Love this idea (and workshop, but I'm committed to another one at the same time). When I had my students journaling for writing class or before my environmental health class (the EARLY one, before school). We'd go on a walk (in the correctional facility for the writing class or in the neighborhood/wilderness area around the school for the health class) no talking to each other, just your journal, notes, and observations. Some of the most beautiful writing emerged in both places. We are always "in" nature, completely as a living organisim in the ecosystems.
This sounds wonderful Kathleen, it's such a simple thing too - the no talking element really helps in noticing the environment and our presence within it/part of it. What a great combination of teaching writing and environmental health, and to see the difference in the quality of writing that emerged for your students.
It's true, we are always 'in' nature - part of the ecosystem wherever we are!
Love this idea (and workshop, but I'm committed to another one at the same time). When I had my students journaling for writing class or before my environmental health class (the EARLY one, before school). We'd go on a walk (in the correctional facility for the writing class or in the neighborhood/wilderness area around the school for the health class) no talking to each other, just your journal, notes, and observations. Some of the most beautiful writing emerged in both places. We are always "in" nature, completely as a living organisim in the ecosystems.
This sounds wonderful Kathleen, it's such a simple thing too - the no talking element really helps in noticing the environment and our presence within it/part of it. What a great combination of teaching writing and environmental health, and to see the difference in the quality of writing that emerged for your students.
It's true, we are always 'in' nature - part of the ecosystem wherever we are!