Summary ꙳ Objectives
▹ The set of activities in this session is focused on getting ourselves and our group “into the mood”. The activities help the participants bond and rekindle a sense of wonder in us so that we open our eyes, our ears, and generally our senses to what surrounds us.
Type » Lesson
Level » Explorer + Wellness
When? » Anytime
Where? » Outdoors
Time » 2hrs+
Themes & Skills
Alertness ⋆ Empathy ⋆ Focus ⋆ Nature benefits ⋆ Feeling part of the whole ⋆ Group bonding experience
Material
Pencils & paper ⋆ Plant & animal cards (for the Pyramid of Life activity) ⋆ Blindfolds (for the Meet a Tree activity)
Activity Set
"To encourage an attitude of respect for life, we need to begin with awareness, which leads to loving empathy." —Joseph Cornell, Sharing Nature
This set of activities uses the concept of flow learning as developed by the Sharing Nature organization.
The flow is a 4-steps process intended to help people deepen their relationship with nature. Starting with awakening enthusiasm and focusing attention, it furthers with a direct experience and concludes the flow with a time dedicated to sharing and inspiring each other. In essence, all our EwA Nat-circles activities are supported by similar principles.
Additionally, we find this set a great way to bind the participants of a new circle or nature club. Give it a try! ツ
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Activities ▸ Pyramid of Life ■ Nature Sound Map ■ Meet a Tree ■ Folding Poem
This activity promotes alertness and awakes enthusiasm — Learning without enthusiasm is pretty much time wasted, this is why it is important to make sure that enthusiasm is present at the beginning of a circle or an activity, or to infuse it if it is missing.
This is a fun game demonstrating food chains and other ecological concepts in a lively, experiential way.
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This activity helps to focus our attention. It improves our auditory awareness, puts us in a state of serenity.
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“In this forest, there is a tree that has been waiting to meet you since before you were born.”
This activity offers a direct experience while promoting trust, and improving empathy. It connects us with a tree in a memorable and intimate way.
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This activity promotes kindness, sharing, and inspiration. By sharing we deepened the experience and the bond with our fellow circle's participants
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References
Sharing Nature » A movement to help people deepen their relationship with nature.
Reconnecting with Nature TED Series » Be inspired to go out and rediscover the wonders of the natural world with these talks that will give you a deeper understanding of where the wild things grow.
Sharing is Caring Spread the Word!