Journaling Activity: I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of

This activity has been developed by great educators that focus on the work of experiential and environmental education. Our EE staff has each shared a bit about why they love these three simple prompts of beginning to know and understand the world around you. It’s such a great activity to introduce yourself to the space around you. It can be readily adaptable for a yard, porch, or even window to be your access point to the living world around you. Grab a journal and pencil, find an object of interest and meet it. (Optional: bring a hand lens)

I Notice… (make observations)

I think a lot about embodied learning for me as a learner. My field is formally environmental and experiential, but my approach has come to really appreciate the embodiment the learning. What does that mean though? Simply put, it means engaging with your senses. Tasting a new food, smelling a dandelion, watching a bird flit from branch to branch. Starting a sentence with “I notice…” followed by a sensory observation taps into moment-to-moment learning that invites you into the special process of making relationships and memories with the subject of your learning. – Phil

I Wonder… (ask questions)

I enjoy wondering because it stretches my imagination, perspective, and creative thinking. The more thoughtful, creative questions I can ask leads me to more interesting connections and discoveries. When I am wondering, it helps me to think from as many different perspectives as I can. Sometimes I even imagine what it would be like if I was the thing I am observing and wondering about. In those times, I feel even more connected with it. – Kyla

It Reminds Me Of… (make connections)

Wendell Berry writes, “The Earth is what we all have in common.” This reminds me of my relationship with the world. It is for this same reason that “It Reminds Me Of” is such a great practice. I have noticed, wondered, and now I will allow it to connect to other things, people, and places in my mind. A tomato becomes a symbol of your grandmother who always grew them, the sign of a successful harvest after a drought, of hope and perseverance, of love and tenderness. It’s a reminder of your favorite red ball when you were a kid. We can invite in a piece of the world that can become a part of who we are and how we perceive the world. – Emilio

Explore more about INIWIRMO from these great sources:

John Muir Laws How to Teach Nature Journaling & BEETLES Project: I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of (in-depth version, brief version)