Nature and Literacy Through Journals and Science Notebooks

Spend four days this summer exploring and experiencing the wonder of our natural world while learning how to use science journals and notebooks to bring hands-on science and literacy to your classroom. By the end of this multi-day course, all participants will have developed individual curriculum units that suit the needs and resources of their own schools. Indoor classroom time will be balanced with visits to local forests, meadows, and wetlands for observation, inspiration, and reflection.

Course highlights include:
• Use of journaling and drawing exercises that can be replicated in the classroom;
• Building a toolbox of writing prompts, project ideas, and techniques for teaching writing, observation, and recording skills;
• Visits to natural areas such as Black Mountain and the Retreat Meadows wetlands;
• Presentations of ways to meet state and Common Core standards through place-based learning;
• Bookmaking;
• Stimulating writing activities;
• Using children’s literature to guide scientific inquiry;
• Curriculum design time;
• Practice with inquiry science investigations;
• In-depth discussions and collaborations with a community of educators;
• Practical applications on how to integrate science, art and writing throughout the curriculum;
• Opportunities to connect with the natural world and reinvigorate your own teaching.

There will be one fall follow up date to be chosen by class.