On Sept. 12, I joined the YES Mentor training by Shanghai Roots & Shoots.
Sitting among adults, their eyes shone like kids'. The room was filled with Dr. Jane Goodall’s photos and quotes. I felt as excited as a kid waiting for a spring trip.
A 20-minute icebreaker quickly melted our shyness away. The teacher shared the history of Roots & Shoots. We clearly learned our duties and felt a strong sense of pride.
Direction is important, so are methods. The teaching skills class was very useful. Through fun games, we naturally learned the art of teaching. In a blindfolded origami game, we practiced "speak-listen-ask" and learned that good communication means opening up to each other. Tasting an orange with all five senses sparked great ideas. Nature can be taught so vividly!
Three model classes showed us what a fun lesson is. Teachers showed us how to prepare, interact, and pace a class. I loved Future Worlds most. The teacher asked, "What do you want the world to be like in 50 years?" Answers were touching: "Food and dignity for everyone," "Less division between humans and nature," and "Less extreme weather." While ranking what is most important, the discussion was intense. They were so serious because they truly cared. I can't wait to teach this to kids. Just as Dr. Jane Goodall said: "Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved."
The 7-minute teaching practice was thrilling. With slides still downloading and just 5 minutes left before going on stage, my adrenaline pumped. Yet, every group shined. Nature Exploration had a fun start, Together with Trees was ingenious, Trees for Bees was well- controlled, and The Roots and Shoots' Bag used drama to light up the room. We inspired each other, and the teachers' feedback gave us confidence.
It was a fulfilling day. We left joyful, changing from trainees to ready-to-teach YES Mentors. I hope to share these skills with kids to spark their interest in nature. May their curiosity give them the strength to bounce back from hard times.
Author: YES Mentor Chen Feng
Special Thanks: Applied Materials China