NATURE JOURNALING IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE FOR FALL!!!!
Advanced Nature Journaling & Field Art for Curious, Creative Kids
A small-group nature study for creative homeschoolers who are ready to slow down, look closely, and document the natural world through sketching, watercolor, field observation, and science.
- Ages: 8+
- Location: Fleming Falls Preserve
- Dates: September 2, 16 • October 14, 21
- Time: 11:00am
This class is perfect if your child...
- Loves drawing, painting, sketching, or creating
- Is curious about plants, animals, patterns, and how nature works
- Wants to improve both artistic and observation skills
- Wants to improve observation and artistic skills
- Prefers fast paced, high energy activities.
- Has a difficult time sitting or focusing on one project for a longer period
What does a day at Nature School look like?
Each class is intentionally structured to build both scientific understanding and artistic skill.
🌿 Focused field observation — slowing down and noticing shape, color, texture, pattern and movement
🔬 A short science investigation — understanding the biology or natural process behind what we are studying
✏️ Guided sketching — learning how to break complex natural subjects into manageable shapes
🎨 Watercolor and field-art techniques — experimenting with color, texture, layering and mark-making
📓 Nature journaling — recording observations, questions, labels and discoveries
Each session builds skills in both science and art while encouraging patience and attention to detail.
Here is what we will be exploring this Fall!
🦋 Butterflies & Symmetry
💧 Water in Motion
🌳 Dendrochronology & Concentric Circles
🎨 Watercolor Texture in Nature
(Lessons may shift slightly based on weather, seasonal discoveries, specimen availability, and park conditions. Some of the best Nature School moments begin with something unexpected. areas)
Why families love this class?
- Science Gives the Art Meaning: Students learn what they are looking at—not just how to draw it.
- Art Builds Observation: Sketching and painting encourage children to slow down and notice details they may otherwise overlook.
- Small-Group Guidance: Small-Group Guidance
Hi, I’m Jennifer—a homeschool mom, former chemist, and the founder of Wonder Wilds Nature School.
My background is in biology, toxicology and chemistry, but I have always loved the place where science and creativity overlap.
I created Advanced Nature Journaling & Field Art because careful observation is one of the most important skills in both science and art.
When children stop long enough to draw a butterfly wing, trace the rings of a tree, study the movement of water, or recreate the texture of bark, they begin noticing things they may have walked past a hundred times before.
My goal is not to create perfect little artists. It is to help children become careful observers, curious thinkers, and confident creators.
This class was designed to help students slow down, observe deeply, and connect both art and science through nature.
Frequently asked questions
What happens in bad weather?
Nature School will continue to run as long as there are no dangerous storms, high winds, or temperatures under 22 degrees. Please make sure you are prepared for all weather.
Does my child need to be good at drawing?
Absolutely not.
This class is not about creating perfect artwork or already knowing how to draw. We use art as a tool for observation.
Students are guided through techniques step by step and are encouraged to focus on what they notice rather than whether their work looks “perfect.”
Artistic ability matters far less than curiosity and a willingness to try.
Is the price per person or per family?
For ADVANCED NATURE JOURNALING the price is per child. It is $60 per child. So if you have two children that would like to participate then you will add two to your cart.
Is my child too young for this?
This program is designed primarily for ages 8 and older because classes involve longer periods of observation, drawing and focused project work.
Some younger children may enjoy the program if they naturally prefer quieter, creative activities. High-energy learners who want more movement and exploration may be happier in our regular Nature School program
What supplies do we need?
I provide the primary nature journals and any specialty materials needed for individual lessons.
Students should bring a small field-art kit that includes:
- Travel watercolor set
- Paint brushes
- Collapsible or small water container
- Watercolor pencils
- Pencil and eraser
A complete supply list will be sent before the first class.
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All the details
- Classes meet Wednesdays at 11:00 AM.
- Dates of classes are September 2, 16 and October 14th and 21st
- Classes are about 2 hours long.
- We will meet at Fleming Falls Nature Preserve 2276 Fleming Falls Rd Mansfield, OH 44903
- This class is geared towards ages 8+- I teach to the highest age in the group and artistic ability doesn’t matter.
- Class size is intentionally limited to allow for individual guidance
- Price is $60 PER STUDENT
