These were some of the reactions of K-2 teachers from Title I schools in Montgomery County who took part in our three-hour Conservation Nation Academy training on integrating outdoor exploration and literacy education. The first part of the training was held virtually with one of Conservation Nation’s partners — Children’s Book Author and Literacy & the Environment Consultant, Caroline Brewer — to introduce her Nature-Wise outdoor literacy curriculum. We followed up on that training with a second, in-person session designed by Conservation Nation’s Education Director Diane Lill in partnership with MCPS Outdoor Ed teacher, Courtney Hebert.
Teachers were able to practice hands-on ways of using nature-based children’s books in support of science, social emotional learning, and language arts standards. Each teacher was grateful to receive five beautiful hardcover children’s books featuring diverse authors and characters as well as hands-on activity kits for taking their students outdoors. We are looking forward to receiving feedback from these teachers throughout the school year as they implement the activities and become confident outdoor educators!
If you are interested in supporting a Conservation Nation Academy teacher training like this one or providing a set of nature books for teachers, please contact [email protected].
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