Hastings third graders ventured out on a partly sunny May 31st, with cumulous clouds overhead and a brisk wind coming from the north. Clare Walker Leslie, artist, author, naturalist and educator was our guide, teaching us the extremely satisfying art of keeping a nature journal. Pepperweed, bindweed, bladder campion, purple and white clover, new branches growing on a red pine tree, dandelions, a mourning dove, a chickadee, a skipper, many sparrows, a pair of kingbirds, poison ivy, buckthorn, rabbit tracks, and a somewhat derelict apple tree were all noted and drawn, worthy of careful observation. Our good fortune led us to an incredibly finely crafted bird's nest, woven into a perfect bowl shape out of many layers of aged red pine needles on the outside, and with soft fresh fine fescue grasses tucked around the inside. The students noted with respect the high quality work wrought by the birds. We will consult a field guide to birds' nests to determine which species to credit it to.
Several children were so captivated by the lesson that they brought their new journals back outside with them at recess for further study. It was a really great day!!
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In Clare's new book, "Keeping a Nature Journal", she outlines skills and knowledge fostered by nature journaling:
Click here to see some of the students' nature journal sketches. |
Last update: 6-21-01/mgl