"Sustainable Education"

Waves crashing on the shore, the sun's rays beating down on the hot sand.  It has been refreshing this summer to have some time to go to the beach.  Heidi Hayes Jacobs in Curriculum 21 talks about educating for sustainability.  Letting students have time to be reflective on how humans influence the world around them should be a focus for everyone.

In the book, Last Child In The Woods by Richard Louv, he talks about the importance of nature education just like Jacobs.  Louv also explains that exposing students to nature and natural settings can improve development.  Louv also talks in the book about Montessori schools.

I found the following quote very relatable, "70% of school-age youth feel hopeless about the future and disempowered in their daily lives."  I found it relateable because I see that many of my students don't believe that what they do will effect anyone else.  They don't even necessarily believe that what they do will effect themselves.  Most people, including adults, have a self imposed ignorance when it comes to where our food comes from, the destruction of the environment, and other aspects of life that are uncomfortable.

Some ideas I have had to integrate nature into my lessons next year...

1.  Hiking field trip.   A mountain is a metaphor for school and work because hiking is at times very difficult.  At times it isn't possible to quit, and you have to finish.  It is important to have a positive "can do" attitude.  You sometimes need to figure out ways to solve problems.  Giving up is tempting until you see what is at the top.  It can be connected to goal setting, mental and physical determination, and curriculum.  In fifth grade we learn about organisms, clouds, weather, erosion, and rocks.

2.  Beach field trip.  The beach is also a great place to learn about erosion, the water cycle, clouds, and organisms.  The beach is a perfect place to learn sustainability lessons such as cleaning up trash, recycling, leaving wildlife alone, etc.

3.  Descriptive writing in the woods.  Using figurative language to describe, observe, and compare.  Letting students use the outdoors as a quiet place for thinking and being calm.