Transformative Ecological Education: Cultivating Connection to the Earth

Transformative Ecological Education: Cultivating Connection to the Earth

What does it mean to be connected to the Earth? With the biodiversity crisis escalating this is an opportunity to hear Katharine Burke talk about her new book, Earthwards: Transformative Ecological Education.

The discussion will cover the power and practice of building a relationship with nature which fosters creative thinking, helps to alleviate feelings of grief or loss, and builds a culture of care. With plenty of examples from lived experience working with students and teachers, we present the tangible impacts of a curriculum that integrates nature with children’s learning.

As Earth's life support systems become increasingly fragile, now is the ideal time to embrace a change in education for both the wellbeing of our children and the planet we call home.

Event Summary:

1. Intro and discussion of the book, including the importance of addressing grief, the need for creativity (and other ways of knowing) and advantages/disadvantages
2. Discussion and sharing of nature connectedness that is transformative. with stories, the poem and some brief examples
3. Sharing in groups to start to think of some of their own initiatives,
4. Reflection - one step to take

Katharine Burke, M.Ed has been an educator for over 45 years and has taught primary, secondary and college level students. The past 22 years she worked in International Baccalaureate schools where she was first a primary years classroom teacher and curriculum coordinator, and then a secondary school teacher of Geography and Humanities. She is a regenerative design practitioner, a permaculture farmer, and facilitator of the Work That Reconnects. She lives in Skoppum, Norway.

Dr Meryl Batchelder gained 15 years of experience as a secondary science teacher before leaving the chalkface to focus on developing climate and sustainability initiatives in education. She is a regional coordinator for the Ministry of Eco Education and a Climate Ambassador with STEM Learning. Meryl is also a writer and blogger and lives as sustainably as possible on a smallholding in Northumberland.