Journaling for Young Naturalists
Take a Walk in the Woods...
Steve Smith
Conversation Starters to Use with your Child on the Park Trail
For younger nature enthusiasts, ages 2 to 4 who are developing language skills and are not ready to use a written journal, here are some questions you could ask to help your child appreciate the park during your walk and have a great chat together.
LOOK: What do you see?
What color is the tree? The flower? The bug?
What shapes do you see? Circle? Triangle? Square? Oval?
LISTEN: What noises do you hear?
What do you think is making that sound? A bird? A bug? The wind?
SMELL: Tell me what the flower smells like? What does it remind you of?
ENOY: What surprised you? What was your favorite thing you saw today?
Elementary students can draw a picture to describe something they have seen in the park and write a story or poem or a song to talk about their visit.
GRADES K-2
What animals and plants did we see in the park? What do you think they eat and need?
Why do you think they choose to live in this park?
Why do you think there many kinds of trees in the park and how are they different?
Did you find an interesting rock?
What did you wonder about ?
GRADES 3-5
How do you think Mt. Diablo came to be? How many kinds of rocks are in the park?
How do you think the plants and animals help each other to survive in the park?
Who were the original people who lived in the park?Journaling in nature is a fun way to explore the world around you!
TEENS
Bring a notebook and a pencil (silence your phone).
Find a cozy spot outside, like under a tree or by a stream.
Look around and notice the plants, animals, and sounds. You can write about what you see, draw pictures, or even describe how the fresh air feels.
Remember, there are no rules—just let your imagination flow!
