WILD Again

I spent the last two days with a bunch of teachers learning how to be better teachers. The Idaho Fish and Game and other state agencies hold classes on using wildlife, forests, and water to teach all subjects in our classrooms. I have taken several of these classes and have never been disappointed. I come away with all kinds of materials to use in the classroom and experience many of the lessons first hand. I use these materials and what I learn in these classes more in my classroom and teaching than anything I've learned in a traditional  education course.

This class, Focus on Literature using Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, and Project WET, was one of my favorites so far because it focused on books. And we all know how much I love books! I was exposed to all kinds of new literature not to mention how to tie it into all subject areas. I have already determined that this next year I'm going to be a different teacher than I've been the last few years. Less traditional. More hands-on. Less read the chapter and do the worksheet. More see-smell-taste-touch-hear this and see what we can learn. Less ho-hum. More fun. Don't you wish you were in my class?! I'm really looking forward to it and this latest class just made me more determined than ever to make the change.

This is one of the books I received at the class.

It has taken a spot on my top 10 list of favorite kid's books. I love it. It's about the lifetimes of a variety of plants and animals. Each page tells about one living thing and then gives a short statement about what we can learn from each. Nice. Can't wait to use it in class.

So another class taken, another credit earned, new friends made, and a whole lot learned. All that's left is to share it!