Go to A New Day for Learning, Part Two 
NatureMapping Table of Contents
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Overview
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Lessons
- Overview: NatureMapping Lessons at a Glance
- How to Tell the Time and Date
- Using Guides and Animal Size to Teach Species Recognition
- Using Environmental Clues to Teach Species Recognition
- How to Estimate Animal Size and Numbers at a Distance
- Teaching Directions, Maps, and Coordinates
- A Lesson on Nature Note Taking
- How to Collect and Evaluate Observations in the Field
- A Glossary of Common NatureMapping Terms
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Videos and Tips
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Articles
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Contacts
Support for coverage of learning beyond the classroom is provided in part by
the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
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Building Relationships with NatureMapping
NatureMapping teachers and mentors talk about the benefits of the deep, lasting relationships formed between students and community professionals. Plus advice and resources on creating these kinds of partnerships.
| Credits
Release Date: 01/15/09
Running Time: 02:45
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Relationship-Building Tips
Here are some tips for forming and keeping lasting school-community relationships.
- Network to build relationships.
- Spread the word to your internal base. Start with friends and colleagues.
- Talk to parent and parent-leaders in your school. Identify their skills and recruit them as mentors or spokespeople.
- Talk about the project at open houses and orientations. Ask anyone and everyone to support the kids.
- Form and nurture partnerships.
- Identify companies, youth organizations, nonprofits, and colleges that want to create a school-community connection.
- Give presentations, and set up a booth at company outreach events.
- Host thank-you events and provide constant feedback.
- Develop a seamless tie between classroom and the extended day.
- Create organization. Provide ongoing training and support for mentors. Schedule meeting times when mentors and teachers can discuss student progress and create cohesive lesson plans.
- Consider hiring a liaison to act as a mentor trainer and student tutor.
- Update parents on how their kids are doing socially and academically.
- Invite mentors and partners to staff meetings and teacher luncheons. Keep everyone focused on a connection between the classroom and project.
