The Lost Words - Nature and language literacy together, through words, pictures and song

During this outdoor day, immersed in a hidden slice of wild Worcester city woodland, we will use Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane’s 'Lost Words' collection, along with other ‘nature-poets’ such as Ted Hughes and Mary Oliver to literally journal our way into nature.

Who is this workshop for?:
A workshop for primary teachers, across all phases, especially those responsible for literacy and art and any educators working in the natural world and any nature based educator. This immersive day will equip educators with ways of working outside through the seasons to build students' journalling abilities and to encourage playful experimentation with words, rhymes, rhythms and verse, by linking expressive writing with real, lived and felt experience of the natural world.

What will the day hold?:
Many natural history words common in our language are being lost, and this ‘literacy’ day will look at how we can reinvigorate a love of nature and reconjure an earthly connection through the media of sketching, creative writing and oral wordsmithing.
This day will explore our emotional and nature literacy using simple techniques applicable to any group. Through sensory activity and observation combined with simple sketch and painting techniques in the outdoors we will make a deeper connection with the natural world, from which we can express ourselves through narrative of story, prose, poetry and song. 

“This was such an expansive day full of usable techniques yet quite profound in realising exactly what nature is like and how to depict through sketching and writing – can’t wait to start with my class.” Past workshop participant.

Workshop Tutor: Jon Cree
Jon is an international trainer for the Institute for Earth Education and has spent his career training educators from many different backgrounds in outdoor and nature-based learning. Jon has long been a lover of stories; their power to change, to prompt reflection and empathy and to transport the listener to another time, place and identity. He likes nothing more than telling stories around the fire and helping others find their ‘voices’ to create stronger connections, Jon contributed to and co-edited the acclaimed book ‘Storytelling for a Greener World’.

For 20 years Jon took the lead in the alternative curriculum team at The Bishops Wood Centre, for Worcestershire County Council, working with youngsters who struggle to thrive in mainstream educational settings.
Jon has increasingly taken an interest in emotional literacy, trauma and somatic or body-based work, and how Forest School is an optimal setting for supporting learners to find their feet, passion and a safe space in which to regulate.
Jon was the founding chair of the Forest School Association (FSA) UK and remains a Director of the FSA.
He recently co-authored “The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy” published by Routledge (2021).

Workshops at Bramblewood
Bramblewood is a completely outdoor venue, so you will need to dress appropriately. We have 2 shelters available for wet weather and the fire will be lit for warmth / a cuppa when needed. We have a composting loo (as well as a wild wee area), all within about half a mile of Worcester City Centre - imagine!!

Refreshments:
Hot drinks and snacks are provided through the day. Please bring your own packed lunch - grilling / toasting things on the fire is very welcome.