What Nature Journal Color Lessons Are
Nature journal color lessons encourage children to notice and record the colors they see outside. Kids can use words, drawing, and color tools to capture what they observe. This supports careful looking and creative decision-making. It also helps children discover that color is not just “red” or “green.” Color becomes a range of shades, tones, and surprises.
Why Color Observation Helps Kids See More
When children hunt for color details, they slow down. They begin comparing objects that seem similar at first glance. They might notice that one green is cooler and another is warmer. They may also see patterns of color repeating across a landscape. This kind of noticing supports deeper attention and richer creative choices.
Ways to Record Color in a Journal
Kids can record color through descriptive language, through color swatches, or through colored sketches. Some children enjoy writing color words, and others prefer matching a pencil or crayon to what they see. Either approach builds awareness. Encourage children to record what they truly observe, not what they think something “should” look like. This keeps the journal honest and engaging.
Example notes:
- “Bright green with tiny yellow edges.”
- “Dark brown with gray patches.”
- “Blue that looks lighter near the horizon.”
Simple Outdoor Color Prompts
Outdoor time can be energetic, so one clear focus helps. Color works well because it is everywhere. These prompts give children a purpose without turning the activity into a checklist. Keep sessions short at first, then extend as attention grows. Color lessons for kids work best when they feel playful.
Prompt ideas:
- Find three different greens
- Record warm colors you see today
- Record cool colors you see today
- Notice light and dark versions of one color
- Find the most surprising color you can spot
Bringing Color Learning Back Inside
After outdoor journaling, children can revisit their notes and add small details later. This can be a calming continuation rather than a second “assignment.” They might refine a sketch, add labels, or deepen color areas. The journal becomes a growing record of their noticing. For deeper guidance and creative structure, explore my books and art teaching resources.
Montessori Art in the Natural World: Kids Art Journaling, Part I] color theory
One Step Further:
This Outdoor Journal Checklist will help you guide your students and keep them on track to make sure they’re implementing both scientific and artistic principles during their expedition. You can print it out or save it on your phone so you have it with you the next time you lead your students outside to journal.
A Short Cut Just for You
I think nature journaling is the perfect way to introduce art to Montessori students, since it relies so heavily on natural and scientific observations. It opens to the door for so many more interesting art projects!
If you know that you want to bring art into your classroom but aren’t sure how to do it, check out my Theming Art & The Natural World
A Short Cut Just for You
I explore the importance and how-to of color theory in my book, Kids Color Theory. I share the reasons kids should be able to identify primary pigments and secondary color, as well as how to create art and color mixing Montessori environments to allow kids to thrive as little artists. Plus, I even give you 11 color-mixing lessons to make your life so much easier! You can purchase the book here.
Of course, understanding the principles of color theory is just the first part; to be able to share that knowledge with your students involves creating fun, exciting, and effective art activities. My book includes 11 art lessons, but I’ve created an entire curriculum that revolves around this essential art concept. Kids Color Theory Practice & Process Curriculum has more than three dozen color theory lessons for early childhood, lower elementary, and upper elementary Montessori students. And every lesson is laid out, step-by-step, so all you have to do is read up and follow the instructions! To purchase Color Theory Curriculum for your classroom, click here.
About the Author: Spramani Elaun is a professional artist, author of 10 books on early childhood and elementary art education, and founder of Nature of Art®. She holds degrees in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Print Media, and Business, and has spent over two decades developing the Science Art Method™. She trains Montessori schools and independent educators worldwide.
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