The overarching goal of the class is to help learners dig deeper into their curiosity about nature and to get excited about putting their ideas down on paper - planting the seeds for nature journaling.  Nature journaling is wonderful way to grow as scientific thinkers and gives kids meaningful reasons to draw and write. This class is designed for children with a range of literacy skills and I think it is important to celebrate all stages of literacy development.  The way each child adds to their nature journal in this class will depend on their stage of literacy development (they may be drawing, writing letters, words, or sentences). The class is designed to support the child in their current stage of development and to encourage them to try out new ideas.  

I have a Master's degree in early childhood and inclusive education and curriculum development with an emphasis on literacy.  I have been an educator for 20 years and am passionate about teaching literacy skills that support a lifelong love of reading and writing.  I see all children as capable individuals who are motivated to learn when their interests are honored and they are encouraged to make their own discoveries.  I love spending time outdoors with my own family, making discoveries and nature journaling.  I have seen that spending time in nature sparks so much curiosity and opportunities for learning which makes it a perfect match for getting children excited about continued research & reading as well as using drawing and writing in meaningful ways.