Project evaluation
Now I have come to the end of this project. If I go back to my original goal of creating a course plan for teaching permaculture to children, I can see that I could do with re-wording this, (again!) as I feel that I have created in myself the ability to create course plans for children in permaculture. The main design outcome of this project for me has been in expanding and increasing my understanding and passion for natural childhood education, and of discovering how I can best interpret this learning through providing meaningful activities with an awareness and respect for the children and their particular needs at the phase of life that they are in. It feels very much that I have explored how to adapt permaculture subjects for children, but also explored the best environment to be created to support the children fully. Hopefully, this will all manifest itself into a beautiful course coming in the near future. When it does I will update it on here.
I feel that this project has been hugely beneficial for me to develop my knowledge and understanding in an area that I feel very passionate about. After going through this design process I now have a much more clear and comprehensive idea as to the best way for me to move forwards. I can feel the impact of this project on many areas of my life; I feel that it has strengthened my passion for sharing permaculture, and also widened my approach and teaching styles. I also now have a database of lesson plans in the creation which will be a very valuable resource for me and hopefully for others.
I have also really enjoyed making the connections between different ways to share these ideas, by considering how to bring this into mainstream education. I feel that my present work and other activities can link this together very well and I hope to develop this more into the future.
Throughout this design process I've tried to bring in quite a variety of different design tools. I've really enjoyed playing with some of the land based design tools, like applying thoughts on companion planting to the people around me and natural succession. It was nice to see how these tools could so usefully be applied to a people based design. This also really helped me to connect what I was writing about with my real life outside of this diploma, and I felt very supported after looking at how many connections I have who I could work with.
I feel that the development of this project benefited especially from looking the connections between the different elements in the map on the analysis page, as this was a clear and simple way for me to draw out some connections that I hadn't noticed before, and highlighted for me the areas that I may need to apply some additional energy.
I feel that this project has been hugely beneficial for me to develop my knowledge and understanding in an area that I feel very passionate about. After going through this design process I now have a much more clear and comprehensive idea as to the best way for me to move forwards. I can feel the impact of this project on many areas of my life; I feel that it has strengthened my passion for sharing permaculture, and also widened my approach and teaching styles. I also now have a database of lesson plans in the creation which will be a very valuable resource for me and hopefully for others.
I have also really enjoyed making the connections between different ways to share these ideas, by considering how to bring this into mainstream education. I feel that my present work and other activities can link this together very well and I hope to develop this more into the future.
Throughout this design process I've tried to bring in quite a variety of different design tools. I've really enjoyed playing with some of the land based design tools, like applying thoughts on companion planting to the people around me and natural succession. It was nice to see how these tools could so usefully be applied to a people based design. This also really helped me to connect what I was writing about with my real life outside of this diploma, and I felt very supported after looking at how many connections I have who I could work with.
I feel that the development of this project benefited especially from looking the connections between the different elements in the map on the analysis page, as this was a clear and simple way for me to draw out some connections that I hadn't noticed before, and highlighted for me the areas that I may need to apply some additional energy.
Reviews
Time review:
I'd say I've been working on this project on and off for about 7 months now. In this time I have taken weeks on end without touching the write up, but always there's been some connection to this project, either reading books or talking to others about it, or thinking about the process. The past few weeks, pretty consistent writing up 3 or 4 days a week.. Basically loads of time, and much more still to come with the lesson plans! But I guess this turned out to be a pretty huge project, more than just a project really.
Project start and end date: Feb 2014 - Sep 2014
Three P's review:
Personal
For me the whole concept of developing my ideas on how best to educate children with respect to their emotional and spiritual beings and their environment is a very personally interesting one. My son is almost 5 years old, and is due to be beginning school any time now. Personally, the work I have done for this project has really positively enhanced my awareness of where I fit in the scope of childhood education, and connected me with many sources of like-minded thinkers, leaving me feel more educated, aware, and supported in my parenting choices. Such a beneficial outcome.
Project
As far as projects go, this one has been much longer and more involved than I would like for a diploma project. Now it's coming to a close, I feel really motivated to wrap this diploma up and be able to focus more time on the other things in my life that are arising due to it. I have two more projects to go, and I'm going to really try to make them both short and to the point, as I really don't feel they have to be as long as this. That said, I think this one became so expanded because its a subject so close to my family life, and I think that the work I did connected to this project has had possibly the most effect on my life and future than any other. This makes it feel that it was a really beneficial project to do, making sense of questions in life through permaculture, it's really what permaculture does best, after all.
Professional
Through this project I have now created my own company working in outdoor education and natural crafts in schools. A nice income stream I feel good about! I also think I'm ready now to design and teach a childrens permaculture course, of any length or style. This leaves me feel very optimistic and prepared towards my goal of hosting family PDC's by Spring of next year.
I'd say I've been working on this project on and off for about 7 months now. In this time I have taken weeks on end without touching the write up, but always there's been some connection to this project, either reading books or talking to others about it, or thinking about the process. The past few weeks, pretty consistent writing up 3 or 4 days a week.. Basically loads of time, and much more still to come with the lesson plans! But I guess this turned out to be a pretty huge project, more than just a project really.
Project start and end date: Feb 2014 - Sep 2014
Three P's review:
Personal
For me the whole concept of developing my ideas on how best to educate children with respect to their emotional and spiritual beings and their environment is a very personally interesting one. My son is almost 5 years old, and is due to be beginning school any time now. Personally, the work I have done for this project has really positively enhanced my awareness of where I fit in the scope of childhood education, and connected me with many sources of like-minded thinkers, leaving me feel more educated, aware, and supported in my parenting choices. Such a beneficial outcome.
Project
As far as projects go, this one has been much longer and more involved than I would like for a diploma project. Now it's coming to a close, I feel really motivated to wrap this diploma up and be able to focus more time on the other things in my life that are arising due to it. I have two more projects to go, and I'm going to really try to make them both short and to the point, as I really don't feel they have to be as long as this. That said, I think this one became so expanded because its a subject so close to my family life, and I think that the work I did connected to this project has had possibly the most effect on my life and future than any other. This makes it feel that it was a really beneficial project to do, making sense of questions in life through permaculture, it's really what permaculture does best, after all.
Professional
Through this project I have now created my own company working in outdoor education and natural crafts in schools. A nice income stream I feel good about! I also think I'm ready now to design and teach a childrens permaculture course, of any length or style. This leaves me feel very optimistic and prepared towards my goal of hosting family PDC's by Spring of next year.
Appendix
Book resources
On childhood education and phases of child development:
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On nature awareness and activities;
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On gardening with children:
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On arts, crafts, celebrations and outdoor activities:
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On meditation with children and herbal wisdom:
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Further reading
An interview with herbalist Juliette de Baracli-Levy
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/July09/empower.htm
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/July09/empower.htm
UK based family festivals and gatherings
http://www.shambalafestival.org/
http://www.shambalafestival.org/starry-skies-shambalas-baby-sister/
http://www.artofmentoring.co.uk/
http://www.shambalafestival.org/starry-skies-shambalas-baby-sister/
http://www.artofmentoring.co.uk/
Websites used
Lots of wonderful pictures thanks to Pinterest tree of life collection and others.
For some great lesson plan ideas:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storyCode=6183303
http://dramaresource.com/strategies/hot-seating
http://hopscotchtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Andrew-Fred-Northern-Ireland-Pack-KS2-2.pdf
http://www.universalteacher.org.uk/drama/drama.htm#starters
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/primary-tips/drama-children-1
http://www.tesaustralia.com/drama-secondary-teaching-resources/
http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/themes/theenvironment/
http://www.care2.com/channels/ecoinfo/teacher
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/stage/parents/lessons/index.htm
http://www.epa.gov/students/teachers.html
http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/science/environment/
http://kids.mongabay.com/lesson_plans/
http://www.first-school.ws/theme/environmental-education.htm
http://www.educationcity.com/uk/blog/primary-schools/2011-jun/lesson-plans-fact-sheets-world-environment-day
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/teachers/ks2_lessonplans/science/plants_animals.shtml
For help with creating lesson plans:
http://www.sites4teachers.com/links/redirect.php?url=http://mathcs.wilkes.edu/~rpryor/ed589/lessplns.html
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/432345632950495863/
http://www.eslkidstuff.com/resources/lesson-plan-template-02.pdf
http://www.eslkidstuff.com/resources/lesson-plan-template-01.pdf
On the work of Rudolf Steiner
http://www.steinerwaldorf.org/
http://steinereducation.edu.au/steiner-education/child-development
http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/02_W_Education/child_development.asp
http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2011/10/guide-to-the-early-years-foundation-stage-in-steiner-waldorf-early-childhood-settings/
http://steinerbooks.org/research/archive/childs_changing_consciousness/childs_changing_consciousness.pdf
http://www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au/education/about-steiner-education/
http://lchc.ucsd.edu/MCA/Mail/xmcamail.2010_01.dir/pdfx9STo74Xyx.pdf
http://www.earlyyears.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/159685/Overview_of_Steiner_and_Art_Education.pdf
On nature awareness and forest school activities
http://richardlouv.com/books/last-child/
http://www.childrenandnature.org/
http://blog.childrenandnature.org/2014/05/12/nature-is-the-ultimate-sensory-experience-pediatric-occupational-therapist-makes-the-case-for-nature-therapy/
http://www.goingwild.net/
http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/schools/forest_schools.htm
http://www.foresteducation.org/images/uploads/forest_school_scotland_8.pdf
http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/download/barefoot_walk.htm
http://www.earlylearninghq.org.uk/lesson-plans-activity-ideas/forest-school-outdoors/
On permaculture design methods
http://www.self-willed-land.org.uk/permaculture/design_methods.htm
Other websites:
http://stewards.snre.umich.edu/article/ugly-schoolyard-learning-gardens
For some great lesson plan ideas:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storyCode=6183303
http://dramaresource.com/strategies/hot-seating
http://hopscotchtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Andrew-Fred-Northern-Ireland-Pack-KS2-2.pdf
http://www.universalteacher.org.uk/drama/drama.htm#starters
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/primary-tips/drama-children-1
http://www.tesaustralia.com/drama-secondary-teaching-resources/
http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/themes/theenvironment/
http://www.care2.com/channels/ecoinfo/teacher
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/stage/parents/lessons/index.htm
http://www.epa.gov/students/teachers.html
http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/science/environment/
http://kids.mongabay.com/lesson_plans/
http://www.first-school.ws/theme/environmental-education.htm
http://www.educationcity.com/uk/blog/primary-schools/2011-jun/lesson-plans-fact-sheets-world-environment-day
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/teachers/ks2_lessonplans/science/plants_animals.shtml
For help with creating lesson plans:
http://www.sites4teachers.com/links/redirect.php?url=http://mathcs.wilkes.edu/~rpryor/ed589/lessplns.html
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/432345632950495863/
http://www.eslkidstuff.com/resources/lesson-plan-template-02.pdf
http://www.eslkidstuff.com/resources/lesson-plan-template-01.pdf
On the work of Rudolf Steiner
http://www.steinerwaldorf.org/
http://steinereducation.edu.au/steiner-education/child-development
http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/02_W_Education/child_development.asp
http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2011/10/guide-to-the-early-years-foundation-stage-in-steiner-waldorf-early-childhood-settings/
http://steinerbooks.org/research/archive/childs_changing_consciousness/childs_changing_consciousness.pdf
http://www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au/education/about-steiner-education/
http://lchc.ucsd.edu/MCA/Mail/xmcamail.2010_01.dir/pdfx9STo74Xyx.pdf
http://www.earlyyears.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/159685/Overview_of_Steiner_and_Art_Education.pdf
On nature awareness and forest school activities
http://richardlouv.com/books/last-child/
http://www.childrenandnature.org/
http://blog.childrenandnature.org/2014/05/12/nature-is-the-ultimate-sensory-experience-pediatric-occupational-therapist-makes-the-case-for-nature-therapy/
http://www.goingwild.net/
http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/schools/forest_schools.htm
http://www.foresteducation.org/images/uploads/forest_school_scotland_8.pdf
http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/download/barefoot_walk.htm
http://www.earlylearninghq.org.uk/lesson-plans-activity-ideas/forest-school-outdoors/
On permaculture design methods
http://www.self-willed-land.org.uk/permaculture/design_methods.htm
Other websites:
http://stewards.snre.umich.edu/article/ugly-schoolyard-learning-gardens
Process notes
Here are some notes that I made whilst looking through some permaculture design books, on questions to go through within the design process. Having these to spark my thoughts has really helped to expand my thoughts when it all got a bit much.
*link with the ethics here
*intrinsics - choose those things that grow and yield well in each particular circumstance.. look at where i flourish most, and where i need support.. design to fit my personality and my lifestyle the most effectively- placing things in their best microclimate
*PMI/SWOC
*visioning and wild design - let my imagination and desires take over, now within the boundaries of my observations and analysis
*placement - design from patterns to details - i have done this, taking the feeling/energy and moving down to the finer details now
*sectors - can i use sectors of my own energies (sun, wind, rain related to my inner processes somehow?) - or - to childrens energies within the classes?...
*incremental design- how can i design this expanding and progressing over time? a time scale plan perhaps including more training? to revisit again in the future
*energy cycling- don't let it escape, harvest it wherever it can come in. eg, the energy from doing a course, how can that be channelled back in? through time with ohli? or videos and photos back uploaded and a blog written? keeping the energy flowing..
*edge effect- where are my edges? pushing my boundaries, making my edges longer and deeper so as to create the most fertile place and change
*guilds and companion planting- who can I work with? where is my guild? create one, (organic playgrounds, tot course buddies, alp collective teaching plan, keep travelling and maintaining contact with others) design page
*school work will only get better as time goes on, and teachers add to and improve on what we offer through their advice and suggestions and we see more schools
*link with the ethics here
*intrinsics - choose those things that grow and yield well in each particular circumstance.. look at where i flourish most, and where i need support.. design to fit my personality and my lifestyle the most effectively- placing things in their best microclimate
*PMI/SWOC
*visioning and wild design - let my imagination and desires take over, now within the boundaries of my observations and analysis
*placement - design from patterns to details - i have done this, taking the feeling/energy and moving down to the finer details now
*sectors - can i use sectors of my own energies (sun, wind, rain related to my inner processes somehow?) - or - to childrens energies within the classes?...
*incremental design- how can i design this expanding and progressing over time? a time scale plan perhaps including more training? to revisit again in the future
*energy cycling- don't let it escape, harvest it wherever it can come in. eg, the energy from doing a course, how can that be channelled back in? through time with ohli? or videos and photos back uploaded and a blog written? keeping the energy flowing..
*edge effect- where are my edges? pushing my boundaries, making my edges longer and deeper so as to create the most fertile place and change
*guilds and companion planting- who can I work with? where is my guild? create one, (organic playgrounds, tot course buddies, alp collective teaching plan, keep travelling and maintaining contact with others) design page
*school work will only get better as time goes on, and teachers add to and improve on what we offer through their advice and suggestions and we see more schools
More on patterns
patterns of success from other areas of life
What patterns are appearing here, what can I see?
patterns from nature reflected ..
patterns related to course design.. natures patterns.. go do a sit spot and see what comes up?
patterns of success from other areas of life
What patterns are appearing here, what can I see?
patterns from nature reflected ..
patterns related to course design.. natures patterns.. go do a sit spot and see what comes up?
*intrinsics - choose those things that grow and yield well in each particular circumstance.. look at where i flourish most, and where i need support.. design to fit my personality and my lifestyle the most effectively- placing things in their best microclimate
A few sketchbook notesAnd here are some more notes I've made throughout this project to help with the process, along with the flyers I made for the course in Spain.
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Thanks for making it to the end!