ALL EDUCATORS ARE WELCOME.
Formal Educators - Elementary teachers, secondary teachers,
administrative staff, and early learning teachers can earn Act 48 hours.
Informal Educators - 4H Leaders, Scout Leaders, Daycare Providers,
Teacher Naturalists etc. can learn valuable information for their groups.
For more information call 814-563-3117or email
judy.froman@pa.nacdnet.net
This program is sponsored by the Warren County
Conservation District, Future of Agriculture Task Force, Warren County
Cooperative Extension, the Warren Forestry Sciences Lab,
Penn Soil RC&D
and the Pennsylvania
Department of Community and Economic Development.
Learn to Connect
Children with Nature
A
recent article in the magazine Orion ("Charlotte's
Webpage" by Lowell Monke) commented about the disconnect between
children and the real world, which is being enabled by excessive computer
use. He said "The medium is so compelling that it lures children away from
the kind of activities through which they have always most effectively
discovered themselves and their place in the world.... Children learn the
fragility of flowers by touching their petals.... If they have no
opportunities to dig in the soil, discover the spiders, bugs, birds, and
plants that populate even the smallest unpaved playgrounds, they will be
less likely to explore, appreciate, and protect nature as adults.....
Having watched Discovery Channel and worked with computer simulations that
severely compress both time and space, children are typically disappointed
when they first approach a pond or stream: the fish aren't jumping, the
frogs aren't croaking, the deer aren't drinking, the otters aren't
playing, and the raccoons (not to mention bears) aren't fishing. Their
electronic experiences have led them to expect to see these things
happening-all at once and with no effort on their part. The result is that
the child becomes less animated and less capable of appreciating what it
means to be alive, what it means to belong in the world as a biological,
social being".
You can help counter this trend by becoming a trained
teacher naturalist for the Warren County Conservation District (WCCD).
What does this entail??
Free
training provided (no experience necessary)
We will provide comprehensive training for beginner and
experienced volunteer teachers to help inspire children to learn about
their natural environment.
Field course in nature studies and teaching techniques
Spring Training: 8 Sessions - Saturdays, April 26, May 3, 10, 17, 31,
June 7, 14, 21 2008, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. The first portion of these
classes would meet at the Rouse Annex building in Youngsville, where the
Conservation District is currently housed. Other sessions would be held
outside at the Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area (HRCDA), where
you would experience the hands-on learning opportunities that abound in
nature. Once the class meets, there could be schedule variations.
Spring and fall refresher courses each year
Ongoing enrichment classes in natural science topics
Responsibilities
Upon completion of the initial training course, participants will be
invited to lead organized outdoor nature programs on the HRCDA for groups
of children. If you are interested, you might also wish to participate in
some of our on-site programs at various schools in the Warren County
School District.
Commitment
Initial training consists of eight days over a two month period this
spring. Trained teachers are asked to volunteer at the District's
activities and are encouraged to reach out to other groups.
Added benefits
Our volunteer teachers are important to the success of our
conservation education mission and a highly valued part of the District
team. In addition to providing training, we offer:
JUST
FOR TEACHERS
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