Topic:  Nature Observation

Age: Preschool to 3rd

Active Learning Strategy: Nature Walk/Hike and Nature Journaling

Type: Whole Group Exercise

Title: Let's Go on a Hike!

Learning Objectives: The student will:

• Observe and explore outdoor spaces
• Learn about and comment on details of trees, plants, and/or animals
• Share these observations with peers through journal writing or drawing 
• Connect observations to a text and plan for future learning and exploration

Description:

This activity involves students going on a walk or hike in a natural environment and using their senses to observe and explore. Observations will create the opportunity to learn and interact with nature. Students will be provided time to discover individually and with other members of their class and to record and draw in their nature journals. This outdoor experience and exercise will help them connect to the content and theme (nature/discovery) of the paired texts, and can be used as a building block of a larger nature based curriculum.

Materials:

• Copies of both texts
• Individual nature journals - these can be basic notebooks or handmade by students

Preparation:

• Make any advance arrangements for a field trip as necessary, especially if off site.
• List talking points on particular habitats, geography, native plants and animals with examples for discussion. It may be helpful to provide expectations so that students can be prepared, especially if outdoor activities are not commonplace.
• Have children make their own nature journals, if desired. These journals will serve to extend the learning process and encourage further observation and exploration of natural environments.

Direct Instruction:

1. The Librarian and/or educator will read The Hike by Alison Farrell aloud to students. Group discussion will follow along with an introduction to the outdoor setting to be explored, what type of observations are likely and general expectations of the trip.
2. In small groups or individually, students will read On the Nature Trail. This book will serve as their personal field guide and educator may choose an activity that the group will do together in the field.

Guided and Independent Practice:

Lead discussion involving comparison of general or specific nature observations. This can be done on the trail by pointing out interesting finds and also after the hike or field trip to reflect on observations and discoveries. Topics can include leaves, animal tracks, butterflies, clouds, and so many other things. Connecting to the local environment will deepen the knowledge building of the children's own, observable natural world. Hiking and observation activities also lend themselves well to using a K-W-L chart which can be done on a whiteboard or in general discussion. Colored printables, student art or other colored pictures could be used to create a bulletin board or mural display. Allow the children to discuss and explain what they have observed, where they saw it, and what they learned or would like to know more about. Seasonal changes can also be a great discussion and learning topic, perhaps even revisiting the same hike at a different time of the year.

Sharing/Reflection/Closing:

This activity can be adapted in so many different ways and with different literature texts. As part of a larger curriculum about nature and eco literacy, this activity is a wonderfully engaging introduction to various natural settings and the native flora and fauna. The sensory portion is key, in my opinion, to connect children with nature, and to encourage observation skills, curiosity, and the excitement to explore and learn.