did you observe?

What new things did you learn about nature through this activity? What are your thoughts on the importance of recycling?

How did keeping a nature journal benefit you? Would you like to continue observing nature from now on?