Eco-Art &
Nature Journaling
Kelly Johnson
Integrating Science and the Arts for Ecological Literacy
Art is a powerful catalyst for engaging students, teachers, families, and communities in environmental awareness that leads to increased ecological literacy. Whether in the nature journaling methods of the 20th century, Nature-study advocates, or the projects of 21st century artists utilizing public artwork to draw attention to contemporary environmental issues, art is a champion of progressive and environmental education through creative thinking and acting.
Eco-Art takes place in a variety of environments from the schoolyard garden, to parks, to the classroom, and easily integrates across Montessori curricula at all levels.
In this presentation, participants will explore nature-based art grounded in history, pedagogy, and methodology, while uncovering the ways in which natural elements are used to connect people to place.
Drawing on the strength of children’s inherent connection to nature, and Montessori's valuing of nature in childhood, this presentation will deliver innovative practical applications for integrating art and science into the classroom, while promoting a connection to place and the natural world right outside our doors.
A certificate of completion for 1 hour is provided. Learn more about certificates here.
We will look at:
What is ecological literacy?
How and why to teach ecological literacy
The nature study movement and how it integrates with the Montessori method
Why blending art and science is valuable
What is Eco-art and why it's a great tool for nature integration in the Montessori classroom
Bonuses Include:
Getting Started with Nature Journaling Mini Course
Printable Nature Journal Prompt Cards
Course Content
- Let's Begin
- Nature Journal Prompt Cards
- Online Community
- Get to Know Your Guide: Kelly
- Beginning a Nature Journaling Practice
- Benefits of Journaling and Using Prompts
- Backyard Nature Journaling
- Nature Journaling in Educational Settings
- Beyond the Prompts
- Create Your Own Journals and Prompts
- Resources
- Contact Kelly
"I really enjoyed this course! It has inspired me, both as a teacher and a parent, to get outside and connect! To make the time to observe, touch, and just be in the beauty that surrounds me, so that I may help to build a foundation for future stewards who love and respect our natural environments." -Leslie P.
"I loved that so many of these ideas can be completed on our patio at the school. I also loved that there were so many ideas that I didn't even think of, for instance sorting sticks (length/width) which is a comparable work to red rods yet it takes in the use of nature." -Maureen T.
Kelly Johnson
Kelly Johnson (BFA, MA, AMS 6-9) seeks to guide humans to slow down and reconnect with their natural world through the arts and gardening. An artist, author, nature journaling guide, Montessorian, and children's garden educator in Neptune Beach, Florida, she spends her days creating art, teaching nature journaling courses, and sparking wonder in the garden with community children. She brings her lifetime of creative expression and gardening experience to Wings, Worms, and Wonder: the online home of her book, blog, workshops, online nature journaling courses, and garden consultations.
Learn more about Kelly at wingswormsandwonder.com.
"I loved, loved Kelly's workshop! She motivated me to start a little vegetable garden, and to add rocks, shells and flowers to my outside art area." -Ana Patricia Pasquel
"I have 10 acres and a large garden for the children to use. I enjoyed the handouts with the nature activities to do with the children. I also enjoyed learning more about how easy it actually is to create journals with the children. I am excited to see how they respond to this and if it actually sparks more interest in the garden." -Amanda D.
"Cannot express enough how much this presentation sparked my imagination and my desire to get back into the classroom." - Simone Boyle Nowacki
"I came out of this session with the thought that it's okay to start with what we have and that something is better than doing nothing because of fear of not having "expertise". Also, it was good to have the reminder about how important it is for children to have positive experiences with nature because we may be the only experience they get." -Teri Edwards
When does the course start and finish?
This is a pre-recorded presentation and you may watch it at your own pace. You have access for one year and you may rewatch the content as often as you wish during that time.
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for all who work with children in an educational setting. The lesson ideas are best for students in the 4-9 age range. They can be applied to slightly older children as well.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Yes. This course will give you an understanding of the importance of ecological literacy for young children and provide practical ideas to help you implement ecological studies with your students while integrating the arts.
Will I receive a Certificate of Attendance?
You can get a certificate of attendance by request. You will need to fill out a feedback form. You will receive a PDF certificate via email. We recommend confirming with your local licensing agency prior to registering if you are relying on having the certificate approved. Read more about certificates of attendance HERE.
Register
All prices are in USD
REDEEM ACCESS LINK
If you arrived on this page via an access link, you should see the "Redeem Access Link" price below marked down to FREE. Please click the Redeem button and follow the instructions to complete your registration.
If your access link has already been redeemed, the price below will NOT be marked free. If you redeemed the link, you are already registered and you do not need to register again. Please log in via the login link in the top right corner of the screen and then go to My Courses. If the link was redeemed by someone else, please contact your school administrator for another link. Please have them contact [email protected] if they need assistance.