After my contract with the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area (ASCCA) last spring, I knew I could not stay away. My time there had such a meaningful impact on me - both as an aspiring educator and someone who enjoys the outdoors. Not only was this job relevant to my degree, but it was so beneficial towards my own mental health. Having the opportunity to fully disconnect from technology and engage directly with the environment became a new normal I did not realize I needed, until I had it. It was even more rewarding to see elementary students step away from screen-based learning environments and fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Earth around them.
Prior to last spring, my placement experiences were limited to Grades 5 and 6. My time at the ASCCA provided a valuable opportunity to work with a more diverse range of students, something I was yet to be comfortable with. It allowed me to broaden my facilitation skills, while simultaneously fostering relationships with students, teachers, and volunteers of all ages. Working in an outdoor setting, particularly in Alberta, weather conditions can be unpredictable, so there was an added layer of complexity in this work. Each hike looked very different, so I had to remain flexible and modify activities in response to changing conditions. This allowed me to strengthen my reflective practice as an educator, since I was continually evaluating what activities went well and what areas I could improve on. This position exposed me to experiences that teaching in a typical classroom could not provide me.
My time there had such a meaningful impact on me - both as an aspiring educator and someone who enjoys the outdoors. Not only was this job relevant to my degree, but it was so beneficial towards my own mental health."
This past academic year, I completed my STEAM semester practicum in a grade 1 classroom, where I was responsible for planning and delivering integrated lessons for at least 50% of each school day over a five week period. After working with the ASCCA, I noticed that programs incorporated Science, alongside PE and even Social Studies outcomes. As a result of this job, I was filled with excitement and passion for my upcoming practicum as I was no stranger to interdisciplinary lessons.
I had the opportunity to teach across all subject areas, including cross-curricular outcomes that hit Science, Language Arts, and Art. My personal goals were to enhance my confidence and strengthen my classroom management skills. Through this experience, I developed pedagogical competence and really found my passion for teaching. I built meaningful connections with several complex learners, drawing on strategies I had developed at the ASCCA, where I regularly worked with new groups of students. These tools empowered me to establish a strong rapport in the classroom. However, it was not easy at first, but I quickly found that maintaining consistent expectations and acknowledging all students as capable learners, allowed them to show up authentically and view me as a trusted adult. Despite the challenges encountered, this practicum allowed me to embody an inclusive, adaptable, and patient educator.
Going into this spring with the ASCCA, I feel honoured to put my newfound expertise into practice in a unique learning environment. I’m eager to continue developing professionally, connecting with new students and embracing the joy of outdoor learning.
Looking forward to another great spring,
Julianna
