Whilst the use of the terminology ‘nature pedagogy’ may appear relatively new, developing a deep nature connection and understanding how our needs and interests can be met successfully though nature to provide a meaningful contribution to our lives, is our most ancient and biologically responsive blueprint.
As a teacher we often use this word ‘pedagogy’. Simply stated, it is the method and practice of teaching. It involves understanding the learner’s needs, their interests and providing relevant experiences that our meaningful.
Our modern culture is very disconnected from nature. Our rational approach to this inconceivably complex and successful living system, is diminished to an object that we can exploit and deny our own animal heritage.
The development of our pre-frontal cortex, that defines human evolution, rest on a much larger sensory-based brain that thrives on relationships and filtering sensory information and feelings. Our capacity to view nature as an ally, a necessary partner and great, great, great grandparent is determined partly by our capacity to be empathetic, to feel through our senses, and to see a much bigger picture of our past and our future.
The Big Questions?
I have been largely influenced by the big questions: Why? What? How? I suppose I never stopped being the person who wanted to know why? Why do people believe in god? Why are some people more valued than others? Why is life unfair? How do people know they are right? What happens when we die? Why is it so difficult for our society to create systems that look after nature – as an absolute priority. I don’t think there are easy answers, and I know the different points of view are inevitable, despite nature as our common interest.
What I have observed is that young children, particularly the early years have a wonderful facility to experience the world as animistic, that everything is a subject not an object. A child can easily converse with ‘inanimate objects’ and are very comfortable immersing themselves in their own imagination, which for them, is real. In the west this facility seems to diminish, whereas in earth-sensory-based cultures it usually prevails.
I have studied many different cultures and worldviews. I tried for many years to square what seems like story-making about a mountain, or river, the apparent communication that many traditional people have with nature, as not real. I can’t stop objectifying. Yet, I have been fascinated by healing practices and the intimacy of those people with nature, all offering different ‘answers’ to those big questions. How tantalising.
Recently I was listening to a Ted Talk on Animism and the Maori people and the presenter beautifully explained that their worldview is like belonging to a vast family – tree, the humans, the animals, the plants, the seas, the stars, are all family. He asked if we consider our pet dog as part of the family? Yes, of course. I know and love my dog Ruby, she doesn’t speak, but she communicates and empathises. It is only a little more of a jump, and a lot more time, to feel a meaningful relationship to land, mountain, or tree where your worldview transforms to a friendly, caring approach, with gratitude for life.
Our entire system is operated by nature’s own manual. It is the primary way our neurological system is strengthened and extended. With our natural senses intact, we can be happy and healthy. Without time in nature, our systems become dysfunctional and we are undernourished, mistaking shopping and screen life with life-sustaining human and nature connection. One cannot replace the other, it will never do that.
Nature sends out a multitude of natural chemicals (at quantum level everything is energy) and we respond, even if we don’t know it. This ‘serve and return’ between nature and humans is the way we grow, learn, and thrive. Nature pedagogy puts us back in touch with our natural and original operating system. Not the human-imposed one, but one that sits in a large wheel of life representing all of life, as we can possibly know it.
From ideas of creation to the life cycle of a plant. There are many models and methods, tools and skills that help us to find our way back to nature’s medicine, and to provide this for ourselves and our children. Learning through experiences in nature, building psychological flexibility and pursuing important values increase our well-being and restores a natural balance in all of us.
Keep in touch to find out more about Nature Pedagogy and:
- Approaches within nature education and key differences
- Connection Practices & nature awareness games
- Nature-centric models that inform our planning and holistic approach
- Experiencing and activities that support an inclusive and nature-centric worldview
- Indicators of awareness and attributes
Our work draws on best practice from Forest School, ecopsychology, ecotherapy, indigenous and western knowledge, earth education and deep nature connection.
By Marina Robb, Circle of Life Rediscovery – Director.
Nature Pedagogy related CPD’s & Courses:
21st & 22nd March: Exploring the Natural World & Feeling Self with Ian Siddons Heginworth
This training will apply the therapeutic use of natural materials, natural locations, natural themes and natural cycles. The theme is ‘Alchemical Ash.’
Location: Mill Woods, near Laughton, East Sussex. Time: 09.30 – 17.00. Cost £175.
1st & 2nd April: Nature Play & the Therapeutic Space
An Experiential training for health and education practitioners wanting to work in ‘Green Spaces’.
Location: Mill Woods, near Laughton, East Sussex. Time: 09.30 – 15.30. Cost £175.
17th April: Nature Pedagogy and Games for Learning
This workshop brings together new thinking around ‘Nature Pedagogy’. This includes exploring the models, methods, worldviews and values that underpin our teaching practice in nature.
Location: Mill Woods, near Laughton, East Sussex. Time: 09.30 – 15.30. Cost £95.
25th & 26th May: Landplay Therapy
Post qualifying training for Play Therapists, Counsellors and Psychotherapists. This two -day training will provide you with the tools you need to extend your therapeutic practice to include indoor and outdoor sessions.
Location: Brook Farm, Messing, Essex Time: 09.30 – 16.00 Cost £165.
Visit our website for full details.
Transforming education, health and family through nature.
Circle of Life Rediscovery provides exciting and highly beneficial nature-centred learning and therapeutic experiences for young people, adults, and families in Sussex woodlands, along with innovative continuing professional development for the health, well being and teaching professionals who are supporting them.