Episode 92 - Forest Educator Spotlight: Shining Daylight into the Grey Areas and Unwritten Contracts

Episode 92 - Forest Educator Spotlight: Shining Daylight into the Grey Areas and Unwritten Contracts

Author: Ricardo Sierra April 22, 2024 Duration: 54:19
In every program, just like in life, there are things that are clearly defined, established and understood, and then there are the 'grey areas'.  These are places where expectations can grow, issues can be unmet and problems can hang out, in the twilight gloom of our nature school or forest kindergarten. Left unchecked, these grey areas can create enough friction and frustration that it can sometimes tear apart our programs or our communities, and have tremendous negative impact for all involved.    Unwritten Contracts work in a similar fashion, usually created unconsciously by wonderful, well intentioned staff, students, parents or organization leaders, and can be upset when their internally made 'agreement' is unfulfilled by our program, workshop, retreat or camp.   In this episode, we will turn on our headlamps, get a few solar string lights and maybe a few construction work lights to help us see what might be going on, how we might unconsciously be contributing to the problems and figure out some ways to fix them! Join the Forest Educator Patreon! https://patreon.com/ForestEducatorPodcast Connect with Ricardo: https://www.foresteducator.com/ https://www.theforestboxforkids.com/ https://www.hawkcircle.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-sierra-5980931/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_forest_educator_podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

Ricardo Sierra has spent over three decades working in wilderness education, and that depth of experience shapes every conversation in Forest Educator with Ricardo Sierra. This isn't a lecture series; it's a collection of genuine dialogues with educators and practitioners around the world who are actively reimagining how we learn in and with the natural world. You'll hear from people integrating nature into schoolyards, running innovative forest camps, and applying outdoor principles in surprising business and leadership contexts. The discussions are grounded in the practical realities of the field-think less about abstract theory and more about tangible tools, adaptable strategies, and the honest challenges these pioneers face. Released twice weekly, each episode feels like pulling up a stump in the woods to listen in on a candid exchange between colleagues. Whether you're directly involved in outdoor programming, curious about the intersection of wilderness and professional development, or simply believe in the transformative power of a hands-on education, this podcast offers a steady source of inspiration and actionable insight drawn directly from the front lines of nature-based learning.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Forest Educator with Ricardo Sierra | A Podcast for Revolutionary Conversations about Nature-Based Education
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