| Discovering Nature As Our Greatest Teacher, Healer, and Classroom. We envision a time when all children will have access to healthy environments to learn, grow, discover, and thrive within. Our Wonderful Winter Winter is a wonderful time to remember that Nature isn't just "out there." Nature is also within us, between us, and all around us. Nature is Music, Math, Art, Science, and so much more. Some of the oldest and most natural teaching methods include songs, stories, and projects. Our integrative projects wove together subjects from across the curriculum for each grade. Check out the videos below to witness these young stars shining. If you look closely, you can see their love of learning light up and their sense of wonder awaken. Also, yes, we wore costumes. "Wonder is the root of wisdom" -Socrates Fall Highlights Check out this video and our fall newsletter if you missed the fall. The whole school is headed back to Pearlstone this spring with day trips for the Pre-K - 2nd graders and overnights for the 3rd - 5th graders! Help Youth Discover Themselves Outdoors Donate Here We are honored and grateful to guide youth to BE the stars and SEE the stars they are. Learn more at www.inwarddiscovery.org Pre K ~ Identity Call and response, rhythm, movement, wonder, play, humor, and authentic self-expression are just a few methods that naturally engage young people. Increasing their circulation by moving and creating fun through games primes their hearts and minds for learning and paying attention. In this video, Pre-K shares their learning about trees, growth, change, and the cycles of life through two songs. Support InDiGO's mission to increase access to integrative, outdoor learning experiences for Baltimore City youth at www.inwarddiscovery.org. Please subscribe to our YouTube and social media @inwarddiscovery to join more of our adventures. Kindergarten ~ Relationships In Kindergarten, DJ Starfox comes to Earth and uses her super DJ powers to teach us how to fuel up our "RELATION-SHIPS" by creating harmony. These ninety kindergarteners singing from their joyful space bubbles on stage together are living proof that learning about harmonious relationships from a young age is possible and beneficial. We invite you to appreciate the power of signing the lyrics to these songs and moving to emphasize the meaning of the words. We are deeply grateful to Ms. Blue (Grace White), who recently won an "Outstanding Music Educator" award from the Maryland Music Educators Association for her music teaching in Baltimore County. We are honored to have her blessing and support to sing these songs with our students in Baltimore City. Her song, "Compassion," featured in this video, contains lessons that will stick with these students for the rest of their lives. First Grade ~ Values In first grade, we learn how everything on the planet is interconnected. From the rocks to the birds, bees, leaves, trees, and our bodies are all made of the same elements. Our food depends on bees, and our air on trees. We can treat each other like the stars we are by giving space for each of us to shine. In addition to practicing being great performers and respectful audience members, throughout the winter we also led integrative lessons with each class. Each of the almost 500 students was immersed in InDiGO's whole-child-centered methodology for two full school days. Second Grade ~ Gifts The fun continues in 2nd grade as we sing another of Ms. Blue's songs, "Caring," which emphasizes our power to "be the change" we wish to see (Gandhi). Students learn and discuss the nature of being everyday heroes who authentically shine their unique light with caring and compassion. "Once we re-locate our locus of control within ourselves... that becomes the foundation for nurturing healthy relationships with ourselves, each other and the Earth." -Gabriel Pickus (InDiGO Founder and Director) Fifth Grade ~ Leadership The 5th graders activated their leadership by kicking off the showcase with school spirit cheers they created. As the oldest students in the school, they take charge of developing school culture and school spirit. We start with our traditional games and warm-ups, and as the 5th graders take their places, we distract the 3rd and 4th graders with an engaging fractions exercise. The 5th graders then brave their jitters and take the stage to sing. Looking closely, you can see neurons firing and wiring together as students simultaneously move their bodies and vocal cords. Big shout out to Brianna, who took a vocal solo, and to all the students for shining courageously. Fourth Grade ~ Vision 4th graders wrote their own lyrics to accompany their graph-iti art projects. In this video, they perform their original song with a chorus they co-wrote with local Hip-Hop superhero Eze Jackson. They also perform Emmanuel Jackson's song "I Am Baltimore," which is catching on across the city. Positive affirmation and identity formation give students a sense of belonging, situating them to face challenges with strength. It took great intellect and practice for students to write their own lyrics and even more courage to share them publicly. We are so fortunate to have such a talented team. The second song also features an original verse by our very own Coach Adam (Adam Candelaria), InDiGO's Director of Creative Operations. Third Grade ~ Voice Also by Emmanuel Jackson, the 3rd graders soulfully sing "Earth Song," interweaving "I AM" poems they wrote. Catching up from their learning loss during the pandemic has been a journey. They lost essential years when they were supposed to learn the fundamentals of reading and writing they will rely on for the rest of their lives. They wow us for sharing their first poems ever. Students used pastels to decorate their "I AM" poems and create Earth, Fire, Water, and Air elements for this video's second song. This next video gives you an inside look at our in-school integrative workshops that led to this wonderful winter showcase. We look forward to singing around the fire this spring as students adventure back to Pearlstone, especially on our overnights with 3rd - 5th grades. Stay tuned for our new outdoor classroom, summer camp sign-up, and more soon! The Star Squad We go to great lengths, including awesome costumes, to create healthy learning environments for students to learn, grow, discover, and thrive. Big shout out to the InDiGO team for their passion and dedication to transforming education. Gino Hannah as a tree that sings, plays guitar, and reminds us of our interdependence with plants and animals! Adam Candelaria as Star Crow, who films, sings, raps, resolves conflicts, and makes friendships! Zen Xaria as DJ Star Fox, who helps us find harmony as we navigate space in our relationships! Talbolt Johnson as Bolt 3000, who reminds us to steward the Earth and catalyze change through our thoughts, words, and actions! Iya Keturah Monroe, as Star Iya, reminds us to shine our unique light to our fullest potential! Gabriel Pickus as an Eagle who has come to remind the Arlington Eagles to let their spirits fly! Click here to meet the team and learn more about the Star Squad. Baltimore Connecting Children To Nature (BCCN) In Baltimore City, InDiGO works on every level in concert with youth, teachers, school district officials, government agencies, outdoor centers, and community organizations to make the Baltimore Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights a reality. Creating healthy learning environments in schools, teaching in well-designed outdoor classrooms, and increasing access to healing-centered experiences in the great outdoors has never been more important for a generation of children. We work for systems change that increases protections for all children from harmful pollution or violence by any person or industry. We advocate for universal access to outdoor classrooms, gardens, playgrounds, and field trips. Thank you for all the work of the BCCN to help us create a Baltimore where all children are guaranteed the following rights: At InDiGO, we are actualizing the rights above by directly providing the following benchmarks to one entire school of over four-hundred students. We aim to build more bridges between schools and outdoor education centers as we increase access to integrative, outdoor learning. We believe the following are baseline standards for children to build a foundation for lifelong learning and health. Please join us in advocating for all children to be guaranteed access to: At least two experiences in the Great Outdoors outside of a city per school year. At least one experience in an outdoor classroom per week of the school year on average. At least one week of outdoor summer camp each summer, at least 6 hours per day for five days. Please also join us in realizing the rights of children to: Move their bodies sufficiently each day and develop healthy lifestyles. Express themselves as they pursue their passions, gifts and interests. Education as Liberation, not indoctrination. Please support us by forwarding this newsletter to anyone you know who may being interested in or inspired by our work. We are building a network of young people, educators, and advocates to help us discover Nature as our greatest teacher, healer, and classroom. Help Youth Discover Themselves Outdoors Donate Here Connect with us |
Discovering Nature As Our Greatest Teacher, Healer, and Classroom. | |
|
|
We envision a time when all children will have access to healthy environments to learn, grow, discover, and thrive within. | |
|
|
Winter is a wonderful time to remember that Nature isn't just "out there." Nature is also within us, between us, and all around us. Nature is Music, Math, Art, Science, and so much more. Some of the oldest and most natural teaching methods include songs, stories, and projects.
Our integrative projects wove together subjects from across the curriculum for each grade. Check out the videos below to witness these young stars shining. If you look closely, you can see their love of learning light up and their sense of wonder awaken. Also, yes, we wore costumes.
| |
|
|
"Wonder is the root of wisdom" -Socrates
| |
|
|
The whole school is headed back to Pearlstone this spring with day trips for the Pre-K - 2nd graders and overnights for the 3rd - 5th graders!
| |
|
|
Help Youth Discover Themselves Outdoors | |
|
|
We are honored and grateful to guide youth to BE the stars and SEE the stars they are. | |
|
|
Call and response, rhythm, movement, wonder, play, humor, and authentic self-expression are just a few methods that naturally engage young people. Increasing their circulation by moving and creating fun through games primes their hearts and minds for learning and paying attention.
In this video, Pre-K shares their learning about trees, growth, change, and the cycles of life through two songs.
Support InDiGO's mission to increase access to integrative, outdoor learning experiences for Baltimore City youth at www.inwarddiscovery.org. Please subscribe to our YouTube and social media @inwarddiscovery to join more of our adventures.
| |
|
|
Kindergarten ~ Relationships | |
In Kindergarten, DJ Starfox comes to Earth and uses her super DJ powers to teach us how to fuel up our "RELATION-SHIPS" by creating harmony. These ninety kindergarteners singing from their joyful space bubbles on stage together are living proof that learning about harmonious relationships from a young age is possible and beneficial.
We invite you to appreciate the power of signing the lyrics to these songs and moving to emphasize the meaning of the words. We are deeply grateful to Ms. Blue (Grace White), who recently won an "Outstanding Music Educator" award from the Maryland Music Educators Association for her music teaching in Baltimore County. We are honored to have her blessing and support to sing these songs with our students in Baltimore City. Her song, "Compassion," featured in this video, contains lessons that will stick with these students for the rest of their lives.
| |
|
|
In first grade, we learn how everything on the planet is interconnected. From the rocks to the birds, bees, leaves, trees, and our bodies are all made of the same elements. Our food depends on bees, and our air on trees. We can treat each other like the stars we are by giving space for each of us to shine.
In addition to practicing being great performers and respectful audience members, throughout the winter we also led integrative lessons with each class. Each of the almost 500 students was immersed in InDiGO's whole-child-centered methodology for two full school days.
| |
|
|
The fun continues in 2nd grade as we sing another of Ms. Blue's songs, "Caring," which emphasizes our power to "be the change" we wish to see (Gandhi). Students learn and discuss the nature of being everyday heroes who authentically shine their unique light with caring and compassion. | |
|
|
"Once we re-locate our locus of control within ourselves... that becomes the foundation for nurturing healthy relationships with ourselves, each other and the Earth."
-Gabriel Pickus (InDiGO Founder and Director)
| |
|
|
The 5th graders activated their leadership by kicking off the showcase with school spirit cheers they created. As the oldest students in the school, they take charge of developing school culture and school spirit.
We start with our traditional games and warm-ups, and as the 5th graders take their places, we distract the 3rd and 4th graders with an engaging fractions exercise. The 5th graders then brave their jitters and take the stage to sing.
Looking closely, you can see neurons firing and wiring together as students simultaneously move their bodies and vocal cords. Big shout out to Brianna, who took a vocal solo, and to all the students for shining courageously.
| |
|
|
4th graders wrote their own lyrics to accompany their graph-iti art projects. In this video, they perform their original song with a chorus they co-wrote with local Hip-Hop superhero Eze Jackson. They also perform Emmanuel Jackson's song "I Am Baltimore," which is catching on across the city. Positive affirmation and identity formation give students a sense of belonging, situating them to face challenges with strength. It took great intellect and practice for students to write their own lyrics and even more courage to share them publicly. We are so fortunate to have such a talented team. The second song also features an original verse by our very own Coach Adam (Adam Candelaria), InDiGO's Director of Creative Operations. | |
|
|
Also by Emmanuel Jackson, the 3rd graders soulfully sing "Earth Song," interweaving "I AM" poems they wrote. Catching up from their learning loss during the pandemic has been a journey. They lost essential years when they were supposed to learn the fundamentals of reading and writing they will rely on for the rest of their lives. They wow us for sharing their first poems ever. Students used pastels to decorate their "I AM" poems and create Earth, Fire, Water, and Air elements for this video's second song. | |
This next video gives you an inside look at our in-school integrative workshops that led to this wonderful winter showcase. We look forward to singing around the fire this spring as students adventure back to Pearlstone, especially on our overnights with 3rd - 5th grades. Stay tuned for our new outdoor classroom, summer camp sign-up, and more soon! | |
|
|
We go to great lengths, including awesome costumes, to create healthy learning environments for students to learn, grow, discover, and thrive. Big shout out to the InDiGO team for their passion and dedication to transforming education. Gino Hannah as a tree that sings, plays guitar, and reminds us of our interdependence with plants and animals! Adam Candelaria as Star Crow, who films, sings, raps, resolves conflicts, and makes friendships! Zen Xaria as DJ Star Fox, who helps us find harmony as we navigate space in our relationships! Talbolt Johnson as Bolt 3000, who reminds us to steward the Earth and catalyze change through our thoughts, words, and actions! Iya Keturah Monroe, as Star Iya, reminds us to shine our unique light to our fullest potential! Gabriel Pickus as an Eagle who has come to remind the Arlington Eagles to let their spirits fly! | |
|
|
Baltimore Connecting Children To Nature (BCCN) | |
In Baltimore City, InDiGO works on every level in concert with youth, teachers, school district officials, government agencies, outdoor centers, and community organizations to make the Baltimore Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights a reality.
Creating healthy learning environments in schools, teaching in well-designed outdoor classrooms, and increasing access to healing-centered experiences in the great outdoors has never been more important for a generation of children.
We work for systems change that increases protections for all children from harmful pollution or violence by any person or industry. We advocate for universal access to outdoor classrooms, gardens, playgrounds, and field trips.
Thank you for all the work of the BCCN to help us create a Baltimore where all children are guaranteed the following rights:
| |
At InDiGO, we are actualizing the rights above by directly providing the following benchmarks to one entire school of over four-hundred students. We aim to build more bridges between schools and outdoor education centers as we increase access to integrative, outdoor learning.
We believe the following are baseline standards for children to build a foundation for lifelong learning and health. Please join us in advocating for all children to be guaranteed access to:
- At least two experiences in the Great Outdoors outside of a city per school year.
- At least one experience in an outdoor classroom per week of the school year on average.
- At least one week of outdoor summer camp each summer, at least 6 hours per day for five days.
Please also join us in realizing the rights of children to:
Move their bodies sufficiently each day and develop healthy lifestyles. Express themselves as they pursue their passions, gifts and interests. Education as Liberation, not indoctrination.
Please support us by forwarding this newsletter to anyone you know who may being interested in or inspired by our work. We are building a network of young people, educators, and advocates to help us discover Nature as our greatest teacher, healer, and classroom.
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|
Help Youth Discover Themselves Outdoors | |
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