Introduction to Children in Permaculture
ABOUT THE COURSE
A weekend permaculture course for parents, grandparents, teachers and others to engage children in all aspects of permaculture. Composed of both indoor and outdoor sessions we will learn how to spend times with children which are child-centred and/or child-led.
We will find out how permaculture ethics and principles can be applied to education, in how we speak, the activities we engage in and in the spaces we design. We will discover some great benefits of outdoor learning, including relevant research, and learn how to create session plans which engage the whole child: eyes, heart, hands and head, through active participation in a session learning about soil. We will look at different garden designs both in school and home gardens and get involved in practical activities. We will learn about the different activities that we can do with children and, more importantly, think about how the way we approach the child can enable us to think of infinite possible activities.
This two day training course is the product of the three year European ‘Children in Permaculture’ project in which best practice has been shared across the continent from Finland to Italy, Scotland to Romania:
“The future of our planet depends on a change of consciousness, in which the people and the resources of the natural world are no longer taken for granted and exploited without considering long term impacts. Supporting children from early childhood to develop a sensitive, compassionate and cooperative relationship with each other and the natural world is a crucial step in generating this new consciousness” (p. 1, The Children in Permaculture Manual; Alderslowe, Amus & Deshaies, 2018).
THE COURSE WILL GIVE PARTICIPANTS
- Knowledge of how permaculture can help you in your work with children.
- A toolbox of ways to engage children in permaculture using a holistic, creative approach which involves children in the whole process as a partner in their learning.
- Unique ideas about how to creatively design a playground/children’s garden to maximise the benefits of outdoor learning for children.
- Understanding of the basics about permaculture ethics, principles and design and how they can be useful in education.
- Confidence in the use of the CiP resources including the case studies, film and manual.
- Experience of examples in good practice and inspirational stories which will excite and encourage you to use CiP materials and to embed permaculture into your school/ curriculum/ garden etc.
- Inspiration to take children outdoors for experiential learning. Opportunity to meet other people who are interested in engaging children in permaculture
- A copy of the new book Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share in Education: The Children in Permaculture Manual by Alderslowe, Amus and Deshaies, 2018.
WHO IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR?
People working with children aged 3-12 years, such as school, nursery and kindergarten teachers, as well as those working in non-formal settings such as after-school or out-of-school club leaders (e.g. scout leaders), parents (whether natural, foster, adoptive or grandparents) and others who are aware of the importance of their role in children’s education.