Kaci Rae Christopher

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since Apr 21, 2019
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Biography
I am an outdoor and garden educator who focuses on life and job skills training for young adults and children. I have worked as the School Garden Coordinator for K-8th grade schools and an Outdoor and Farm Educator for local non-profits and farms. My passion is in fostering a healthy land ethic, personal empowerment, and environmental literacy in children of all ages through outdoor immersion and skill building.
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Recent posts by Kaci Rae Christopher

Welcome to Permies! Those socks look amazing and I look forward to learning more about them!
4 years ago
What potting soil recipes, materials and ratios, do you use in your gardens or farms? Specifically, what on-site materials do you use? I am trying to get a sense of local materials I can use in my own garden and to recommend for others.
5 years ago
Thank you so much Nicole, everyone who runs Permies.com, and all the people and community members I got to talk with this week!
5 years ago

Chris Kott wrote:Things that can be seen growing, that might rustle in the wind, that have distinctive textures...



I love the idea of doing exploration entirely based off of one sense (probably with a guiding partner). Very cool!
5 years ago
I would love to know what other people are doing to get children interested in soils, food, plants, insects, and things that I haven't even considered, during spring in a garden or nature space. What are the most successful and tried-and-true lessons? What seasonal spring activities do the children look forward to every year? What traditions do you instill?
5 years ago
You might also consider some tea-making plants, for drying and later seasonal use to continue the sensory exploration, such as chamomile, bergamo, tea plant (hardy to 6-9), mint, rose hips, echinacea, raspberry, lavender, calednula, hyssop, and yarrow.
5 years ago

julian Gerona wrote:Just teach them how to think.



I absolutely agree with this sentiment. Any adult can help foster wonder in children. And wonder paired with guidance directly correlates to a child's interest in science, asking questions, being considerate of their behavior, and radically changing their mindset to one that practices Observe and Interact. When I worked as a School Garden Coordinator, my goal was to teach science and permaculture skills to children in the garden, but I found that I first needed to cultivate the mindset of a scientist, a gardener, and a permaculturist in the children. I needed to demonstrate and guide students on how to not jump to conclusions, rely on prejudices about insects, or tromp all over healthy soil--I had to show them how to respect each other, the land, and themselves. I am a big fan and teacher of science, but I believe a guiding mindset should be encouraged first and then the science skills they learn will hold more meaning.
5 years ago
I am having a similar dilemma in my own backyard. I don't like the grass, but my dogs and free-range chickens adore it. So, I am starting to reseed any bare patches with yarrow and clover, as well as build the edges into a meadowscape--this way I don't have to stress about keeping the edges perfect, but focusing more on natural, soft edges that provide habitat. Ticks are a problem in my region too, but those chickens sure help!
5 years ago
Hello Rachel and Meyer, thank you for the welcome! I know this resource would be a great inspiration for both of your needs. There are over 270 lessons to inspire students of all ages and circumstances, and they are a great opportunity to learn alongside students. You don't have to be an expert to teach it! Just have a growth mindset and a willingness to experiment.

Each lesson includes additional recommended resources for educators who want to learn more, and many have activity extension suggestions for those who want to take the lessons even farther. These lessons are adaptable and can be a foundation for each of you to create your own unique garden culture.
5 years ago