Objective
By the end of this unit study, Wesley will be able to explore nature, appreciate its beauty, and express his thoughts and observations through writing, drawing, and creative arts in his Nature Study Backpack Journal. He will create a personal connection to the environment around him while developing his artistic and writing skills.
Materials and Prep
- Notebooks
- Paper
- Pencils
- Colored pencils
- Glue
- Scissors
- Markers
- Art supplies (ribbon, buttons, glitter, stickers, etc.)
- Backpack
- Nature prompts
Before starting the lesson, make sure Wesley understands how to use the materials safely, especially scissors and glue. Discuss what types of nature prompts he might find interesting, like observing different plants, animals, or weather conditions.
Activities
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Nature Walk:
Take a walk outside in a nearby park or garden. Encourage Wesley to observe his surroundings closely. He can use his notebook to jot down interesting things he sees, hears, or smells. This will be the first entry in his Nature Study Backpack Journal!
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Nature Collage:
Gather leaves, flowers, or small twigs during the nature walk. Once back home, Wesley can create a collage using these natural items along with art supplies. This will help him appreciate the textures and colors of nature.
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Creative Writing:
Using the nature prompts, Wesley can write a short story or poem inspired by what he observed during the walk. Encourage him to be imaginative and express his feelings about nature.
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Artistic Expression:
Wesley can choose one of his favorite observations from the nature walk and create a drawing or painting of it. He can use colored pencils, markers, or any other art supplies to bring his artwork to life!
Talking Points
- "What do you notice about the colors and shapes of the plants around us?"
- "How do the sounds of nature make you feel? Can you describe them?"
- "Why do you think it's important to pay attention to nature?"
- "What is your favorite part of your nature walk? Why do you like it?"
- "How can we use art to express what we see in nature?"
- "What kind of stories can we create based on our observations?"
- "How does nature inspire you to be creative?"
- "What new things did you learn about nature today?"
- "How can we take care of the nature around us?"