BEFORE
In this course, students prepare for their encounter with art and nature at Deep Forest Art Land.
You will watch a short video and do a conversation exercise. This helps students pay attention to nature, ask questions, and share their thoughts with each other.
Overview
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Grade levels: 0th–5th grade
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Duration: about 30 minutes
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Activities: Video + conversation exercise
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Purpose: To provide students with a common starting point before their visit to the forest.
To the Teacher
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Adapt the questions and pace to your grade level.
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The introductory session provides students with a common foundation before they encounter the art in the forest.
The video establishes an initial sensory connection to the place and sparks curiosity. The discussion that follows gives students the opportunity to share their observations and hear others’ perspectives.
When students have already made observations and asked questions, their encounter with the artworks becomes more active. They arrive not merely as spectators, but as active participants.
The "Conversation Mill" was chosen because it gives all students a chance to speak and keeps the conversation flowing. In a short amount of time, students have the opportunity to both express their own thoughts and build on those of others.
The goal is not to find the right answers—but to spark curiosity before the expedition into the forest.
Watch the video with the students
Conversation Mill
- The students form two circles: an inner circle and an outer circle, so that they are facing each other in pairs.
- The teacher asks the students one question at a time.
- The students are talking in pairs.
- The students in the outer circle then move one spot to the right.
Differentiation
Grades 0–3
The teacher asks the next question.
4th–5th Grade
The new conversation begins with the sentence: "My former partner noticed …"
Next, the student shares their own answer.
The teacher then asks the next question.
The Questions
- What did you notice in the video?
- What happens in nature in the spring?
- What do you think we'll see when we go out into the woods?
- What do you feel like exploring in a forest?
Now you're ready for the expedition
The students have shared their thoughts and listened to each other’s perspectives. They have begun to ask questions about the natural world around them, and we will continue to explore this theme in the forest.
- Remember that we'll be outside all day, so bring a packed lunch and a full water bottle, and dress and wear shoes appropriate for the weather.
- If you need a refresher on all the practical information, you can find it here → Practical Information