Journaling at Temple Emanu-EL Early Childhood Educ

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We use journals in the outdoor classrooms to develop students' reading, writing, creative and all other cognitive skills. Journal writing develops fluency and gives children a sense of ownership that makes the journal writing process more meaningful. It provides another medium in which our children can connect to their environment. They are able to sit and quietly reflect on the day’s lesson, providing the opportunity for introspection. Journaling is an excellent way for children to begin to learn how to organize their thoughts, opinions, and explanations in relation to the world around them. It is imperative to always nurture and encourage their efforts.

 Shown here is our school compost pile in our Gan Shalom. Every week most classes and staff contribute to this compost with leftovers from their lunch as well as from our Culinary Arts Program. Today's journaling task was to explore and observe the difference between the soil in the compost compared to other soils in the Gan Shalom.

Here, the Pig, Mouse & Moose class can be seen using their hands to explore the differnt types of soil. This is a wonderful sensory experience for them as they take note of the different textures and smells, as well as noticing the difference in the various food, plant and animal objects that they find in each type of dirt!

Finding a worm in the compost soil is an excellent educational moment as our Gan teacher Ms. Heidi reviews with the children how the worms help break down the food we add to the compost to make such nutritious soil for our growing plants!

 Once the children have had plenty of time to explore and make their observations, they begin to journal. The children are given their own clipboards and colored pencils and allowed to sit wherever they want in the outdoor classroom. It is always amazing and impressive to watch as they quietly concentrate on their journals.

A child proudly dislays her journal. The children take great pride in their work and are always eager to share their observations so that their journals are properly labeled with the correct documentation.

Today there is more and more evidence that demonstrates the many benefits of nature and outdoor learning on children's psychological and physical well-being, including reduced stress, greater physical health, more creativity and improved concentration. Beyond these physical and mental benefits, nature provides children with a sense of wonder and a deeper understanding of our responsibility to take care of the Earth.