Bringing Environmental Concepts into the Classroom
Very often, environmental education is disconnected from the real world because teaching and learning about nature can become textbook-oriented. In “Bringing Environmental Concepts into the Classroom,” Thom Henley led a group of teachers through a weekend workshop that was all about how to get back to our roots in nature—through play.
“Lessons from a Leaf:
Using Observation”
Sponsored by EARCOS and hosted by Ruamrudee International School, Thom’s workshop November 10-11, 2001, was as timely as it was topical. Many schools are now developing hands-on, inquiry-based units of curriculum to provide students with relevant real-world activities that engage and challenge. As a result, the workshop had an enrollment of 43 teachers from 6 EARCOS member schools representing international schools in Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.
“Hands Across the Nations” |
“Icebreaker: Getting to Know You” |
An ardent environmentalist, Thom understands the challenges facing teachers to teach their students how to respect and value all living things. Thom began the workshop with a slide show presentation on biodiversity in the rainforests, virtually in the backyards of the urban jungles of Bangkok and Jakarta. His presentation couldn’t have hit closer to home.
A strong proponent of the learning-is-doing approach, Thom led the teachers through a variety of role-play activities and kid-friendly games that would develop intercultural awareness and environmental concepts in our students. Such activities and games draw attention to the fragility, diversity, and wonders of the environment while allowing students (and participants) to burn off excess energy! As Thom told the group, “The challenge is to teach urban kids about the environment” and to make it engaging while building understanding.
That weekend, teachers learned the value of role play and games in teaching environmental concepts. The lesson was clear that as educators we have a responsibility to teach our students respect for all living things—and we can have fun at the same time too.
by Ruamrudee International School
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