Week 3 Exit Slip

Our class recently did an interesting activity—matching industrial colors with objects from nature. At first, it seemed like it would be easy, but it turned out to be surprisingly challenging. Finding a perfect match was difficult because natural objects constantly shift in appearance depending on the lighting, making them so much more dynamic than the steady, fixed colors on the index cards. This got me thinking: we rarely look at things in nature as they are, like a single leaf, a tree, or a rock. Instead, we see them as part of the environment they belong to—their surroundings give them meaning and context, which adds layers of complexity to how we perceive them, including their color.

The whole class agreed that the color of a leaf was the hardest to match. I think that's because a leaf doesn’t "choose" its color. Its shade is the result of so many factors working together—sunlight, air, rain—all blending in a way that creates something unique and impossible to replicate. This really fascinates me because it makes me think about how people are shaped too. Just like leaves, we aren't defined by a single "color." We're influenced by everything around us—our environment, our experiences, the people we interact with. And just like nature adds texture to a leaf, life adds depth and richness to who we are.

Entrance Slip for Sept.26 (Response to Excerpt from Kallis)

This week’s reading reminded me of something I came across on the internet a while ago—every year, hundreds of tons of apples rot on farms. These apples can’t be sold in the market because doing so would lower prices too much. This surplus fruit is left to decay to protect the future profits of farmers and fruit manufacturers or distributors, even though world hunger continues to affect millions of people and their livelihoods. Seeing pictures of vast piles of apples left to rot made my heart sink. It made me wonder: at what point did we begin valuing monetary profit over the respect and stewardship we owe to nature?

As I read Kallis’ chapter "Building for Change from the Ground Up," I found her ideas on backsourcing to be deeply resonant with this dilemma. Just as large production companies control the fate of excess apples, much of society seems disconnected from nature. How often do we step outside, plant a tree, and feel a sense of satisfaction from engaging with the earth? Once seen as valuable and fulfilling, this kind of labour is now overlooked because everything we need is readily available in the marketplace. As a result, we miss out on the joy, fulfillment, and valuable lessons that come from working with and appreciating nature firsthand.

Kallis suggests that reintegrating gardens and natural spaces into our communities could help restore this lost connection. I wholeheartedly agree. By making an effort to nurture our surroundings, we can revive the energy and vitality of nature in our modern lives. With time and dedication, educators can also play a critical role in shaping the minds of future generations, teaching them to appreciate and care for the natural world. Through such efforts, we may begin to shift our focus from profit to a more harmonious relationship with the environment.

Week 3 entrance slip

After reading Susan’s article about the UBC Orchard Garden and the Cultivating Learning Network, I was amazed by how a passion project blossomed into such an incredible space for learning, cultivation, and inspiration for students.

As someone who regularly practices yoga and Pilates outdoors, I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of co-teaching with the living ecosystem. Nature and our community spaces are generous teachers. I’ve learned so much from nature—the mountains taught me resilience, the butterflies illustrated the cycle of life, and the rain showed me the importance of letting go. These elements continually inspire me on my spiritual journey, encouraging me to persevere even in the face of challenges. As a future math teacher, I can envision teaching geometry and number operations using objects from the garden. Visualization through nature offers a fascinating and tangible way to learn.

Another important point from the article is integration. Partnering with faculties such as Land, Food, and Systems gives students the opportunity to learn about food production. I believe every student should be educated on the importance of food and its connection to everyday resources. Food is something we often take for granted, and understanding its origins helps foster a deeper appreciation for it.

There are challenges to incorporating garden-based learning in school settings, particularly in high schools. These include space availability, maintaining classroom discipline, and addressing health concerns, such as allergies. However, these obstacles can be managed with mindful planning regarding outdoor time and its impact on student learning. Clear communication with school administrators can also help facilitate these efforts.

Week 2 Exit slip

Last Thursday, our class participated in an engaging activity. We sat in the garden and drew various man-made and natural objects. I found the experience not only enjoyable but also noticed a boost in my productivity and a prolonged attention span throughout the day, which I attribute to this meditative practice. Normally, I start my mornings by checking social media on my phone or diving into assignments on my laptop. However, spending time in nature and connecting with its elements gave me a refreshing surge of serotonin. I felt a deep sense of calm as I breathed in the crisp air and became fully present in the moment. When I heard the breeze rustling past my ear, it felt like a foreign sensation—I realized I had been using earphones too often, even outdoors, and had missed out on these simple, sweet experiences. Nature is where we all return at the end of the day. It has no ceilings, no boundaries, and offers us a profound sense of freedom however we choose to perceive it.

This reminds me of a retreat I attended on Bowen Island, where I spent a transformative week immersed in yoga, breathwork, meditation, and workshops. My instructor taught us about finding our "energy center," a guiding force that leads to a more abundant life. Aligning with this energy center can positively impact our family dynamics, home life, and sense of community. Many master yoga practitioners find their deepest manifestations in nature. I thought this was a beautiful message and wanted to share it on my blog.

Response to On Becoming a Reflective teacher

Grant and Zeichner raise the important question of how to be a reflective teacher through various aspects. The relationship between teachers and students is a two-way street, and this kind of interaction happens on a daily basis. It is essential for teachers to adapt, evolve and develop their teaching for the purpose of helping students succeed academically. My personal challenge in becoming a reflective teacher is to take criticisms constructively. My first job was as a barista at a local cafe. Though there were perks at the job such as opportunities to learn coffee art, I struggled with taking criticism in a constructive way. During the training period, whenever my supervisor pointed out my mistakes, I got frustrated and disheartened by my lack of experience. When dealing with demanding customers, I became devastated over my inability to handle difficult situations with grace. It was until I learned to reflect on my own mistakes, rather than focusing on my negative responses to failures, that I began to actually make progress as a professional barista. 

Learning how to respond to criticism remains a proud personal accomplishment. I believe this mindset applies to my identity as a teacher. Going forward in my teaching practice and training, I know there will be more challenges and frustrations encountered, and to be overcome. For now, I’m confident in persistence and courage to face them properly, buoyed by previous, albeit humble, successes. 

First class exit slip

The Frank McCourt video struck me and by the end of it, I was in awe of his spirit and the inspiring qualities. His view on being authentic to students and presenting himself as the true version of himself leads to his success. Building connections is the key part of fostering a good relationship with the class. This is something I need to think about and incorporate in my teaching practices. As a young teacher, I came to understand that I am also a student. Specifically, a student of life by learning about people around me. While I am initiating this professional path, I will also get to know my students and their stories. Different individuals will shape my life, as I interact with them everyday. 

This aspect of teaching poses challenges to me as well. One of the biggest difficulties I faced was to open up to my students. My supervisor at the tutoring center I worked at used to describe me as a “reserved” kind of teacher, however young students engage in class better with instructors who are bubbly. Though I didn’t totally disagree with her, I believe that my weakness is also my strength. I am an active listener who cares about the person I come to interact with. Showing empathy through body gestures and giving positive affirmation are the two most important skills I am been learning and they helped me alot in teaching. 

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