My Ant Journal

How you use your journal is entirely up to you. You can be as involved as is your interest.

The format that is used in the journal is used by a wide range of age groups and expertise. We encourage you to try using the word prompts; it may help you put something down on your paper right away, reduce any writing or drawing block, and jump-start your thinking process.
Collecting the necessary data is equally easy as everything is laid out and all you have to do is fill in your data.

Many of us are looking for ways to connect better with nature — to learn its patterns, to help protect its inhabitants, to gain an understanding of what makes our own lives tick.
Scientists since the dawn of the human mind have sought to know nature better and to know their own selves better. Many of them went out with pen, parchment, paintbrush, and telescope to record their sightings. The journal has been the companion for every man, woman, and child with an insatiable curiosity about the natural world.

When it comes to the journal entry format’s drawings, remember, you are a scientist right now, recording simple line drawings. No one has taught you how to draw yet. The artist in you will come out as you practice. (Remember, too, though, that learning to do anything — drawing, playing the piano, reading, driving a car — takes instruction, not just meaningful effort.)
Remind yourself that you are keeping the journal to learn, observe, record, and fully appreciate. This is not an art exercise or any kind of test. You are doing this for yourself, to keep necessary records, and for your own enjoyment.

Skills and Knowledge Gained by Journaling or Recording
• Scientific and aesthetic observation
• Creative and technical writing
• Layout and presentation of ideas and observations
• Perception and analysis
• Questioning, inventiveness, synthesis
• Reflection, silence
• Meditation, focus, personal healing
• Greater appreciation of nature and place
• Shared family experiences
• Finding your own voice, learning to open yourself to new experiences
• Self-confidence and the ability to express yourself