Menu
Project Manager: Rebecca Cummings
School: Lynch Elementary
Type of Grant: Education
Target Grade: K
Curriculum: Science, Literacy, Math, Social-Emotional Learning, Art
Start Date: Fall 2026
This project will provide kindergarten students with the tools and structured opportunities to observe,
record, and reflect on the natural world through nature journaling. The grant will fund durable, equitable
student kits (journals, loupes, backpacks, field guides, and drawing supplies) to ensure every child
participates fully. This project cultivates curiosity, observation, literacy, and math skills while supporting social-emotional learning. What excites me most is giving young children authentic experiences outdoors where they can connect with nature, practice focus, and express their ideas creatively.
Many children today spend less time outdoors and have fewer opportunities to observe the natural world
firsthand. This project addresses the need for sustained attention, observation, and reflective thinking—
skills that support academic success across subjects. It aligns directly with the Massachusetts
Common Core standards:
Literacy: writing/drawing to convey ideas, using labels and vocabulary
Math: measurement, counting, and comparing attributes of plants and animals
Science: observing life cycles, ecosystems, and seasonal changes
SEL: developing focus, perseverance, and mindfulness
Short-term goals (by end of school year):
*Each student will maintain a personal nature journal with regular entries.
*Students will demonstrate growth in observation, labeling, vocabulary, and reflective thinking.
*Families will engage with the project through student showcases.
Long-term goals (impact on school/community):
*Develop a model of outdoor, cross-curricular learning that can be expanded to other grades.
*Strengthen student executive functioning and sustained attention through consistent practice.
*Foster a culture of nature connection in the school community.
*Provide direct instruction on journaling techniques (sketching, labeling, reflective writing).
*Lead weekly outdoor sessions in the schoolyard and nearby green spaces.
*Facilitate indoor journaling activities during winter months using collected specimens.
*Display student work in the classroom and host a year-end showcase event.
This project takes an innovative approach by embedding nature journaling into the kindergarten
curriculum, linking science, math, literacy, art, and SEL. Collaboration will involve:
*Faculty: colleagues in science and literacy supporting integration into lessons.
*Families: preparing students for outdoor sessions and attending showcases.
*Students: working together to share discoveries and inspire each other’s observations.
Total: $460
