Field notes and nature study in a tutu and sequins: Shannon and Brenton Cooper’s daughter Emmeline is already a fearless explorer and confident girl.
The irony is not lost on me that in the very activities we pursue for field arts—nature journaling, sketching in our field notes, studying wildlife, observing weather, drawing maps—we are at some level trying to reconnect with that sense of wonder we had as kids exploring nature.
I was lucky to have had a pretty unfettered childhood: outdoors as soon as it was light, free to climb trees, build forts, dig for “sand rubies” (garnets) in the dry washes, collect rocks . . . so long as we were home before dark, all was good (or, as my father would say only partly in jest: “Be home before dark and just make sure if you get hurt it’s by a road so we can find you”). It was that trust, I realize now, that my parents communicated to us that helped forge the strong person I am today (“you are smart, we know you will be okay, just use your brain” was the message I got loud and clear).
Me, rockhounding with my family in the Chiricahua Mountains, ca. 1973. Even then I had my own field bag (this one was full of rocks and a rock hammer I still have).
In the world today, as we confront not just this pandemic but also the global threat of climate change and catastrophic loss of wildlife, plants, and habitat, it’s more important than ever for kids (and us adults) to get out and explore (and learn to love) the world around us. And field arts, which are inexpensive and accessible to anyone with a No. 2 pencil or ballpoint pen and simple notebook, are a really great way to do that.
Through my work as a nature journaler and field arts instructor, I have been thrilled recently to see online pictures of so many kids out exploring nature, and writing down their discoveries. The observing + recording part is a really important step in learning science and math through writing and art. These skills, along with the inner confidence gained from exploring unfettered in nature, will be what kids today will need in their adult lives to tackle global challenges. Unfettered is key here: too much adult intervention, supervision, structure, scheduling, rules—those are not just a hindrance but can kill the joy of being in nature. We all need to discover on our own; give kids a notebook and some suggestions but other than that, let it flow naturally.
Here is what happens when you let kids be kids when they are learning to observe nature and draw it: Star Wars! I love everything about this page. (Courtesy Malachi Gram Annis, via his mom Kara on The Nature Journal Club, Facebook group)
Our friends Shannon and Brenton Cooper, who we met through our former business, Overland Expo, are accomplished global explorers who inspired thousands of people with their overland journey from North Carolina to the tip of South America in their humble-but-awesome early-generation Toyota 4Runner. They now have two kids who are learning to be explorers. They graciously shared with me these photos of Emmeline, who is an intrepid girl explorer who loves sparkly tops, pink shoes, and gossamer tutus, all the while accumulating scraped knees and dirty fingers. Our granddaughter Bethany Ramirez is exactly the same—princess dresses + climbing trees + catching lizards, while her brother Myles is already an accomplished birder. With the freedom to explore and learn and love nature, it gives me hope that there is another generation growing up with the skills and passion needed to, well, save the world.
There are some great resources for helping kids learn about nature through observation and writing and drawing. Here are a few. If you have more, please send to me and I’ll add here.
John Muir Laws’ new book How to Teach Nature Journaling is a treasure trove of activities and tips. As a print book or free PDF download.
Website: Backwoods Mama: Raising Outdoor Kids
My book, Nature Journaling for a Wild Life, is aimed at adults, but older kids could definitely use it (age 12 and up). It’s helpful because it breaks down learning into easy-to-understand sessions that build on each other, and there are assignments to work on.