We spoke with Jami Zmurko from Chittenden, VT, who’s been volunteering for the Four Winds Nature Program at Barstow Memorial School since 2017.
“I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity,” says Jami. As a former fourth grade teacher, she loves being with a class full of children again.
“Implementing the lessons in the classroom has given me a firsthand view of how the program accesses all learners. Four Winds sees every child as capable. The monthly lessons contain diverse activities that reach all learning styles. There is movement, listening, hands-on and visual/creative activities for each type of learner, and I thoroughly enjoy watching each student connect and learn in their own way. Every student feels like a capable nature scientist who can build upon previous knowledge and record new learnings.”
During lessons, Jami gets the chance to know the students by name and understand their learning styles. Each time, she has a goal to spend 1:1 time listening to and learning with each child in the classroom. She shared how she recently had a very special moment with a second grade student, who is usually quiet and shy. During the lesson Skull Sleuthing, studying animal skulls, this student took a risk and shared an impressive amount of information about animals’ teeth and their purposes. When she had a moment to thank him for his amazing knowledge and participation, his eyes lit up and he reached out for a hug. “From that lesson on, we have seen a more eager and proud student from him. This was an inspiring moment, knowing that as volunteers in a school, we can make a difference.”
Jami also values how the Four Winds curriculum transfers to home. “Taking walks with my kids is now much more enjoyable as we can stop to talk about galls we spot on plants or animal tracks in the snow. We are all more present in nature and more aware of our surroundings. We are listening to the songbirds and owls outside our window and thinking about the lives they live. We now have a lot more appreciation for the beauty and magic happening in nature all around us.”
“I feel very fortunate that I am a Four Winds volunteer. Not only is it so fun and engaging working with the students and learning about the fascinating world around me, but I have made so many wonderful friends along the way. They are all such a special part of my life now, and I am forever grateful.”
And we at Four Winds are so grateful for all the amazing Nature Program volunteers! If you’re interested in sharing your experiences with The Nature Program, please reach out to Erika at erika@fwni.org.
