SEL

Your role at Burke's

Director of After School and Summer Programs

When did this opportunity take place?

October 12-15

Summary of workshop/​opportunity

This was the 51st annual Environmental Education Conference for North America

Goals & Collaborations:

• What were your big takeaways from your workshop or project?

Biggest takeaways were practical ideas in how to incorporate more direct nature experience and education into day-to-day practices and also special field trips. How to frame learning in a way that "solves a mystery." Ways to play games that stimulate student interest in environmental concerns and problem solving. Ways that indigenous wisdom and western science can come together in nature education. Gear that is useful in helping students to explore the elements more deeply. Art projects that facilitate fun and sustainable learning with nature.

• How does what you learned connect to your goals this year?

I have a goal to incorporate more nature experience and learning into Tree House and Camps this year. This gave me the "how" and creative ideas to infuse! I have a goal to connect this learning to the environmental Strategic Plan. Would love to know what Burke's next steps are in that part of the plan, and how I can help.

• How might this opportunity lead to collaboration with other faculty?

I would love to see what the day time classrooms are doing to incorporate environmental understanding into their curriculums. If we are still doing Burkeshops would love to offer what I learned from this conference. I am working with ATs soon on how storytelling can help to teach topics as well. I offered my presentation "Story Stone Play: Building Intimacy with Nature Through Storytelling" which I would love to find new ways to offer to Burke's classrooms (have previously visited 3rd grade & 5th grade writing classes).

6. Would you recommend this opportunity? Why or why not?

Yes! This was great for all educators, whether or not they identify as "environmental educators."

​

7. Attach/add the URL/Website to the post

Please visit: https://naaee.org/

P.S. Picture is of the Live presentation of Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the teachings of Plants." It was a great pleasure to see her presentation at the conference!