What's Up in May - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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What's Up in May?

Observe the May sky and nearby nature: watch clouds, birds, sunrise times, and flowers, then make an illustrated nature journal with notes.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to observe the May sky and create a nature journal

What you need

Notebook or paper, pencil, coloring materials such as crayons markers or colored pencils, clipboard or hard surface, magnifying glass or binoculars optional, adult supervision required

Step 1

Take your materials and go to a safe outdoor spot where you can sit and watch the sky and plants.

Step 2

Write today’s date and the time you start at the top of a fresh page in your notebook.

Step 3

Sit quietly and watch the sky for five minutes without moving around.

Step 4

Draw the cloud shapes you see on your page using your pencil.

Step 5

Write one short sentence that describes the clouds’ color shape or movement.

Step 6

Spend five minutes listening for birds and looking around the trees and bushes.

Step 7

Draw any bird you see using simple shapes in your notebook.

Step 8

Write one word that describes what the bird was doing near your drawing.

Step 9

Look near you for a flower or leaf on the ground and bring it close for a better look.

Step 10

Draw the flower or leaf on a new page showing its shape and main parts.

Step 11

Count the petals or leaves and write the color and number next to your drawing.

Step 12

Use the magnifying glass to look at a small detail and make a tiny close-up sketch.

Step 13

Add color to your drawings with your coloring materials to make your pages bright.

Step 14

Repeat these observations on at least two more days this month and add each new dated entry to your journal.

Step 15

Share your finished nature journal on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can we use instead of a magnifying glass or special coloring supplies?

If you don't have a magnifying glass, use a phone camera's zoom or a reading-glass lens to make the tiny close-up sketch, and swap crayons or markers for colored pencils, watercolor paint, or even torn colored paper when you add color to your drawings.

What should we do if we can't sit quietly for five minutes or don't see any birds or flowers?

If the five-minute sky watch is hard, set a short timer for one or two minutes and build up, use a window or a calm corner outdoors to watch clouds and trees, and if you don't spot birds or fallen flowers nearby try waiting a few minutes, checking different bushes, or coming back later to finish the bird sketch and leaf/flower drawing.

How can we adapt the steps for younger children or older kids?

For ages 3–5 simplify by tracing cloud shapes, saying or dictating one word instead of writing a sentence, and counting petals with help, while older kids (10+) can label leaf parts, time longer observations, add measurements and detailed notes across the required repeat entries, and prepare the journal for sharing on DIY.org.

How can we extend or personalize our nature journal beyond the basic instructions?

Extend the project by pressing a found leaf or flower between pages to preserve it, photographing clouds and birds to include next to your dated drawings, using a field guide to identify species and writing the name next to the sketch, or decorating a cover before uploading the finished journal to DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to observe the May sky and create a nature journal

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Facts about nature journaling and seasonal observation

🌅 Sunrise times in May can change by several minutes each day—over a month your sunrise might shift by around 30–60 minutes depending on where you live.

☁️ Clouds are weather clues: thin wispy cirrus high up usually mean fair weather, while growing low cumulus can turn into storms.

🐦 Many songbirds return during spring migration—some travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to reach their breeding grounds.

🌸 Some spring wildflowers are ephemerals that bloom for only a few weeks, so May is prime time to catch them in full color.

📔 Old nature journals and phenology notes help scientists track long-term climate patterns—your May observations could be useful too!

How do I do the "What's Up in May?" nature observation and journal activity?

Pick several mornings and afternoons in May for short observation sessions. Find a safe outdoor spot, note the date and time, then watch clouds, listen for birds, record sunrise time, and examine flowers. Make quick sketches and short notes: species, colors, counts, weather, and any changes day-to-day. Encourage questions, add stickers or labels, and assemble pages into a decorated journal. Repeat across the month to compare patterns and create a final summary page.

What materials do I need for the "What's Up in May?" nature journal activity?

You’ll need a small notebook or sketchbook, pencils and colored pencils or washable markers, and a clipboard for outdoor drawing. Bring a phone or simple camera to time and photograph sunrise and birds, plus a field guide or ID app for flowers and birds. Optional items: magnifying glass, ruler for measuring petals, stickers for labels, sunscreen, hat, and a backpack to carry everything. Keep supplies simple for easy outings.

What ages is the "What's Up in May?" activity suitable for?

This activity works for many ages with simple adaptations. Toddlers (2–4) enjoy pointing, collecting petals, and scribbling with adult help. Early elementary kids (5–8) can draw, count birds, and write short notes. Older children (9–12) can track sunrise times, identify species, and keep detailed entries. Teens can design data charts and research observations. Adults should supervise younger children and tailor tasks to attention span and interest.

What are the benefits of doing the "What's Up in May?" nature journal activity?

Keeping a May nature journal boosts observation skills, patience, and curiosity about seasonal change. Children practice drawing, writing, counting, and basic scientific recording while learning about birds, clouds, and flowers. The activity encourages outdoor time, mindfulness, and family bonding. It also builds early ecology understanding and simple data skills (tracking sunrise times). Remember basic safety: stay on paths, use sun protection, and supervise near roads or water.

Ready to create?