Module 5
Empathy for the Environment: Learning through Nature
Embedded Files
Brief Overview
Brief Overview
This module uses nature as a tool for students' emotional development.
Empathy for the environment and learning through nature are key elements of emotional development, as they help individuals better understand themselves, others, and the world around them.
Empathy for the environment and learning through nature can have a huge impact on children's learning in school. Here are some ways in which these elements can support educational development:
Emotional skills development
Increased motivation and engagement
Improved problem-solving skills
Better concentration and calmness
Shaping pro-environmental attitudes
Featured poem: “Spring Meadow” by Zbigniew Baryła
The poem is about the beauty of the nature.
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives:
The module uses bibliotherapy as a tool for learning through nature.
Key learning outcomes for the module are:
1. Cognitive skills development: children develop their abilities to observe, analyze, and solve problems through interaction with nature.
2. Better concentration and less fatigue: studies show that children learning in a natural environment have better concentration and a lower sense of fatigue.
3. Physical and emotional health: contact with nature supports children's physical development, improves their fitness, and enhances their overall immunity.
Key Concepts and Theories:
Key Concepts and Theories:
Main concepts related to the module focus on:
The role of nature in building emotional development.
Bibliotherapy as a tool for learning through nature.
Reflective reading and emotional intelligence.
Short Educational Story:
Short Educational Story:
Spring Meadow
Spring Meadow
Spring Meadow
(Zbigniew Baryła – translation)
The springtime meadow in sunlight glows,
Green and blooming, as nature shows.
Bees and butterflies dance in the air,
While crickets play their tunes with flair.
Daisies in white on the meadow grow,
Willows by rivers wear catkins’ glow.
Frogs are croaking, birds sing high,
Bringing worms for chicks nearby.
Golden marsh marigolds brightly shine,
The sky is painted in blue so fine.
Bees are busy among the flowers,
Gathering nectar for honey towers.
The sun is warm, the snow is gone,
On children's noses – freckles dawn.
Kids are laughing, the earth feels new,
For spring has come with life in view!
Practical Strategies and Techniques
Practical Strategies and Techniques
Here are practical methods for educators to apply the content of the module:
Guided reading: Read the poem aloud in class, pausing for discussion.
Role-play: Students talk about their emotions connected to the poem- small talk.
Journaling: Encourage students to reflect on their own experiences that relate to the poem.
Interactive Activities
Interactive Activities
Activities designed to engage educators and students:
Reflection Journal: Children express their emotions about the poem they read in writing.
Mind Map: Students create a mind map focusing on their thoughts, feelings and experiences with nature.
Multimedia Content
Multimedia Content
Multimedia elements to enhance engagement:
Audio recordings of the nature: sounds expressing the beauty of the nature (birds singing, spring rain, insect sounds etc.)
Polish birds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QRUMSv77Q4
insects sounds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iNPtKdQ67k
Antonio Vivaldi Spring- movement games with music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFWQgxXM_b8
Reflection and Discussion
Reflection and Discussion
Questions for teachers and parents to encourage discussion:
How does learning through nature contribute to the development of sensitivity to its beauty?
For what purposes can learning through nature be used?
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Articles on websites for further reading to support the module’s themes:
Why is learning in nature the future of education?
https://zspkampinos.pl/dlaczego-nauka-w-naturze-to-przyszlosc-edukacji.htm
The therapeutic effect of nature
https://www.bliskoedu.pl/blog/edukacja/terapeutyczne-dzialanie-natury-edukacja-outdoorowa
Unit Summary
Unit Summary
This module explored how nature may be used as a tool for students' emotional development. Through the Spring Meadow, or any other poem or story about nature, educators can guide children to develop empathy for the environment.
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