Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to enhance your reading skills while exploring nature on a walk.

Materials and Prep

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• A notebook or journal
• A pencil or pen
• A nature guidebook (optional)

Prior to the lesson, familiarize yourself with the area where you will be taking the nature walk.

Activities

1. Choose a nearby natural area or park to explore.

Research and select a nearby natural area or park that you can visit for your nature walk. Make sure it is accessible and safe for your adventure.

2. Prepare for your nature walk.

Gather your materials, including comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a notebook or journal, and a pencil or pen. If you have a nature guidebook, bring it along to help identify plants, animals, and other interesting elements you may encounter.

3. Embark on your nature walk.

Head to your chosen natural area or park and begin your nature walk. Take your time, observe your surroundings, and make notes in your notebook or journal about anything that catches your attention.

4. Engage your reading skills.

While on your nature walk, find a quiet spot to sit down and read a book or a few pages from a book that you brought along. Choose a book related to nature, animals, or any topic that interests you. As you read, pay attention to the vocabulary, descriptive language, and imagery used by the author.

5. Reflect and write.

After your reading session, find a peaceful spot to sit and reflect on what you read. Write a short journal entry or a poem inspired by the nature around you and the book you read. Use descriptive language and try to capture the essence of your surroundings.

6. Share your experience.

Once you have completed your nature walk and writing, share your experience with someone else. Discuss what you observed, what you read, and how the two connected. You can share your journal entry or poem, or simply talk about your adventure.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• "Reading in different environments, such as during a nature walk, can enhance our understanding and appreciation of the text."
• "Observing nature can provide inspiration for our own writing."
• "Descriptive language and imagery help us create vivid mental pictures while reading and writing."
• "Taking time to reflect on what we read helps deepen our comprehension and connection to the text."
• "Sharing our experiences and insights with others can lead to meaningful discussions and new perspectives."