Fifth Grade Mapping and Journaling

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Every week when Stonewall Jackson students go to the garden they record data and observations in their journals.  This spring, the students mapped the plants in the garden and took note of the creatures that were on or near their plants.  They fastened a black and white copy of the map into their journals.

Then the students explored the wildscape around the north and south islands to identify plants and mark them on the map. 

They also recorded the creatures such as insects or birds that they observed near the plants.

Students knew to search for familiar insects such as the Gulf fritillary butterfly larvae on the passion vine.

Some enjoyed stopping to draw the plants so they could remember them later.

The students reflected on their experiences in their journals as well.

After taking time to slow down and draw, the students and teachers feel much calmer when they return to the classroom.

We all appreciate the life around us when we take time to notice.