We interviewed Joanne Vest, a Seasonal Learning Assistant at RSPB Salthome, who helps to deliver our Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, Quality Badge assured Schools on Reserves educational offer. To find out more about educational visits to our reserves click here.
Joanne Vest a primary school teacher of 25 years, who has a love for the outdoors and nature, was always looking for ways to incorporate the outdoors into her teaching. Whether it was sketching in art, map reading in geography, investigating plants and animals in science or simply sitting under a tree to read a book, Joanne went outside as often as we could. She had a reputation around school for being interested in nature and the children would often come to her, cradling a creature or pointing to a plant they had found, asked lots of questions, “Mrs Vest, what is this?”
In an interview Joanne reflects on her teaching in school and explains how her new role as Seasonal Learning Assistant at RSPB Saltholme has been rewarding for both her and the children who visit.
Can you think of a time when children connected with nature just by being outside?
I remember one particular playtime sitting on the field with a group of older boys. During their game of football one of them had spotted some small holes in the ground and on further investigation they found solitary bees going in and out of these holes. Their game of football was quickly abandoned, and I was summoned to see what they had found. They were truly fascinated and over the next few days they researched bees and talked enthusiastically about them to other pupils and staff during their playtimes.
Why do you think outdoor learning is important?
Children have a natural curiosity, by encouraging this and supporting them to explore and question the world around them they develop a stronger connection to and respect for nature. Whether this is in the school grounds or on a reserve. The session we run are designed to have an extended period of time where the children can explore independently whilst being supported by us to learn from what they find.
Watching the children explore for themselves is always a joy and I will never tire of the small child who comes running up to me shouting “Joanne, I’ve found a snail!” or “Wow look at that massive spider!”
How do you think children benefit from learning in nature?
Children thrive on being able to find out for themselves and I feel it is important that the activities are structured in such a way that they allow the children to explore and discover the world around them whilst encouraging them to ask questions. During the exploration time children show me what they have found which allows time to share interesting facts and stories about the creatures they have found, which I love.
Teachers bring their classes to visit the reserve and over the course of the day we witness children becoming more confident and comfortable in their surroundings. Becoming truly inquisitive and excited to share what they have found with the rest of their group.
Do the sessions on the reserves link with learning in school?
The sessions are designed to link with the science and geography curriculum. From map skills to classification, from landscape features to adaptation all learning is hands on and practical.
Life cycles is a good example of something that is covered several times throughout the primary science curriculum, but many children (and adults) still only really think about butterflies and frogs as these are the ones we traditionally teach small children. Investigating pond habitats or land minibeasts makes their learning real which helps to consolidate, extend, and deepen their understanding.
What made you decide to apply for the learning assistant role at RSPB Saltholme?
I have always had desire to work outdoors in an educational role so two years ago I decided to take the leap. I was extremely lucky that within 6 months I had secured the seasonal Learning and Visitor Assistant role at RSPB Saltholme and by the spring I had started my first summer season. I have just completed my second summer season and can safely say it is one of the best decisions I have made. I truly love my role and feel privileged to do the job I do.
Who can visit?
At Saltholme we run sessions for primary and secondary pupils. I know that all our School on Reserve sites offer similar sessions for primary aged children with some offering GCSE and A ‘Level fieldwork programmes.