ASSIGNMENT
Offer a brief personal response to the Orion books. It could include something of your own experience with the natural world that was recalled in the reading, or something of your experience with students around these ideas. Take it where you wish.
RESPONSE
I was enlightened by David Sobel’s books for many reasons. I liked that he brought to light the irrelevance and drab of textbooks. Why don’t we use the actual earth for instruction? The textbook is a manufactured and irrelevant document catering to the conservative requirements of the big adoption states, mainly Texas. Those in the know understand the Gablers trained a whole generation of conservative Christian activists to carry on their work that determines which books schools will adopt. They use a company they formed called Educational Research Analysts to do this. Scary stuff. You can read more at http://www.edutopia.org/magazine/ed1article.php?id=Art_1195&issue=nov_04 in the Edutopia article “The Muddle Machine.” So, I was happy to read about approach that encourages instructors to investigate the land formations in their own back yards rather than generic ones found in a textbook.
The book also opened my mind to the idea that it is important to help students love the earth before engaging them in a conversation of saving the earth. I liked the quote that, “What’s important is that children have an opportunity to bond with the natural world, to learn to love it, before being asked to heal its wounds.” It makes sense. The example about the student who posted a sign in front of a drug store asking people not to buy ivory soap, really drives the point home that students must understand what’s happening in their own backyard before worrying about the problems in foreign countries.
The stories about how starting in ones own backyard really helped to transform a community and make real the idea that “you can make a difference” is huge. I realize that this is a huge component missing from the lives of Americans. They spent so many years in schools without ever having the opportunity to truly make a difference. It’s so disappointing that so much of what students do ends with turning an assignment in to a teacher. I think the nation would save a lot in psychiatric bills if people were taught to love, care for and enjoy the earth and then realize how they can impact it. Once you love something caring for it comes naturally.
It was interesting that as I was reading this book I met a new friend who recently started a company called “Pure Habitat: Eco-friendly Cleaning + Consulting.” They work to provide Green Cleaning – Create beautiful rejuvenated space that feels wonderful, uses only, natural, non-toxic products that are safe and effective and Green Living – Educates people about the effect we have on our Ecosystem an how we can transform to a more sustainable earth friendly life style. I shared my Orion books with her. She shared with me how her business works. She explained that in New York City there is a big demand for this kind of work. I think Sobel has it right. If we can help our students understand to love and care for the earth we will certainly be giving them important tools for their adult lives.
Offer a brief personal response to the Orion books. It could include something of your own experience with the natural world that was recalled in the reading, or something of your experience with students around these ideas. Take it where you wish.
RESPONSE
I was enlightened by David Sobel’s books for many reasons. I liked that he brought to light the irrelevance and drab of textbooks. Why don’t we use the actual earth for instruction? The textbook is a manufactured and irrelevant document catering to the conservative requirements of the big adoption states, mainly Texas. Those in the know understand the Gablers trained a whole generation of conservative Christian activists to carry on their work that determines which books schools will adopt. They use a company they formed called Educational Research Analysts to do this. Scary stuff. You can read more at http://www.edutopia.org/magazine/ed1article.php?id=Art_1195&issue=nov_04 in the Edutopia article “The Muddle Machine.” So, I was happy to read about approach that encourages instructors to investigate the land formations in their own back yards rather than generic ones found in a textbook.
The book also opened my mind to the idea that it is important to help students love the earth before engaging them in a conversation of saving the earth. I liked the quote that, “What’s important is that children have an opportunity to bond with the natural world, to learn to love it, before being asked to heal its wounds.” It makes sense. The example about the student who posted a sign in front of a drug store asking people not to buy ivory soap, really drives the point home that students must understand what’s happening in their own backyard before worrying about the problems in foreign countries.
The stories about how starting in ones own backyard really helped to transform a community and make real the idea that “you can make a difference” is huge. I realize that this is a huge component missing from the lives of Americans. They spent so many years in schools without ever having the opportunity to truly make a difference. It’s so disappointing that so much of what students do ends with turning an assignment in to a teacher. I think the nation would save a lot in psychiatric bills if people were taught to love, care for and enjoy the earth and then realize how they can impact it. Once you love something caring for it comes naturally.
It was interesting that as I was reading this book I met a new friend who recently started a company called “Pure Habitat: Eco-friendly Cleaning + Consulting.” They work to provide Green Cleaning – Create beautiful rejuvenated space that feels wonderful, uses only, natural, non-toxic products that are safe and effective and Green Living – Educates people about the effect we have on our Ecosystem an how we can transform to a more sustainable earth friendly life style. I shared my Orion books with her. She shared with me how her business works. She explained that in New York City there is a big demand for this kind of work. I think Sobel has it right. If we can help our students understand to love and care for the earth we will certainly be giving them important tools for their adult lives.
posted by book1 at 5:43 PM
1 Comments:
Nice job Lisa. I agree when teaching Earth Day and all the things we can do to save it, I always thought that something was missing in the instruction...How can we fix something that the children don't really understand. How can you teach little first graders "Save the Earth" It might be easier and more managable to teach "How can we keep our schhol yard clean" and build from there.
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