Connect
Find an object in nature that interests you. It could be a tree, a rock, a small plant. Ideally it would be something that will not move away from you during the few minutes of this experience. Get in a position where you can observe your object comfortably, resting your hands on your thighs. Look closely at the object you have chosen. What do you notice? Use your fingers to count your observations. Challenge yourself to notice 10-20 things about your object. Share your noticings with someone in your family or sketch your object in a nature or art journal.
Adapted from The Sky and Earth Touched Me, Joseph Bharat Cornell
Explore
Find a “sit spot.” A sit spot is simply a favorite place in nature that you visit to observe nature. Your spot to sit might be a rock, a tree stump, a bench or a patch of dirt under a tree. Today, explore the outside area available to you and select your sit spot. Try to find a place that you like and feel comfortable because, ideally, you will return to your sit spot regularly for at least part of your time outdoors.
Keep records in a “Nature Notebook.” There are many ways to create entries in a notebook, so be creative and make it your own. To help make sense of what is happening, it is helpful if each day you record:
- date
- time
- temperature
- weather
Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas for creating a nature notebook from the School District of Waukesha Environmental Education:
Make observations. As you explore the nature around your sit spot for the first time, write down what you are hearing, seeing, smelling, and feeling. Use words or images to record your noticings. Pay attention to the natural components of your outdoor space.
Try saying these sentence starters out loud as you make observations of anything:
- I notice…
- I wonder…
- It reminds me of…
Record your thoughts about your sit spot:
- I chose my sit spot because…
- What I really like about my sit spot is…
- What I didn’t realize about my sit spot…
- My sit spot is unique because…
What are three things you appreciate about your sit spot?
Watch this 6-minute video segment as the BEETLES and student learners use the strategy “I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of”
Engage
Share. After you finish your outdoor exploration, share your favorite observation with a family member. If family members went out with you, ask them to share their favorite observation with you!
Learn more about Aldo Leopold, a Wisconsin conservationist who was famous for his journals. He wrote in his book A Sand County Almanac, “Keeping records enhances the pleasure of the search and the chance of finding order and meaning in the events.”
Leave a comment below about what you found!
