Teaching The Hudson Valley

Can't wait to get started

Posted by Shari Robinson
on August 05, 2010

As I think about place-based education and my first experience as a participant in the THV institute, three events stand out.

First, the keynote by David Sobel reminded me, once again, about what authentic teaching and learning really looks like. In a past life I worked on the ATLAS Project: Authentic Teaching and Learning for All Students.

On that project I met Steven Levy, who now supports teachers in Expeditionary Learning/Outward Bound Schools. Steven was one of those extraordinary teachers who did things with his students like grow, harvest, and grind wheat to make bread; card, spin, and dye wool to knit into blankets; and learn how to repair bicycles to donate to less fortunate children.

The projects David described represent the kind of curriculum we need to be developing if we want to engage students’ hearts and minds in a world with infinite distractions and opportunities to turn off and tune out. (Editor's note: Check out David's latest book, Place- and Community-Based Education in Schools, co-written with Greg Smith, a previous THV keynote.)

The trip to Stone Barns was the second highlight. We take our students to Muscoot Farm in Somers—another wonderful place; but the scale and aesthetic qualities of Stone Barns make it a unique place for young people to experience sustainable practices.

I was impressed at every turn by their constant efforts to lessen their carbon footprint:

bio-diesel carts, aerobic composting of animal waste and a plan to recycle the heat into the harvesting building; efficient heaters for the greenhouse that will recycle the CO2 into the plants; crop and flock rotation to keep the soil healthy and productive.

Plus it is the kind of place that can lift one’s spirits simply while walking around the beautiful landscape.

Finally, the third highlight. I want to thank all the presenters for taking the time to create such inspiring workshops.

Special kudos go to my colleagues, Gwen Kopeinig and Diane Moller from Lewisboro Elementary. I’ve known Gwen and Diane for several years—I taught 3rd and 5th grades in Katonah Elementary and then spent five years as a literacy coach in the district.

This fall I’ll join Gwen’s fourth grade team at LES—and can’t wait to get started with our artist-writers workshop, nature journals, trips to the nature trail, and other creative connections between our curriculum and the amazing resources right outside our doors.

(If you're on Facebook, you can see more of Shari's photos. Learn more about work like Gwen and Diane's at a free workshop, When Learning Comes Naturally, October 6, 1:30-3:30 p.m., in Hyde Park.)

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