Bhoomi Nature Integrated Programme,2025

Day 1

The Bhoomi Nature Integrated Program is an initiative by the Management with a joint collaboration of MV & MCKV Class 6 Subject Teachers led by the Bhoomi College Team, Bangalore and our honorable Chairman Sir, focusing on environmental education and sustainability. Day 1 of the program on 26th March 2025 started with ice breaking and blending sessions. The overview of the program entails as given below;

The program is part of the Teach for Nature Fellowship, which aims to train individuals as Nature educators, empowering them to work with children in schools and nurture a vital connection between children and the natural world.

A typical day for all the participants in the program begins with a Nature-connect session, followed by sessions covering various aspects of the curriculum, observations, challenges, and holistic development of a child.

Overall, the teacher-participants expressed their gratitude to the Management for providing such a unique platform and experience.

Day 2

The second day commenced with a *Nature Walk*, where teachers explored the school campus, keenly observing and documenting elements that caught their attention. These observations were later expressed creatively through words, colors, and artistic representations.

A *Mind Map Activity* followed, where participants analyzed the environmental impact of biodegradable and non-biodegradable items, mapping their journey from source to sink and discussing sustainable solutions.

The *Nature Connect Game* challenged participants to sequentially organize statement sheets, reinforcing the idea that connecting with nature enhances children's holistic development.

During the *Think in Other Ways* session, groups were assigned natural objects such as leaves, flowers, stems, and fruits. They designed lesson plans integrating these elements, demonstrating how nature can be a powerful teaching tool.

A *Quiz Session* sparked insightful discussions, beginning with well-known corporate logos before transitioning to images of plants and trees, highlighting the need for greater environmental awareness in everyday life.

The day concluded with the Six Thinking Hats activity, where participants analyzed the statement: "Our children are being raised by corporations." Different perspectives, ranging from factual to emotional and creative, encouraged a multi-dimensional approach to critical thinking.

Day 3

The day began with a *Milestone Walk*, led by Bhoomi Team along with Chairman Sir, HR Ma’am, to a nearby stream. Along the way, participants observed and documented natural elements like cattle egrets, a palash plant, and a brick kiln and so on.

Next, *Nature Movement with Music* encouraged participants to connect with the five elements—fire, water, space, earth, and air—through music, illustrating the harmony between the outer and inner worlds.

The *Working in Small Groups* session encouraged innovative teaching methods as participants expressed their topics through dance, song, and poetry. Themes like Shantiniketan, Sarhul, and Wetlands were explored, showcasing how both natural and man-made places serve as educational resources.

A *Night Walk* within the campus heightened sensory awareness of nocturnal biodiversity. Participants observed various spider webs, caterpillar excretions, and a wild lizard, deepening their appreciation for the hidden wonders of nature.

Day 4

The final day featured a *Tree Walk*, where participants explored the interconnectedness of trees within the ecosystem. A mindfulness exercise allowed them to engage deeply with nature by closing their eyes, touching the trees, and experiencing their presence.

The *Presentation & Conclusion* session introduced participants to E.O. Wilson’s Biophilia and Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods, emphasizing the urgent need to address Nature Deficit Disorder through education. The Bhoomi team shared various plans and concepts to further environmental integration in schools.

The workshop concluded with a heartfelt *Closing Ceremony*, where Principal Sir delivered a thank-you speech. As a gesture of appreciation, organic vegetables and thank-you cards were presented to the resource persons.

Madhusthali Vidyapeeth extends its sincere gratitude to the management and the Bhoomi team for organizing this enlightening workshop. The experience enriched our understanding of nature-integrated education and reinforced our commitment to sustainability in learning.