Schoolhouse of Wonder is a consortium of lifelong learners dedicated to celebrating the wonders of the natural world. Through the ongoing study of natural and cultural history we deepen our understanding of the world around us, building a heartfelt relationship with nature and community.
Principles of Schoolhouse of Wonder programs:
- Schoolhouse programs encourage learning in the here and now. We harness the power of teachable moments to create a sense of wonder and discovery within the natural world. We believe that sensory awareness and direct experience are powerful teachers, and we work to support the lessons that each student derives from their own experiences of the natural world.
- Schoolhouse of Wonder programs use a community-oriented approach to teaching and learning. We believe in the power of community. In all of our programs we create opportunities to learn from the community building process, honoring the contributions of each and every individual. We emphasize the importance of respect and promote the principles of peaceful relationship. Through our words and actions we uphold the wisdom within each member of the community.
- Schoolhouse of Wonder programs promote a lifelong awareness of cultural history and natural history. Through teaching and learning the natural and cultural history of our area we promote a deepening understanding of the human relationship to the natural world.
We measure our success by:
- The level to which each student is inspired to continue learning after our programs are complete.
- The depth of the heart connection between the student and the natural world.
- The depth to which each student, teacher, and community member feels connected to the greater community around them.
- The depth of each student’s sense of place, and their understanding of the rhythms of the land on which they live.
- The level to which the students are joyfully engaged in the learning process.
- The care with which the students relate to themselves, one another, and the natural world.
Natural History
We live in a world full of natural wonders that inspire and sustain us all; wonders that are increasingly in jeopardy. It is essential that we work together to help our children understand, appreciate, and respect the wonders of the natural world because the children of today will be the environmental citizens of tomorrow.
Many schoolchildren have never seen a river up close or walked through a forest. Most do not know that plants get their energy from the sun, and cannot name animals that live in the forest. Teens and adults are also removed from their natural surroundings and many wish to explore how they can develop a deeper connection to the natural world. Schoolhouse programs are designed to offer people of all ages an opportunity to develop the heartfelt connection and ecological awareness they need for an active understanding of the natural world. This understanding and awareness can provide a sense of deep meaning and joy for each of us throughout our lives, and it is essential to preparing each of us to come to terms with the issues of our times.
Cultural History
In the modern day, our historical heritage is often conveyed through textbooks and movies. We rarely get to see history at work right in our own backyards, yet the history of our local landscape is rich and inspiring.
Sharing cultural history awakens our imaginations and captivates our minds. When we share timeless skills such as working in the garden or walking silently in the forest, we are returning to something that is unequivocally human - something we all hold in common. Through these ancient skills we have the opportunity to explore the human relationship with nature. Understanding this relationship is just as essential now as it was to our ancestors’ generations before us.
Schoolhouse programs reach beyond the history found in textbooks to teach folklore and culture specific to the Piedmont bioregion. This knowledge is precious and irreplaceable, but is often left out of the normal history curriculum taught in the classroom. Learning local cultural history helps students to develop a stronger sense of place and belonging and gives them a cultural and historical perspective that is essential to a true understanding of the issues of our times.
