Dear ,

We hope that this new year has been filled with lots of opportunities to connect to the natural world and that you and your students have had the chance to learn from the snowy landscape. In the Ktunaxa language, February is Nupku (bear) natanik (month), which translates to Bear Month. As bears begin to stir and wake up after a long winter's nap, there is still plenty of time to get outside and dive into the magic of the winter season. 

Build up excitement for your winter exploration by reading a winter themed book, asking about student “wonders” or using special props to build excitement prior to heading outside. Find ideas on how to  set the stage for your nature outing.

When all of their senses are awake and engaged, students will be able to more deeply connect with the natural world. Find more ideas to Wake Up Senses!

Pick a theme or use some guided questions for your sit spot. Breathing exercises and tuning in using their deer ears and owl eyes will make the world come alive during this quiet exercise.  

Continue building your sit spot practice with these ideas.

As we begin to wind down the snowy winter season and look ahead to spring, make the most of any snow left on the landscape with the following activities. Find more exploration and investigation activities here.

Bring ecology lessons to life through the use of games and activities. Students will have fun, stay warm, AND learn! Find more inspiration to get moving with these games and activities.

Make sure to include time in your outing for your learners to reflect on their wonders. Spend time writing or drawing about what they saw and learned and what might be different the next time they are in their outdoor classroom. Find other ideas on how to reflect and share here.

Join us for our spring Nature Through the Seasons Professional Development Workshop, the Magic of Plants, on March 30th, 3:30-4:30 PT. This workshop will focus on collaboration and community, both in the realm of environmental education and the plant world. Register now to make sure you get a spot in what's sure to be an exciting workshop.