Introduction

Whether you are replanting last year's garden beds, expanding your outdoor classroom area, or beginning to dream of a green schoolyard, it's time to dig in to planning.

Your school garden or habitat might be small enough to require a simple planting map or it may entail many different types of features. If you are mapping a large site, you might want to consider a two-step process in which students first map out the "big" picture by identifying buildings, fences, trees, shrubs, play areas, and major pathways, and then create detailed plant maps of smaller areas, such as a rainbow garden.

Starting with maps is one entry point, but imagine the opportunities for learning and growth when students are involved in all stages of a schoolyard design process. By valuing students' opinions and encouraging them to take the reins and make decisions, you can cultivate motivated, confident, collaborative learners who will care for their schoolyard oases.

Long before making maps, your students can tackle other key aspects of the planning process. They might, for instance, find inspiration by visiting other sites, in person or online or bringing in experts. Or you might ask, How can we design our schoolyard garden to help us meet curriculum goals? For instance, a multicultural garden project can prompt students to dig into the cultures represented in the community or in the social studies curriculum. A pollinator garden, in contrast, is a great context for exploring core science concepts, honing observation skills, and learning about environmental stewardship.

Before committing to a garden or habitat design, your class might survey or meet with other students, teachers, administrators, and community members about their interests in and concerns about the project. Your young planners will hone their communications skills and help build enthusiasm and support for the project.

These are just a few of the strategies your colleagues have used to get students to create a schoolyard vision and bring it to life. This month, we feature classroom stories, articles, Web sites, and a new school garden design book, Schoolyard Mosaics, that highlight a variety of approaches to transforming schoolyards, communities, and learners.

Page 2 Mapping Out the Schoolyard - Gardens start with ideas and dreams, pens and paper.

Page 3 Cultivating Decision Makers: Butterfly Gardeners Take Charge - Second graders take a problem-solving approach to garden design.

Page 4 Student Designers Create Learning Oasis - This schoolyard habitat benefits wildlife and achieves learning goals.

Page 5 Planning Learning Landscapes: Students Lead the Way -
A sixth-grade class learns to set project goals, monitor their progress, and engage their community.