Welcome to the Teaching in the Dirt: Becoming A Natural Teacher E-course & Garden Note #1. I am thrilled that you are here and can't wait to get started!
Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!
I hope you have had an opportunity to check out the member's area and take a look around our NATURAL TEACHERS virtual classroom. Each week you will be receiving additional Garden Notes (4 total) from me. To begin, I wanted to bring your attention to a few things.
WELCOME POST: We have a fabulous group of Natural Teachers from all over the country taking this e-course! Therefore, I would love for you to check out the Welcome Post and introduce yourself. I am eager to get to know you better and learn about your Outdoor Classroom. Please feel free to add a photo of your Outdoor Space and your hopes for this e-course. Sign in HERE!
VISUAL JOURNAL & 3 RING BINDER: I recommend purchasing a visual journal for this e-course. Students tend to start building their own Nature-Based library. A 3 ring binder is great for the "Take Action" worksheets and additional articles. The Visual Journal, is a blank book where you can doodle, write, draw and reflect. Check out the Book Store in the Tool Shed and see the type of Visual Journal I use HERE.
ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER:Creating a support system for your journey in Becoming A Natural Teacher is invaluable. Find a partner in this class, in your community or at your school. Be intentional about your purpose. Set up weekly phone calls and/or meetings and start making your Outdoor Classroom dreams a reality. "Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of person's working together." Paul Ryan
MODULE ONE: Strengthening Your Professional Identity as a Natural Teacher is jam packed with creative content that is going to help you build your foundation. Our journey begins with Taking Inventory and moves into 5 Steps for the Best Year Yet. I mix in a little bit of Theory and Observation and guide you through a series of Curiosity Questions. Don't skip this. These "Take Action" worksheets will be an important reference down the road.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE: If you are interested in earning the 15 hours professional development participation certificate, you will need to write a comment on each of the Becoming A Natural Teacher Blog posts. Keep an eye out for new posts HERE.
GARDEN PHOTO'S: If you would like to share your garden photo's please send them to me at victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com and/or you can simply add them to a post. Start your garden story now with a before photo. You will be happy you did!
What if I fall behind? This is a self-paced, on-line class. For best results: create a routine, set aside a time to watch the video's and be intentional with your Accountability Partner, Visual Journal and "Take Action" worksheets. Have Fun!
What if I miss a Garden Note? We are all busy and all have an abundance of emails coming our way. If you miss a Garden Note, no worries, all you have to do is go to the Tool Shed.
QUESTIONS?
More Questions? Asking questions is the best way to learn. I love questions and enjoy hearing from you! Please do not hesitate to respond to this email with your questions.
