Skill Level: Open to all
Ages: Adult
Price: $335.00*
Prerequisite: None

This four-day, 30-hour course is approved for 2 graduate credits through Viterbo College. Graduate credit is $180 for 2 credits ($90/credit) in addition to the course fee.

*Out of the Classroom requires a $135 non-refundable deposit to register, with the balance due four weeks prior to the course. No refunds will be honored within two weeks of the course start. Graduate fees will be due the first day of the course. If there is not sufficient enrollment 1 month prior to the course date, the course may be canceled. Please register early.

Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers provide a rich learning environment in which to engage students. In this four-day course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of experiential education as you develop skills in canoeing and kayaking. You’ll enjoy a variety of experiences that can apply to a wide range of classroom disciplines and state standards. Our goal is for teachers to discover how to take paddling and the natural world into the classroom, using curriculum applications they develop during the workshop.

As a result of participation in this workshop, you will:

• gain knowledge of the fundamental concepts of adventure-based community building
• develop skill in canoeing and kayaking
• explore strategies to relate on-water experiences to academics and other classroom initiatives/objectives
• understand how an on-water learning experience can meet the diverse needs of students of all abilities

The workshop will weave adventure experiences with academic content and will incorporate lead up activities, processing techniques and classroom curriculum applications. Each participant will develop a unit for a subject area that integrates the paddling experience into their classroom curriculum. You will also explore how to use community resources to bring this kind of experience to their students.

The following methodologies will be used in the course:

• On-water instruction in canoeing and kayaking skills
• Group discussion and projects
• Journaling and reflection
• Lecture
• Peer teaching

Assignments & Requirements:

• Class attendance – daily
• Participation in canoe and kayak skills training – daily
• Written reflection through journaling – daily
• Participation in class activities – daily
• Readings and discussion – daily
• Curriculum unit plan for a subject area that integrates paddling experience with academic content – due last day of class.

What I brought back to my 2nd and 3rd-grade students after taking Out of the Classroom: Canoeing and Kayaking Adventures for Teachers:

• I got many great ideas for community building activities and games.<br>
• I need to give my students opportunities to be outside and move their bodies. Being outdoors gives us energy and calms us at the same time, which leads to open minds for learning.<br>
• It can be really scary to try something different, and it feels really great when you get over your fear and do accomplish something new.<br>
• Everything’s better when you’re surrounded by supportive peers and teachers.

This class is fun! You’ll challenge yourself to try new things. You’ll learn great group challenge games that can easily be adapted to any classroom or academic area. You’ll meet teachers and share ideas of how to incorporate water activities into your classroom. You’ll get to think about what’s really valuable about schooling. You’ll feel so confident in a canoe or kayak that you’ll sign up to do the Dam Challenge Triathlon. It’s the best class I’ve ever taken.

Jen Guzman, John Muir ElementaryTeacher

Schedule: (Teachers Workshops)