During our time at Cottonwood Island, we worked on creating a lesson plan that builds a connection between students and nature. I found this activity meaningful because we were not just sitting in a classroom and thinking about how to connect learning to the land around us. Instead, we had the chance to spend time in nature, listen to the sounds around us, and observe our surroundings. Being in that environment helped me get new ideas and think more deeply about how nature can become part of learning. I realized that sometimes, stepping outside the classroom can help us see things from a different perspective and find inspiration in places we might not usually notice.

This experience also made me think about the importance of helping students build their own connections with nature. As teachers, we often focus on what students need to learn from books or classroom activities, but learning can also happen through direct experiences with the land. I believe that when students have time to slow down, observe, listen, and explore, they can develop a deeper understanding of the natural world. I also learned that a lesson does not always need to begin with a clear answer or a fixed idea. Sometimes, giving students the opportunity to experience something first can lead to more meaningful questions and learning. As a future teacher, I would like to create more opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom and develop their own relationships with the land.

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

— John Muir