Discovering

Take a piece of paper and divide it into three columns.

In the first column write down the names of all the children.

In the second column write down the FIRST word that comes to you when you think of that child.

In the third column write down any feelings, thoughts, images, sensations or memories that come to you when thinking about this child.

This is an excercise of discovery.  Before you begin, find a place that is comfortable, nourishing to your body, easeful, then close your eyes. Allow yourself about 15 minutes for this exploration.  It does not matter how many children you get thru, this is an adventure, a journey of noticing, of discovering feelings, thoughts and sensations that are immediately present in your conscious mind.

As you settle into this comfortable and nourishing spot, take a few big breaths to cleanse the day, the moment, then take a little inventory and really check in with your body and your thoughts. Are you at rest, agitated, anxious, peaceful, easeful, fidgety, tight, relaxed……When you have settled into some ease, say or think the name of the first child on your list. Notice the first word that comes to your mind and write it down.  Then say the name again, seeing the image of the child in your minds eye and pay very close attention to any sensations you might feel in your body when you say the name and see the image.

Does a part of your body get contracted, tight? Or does some part of you relax?  Do you get tingly sensations, teary eyed? Do memories of your own childhood arise or is the way the child behaves or looks famliar to you and your own childhood?

Really notice any thoughts, images, feelings, sensations, or memories that arise for you. Take your time feeling these things and when you are ready, write them down.

If just doing this with one child is enough, stop there and go back another time.

This is an exercise of personal discovery.

If you wish to add to this you can:
• Make a collage of what you discovered
• Draw it
• Create music that expresses it ( record it too if you can)
• Create a story with this

 

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Aliveness

Your are invitied to look at two things for this month:
1. Where do you feel most alive outdoors with the students?
Allow yourself throughout this next month to fully fall in love with the places that feel really good to you when you are with the children in order to help you know where and what this is. Notice where you feel fully present, happy and joyful.
2. Meditate on what it means to you to “teach nature” to the young child
What do you know about the term “The Art of Questioning”
3. Journal all of this

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Questioning

TENDER TRACKS

Questions for the month:

What do you want most from your teaching interactions with the children?

What do you want to feel?  What sensations do you want to experience throughout your days with the children?

What or is there anything that you want from the children?

How would you like them to experience the natural world via your participation with them?

MEDITATION:

Allow yourself ample time, 15 min. if possible, and in a non distracted place to settle down, settle in and be very comfortable in order to take a little meditation journey into some of your memories.

• Go back in time to when you were a young child in your first school experience or any first experience that shows up in your
meditation.  Find the adult that was supportive and loving to you at that time.  Find the one that you felt most drawn to.

• Notice as much as you can with: Your surroundings, smells, visuals of the people, place, weather,sounds
Take your time and notice your feelings: happy, sad, mad
Notice your sensations

• Journal for at least five minutes about this experience

• Notice if this meditation impacts your experience in any way at Tender Tracks or with other children

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