If you have a passion, something that you love doing or feel really strongly about, then there is nothing better than being in a place surrounded by other people that have a similar passion all talking and learning about that passion.
I got that kind of opportunity these past three days and it was awesome! I attended the WI Association for Environmental Education Fall Conference. Beautiful location, great people and a three day conference filled with workshops, concurrent sessions and lots of networking that gave me lots of ideas and inspiration.
I thought I would be able to tweet and facebook my way through the conference but the internet was scarce and very slow. But I actually really enjoyed being somewhat unplugged!
I wanted to share just a few of the resources that I learned about with you all.
I have mentioned the Project WILD resource, Growing Up Wild before and this weekend I learned about another early childhood environmental education resource, this one from Project Learning Tree. I took a 3 hour training course on the resource "Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood". I learned some really great new ideas but also just really enjoyed testing out the ideas with other early childhood educators and then discussing lots of other ideas, how to adapt ideas and what it is like doing EE with such little kids. This was my first time to be around so many other educators focusing on EE for little ones and I loved it! Can't wait to take a closer look at this resource and try out some of the ideas with the girls.
Here are some other resources that you all should for sure check out!
Billy B. Brennan: The Natural Science Song and Dance Man. I found out about his music, and got to hear some, at the training I mentioned above. The songs are super cute and all science/nature related! Love that. Can't wait to pick up a cd of his for the girls.
Crazy Crayons- I have been meaning to make recycled crayons for a while now. I got to use some at the conference from Crazy Crayons. This is a national crayon recycling program that I think is just amazing! Love this idea and the product was very cool.
ebird - this is an online birding site that allows people to upload their birding observations, track what other's are seeing and then compare notes with other birders all over the country. The girls and I may pick up our backyard birding again this winter and then join this site to keep track of what we see! Could be a very neat project for a classroom!
WI Nature Mapping - This site is a similar idea to ebird, but is specific to WI and general for all wildlife. Super fun! The girls and I may be joining this one too.
Okay, just a few things I wanted to share.
Have you been inspired lately?
Oh, I miss conferences and being inspired. I have molds for making crayons if you would like to borrow them.
Posted by: Kate Zomboracz | 11/07/2011 at 06:40 AM