Trees for Teachers is ReForest London’s wildly successful schools program!
At the heart of the Trees for Teachers project is a passion for environmental education and
action. We believe, and have seen first-hand, that long-lasting and transformative change only happens when there is a personal investment in the cause.
In partnership with local school boards (Thames Valley District School Board, London District Catholic School Board, Conseil scolaire de district des écoles catholiques du Sud-Ouest and Conseil scolaire Viamonde) our team fosters a passion in participants through a three-pronged strategy:
Professional Development Workshops
Teachers and educators have the opportunity to participate in one or both of two (2) hands-on workshops. These workshops provide all the necessary resources and skill development to enable teachers to confidently and actively engage in the Trees for Teachers program. Furthermore, every participant in the professional development sessions will receive a unique toolkit. This toolkit equips teachers with a range of additional lesson plans, activities, and community connections, empowering them to effectively engage and nurture the spirit of learning in their students.
Please note:
- To participate in the Schoolyard Tree Planting activity there is a mandatory requirement to attend the From Nature to Nurture Professional Development workshop.
- Priority for participation in the Seedling Growing Kit activity will be given to those that attend the Grow With Me: Seed to Seedling Professional Development workshop, but attendance is not mandatory.
Workshops Include:
| Date | Workshop | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| August 2 | From Nature to Nurture | Site Planning Workshops & Schoolyard Tree Planting Events |
| August 9 | Grow with Me: Seed to Seedling | Seedling Growing Activities for the Classroom |
| September 19 | Grow with Me: Seed to Seedling | Seedling Growing Activities for the Classroom |
Time requirements: 2 hours
When: Starting August 2nd until September 19th 2023.
Schoolyard Tree Planting
Students will undergo site planning and tree planting of up to five (5) large native shade trees in their schoolyard through this self-led activity. ReForest London will provide all the supplies and equipment needed for a successful planting.
Students will gain valuable hands-on experience with project management, collaboration, critical thinking, and tree planting while also getting some exercise. This activity helps foster a sense of ownership over their project.
To participate in the Schoolyard Tree Planting activity there is a mandatory requirement to attend the From Nature to Nurture Professional Development workshop.
Time requirement: Site Planning (3-4 hours), Approvals (2-5 days), One planting session lasts 1 to 2 hours depending on the number of trees.
When: Fall plantings start September to November 2023. Spring plantings start March to June 2024.
Seedlings Growing Kits
Students have the opportunity to plant seeds of native tree species and nurture their seedlings in their classroom during the winter and spring seasons. Eventually, they can take their seedlings home in May or June. This activity enables students to learn about the life cycle of trees and the needs of plants. It also provides numerous opportunities to make connections with math and science, including measuring seedlings, calculating growth rates, and exploring topics such as photosynthesis. Moreover, children thoroughly enjoy witnessing the growth of their young trees.
Time requirement: One 40-minute session for the initial planting + daily watering for the remainder of the season.
When: Starting December 2023 or February 2024 until June 2024.
Registration
Registration is open!
The last day to register for the program is August 18th, 2023.
Please note:
- To participate in the Schoolyard Tree Planting activity there is a mandatory requirement to attend the From Nature to Nurture Professional Development workshop.
- Teachers must have the support of their principals to register for a schoolyard planting. Principals will be required to approve site plans and to assist with board approvals for planting.
- Priority for participation in the Seedling Growing Kit activity will be given to those that attend the Grow With Me: Seed to Seedling Professional Development workshop, but attendance is not mandatory.
- Schools located within the city of London will be given priority, but please do not let this dissuade you from applying. We have worked with schools in Lucan and Dorchester in the past.
To register, Please click the name of your corresponding schoolboard and complete the form.
Accepted teachers will be contacted between August 28th and September 4th, 2023.
All of the trees planted in schoolyards contribute to London’s Million Tree Challenge!
Contact
Questions? Please contact Shaquille Sealy at [email protected] or at 519-936-9548, ext. 222.
