10 -15 July 2023 in Zadar, Croatia
A team of teachers from different European countries spent six days in Zadar to learn about outdoor education in everyday teaching. The Erasmus+ course for teachers was led by Igor, Lana and Pina – the InNature Academy team of educators.
Day 1
The day began with an interesting guided walk through the old town of Zadar. We learned about the features of the city, its importance through history, architecture and many interesting things. Our guide Ivan started his tour at the Five Wells Square and ended at the attractive Sea Organ. We took a group photo at the Greeting to the Sun. We continued our introductory day in the cute classroom “Zelenko”. After a short refreshment and coffee, we had several introductory presentations. Teachers from Germany, France, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic and Italy introduced themselves and showed us their schools, cities and special features of their country.
Day 2
On the second day, we learned more about outdoor education basics and experience of the challenges and impact of using outdoor settings in the teaching. After the break, we continued our socializing in the Vruljica forest park, where we played various games in nature suitable for children and became children ourselves for a few hours. There was a lot of laughter and relaxed socializing, but also serious lessons in nature. Everyone liked being young and playful.
Day 3
We got up very early to travel by bus to Starigrad and Paklenica National Park and test our limits there. We walked the entire trail of Velika Paklenica in 22,000 steps, constantly admiring the beauty of nature. Experiencing learning by doing through first-hand and sensory activities was one of the topics during the walk to the forest hut Lugarnica and further to the Paklenica Mountain Lodge, where we refreshed ourselves and ate some sandwiches. Igor showed those interested more about orientation in nature, how to read a map and hot to use a compass. Although we were tired, we were all impressed by the boulders, the beautiful canyon and the clear drinking water, as well as the mules that carried the supplies to the hut. We recorded a lot of beautiful things: plants, animals and shapes with our cell phones, which we later shared in the group. A truly unforgettable day in nature ended around 2 pm with a tour of the Underground City of Paklenica, where we learned even more about the local flora and fauna, as well as the people and customs of this region.
Day 4
We started a bit tired and worried because it started to rain. However, sometimes the most interesting days start like that. We experienced ICT in Outdoor Education and Game based learning through the Treasure Hunt. Soon the rain stopped and we walked more consciously through the Vruljica forest and as a reward discovered many interesting things and even three turtles!
Outdoor art and creativity workshops was a topic led by Pina, in which we made an artistic creation from natural materials, wind chimes made of cones and wood, and we also “printed” clay shells. Through creativity, our time passed quickly and we forgot that we were tired.
After refreshments and coffee in the classroom, Igor presented how to design Outdoor classroom and how to aquire outdoor education routines. Everyone got involved with ideas because the topic was interesting. Educator Lana showed examples of her workshops in nature and the difficulties but also the advantages of this form of work with children, many of whom also have some learning difficulties.
Day 5
The fifth day of the course was full of joy and congratulations to the participants for their excellent participation in Outdoor Education. Each participant was awarded an Erasmus+ course certificate signed by the InNature Academy trainer. How can I adapt outdoor education in my work is the topic with which we conducted the final activities, and the participants showed their satisfaction through the evaluation of the course, gave us new ideas and some advices for future training events.
With relaxed by socializing and talking about the past fey days. We also tasted many different delicacies from Europe. All the sweet and fine delicacies were brought by the teachers and presented to others. It was hard to decide which one we liked the most, so we didn’t even wont to try to choose. Every delicase was were special and carefully selected for this occasion. Thank you!
Day 6
The last day of the course was optional and included a full day boat excursion to Kornati National park and Nature Park Telascica.
The boat ride to the National Park was a special experience. With the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces. We sailed to the island of Levrnaka where we swam in the crystal clear emerald bay of Lojena. Some easily climbed the hill and enjoyed the incredible view of the surrounding nature. Only hour and a quarter later we were on our way to the island Dugi otok (Long island) to visit the breathtaking cliffs and the one-of-a-kind salt lake in the Telašćica Nature Park.
While crickets were chirping all around we took a short walk that led us to the Salt lake where some were swimming and some were just taking pictures and admiring. The rocks rising steep above the sea were impressive and a great spot for many photo posing and selfies, so we didn’t regret climbing up to them. The most beautiful consolation was swimming at the end in the beautiful clear sea.
With music and a glass of cold wine, we sailed towards the sights of the Zadar peninsula. Full of impressions, we wanted to drink coffee together and exchange impressions, but in the end we had juice and cocktails. Tanned and tired but happy, we said goodbye and wished to stay in touch.
We have learned a lot from you dear people, fellow teachers and thank you for your wonderful words. We are glad that we could share our knowledge of nature and experience teaching in nature with you. Thank you for an unforgettable experience: Elizabeth, Emmanuelle, Carole, Javier, Alena, Martina (x2), Gabriele, Magdalena and Francesca.
Your InNature Academy team