There is nothing quite like connecting with nature, but this can be quite a puzzle in many schools which appear to be surrounded by nothing but a man-made sprawl. I mean, how is it possible to connect with nature when your school is in the middle of a built-up inner city? How is it possible to give pupils real-life experiences of nature when the country seems so, so far away?
Help is at hand, and suddenly a lot more accessible thanks to the book “Teaching with Flowers for a Blooming Curriculum” written by Julie Warburton, who shows that, with a little thought and planning, children can easily get engaged with nature by using the flowers and plants all around us, to help in mix of subjects across the primary or secondary school curriculum. Crammed with practical ideas and inspiration, the book provides step-by-step instructions, as well as illustrative guides (photos by Jane Hewitt) to support teachers and assistants to produce some creative, imaginative and stunning pieces of work.
Why flowers? Julie writes, “Teachers find that children’s understanding of quite complex knowledge becomes more clearer when they take part in practical workshops. Teachers also tell me that they are impressed with the way children work in teams and that poor behaviour is rarely an issue”.
This is quite a unique book. It could be a fantastic guide for teachers: wishing to create an interesting gardening club; wishing to bring nature into their classroom; or for those wishing to take creativity to a new level. The book covers links with ICT, Maths, English, Science, Art, History, Music, or Geography.
Mick Waters introduces Julie Warburton – Teaching with Flowers for a Blooming Curriculum – Published by Independent Thinking Press with a RRP of £20*, available from Amazon UK by clicking the link below:
*Price correct at time of Publication.
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