Teachers can now book a program with Linden Rayton, CELT’s Education Coordinator, through her calendar at https://lindenrayton.youcanbook.me. Seven programs are currently offered, appropriate for students K-6. These seven programs are designed to bring environmental education to classrooms throughout the whole school year, without putting the burden of organizing on the teacher. Some programs are inside, and some are outside on Pond Cove’s campus. And, “Shelter Building” takes place on the grounds of the CELT office; students will learn about the different types of shelters that humans have built across the globe and in Maine, and then work together to build waterproof shelters in the woods on our property. The shelters are tested for waterproofness with their builders inside!
Other programs include becoming familiar with binoculars; learning about the science of plastic and recycling; and using household utensils to explore and imitate different bird beaks. You can read the full program descriptions here. These lessons draw from multiple sources, including environmental ed curriculum classics such as “Project WILD.” This booking calendar was suggested by Tara Bucci, 4th-grade teacher at Pond Cove and member of the CELT Education Committee. We think it will allow Linden to serve more effectively as an educational resource for the teachers and students at Pond Cove, and lead to opportunities with the middle and high schools as she refines the programs.
Environmental education is recognized as an effective way to teach students in a way that engages all learning styles, keeps students active and healthy, and is enjoyable and rejuvenating. (As supported here!) And yet, it’s often hard to incorporate it into existing school curricula that prioritize traditional methods of education. We also recognize that teachers are some of the hardest-working members of our communities, with less time than they might like for building their curricula with new things. We hope this calendar will increase connection between our Education Coordinator and our schools, to the benefit of our entire community.
