over speed. A snails pace is welcome! Allow time for everyone to get used to a slower pace and begin to observe the surroundings with all of your senses.
3. Enhance sensory awareness: Focus on strengthening your senses— what do you see, hear, smell, feel or even taste? Open up your senses to simply take in every bit of information from your surroundings. Pay attention to the small details that often go unnoticed when we zoom on by.
4. Share with gestures. If something awe-inspiring catches your attention, quietly point to it or tap the shoulder of your companion( s) to draw their attention. Allow the other person to notice, experience, and connect with what you’ ve found. Remember to stay silent.
5. Reflection in silence. As you continue, notice what fills the space when words are absent. Let your observations guide the journey, fostering a shared sense of wonder. Linger in the curiosity and wild awareness together.
6. Ready for words. If an unknown passerby walks by, feel free to greet them and be respectful. When it feels natural after at least 10-20 minutes, you may begin speaking again. Notice how words feel after the silence. Reflect on the experience together. Discuss what you noticed, how it felt to be in silence, and any insights gained during the activity.
Alika Middleton is an art teacher at Barnesville School of Arts and Sciences, where she works with students from Pre- Kindergarten through 8th grade in the Agricultural Reserve. In addition to her role as an art educator, she serves as the Green School Coordinator through the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education( MAEOE). She works to create meaningful opportunities for both students and staff to engage with nature and bring learning outdoors. Alika is deeply passionate about fostering a strong connection between children and the natural world and believes that nature, creativity, and play are the best teachers.
32 plenty I summer growing 2025