http://www.lynncanyonecologycentre.ca/
Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre
I would first like to note that the staff at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre were extremely welcoming and had me right to work prepping the centre for school groups. This daily prep included house cleaning and packing backpack supplies for our outdoor explorations with the students. Over the first week I had the privilege of helping with 3 different programs with grade ranges from pre-school to grade 4. Each of the programs were designed for a specific age group and curriculum content. This made the Ecology centre a hot spot for field trips, because it covered course content within the new curriculum.
While I observed, and helped with the groups each day, I started to see each group leaders personal touch and group management style when working with the students of different ages. Between Scot, Debra, Michelle and Trisha, I picked up these following qualities that I want to keep with me during my teaching career:
- Stay passionate about what your teaching, even if it is the hundredth time. Without passion and excitement for what you are teaching, most students will not be engaged.
- Be prepared for anything. From packing an extra jacket in case a child gets cold, or modifying your program for a special needs student (in this case it was a wheelchair and accessibility), always have options prepared.
- Give clear and direct direction or instruction. Number students off or explaining exactly haw you want them to complete something is supper important. Do not assume anything.
Each day had either 1 or 2 programs booked, so while I was free after wards I took to landscaping in the front of the building that had been neglected for some time. It is an Ecology Centre and it should be natural but my first impression was it felt enclosed and non-welcoming. Over two days I trimmed back the dead sword leaf ferns and raked up the remaining trimmings. I came across a lot of garbage that had been tossed in the bushes over the years, so it was nice to give it a clean.
Over the last two weeks I continued working with the different school programs and aided the centre with my repair and tech skills. I built new “Digging for Fossil” boxes and added some eye-catching lights to the donation bin near the entrance of the centre. There are talks of additional projects but I will stay in contact with the team at the Ecology Centre, so that when I have access to a full shop I will be able to assist them further.