Episode 148 - Forest Educator Spotlight: Navigating the Hard Days
Forest Educator with Ricardo Sierra | A Podcast for Revolutionary Conversations about Nature-Based EducationShow Notes
"Hard Days" are an inevitable part of life as an educator. It is critical that we have effective strategies to cope, whether that's using physical sensations to reset the mind or allowing ourselves to fully feel and process difficult emotions.
In this episode, I'm also addressing the power of community, connection, and finding beauty in the world as antidotes to the darkness. Gathering around a campfire, immersing ourselves in nature, and simply noticing the kindness of others can help restore our sense of purpose and resilience. The barriers we face may loom tall, but by being honest about the challenges and supporting each other through the hard times, we can continue to grow and transform our work in meaningful ways.
Forest Educator Bonus Content Page: http://foresteducator.com/bonuscontent
Join the Forest Educator Patreon! https://patreon.com/ForestEducatorPodcast
Connect with Ricardo: https://www.foresteducator.com/ https://www.theforestboxforkids.com/ https://www.hawkcircle.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-sierra-5980931/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_forest_educator_podcast/
More from Forest Educator with Ricardo Sierra | A Podcast for Revolutionary Conversations about Nature-Based Education
Today's Forest Educator Spotlight is all about the best-kept secret for Forest Educators: the Natural Advantage. When we implement this three-part framework in our programs, we can have the biggest impact.
Some of my favorite ages to work with are middle schoolers, anywhere from 10-14 years old. Some may say those ages are some of the most challenging, but I really like that age group for so many reasons. I love to help them find their passion and excitement, and to watch them build an inner foundation for themselves and a personal belief that they know who they are, and begin to believe that they can do hard things. In this episode, I'm exploring the different developmental ages and stages during this period of kids' lives and some of my best tips and strategies for working with them effectively. From emotional development, friendship, trust, and self-reflection to skill-building, I hope this episode will help you feel excited about working with this age group, too.
The first rule about 'bonding' is like Fight Club:
The paths we take in our journey as educators are incredibly diverse and unique to each of us. We all have different origins, with mentors, teachers, opportunities and our communities all influencing how we do what we do.
An aspect of nature education that I believe is greatly overlooked is the ability and benefit it gives young people to 'Do Hard Things'. This happens when we learn to climb a steep hill, climb a tree, master carving knife safety or learn to think of others in our groups! It happens when we learn to be safe and respectful about campfires. It happens when we begin our studies in wild foods, birds, animal tracks, trees or bushcraft skills. (This list could be very, very substantial!)