How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder, Attention

“From the beginning of time, we have been connected to nature, but for the first time in history, that connection threatens to be broken for most of an entire generation and perhaps generations to come. In this book and this work, I find hope. 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. Nature is magic, and everyone needs it.” Robert Bateman, artist and naturalist

“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.” Richard Louv, author of Our Wild Calling and Last Child in the Woods

“Charlotte Mason said that ‘where science does not teach a child to wonder and admire it has perhaps no educative value.’ John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren have filled their book with the tools of nature journaling that can help us all get outdoors to wonder at and admire the nature around us. What a gift their book is!” J. Carroll Smith, EdD, Founder of the Charlotte Mason Institute, Professor of Education (Retired)

“This book beautifully demonstrates how nature journaling is a valuable, multidimensional approach to science. Through this work, students build neural pathways that enable different brain regions to communicate with each other, resulting in more flexible thinking and creative problem solving in all areas of life. This approach to nature journaling also offers students an excellent way to learn and practice a growth mindset through nature and science.” Jo Boaler, Professor of Education and Equity, Stanford University; author of Mathematical Mindsets and Limitless Mind

“The writing, the illustrations, the demonstration of an intentional, informative, and wonderfully educational approach to nature journal writing—it’s all here. From field activities with clear examples to an inquiry-based approach to learning, 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.” José González, Founder of Latino Outdoors

“In How to Teach Nature Journaling, educators get best practices for facilitating intentional and inclusive strategies for nature journaling with students. This can spark a lifelong wonder of the natural world.” Arvolyn Hill, Coordinator of Family Programs, Children's Adventure Garden at the New York Botanical Garden

“Engaging students in learning about nature is a compelling need in these turbulent times. Just as important is communicating clearly, precisely, and truthfully. Naturalists and educators John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren help teachers achieve these goals with How to Teach Nature Journaling. This is a wonderful response to educators’ request for meaningful ways to implement contemporary standards. The book is useful, full of activities, and manageable for classroom teachers.” Rodger W. Bybee, Executive Director, BSCS Science Learning (Retired)

“How to Teach Nature Journaling offers step-by-step processes to reach all learners through shared experience. This can be a transformative way for students to learn to communicate and express how they view the natural world.” Michelle Peres, Environmental Educator, NatureBridge

“Imagine if every teacher taught nature journaling, every student spent enough time outside to fill a journal each year, and our kids were becoming writers, artists, and scientists all at once. I’d send my kid to that school. Thanks to Emilie Lygren and Jack Laws, we now have the vision and the tools to make this our reality.” Craig Strang, Associate Director, Lawrence Hall of Science

“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 in their school. You need to do this!” Rob Wade, Science & Outdoor Education Coordinator, Plumas Unified School District/Plumas County of Education