Unity Charter School's Workshop at ANJEE: A Unique Opportunity for Educators to Embrace Nature and Sustainability

MORRISTOWN, NJ - At the recent Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education (ANJEE) conference, educators were treated to a unique and enriching experience, led by Unity Charter School ’s Director of Learning Acceleration, Jennifer Carcich (Jen). Her workshop, titled " Sit Spotting as a Starting Point to Taking Your Class Outdoors," provided an entry-level approach for teachers looking to introduce outdoor learning into their classrooms. The workshop offered a blend of practical techniques and educational philosophy, giving participants valuable tools to integrate nature-based learning into everyday lessons.

Sit spotting is a simple yet transformative practice where individuals are encouraged to sit quietly in nature, observe their surroundings, and tune into the natural rhythms of the environment. Jen highlighted how this practice, rooted in the philosophy of Shinrin Yoku (or forest bathing), not only promotes mindfulness but also fosters a deep connection with nature. It offers educators a way to ease students into outdoor learning, encouraging them to focus their attention on the details around them while making keen observations, much like wildlife biologists or ecologists.

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The workshop focused on how sit spotting contributes to the holistic development of children. As Jen explained, it enhances various skills such as cognitive development, problem-solving, and critical thinking. By requiring children to focus their attention and observe specific details in their surroundings, this practice promotes greater awareness and engagement with the natural world. The benefits extend beyond nature appreciation—students develop critical thinking skills that can be applied across many subject areas. Jen emphasized how sit spotting can be used as a foundation for teaching subjects like science, art, and even language arts, making it a versatile tool in any educator’s toolkit.

Unity Charter School 's commitment to nature-based learning and sustainability was front and center in this workshop. By encouraging students to engage with the environment in meaningful ways, Unity Charter School prepares them for a future where environmental stewardship is crucial. This dedication to sustainability is evident throughout the school's curriculum, which integrates Education for Sustainability (EfS) standards. These standards ensure that students not only learn about climate change and environmental issues but also actively participate in solutions and practices that promote a sustainable future.

This workshop at ANJEE was a clear reflection of Unity Charter School’s broader mission. As the school continues to rebrand itself as a high-performing institution dedicated to social justice and environmental responsibility, events like this show how it is leading the way in innovative education. Teachers who attended Jen’s workshop left with practical strategies to help students connect with nature, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them and nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders.

For educators looking to bring the outdoors into their classrooms, Unity Charter School serves as a progressive example of what is possible when nature, sustainability, and learning go hand in hand. The school’s progressive approach to education, with an emphasis on social justice and environmental sustainability, is helping to shape students who are not only academically successful but also thoughtful, compassionate stewards of the planet.

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