On September 9th, 2011, I had the opportunity of volunteering my time at the School of the Wild. As my day started I was filled with a nervous anticipation because I had no idea what to expect from this experience. The second I stepped out of my car I was at ease because the scenery was breathtaking. I was ready to learn. Meredith informed us before the students got there that these sixth graders were having some trouble being a community. The students would get along with the teachers however they had many issues getting along with each other. So Meredith switched to having community building activities throughout the day to help the students build their community. When the students got there every student received a card that had an animal (there were six different animals). Once they put their backpacks down they were instructed to find others with the same animal by just doing actions and not showing anyone their cards or talking. It was challenging for the students to not be able communicate and some of them didn’t follow the rules however for the most part it was very effective.
I was with Jason in the Prairie group. We spent the morning in the garden and it was an eye opening experience. As we got to the garden Jason pointed out this small plant and how it protects itself from predators. Whenever this plant leaves get touched they close up so that they don’t look appetizing to the predator. The leaves stretch back out within a half an hour or so. The students were fascinated by it, as was I, it was a prime example of how plants adapt to the environment to protect themselves. We started off our adventure by playing the game name that plant. The kids were very engaged in this activity even the students who seemed quiet and distant when we first got into our groups. This experience allowed the students to think more critically and creatively just like the article discussed. Our fun task for the morning was to make a snack for us to have. The students tired to guess what they might be making while we played the name that plant. Many students were having side conversations as to what they might be making. The students were really engaged in the environment, which is a great learning environment to have. The most engaging part was making our own pesto dip. It was an amazing experience to pick fresh herbs and grind them to make a nice dip. It really showed the students how their hard work and dedication can really pay off.
During this experience, I truly got a feel for how classroom management really changes things. I was in a group where the students were very cliquey. However Jason worked his magic and got them to work together as a group and not leave anyone out. The group I was with had a different environment then some of the other groups because I was in a group with one chaperone and no teacher. She was working on setting the ground rules to earn the students respect, which wasn’t going over well. I felt that the students responded better to me since I was closer to their age one of the girls was talking to me about Jersey Shore. I also got to work on my classroom management skills and how proximity really works to gain the students attention again. I was unable to actually give my lesson plan because we ran out of time though Jason talked with the group how worms really help out.
Another point from the article is that it is good for the students to get out of the classroom so the don’t lose touch with the world around them. I feel students get so caught up in the technology around them that they forget what a wonderful it is outside. This weeklong experience is a great way for students to explore the natural environment around them. For me it was such an amazing experience that I will carry with me throughout my whole teaching career.
Lesson Plan:
Read: Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
Reason: I chose this because I thought it had an interesting twist on how even small worms are helping the Earth out by doing their part. It shows how important Earth is and that we always need to remember that it is important. In the book it shows Earth’s importance by talking about it on the first page and then again on the last page.
Questions:
· What is one thing you enjoyed about this book?
· If you were a worm, what would you see if you were wiggling on the ground and under the earth’s surface? (write what you would see or draw a picture)
· Worm’s do their part but what can we do to help Earth out? (pick up our trash, walk or bike instead of drive, plant plants and trees.)
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