Nature Journaling with Steph — Stephanie Hathaway Designs

As the sun begins to rise over the rolling hills, casting a soft golden light across the landscape, we gather for a morning of nature journaling with the talented Stephanie Hathaway of Stephanie Hathaway Designs. Armed with sketchbooks, pencils, and a sense of wonder, participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world.

"Nature is our greatest artist," Steph muses, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Every leaf, every cloud, every creature has a story to tell." She guides us through the gentle process of observing our surroundings, reminding us to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly see what is before us.

With her gentle encouragement, we begin to sketch the delicate patterns of ferns, capture the vibrant colours of wildflowers, and jot down the melodies of birdsong. As we work, Steph shares tips on composition, colour mixing, and the joy of letting go of perfection—celebrating the spontaneity that comes with creativity.

Through this shared experience, we not only cultivate our artistic skills but also foster a deeper connection to the environment. By the end of the day, our pages are filled with sketches and notes, each reflecting a personal journey through the lens of nature. With a warm smile, Steph closes our session, reminding us, "Nature journaling is not just about drawing; it’s about discovering the magic that surrounds us every day."

Teaching kids how to write a sentence is an essential step in developing their literacy skills. Begin by explaining that a sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. You might start with the basics: every sentence needs a subject and a verb.

For instance, you could say, “The dog (subject) barks (verb).” Encourage them to think of simple examples from their own lives, such as “I play football” or “She eats an apple.”

Once they understand the structure, introduce them to the importance of punctuation. Explain that every sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop, exclamation mark, or question mark. Engage them in fun activities where they can practise writing sentences about their favourite things or their daily routines. Through consistent practice and positive reinforcement, children will gain the confidence to express their thoughts clearly and creatively in writing.