Make a Nature Journal to Observe Animals
Engaging with your child in nature helps them develop curiosity about the natural world and empathy for our planet’s living things. Being in nature can also help relieve stress, promote an active lifestyle and help with focus. Observing wildlife is a wonderful way for children to practice patience and develop skills in noticing details.
Molly loves to observe animals, especially birds. One time she and Trini got to observe Molly's favorite kind of bird — puffins! These birds live in northern habitats, including Alaska, and they are interesting birds to observe. In this activity, invite your child to create an animal observation journal so that together you can record what you observe about the animals that live in your own neighborhood.
Materials
Directions
Open the cereal box at the top and bottom and fold it flat. Then, cut off the top and bottom flaps.
Cut off the front and back sections of the cereal box. Help your child measure the sections so that they are 9” by 12”.
Now, add paper in between the front and back sections of the cereal box. You can use the Molly of Denali Field Guide to Birds or blank sheets of paper. Help your child punch three holes along one side.
Cut three pieces of yarn about five inches long. Tie each piece through the holes in your folder and paper. You now have an animal observation journal!
Help your child decorate the cover of the journal. You might want to find and cut out pictures of animals such as birds or butterflies, or draw or paint your own pictures.
Together with your child, go outside with the nature journal. Don’t forget a pencil! Take a walk together through your neighborhood or a local park. Pay attention to the sights and sounds of the nature around you. Ask your child questions and help her write down or draw what she observes. Ask your child, "What animal sounds do you hear? What animals do you see? Can you hear or see any insects?"
Help your child take notes as she makes observations. If she hears an animal sound, suggest that she write down what it sounds like. Together, think about what animal makes the sound and write that down too. If you see an animal together, suggest drawing a picture and writing down the name of the animal if you know it. Continue to ask your child questions such as, "What kinds of birds have you seen in your neighborhood? What’s it like to observe animals?"
Continue making observations and taking notes together for as long as you would like. Sometimes it takes patience to see wildlife on nature walks. Help your child to be patient during the activity. Make time each week to observe together and make notes in the journal. Help your child compare what you saw on different days. As the seasons change, make note of the different animal sights and sounds you observe together.
When you are done making observations for the day, help your child color in any plants, animals or landscapes you have drawn. This will make the animal observation journal bright and colorful!
Want more “Molly of Denali” activities? Check out the Make Spiced Oatmeal Muffins recipe and the Make an Audio Message That Matters activity to continue the fun!
Author: 
Science