Naturalistic
Intelligence Lesson Plan
Lindsey
Earl and Aleksey Fischer
Naturalistic intelligence, or nature smart, is one of nine
recognized intelligences. Individuals who identify with a naturalistic
intelligence enjoy nature, being outside, and interacting with plants and
animals. Some activities that these individuals enjoy are field trips, nature
walks, or caring for plants or animals. It is important to be aware that some
of our student’s preferred mode of learning may be through nature. The following
is a lesson plan we developed that is geared toward students who identify as
naturalistic.
Topic:
Mindfulness in Nature
Grade
Level: Middle School (6th grade)
Rationale
and clear purpose for the unit or lesson: By taking a nature
walk and having a group discussion surrounding nature and mindfulness, students
will learn how to incorporate mindfulness and nature into coping skills. Students will be able to reflect and write a
word relating to how they felt while on the nature walk on a ‘soothing stone.’
Applicable
ASCA standard(s), objective(s), competency(ies):
●
PS:A1.5 – Identify and express
feelings
o
Students will learn how to identify
and express feelings through the participation in a nature walk and group
discussion.
●
PS:A1.8 – Understand the need for
self-control and how to practice it
o
Students will come to better
understand the need for self-control through a discussion of mindfulness in
relation to nature.
●
PS:C1.10 – Learn techniques for
managing stress and conflict
o
Students will learn techniques for
managing stress and conflict through a discussion of mindfulness in relation to
nature.
●
PS:C1.11 – Learn coping skills for
managing life events
o
Students will learn coping skills
for managing life events through a discussion of mindfulness in relation to
nature.
Introduction:
●
Overview/Objectives:
●
Activate previous knowledge:
o
Ask students what it means to cope,
and then ask students methods they have used (or are currently using) to cope
with stress.
o
Ask how many students enjoy being in
nature.
▪
Ask why they like being in
nature/what they do in nature.
o
While on the nature walk, discuss
mindfulness and what it means to be mindful.
●
Create anticipation – Encourage learning:
o
Encourage students to remain mindful
as we take a walk through nature.
o
Encourage students to engage in
respectful conversation with one another.
Developmental
Learning Activities designed to meet the objective(s):
●
Discuss coping mechanisms
●
Discuss nature and ways students
enjoy nature
●
Go on nature walk
●
While on nature walk, discuss
mindfulness
o
Ask what students are observing,
feeling, smelling, etc.
●
At the end of the nature walk,
reflect and debrief
o
Discuss how nature walk could be
used as a coping mechanism
o
Give out ‘soothing stones’ and have
students write a word about how they felt while on the nature walk
Assessment/Evaluation:
●
Summary:
o
At the beginning of the lesson,
discuss coping mechanisms and what nature means to students.
o
At the end of the lesson, reflect on
what was discussed and how it felt for students to be in nature.
Closing
and Follow-up:
●
Encourage students to keep ‘soothing
stones’ in their pockets daily.
o
They can rub the stone if they are
feeling stressed or anxious to increase mindfulness.
●
Remind students that you (the school
counselor) are always available to them if they would like to talk.
Resources:
●
Soothing stones – small, smooth
stones (can either purchase or find in nature)
o
If environment allows, students may
find their own stone while on nature walk
●
Permanent markers
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