Nature Journals

Well, I've finally taken the time to get a new post on here :) We've been so busy and it seems I just can't get much done. I am not one that enjoys too much busyness, but I think it will slow down soon or at least I hope. I have wanted to begin a nature journal with the kids and decided that summer would be the perfect time to do so. I think it is very beneficial for all children and adults, too, to spend lots of time outdoors. Many people don't do this much anymore due to busyness. It's so refreshing to take a walk outside especially on a nice pleasant day like today. This morning I decided to pull out the kid's swimming pool that had been stashed in the corner of the back porch (yes, I never put it up last year). Anyway, as I pulled it up a toad hopped out from under it. I have seen small toads on the porch before, but never one that large. I called the kids over to observe. I thought this would be a great way to begin our "nature journal". I had them observe him for a few minutes. They were supposed to watch silently, but my children have a hard time doing that :) We decided to try to move him to some water. I convinced my son to scoop him in a shovel and try to move him. But as soon as he tried the toad hopped away. They were so disappointed :( They had fun anyway! I asked them to describe to me what they heard and saw and then my oldest (7) wrote a few sentences about it and drew a picture. My 5 year old wrote a few words and drew a picture. My 3 year old (who has to do everything the big kids do) drew a picture of the toads stripes and circles for his eyes. I think the journals were a big hit because this afternoon they wanted to find more things to add to their journals. That is always a great thing!