This was a professional development day based in Vanderhoof!
The morning started with a keynote from Dr. Peter Liljedahl that adressed student needs and engaging 100% of students for 100% of the time. Some of the suggestions made were randomized groupings (visibly random and done often), using vertical spaces, and decentralizing the front of the classroom.
As we were in Vanderhoof, we headed outside for learning on the land, with Koh (Water) Learning Group.
- Medicinal/Edible Plants
- Talked about different plants that could be used in traditional salves, teas, and in different medicinal ways – as well as resources that can be used in classrooms
- Using inanimate objects to be creative – write and draw a character
- Took rocks, pinecones, shells, etc. to draw, personify, and write a story about it!
- Macroinvertebrates
- Looked at different small “water bugs” some of which were unknown to the presenters and allowed us to try and identify them ourselves
The afternoon was also land based, where we talked about different ways that teachers, students and communities can positively improve and make a difference in conservation and greater appreciation for the Nechako Watershed (but understandably can be much more broadly).
