ACTIVITY 8
NATURE WALK
Aim: The aim of this activity is to support the participants, refugees, in orienting and getting to know their new environment through a walk together. Participants learn to get to know the local landscape, fauna and flora, which not only helps them to better understand their new surroundings, but also facilitates mutual understanding and communication. The activity promotes integration into the new community and deepens the relationship with the environment in which they now live. At the same time, the activity strengthens cooperation and builds team relationships, while deepening respect for nature and the environment.
Materials: pencil, eraser, suitable clothing for the field, Annex 2
Number of participants: 12-14
Time: 2-3 hours
Materials: pencil, eraser, suitable clothing for the field, Annex 2
Number of participants: 12-14
Time: 2-3 hours
PREPARATION
Before the walk, the teacher will show the participants photographs of nature and animals they may see during the walk. Together they will describe what they see in the pictures, which will help them to better perceive their surroundings during the walk itself. Participants are asked to notice all phenomena in nature, not just those in the photos. If they see or hear something, they stop and alert others.
This activity serves not only to break the ice between the participants, but also to deepen their relationship with their new environment. It allows them to share their impressions, feelings and experiences with others, which is a step towards better integration into the new community. At the end of the walk, participants will fill in a record sheet to record what they have discovered during the walk. A reflection at the end of the activity will provide a space to discuss what they learned during the walk, what surprised them and how the activity helped them feel more connected to their new environment.
This activity serves not only to break the ice between the participants, but also to deepen their relationship with their new environment. It allows them to share their impressions, feelings and experiences with others, which is a step towards better integration into the new community. At the end of the walk, participants will fill in a record sheet to record what they have discovered during the walk. A reflection at the end of the activity will provide a space to discuss what they learned during the walk, what surprised them and how the activity helped them feel more connected to their new environment.
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Recording sheetEach participant will be given a recording sheet, Appendix 2, on which to record observations during the walk. This sheet contains a list of photographs of animals, plants and other natural phenomena to be identified during the walk. - Introduction to naturePrior to the walk, the leader will go through the photographs with the participants and together they will describe what they see in the images, from the geomorphology of the terrain to specific species of plants and animals.
PROCESS
1
Start of the walk
You will head out into the field together, where participants are tasked with being mindful of their surroundings. The task is to notice natural phenomena that have been described in the photographs, but also new phenomena that have not been shown. When one of the participants comes across something interesting - for example, they hear birds singing or see an unusual plant - they stop and alert the others.
2
Stopping and description
The group stops at a participant's suggestion and the teacher and the others describe what has been discovered. They discuss the characteristics of the phenomenon, its importance for the local ecosystem and can share their impressions or knowledge. The activity thus naturally encourages communication and sharing of new knowledge within the team.
3
Encouraging self-initiative
The teacher also encourages participants to notice phenomena other than those shown in the photographs and to discuss these new findings together. This promotes creativity, independence and attention to detail.
4
The conclusion of the activity
After returning from the walk, each participant records what they saw or heard in their record sheet. At the end of the walk, the leader will reflect - together with the group, summarise what was observed during the walk and how it has contributed to deepening their knowledge of local nature. Participants can tell each other what they found most interesting and how they were able to relate to their fellow participants.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
_ Encourage participants to communicate openly with each other and share their insights.
_ Encourage attention to details that can easily be overlooked.
_ Create a relaxed atmosphere where no one has to be afraid to join in and share their thoughts.
Examples of observational
questions - coniferous tree, spruce tree
_ Do you know this tree?
_ Do you know the name of this tree in the Czech language?
_ Is it coniferous or deciduous?
_ What attracted you about this tree?
_ What can you tell us about the spruce tree?
_ What does its bark feel like when you stroke it?
_ Encourage attention to details that can easily be overlooked.
_ Create a relaxed atmosphere where no one has to be afraid to join in and share their thoughts.
Examples of observational
questions - coniferous tree, spruce tree
_ Do you know this tree?
_ Do you know the name of this tree in the Czech language?
_ Is it coniferous or deciduous?
_ What attracted you about this tree?
_ What can you tell us about the spruce tree?
_ What does its bark feel like when you stroke it?
REFLEXE
- 1What was most interesting to you during the walk?
- 2Did you discover anything you didn't know before?
- 3How did others help you notice something you might have missed?
- 4Did you discover anything unexpected during the walk that was not on the recording sheet?