Sept 19: Entrance Slip

My high school's local park

 Working and learning in a garden is not a new concept for me. During high school, many of my teachers supported moving class outside or taking walks around the school or to the local park as brain breaks. Therefore, it is a norm that I wish to incorporate into my teaching. In a garden, I would urge against using technology to do work. Instead, I would provide portable whiteboards, blackboards, paper and clipboards so that students could truly disconnect from harsh screens and the distractions that come with devices. My goal is to enhance the greater-than-human experience by limiting their technology use. Since gardens lack individual tables and desks, students can roam around and socialize more frequently. As a result, it is easier for them to do collaborative tasks and hands-on activities, cultivating their creative and communication competencies. It may also promote more class discussions. Lastly, the garden highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the world. Hence, I may use the garden to generate real-world applications of the material, making it more engaging and relevant for the students. Students also become more aware of their social responsibilities. Overall, teaching in a garden builds core competencies while providing a refreshing environment for students.

While the garden may promote physical and mental health, there are also many disadvantages. These difficulties were highlighted after spending the last two weeks in a garden. First, a large demographic is allergic to various aspects of a garden (grass, pollen, bugs, bees, etc.). After spending several hours there, I noticed I experienced dry eyes and itchiness. Thus, when teaching in a garden, I must be aware that some may not benefit from being outside due to the uncomfort or allergic symptoms they feel. Secondly, depending on the garden, there may not be proper resources for seating and writing. That is, a garden may lack enough chairs and tables. To work around this, I need to provide alternatives and additional resources so that students do not become demotivated. Lastly, the weather is very unpredictable, especially in the lower mainland. To work around this, I may need to use portable shelters and advise kids to bring proper attire so they do not fall sick. In some weather cases, working in a garden may not be appropriate.