July 9th - August 13th, 2026

2026 Homeschool Nature Journal Program

Nature Journaling Landscapes.

For this six-week nature journaling program, we’ll be exploring the diverse landscapes of Berrinba Wetlands.

Through observation, sketching, simple drawing techniques and watercolour, students will learn how to record the natural world in their own unique way while building confidence in both creativity and observation.

Each week we will explore a different aspect of the wetlands, from finding interesting views and drawing trees, plants and grasses to observing water reflections, exploring depth in the landscape and discovering the colours that make a place unique.

Over six weeks students will:

  • Explore different areas of Berrinba Wetlands.

  • Learn how to observe and sketch landscapes with confidence.

  • Develop and build upon previously learned drawing skills through fun, hands-on activities.

  • Experiment with watercolour, inspired by nature’s colours.

  • Create their own collection of landscape journal pages.

  • Complete a final landscape journal spread inspired by the wetlands or other type of landscape.

The emphasis is on curiosity, observation and creative expression, rather than producing perfect artwork.

IMPORTANT NOTES: COURSE/PROGRAM MATERIALS

This year, students will need to bring along every week, their journal, pencils and rubber, as they did last year. However, they may need to bring additional materials, depending on the weekly theme and/or focus.

Please check-in each week to see what your child will need to bring for that week, and whether we will be in one spot or moving around.

This year, students will need to purchase a Mont Marte Watercolour Palette Set (it includes a water brush) for the weeks where we will be using watercolour paints. It’s a good starter’s kit, and the children will be able to use this for their own journaling once the program finishes. It’s affordable, portable, no-mess and compact, as this year we will be moving around to different areas of Berrinba Wetlands. They won’t need this until WEEK 3, so there is plenty of time to buy this kit.

Students will also need to purchase a Fineliner Waterproof Pen. Any brand is fine, and a thickness of 0.3mm - 0.7mm is ideal. Don’t spend too much on these pens, as they’ll be worn by the end of the program. Children will only need one working pen, but buying in packs can often work out cheaper.

Because some weeks we will be moving around, the children will need to make sure all their materials are able to be transported easily, including anything they sit on. I have found camping tripod-stools to be very easy to transport and can fit in a backpack. However, it’s your personal choice. Whatever the children have, the possibility of wet ground needs to be a consideration, especially for those weeks where we will be moving around.

REMEMBER TO CHECK-IN ON THIS PAGE EACH WEEK, PRIOR TO THE LESSON, TO FIND OUT WHAT THE CHILDREN WILL NEED TO BRING AND WHETHER WE WILL BE IN ONE SPOT OR MOVING AROUND. N.B. The ‘What to Bring’ list may change week-to-week.

WEEK 1 - 9th July, 2026. 2:00pm - 3:30 pm

Finding a View

Every landscape tells a story.

Meeting: Billabong Outlook Precinct (where we were last year). Click here for a map to download.

We will be moving around, so please ensure that the children can carry everything with them (like in a bag or backpack). This includes a camping tripod stool or cushion is ideal. We’ll finish back at the original meeting spot so parents can pick up their children.

What to Bring:

  • Journal (any size with 110gsm paper min.)

  • Pencils - HB, 2B, Rubber

  • Fineliner Pen (refer Important Notes)

  • Viewfinder (DIY) - PLEASE REFER TO THIS LINK ON HOW TO MAKE A VIEWFINDER. Children will need to bring it with them.

  • Fold up stool or cushion to sit on.

  • Hat, sunscreen, water bottle.

WEEK 2 - 16th July, 2026. 2:00pm - 3:30 pm

Trees, Plants & Grasses

The parts that make up a landscape.

[UPDATE 13TH JULY 2026]

  • PLEASE ARRIVE BY 1:45PM so we can begin on time at 2PM.

  • Today’s lesson will be at ‘Billabong Outlook’ where the children’s playground is.

  • Apart from their journal, the children will only need their pencils, rubber, colouring pencils and fineliner pen (optional).

What to Bring:

  • Journal (any size with 110gsm paper min.)

  • Pencils (HB, 2B), Coloured pencils, Rubber.

  • Blanket or cushion to sit on.

  • Hat, sunscreen, water bottle.

WEEK 3 - 23rd July, 2026. 2:00pm - 3:30 pm

Water & Reflections

Exploring the wetland environment.

[UPDATE 19TH JULY 2026]

  • PLEASE ARRIVE BY 1:45PM so we can begin on time at 2PM.

  • Today’s lesson will be at ‘Billabong Outlook’ where the children’s playground is.

  • In addition to pencils, rubber, colouring pencils and fineliner pen (optional),

  • This week, the children will need their watercolour palette set. They will also need the following:

    • an old face towel/cloth

    • a plastic bag to place their cloth and palette in it, so it doesn’t leak into their bag afterwards.

    • any extra water brushes, if they have any.

    • journal pages must be at least 110gsm. Sketchbooks are not suitable for watercolour paints.

  • Lastly, please make sure the children are have practiced using the water brush and watercolour paints as I showed them at the end of the last lesson. If they could also have their water brushes pre-filled with water.

What to Bring (also see above):

  • Journal (any size with 110gsm paper min.)

  • Pencils (HB, 2B), Coloured pencils, Rubber.

  • Watercolour Palette Set (watercolours + filled waterbrush)

  • Blanket or cushion to sit on.

  • Hat, sunscreen, water bottle.

WEEK 4 - 30th July, 2026. 2:00pm - 3:30 pm

Painting in Layers

Building a Landscape one layer at a time.

[UPDATE 27TH JULY 2026]

  • PLEASE ARRIVE BY 1:45PM so we can begin on time at 2PM.

  • Today’s lesson will be at ‘Billabong Outlook’ where the children’s playground is.

  • In addition to pencils, rubber, colouring pencils and fineliner pen (optional),

  • This week, the children will need their watercolour palette set. They will also need the following:

    • an old face towel/cloth

    • a plastic bag to place their cloth and palette in it, so it doesn’t leak into their bag afterwards.

    • any extra water brushes, if they have any.

    • journal pages must be at least 110gsm. Sketchbooks are not suitable for watercolour paints.

  • Lastly, please make sure the children are have practiced using the water brush and watercolour paints as I showed them at the end of Week 2 and in Week 3’s lesson. If they could also have their water brushes pre-filled with water.

  • ALSO, CAN THE CHILDREN BRING A LARGER WATER BRUSH THAT HOLDS MORE WATER? They are easily found in a discount store, and cost very little.

What to Bring:

  • Journal (any size with 110gsm paper min.)

  • Pencils (HB, 2B), Coloured pencils, Rubber.

  • Watercolour Palette Set (watercolours + filled waterbrush)

  • Blanket or cushion to sit on.

  • Hat, sunscreen, water bottle.

WEEK 5 - 6th August, 2026. 2:00pm - 3:30 pm

Diverse Landscapes

Choosing your own way to tell the story of a landscape.

Meeting: Billabong Outlook Precinct , the same spot we have been in the previous two weeks, past the Flying Fox.

This week we look at journaling different types of landscapes, e.g. beach, forest, desert, etc. The children can choose their own medium to use and what they feel comfortable with. Whether it’s pencils, colouring pencils, pen or watercolour paints, - they can use any of the techniques they’ve learned since the start of the program.

[UPDATE 3rd August, 2026]

  • PLEASE ARRIVE BY 1:45PM so we can begin on time at 2PM.

  • Children to bring pencils, colouring pencils, fine liner, and watercolour paints.

  • For their watercolour paint sets, they will also need the following:

    • an old face towel/cloth

    • a plastic bag to place their cloth and palette in it, so it doesn’t leak into their bag afterwards.

    • any extra water brushes, if they have any.

    • journal pages must be at least 110gsm. Sketchbooks are not suitable for watercolour paints.

  • Please ensure that the children have their water brushes pre-filled with water.

  • ALSO, CAN THE CHILDREN BRING A LARGER WATER BRUSH THAT HOLDS MORE WATER? They are easily found in a discount store, and cost very little.

What to Bring:

  • Journal (any size with 110gsm paper min.)

  • Pencils (HB, 2B), Coloured pencils, Rubber.

  • Watercolour Palette Set (watercolours + filled waterbrush)

  • Blanket or cushion to sit on.

  • Hat, sunscreen, water bottle.

WEEK 6 - 13th August, 2026. 2:00pm - 3:30 pm

My Landscape Journal Page

Bringing together everything you’ve learned.

What to Bring:

  • Journal (any size with 110gsm paper min.)

  • Pencils (HB, 2B), Coloured pencils, Rubber.

  • Watercolour Palette Set (watercolours + filled waterbrush)

  • Blanket or cushion to sit on.

  • Hat, sunscreen, water bottle.

Kerry’s Journal Page Landscapes

  • Purlingbrook Falls, Springbrook National Park, Qld

  • The Glasshouse Mountains, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Qld

  • The Entrance & Crackneck Lookout, Northern NSW