4.1 Read: About Sense of Place Through Description

4.2 The Value of Nature Observation Exercise

In your learning guide complete your second entry (4.2 The Value of Nature Observation Exercise) by writing down some of your observations and connections to nature in Part A (point form, rough paragraphs, or even sketches).  How do you connect to nature?  In Part B, write down any ideas or questions that came to you while observing. Close observation is a skill crucial to many disciplines, that helps lead to deep understanding and creation. To truly gain a sense of place it is helpful to practice your observation skills.

Whether it is a park, your backyard, a favourite hike or any natural environment go there and do the following.

1. Take a few minutes to close your eyes and just listen to any sounds that you hear.

2. Slow down and take time to feel and smell objects in nature.

3. Observe even the simplest of actions that you notice happening: how the breeze moves the grass, an insect travelling over the ground, shifting clouds etc.

4. Take a string, a metre long or a hula hoop, and make a circle on the ground. Focus very closely on what is in there.