EIT - Learning in Nature resources for teachers - Every Day is Outdoor Classroom Day! by Robyn McCool https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature To celebrate International Outdoor Classroom Day 2021, we've collated some of our favourite inspirations for learning and teaching outdoors. Our thanks to the producers of these excellent free resources! Whether you've got the 'end-of-year-frazzle-blues' or are already planning your programme for 2022, there's something here for you. Jump in and be inspired! en-us 2021-10-18 23:55:46 UTC 2023-01-21 10:10:06 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/530046000/e6822bfe315101e47a776944751d6f29/Edit_block_EIT_Certificate_Logo_May_14__002_.jpg Kids Greening Taupō Online Nature Classroom rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847014459 The KGT team is AMAZING! This could be the whole of next year's learning outdoors. Take a look for yourself...]]> 2021-10-27 03:17:41 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847014459 Make it rain! rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847036844 2021-10-27 03:27:36 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847036844 How to measure a tree using a stick rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847047060 2021-10-27 03:31:59 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847047060 Kia Kaha te Reo Taiao rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847053001 This free, downloadable booklet produced by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori  (The Māori Language Commission) and Te Papa Atawhai (The Department of Conservation) skillfully combines rich information and vocabulary woven throughout thematic contexts -  inviting our re-connection with Te Ao Tūroa - the natural world.

NB: The "double-spread" download option enables posters to be read across the page.

]]> 2021-10-27 03:34:47 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847053001 just in case you get "stuck" and need some up-lifting. rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847062688 'The living world is not “out there” somewhere, but in your heart'. Our friend Ruud Kleinpaste, aka "The Bugman" says: "...this always works for me; Paul Hawken has been my favourite author and orator for the past decade or more." Thank you Ruud, for sharing this :)]]> 2021-10-27 03:39:08 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847062688 Ruud's "Collective Nouns" Challenge rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847069638 The language of Nature!]]> 2021-10-27 03:42:24 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1847069638 Learning in Nature and the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre: The outdoors is the best 'classroom' on the planet! rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1859869719 Take learning outdoors! To find out how we can support your learning programmes, to enquire about booking the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC) at EIT’s Taradale Campus, to request notification of upcoming teacher professional development workshops, or to discuss how your agency can fund outdoor learning initiatives, please get in touch with Mark Caves, EIT.]]> 2021-11-01 21:12:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1859869719 How can I use the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre? rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1859970193 The Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC) at EIT's Taradale campus comprises a diverse range of spaces, making it the ideal gathering spot for a wide variety of educational and other user groups. With Covid highlighting the need for ongoing social distancing practices, what better way to gather, socialise, meet and learn, than in this beautiful outdoor setting? And currently, access is still cost-free for most users! Do you have an inspiration which you’re wondering how to develop further? Talk with us, we’d love to help!

To find out how using this space could enhance your:

·       learning programmes, 
·       staff meetings,
·       school ‘Whānau Days’ 
·       student association events, 
·       planning meetings,
·       team-building activities,
·       community gatherings, 
·       hui, 
·       staff ‘end of year’ gatherings,
·       and more…
…please get in touch to discuss your ideas with Robyn rmccool@eit.ac.nz and/or Megan mmcbride@eit.ac.nz. We’re here to help!

]]> 2021-11-01 22:34:12 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1859970193 rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860015069 This free online booklet is an updated version of the original printed publication released by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Developed as a resource for whānau, these practical tips and activity ideas are particularly helpful for those working with younger children. ]]> 2021-11-01 23:17:46 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860015069 A Leaf Orchestra rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860100484 2021-11-02 00:22:44 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860100484 Hā Ora - start the year with a breath for interconnectedness... rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860162721 Teachers and learners right across the education sector are experiencing significant challenges through the Covid-19 pandemic. Te Rito Toi is a collaborative project developed in Aotearoa New Zealand in response to some of these challenges. Resources and lessons at all levels are designed to help teachers use the arts as a pathway to re-engage learners with the wonder of learning while supporting them to feel secure and connected, in the wake of life changing events. One example is the Hā Ora set of resources from Te Rito Toi. Available in both Kura Kaupapa Māori and English language versions, Hā Ora gives some wonderful ways of re-connecting with each other and the natural world as you begin a new year in the grounds of your school or ECE setting.]]> 2021-11-02 00:52:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860162721 Nature is...encouraging outdoor exploration! rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860316338 Print onto card and cut out the individual activities. Hang the cards from trees around your outdoor environment. In small groups, learners exploring the area for natural materials and found objects which they can use to collaboratively solve their chosen challenge in innovative ways. So much fun!]]> 2021-11-02 01:58:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860316338 DOC (Department of Conservation) inquiry units - exploring, experiencing and enhancing your local environment. rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860345959 So much good learning here, whether investigating the units in order or choosing one topic as a springboard for further enquiry. Student-directed learning in a conservation context. ]]> 2021-11-02 02:11:47 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860345959 Sparklers Wellbeing Walkabout rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860373317 The wonderful people at Sparklers produce some great material to support connecting with Nature. Their Wellbeing Walkabout is an example of a simple activity for learning together or from home.]]> 2021-11-02 02:23:55 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860373317 Outdoor Classroom Day with DOC (Department of Conservation) rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860386638 2021-11-02 02:29:50 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860386638 Outdoor Classroom Day - official website rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860444330 2021-11-02 02:54:13 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860444330 Creating Art in Nature rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860473967 More inspiration from the people at Sparklers!]]> 2021-11-02 03:07:32 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860473967 Are there rats in your garden? rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860494984 Thanks to DOC (Department of Conservation) for sharing this cool tracking activity.]]> 2021-11-02 03:17:35 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860494984 Pepeha - helping connect us with our world rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860507789 Once your learners are familiar with the concept of pepeha  this can support them to consider other whakapapa connections within the natural world. Here's one idea, inspired by the "Insect Mihi" activity from Science Learning Hub.]]> 2021-11-02 03:23:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860507789 Brainstorming around a learning context - example: Pine Forest rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860538579 This is what the inside of Ruud's brain looks like. There's a LOT of stuff in there! He's just planned a whole year's learning across the curriculum, from one pine forest. Actually you can do this with pretty much any outdoor context. Which is why outdoor learning is so amazing! (Go on, we dare you to...)]]> 2021-11-02 03:37:12 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1860538579 Ngā Tikanga - Traditional Protocols rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1880640354 Harakeke is indeed a treasure. There's no other fibre quite like it! The fibre known as "flax" in Europe comes from a different plant, entirely. In botanical terms, NZ has two species of harakeke: phormium tenax and phormium cookianum (wharariki). But as any experienced weaver will tell you, within those broad categories are a multitude of varieties! Each has one or more (often regional), Māori names; each one is valued for different purposes.
If you're keen to work with harakeke, please take the time to talk with and learn from weavers in your community. Learn about and embrace the appropriate tikanga (protocols) related to caring for the plants, to harvesting, and weaving. Not only will this ensure you can do your part to care for and preserve this taonga; but by respecting the ancient traditions your whole experience of working with harakeke will come alive. Mauri ora!]]> 2021-11-10 08:00:11 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1880640354 How to weave a harakeke whetū (star) rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1880724563 This video clip from Manaaki Whenua shows step by step instructions to help you weave a star. For best results, softer-leaved varieties of harakeke are recommended for this project. ]]> 2021-11-10 08:47:36 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1880724563 Weave a kono (basket) from harakeke rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1880779323 Omine Ivatt, the "Wild Child" behind Craftlab NZ shows how to weave a kono. This method uses four harakeke leaves and eight clothes pegs: four of one colour and four of a different colour. The clothes pegs are used to organize the weaving into sections; a very helpful strategy for beginners. Have fun! ]]> 2021-11-10 09:17:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/1880779323 Te Mata Park - Education Resources meganmcbride55 https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2085085721 2022-03-09 00:58:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2085085721 Te Mata Park - Natural Environment Catalogue meganmcbride55 https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2085090312 2022-03-09 01:01:53 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2085090312 Perfect Little Pollinators - related learning resources from the NZ Foundation for Arable Research rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2118201628 The FAR Resource page says: "Welcome to our school resources. They are all about producing food from plants — sustainably. They emphasise connections between healthy soils, invertebrates, birds and plants that enable the production of wholesome foods in ways that minimise impacts on the environment." Sounds good to us!]]> 2022-03-29 00:23:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2118201628 Maramataka Resources rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2118370314 Here are some free online tools which both Nikki and Aaron talked about during our Learning in Nature Hui on the 10th March, 2022.]]> 2022-03-29 02:11:36 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2118370314 A link from Aaron Williams... rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2122311908 Activity instructions for teaching the moon phases. Thanks Aaron!]]> 2022-03-30 21:15:16 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2122311908 Rangitāne o Wairarapa Education - Atuatanga: Learn from Nature rmccoolc2c https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2180323508 This beautiful series of Atuatanga concept educational resources is developed by Rangitāne o Wairarapa. Their website says: "This resource is designed to provide us with opportunities to become more grounded, to get closer to Papatūānuku."
The highlighted link below leads to the Tikanga Resource focusing on Atua, from the Rangitāne o Wairarapa curriculum document. It's designed to assist teachers when exploring concepts of local tikanga. 
Thank you to Rangitāne o Wairarapa for publicly sharing these resources on your website. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.]]> 2022-05-12 01:02:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rmccoolc2c/LearninginNature/wish/2180323508