Teaching with Hope: Using Storytelling and Creative Writing to Explore Conservation Issues
Harness the power of stories and storytelling to teach kids about conservation issues in a realistic, yet optimistic, way. In this workshop, for 6 CTLE hours, participants will learn how to counteract “doom and gloom” messaging with stories of hope that highlight people taking action, including kids, to make a difference. We will explore a variety of resources that can be incorporated into elementary and middle school classrooms and discuss how to creatively combine ELA and science content to get kids to care without feeling hopeless about issues like biodiversity loss and climate change. Participants will use zoo resources to undertake their own exploration of nature and creative writing activity. We will also discuss ways to connect urban and suburban kids with nature through their own experiences and stories, and how inspiring creativity can lead to local conservation action.
Location: Bronx Zoo
Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024
Time: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Price: $50
Course is eligible for: 6 CTLE Hours
For more information about Professional Development courses, please contact: teacherinfo@wcs.org or (718) 220-5136
Meet Your Instructor
Tara Chudoba (she/her)
Tara is a Manager of Professional Development and finds joy in partnering with educators in their personal journeys of learning and discovery. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology, with a focus on Animal Behavior and her Masters of Science in Teaching, Conservation Biology. Prior to joining WCS, she had many roles in informal science institutions from digital design and exhibit development to education programming, school partnerships, and managing research and development projects. She hopes to instill in others, a passion for wildlife and a practice of finding ways to promote positive change in our world.