I value inclusion, the outdoors, holistic practice, creativity and joy. Thus, as a teacher I look to incorporate these into my classroom as often as possible. First Nations and global perspectives drive me to experience and engage in activities that emphasize these, such as travel or hunting, so that I can share these experiences and knowledge with my classroom. Incorporating place and nature into my classroom is also very important to me, I look to get my students outside every opportunity I can to engage in the natural world. I find this balance of inside and outside classroom experience essential to holistic learning environment, one that engages the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Another essential element of holistic learning is embracing your creativity and I want to inspire my students to do this in whichever ways speak to them. Being creative is an expression of inner self and by developing it we get to know ourselves better and become a more mindful person. Lastly joy is essential to learning, having fun and being engaged is key to a productive classroom, and the joy of delving into new interests or from overcoming a challenge is what I love to see in my classroom environment.
These are elements I strive to incorporate into my classroom, and it is a goal for me that I center my lessons around these values, ensuring that my students can find ways to engage with all of these aspects of self. Additionally, I look for ways to continually develop my, and others’ understandings of these, and I hope to share some of my thoughts on these topics at WestCast 2020.