Journal #10: Sit-Spot/Environmental Photo

I decided to reflect upon these two photos for two reasons. The first is that the holidays are approaching, and both of these photos can represent the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Second, these are two things that students will most likely see outdoors during this time of the year. As a result, I feel as a teacher I can link these two topics and their holidays to Environmental Education. In the classroom, this definitely allows me to conduct some creative activities. First, this allows for many different writing prompts, both fiction and non-fiction. I could encourage my students to imagine themselves as a pilgrim during the time of the first Thanksgiving, and write a story about their experiences on the Mayflower, etc. I also could allow them to write a non-fictional narrative about going to get their family's Christmas tree, either from this current year or year's past. When conducting activities such as this, I must remember to be conscious of all my students however. For instance, some students may not celebrate these two holidays, and I must be respectful of that. 

     

Journal #9: Art-Based Entry

This is a drawing of a deer. Although this is most likely more detailed than an elementary student would be able to draw, I think it is important to allow students to express their environmental views and experiences through art. I chose this particular picture because deer hunting season is coming up very soon, and this may be an interest of the students and their families. I feel I can use art activities in my classroom, but I also believe it is very important that students are allowed creativity in these activities. For instance, I do not want my students to feel they have to draw a particular animal or part of nature. I want to emphasize that there is no right or wrong answer, but that students need to have fun and do their best, and be prepared to discuss their experience in nature and drawing of it with the rest of the class.

Journal #8: Literary Response to a Quote

"We never know the worth of water till the well is dry" -Thomas Fuller

I think is a great quote, as it relates to our recent water unit in class, and also it relates to every human that lives on this earth as well. Most humans can gain instant access to water, and for many different purposes. Whether we are conscious of our water use or not, water is wasted and misused on a daily basis. The sad reality is that people do not realize how much of an impact water has on their lives, until an instance where they do not have any water.

I feel this quote can make a difference in my life, both as a student, person and future educator. Prior to this course, and our recent water unit, I think I took water use for granted. But after our class activities, lectures, and discussions, I have realized how important it is to use water efficiently and responsibly. One activity that stands out to me was during lecture one day, when we made a list of our personal uses of water during the past 24 hours.

In my future classroom, I definitely feel I can apply this quote to make an impact on my students. Environmental education certainly lends a helping hand in educating students on ways they can influence the environment. When it comes to teaching them about how they can effect the environment around them, responsible use of water is a critical concept in my opinion. The activity we did in class that involved documenting our recent personal use of water is one that I would use in my classroom. Depending on the grade level, I could modify it so students would understand. Overall, I think when students enter elementary school, they will be able to discuss how water is used in their personal lives.