Testimonials

"Our organization was lucky enough to have Karen and Jessica join us for the workshop, “What is My Role in Cultivating Children’s Ecological Identities?” From the moment we connected to discuss the potential of working together, the process was collaborative and tailored to our members specifically. Karen and Jessica really sought to understand each participant’s unique experience and journey with nature based education. They created an environment in which important discourse could take place, and they motivated and inspired participants to think critically about this topic. They not only provided an engaging workshop but followed up with valuable resources to support participants in their journey. We will absolutely be continuing to work alongside Karen and Jessica to support our members as they explore nature-based education."

"This was by far the most reflective leadership course I have ever been part of and the one that has influenced my daily practices the most.

Karen and Jessica are highly skilled at creating an environment of self-development through reflections and provocations where participants feel safe to explore their own practices with curiosity, critical thinking and compassion.  We enjoyed and got so much out of the first series that we are doing another one again this year!"

“This experience brought a different aspect of thinking and kept wondering about what I know, what I am wondering and what is really important. Felt empowered that change comes from oneself and communicates it with others. Again, this experience was overwhelming but in the best way. I really enjoyed this format of discussions and exchange. You girls (Karen and Jessica) did great work!"

“Through this course, I have transferred more of my textbook knowledge into practice and gained a better understanding of "How does learning happen?" and the emerging curriculum in a much deeper way. The most obvious change is that I no longer think of the curriculum as something that needs to be planned by educators and participated in by children. Instead, it can happen anywhere at any time, like providing tools for a child who wants to play in the sand or an art activity derived from a book. And I've learned to step back and look more at the children's interests and provide them with what they need rather than what I think will help them develop. It took me some time to learn this in the textbook and to actually realize”

“Since starting this course, the changes I have noticed the most are just how I communicate with the children. I have found myself more often putting myself in the children's shoes wondering how the words I am communicating to them would be affecting their image, and emotions. Even in the moment I find myself reflecting more on the train of communication with the children to have more meaningful conversations led by the children.”

"Our organization was lucky enough to have Karen and Jessica join us for the workshop, “What is My Role in Cultivating Children’s Ecological Identities?” From the moment we connected to discuss the potential of working together, the process was collaborative and tailored to our members specifically. Karen and Jessica really sought to understand each participant’s unique experience and journey with nature based education. They created an environment in which important discourse could take place, and they motivated and inspired participants to think critically about this topic. They not only provided an engaging workshop but followed up with valuable resources to support participants in their journey. We will absolutely be continuing to work alongside Karen and Jessica to support our members as they explore nature-based education."

“I have found much of the course very validating. Emergent curriculum sounds like something that needs "do-ing", but I've found it is actually a natural product of a child-led program. If we are listening to children, and taking their lead, the rest comes with time (and self-reflection). When I was an educator on the floor, my impulse was always to throw caution to the wind and embark on whatever adventure children wanted to take me on. If anything, my programming likely needed a bit more structure, but I have such an immense craving for children's ideas. I already know how I see the world. I'm seeking something NEW! I've heard my own story a hundred times, I want to hear theirs. 

I find a lot of my struggle has been in de-programming educators from fiercely held practices that don't seem to match their values. This course has already given me many tools to broach that conversation. Reading over the many images of the child that we can hold as educators was eye-opening. I can recognize many of the ways we can commodify children for the benefit of the educators or even the parents. I see many long-held traditions of child care that seem to cater to parents, without always bringing benefit to the children.  (Does a 3-year old need the graduation from preschool in front of a group of parents and peers? Are there ways to celebrate that milestone in a way that reflects the needs and ideas of the child?)”

“I have learned so much from this course already and I love it so much - I am also trying to make our outdoor yard like the forest nature school. Having a program meeting and a staff meeting can make a difference in better programming and old school teaching -- great ideas share some of your school work with your team and get them to answer a few questions and maybe that can be a help.”