Outdoor Education

Grow Your Own

Martha McCormickSeptember 9, 2012Outdoor Education1 Comment

I got a taste of farm life in Kyla’s backyard the other day, even though it’s in the heart of Des Moines. The ducks waddling around remind me of my parents’ tenure on our family farm in Missouri in the late 1970s. Their ducks made great pets until the snapping turtles in the pond rendered them extinct. Ducks are natural … Read

Feed the Birds

Martha McCormickDecember 26, 2011Outdoor Education1 Comment

I thought dinosaurs were extinct, but guess what! I just found out birds are avian dinosaurs. COOL! I’m not that surprised; their fierceness reminds me of dinosaurs sometimes! A few weeks ago, we thought our little black cat might be about to catch a cardinal that was ground feeding by the house. Turned out she wasn’t the only one watching … Read

Go Out and Play!

Martha McCormickSeptember 16, 2011Outdoor EducationLeave a Comment

Watch my last “We’re Entrepreneurs, We Can Help” show recorded live on July 7, 2011. Ray Morley, Patti Petersen-Keys and I talk about our favorite things to do outdoors–how it feeds our inner kid, and why we want you to come out and play with us. Patti is the Education Coordinator for Polk County Conservation. Her naturalists have developed programs … Read

Plant a Garden

Martha McCormickJune 6, 2011Outdoor EducationLeave a Comment

I’m gardening with the Earth Heroes from Carver Community School‘s Boys and Girls Club this season. When I first saw how little these mostly second graders are, I thought there’s no way they can farm the 20 raised beds at the Des Moines Botanical Center. But Jose sums it up–“Miss Martha, when I’m special, I work really hard.” And the … Read

Clean and Green Your Second Grade Class

Martha McCormickOctober 24, 2010Outdoor Education1 Comment

With this Clean and Green Second Grade Program Guide, the first phase of the Keep Iowa Beautiful service learning, litter-free schools, environmental education, character building program is officially ready for piloting! With help from the Waste Commission of Scott County, Character Counts! in Iowa, Davenport Public Schools, we are ready to send teachers and kids out to the playground and community to find ways … Read

Clean and Green Your First Grade Class

Martha McCormickOctober 17, 2010Outdoor Education1 Comment

I am excited to present the Clean and Green First Grade Program Guide. Thanks to Keep Iowa Beautiful, the Waste Commission of Scott County and Character Counts! in Iowa, we are ready to pilot it in Davenport schools. The guide is flexible; it has engaging activities for the classroom, afterschool and summer programs. Each of the activities can stand on … Read

Clean and Green Your Kindergarten Class

Martha McCormickOctober 11, 2010Outdoor Education1 Comment

I am excited to present the Clean and Green Kindergarten Program Guide. Thanks to Keep Iowa Beautiful, the Waste Commission of Scott County and Character Counts! in Iowa, we are ready to pilot it in Davenport Public Schools. The guide is flexible; it has engaging activities for the classroom, afterschool and summer programs. Each of the activities can stand on its … Read

Have Fun

Martha McCormickSeptember 14, 2010Outdoor EducationLeave a Comment

Summer Staff Training at Children and Family Urban Ministries

I’ve been working with the Next Step Advisory Board to develop my company’s mission and values. It turns out that Next Step values creativity, partnership, and fun! Who knew?!!!?? One of my Board members sent me a link to a video done by TheFunTheory.com. They developed several strategies and then took videos to test their theory that fun can get people to … Read

Dig in the Dirt

Martha McCormickSeptember 6, 2010Outdoor Education2 Comments

Last week I rebuilt my “pondless waterfall” for the third time. I’ve lost the illusion that it’s the third and LAST time. Gardening is all about the process. A potential home buyer asked my friend if her garden was finished; that was a deal breaker. Here was a neophyte–a garden is never finished. My art teacher says the only true … Read

Keep Iowa Beautiful

Martha McCormickJuly 5, 2010Outdoor EducationLeave a Comment

I’m working with Keep Iowa Beautiful and the Waste Commission of Scott County to provide educators with a program guide and resources for teaching… Service learning Litter free schools Character Environmental education …all organized around the Iowa Core and Common Core Standards. I’m using this post to run things by the Steering Committee, get reactions and involve them in pulling … Read

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Thanks for a great conversation yesterday. You started the meeting with an observation of my noticeable happiness I receive from my passion for my work. Last evening as I sat on my deck watching the sun set and reflecting from the day, your statement was at the top of my list for appreciating the day. A few tears of being overwhelmed with joy may have also transpired.

Jerah Sheets, Iowa DNR

Thank you thank you! I'm just beginning to find my tribe here and this was a boon.

Mary Beth Einhorn, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat Participant

The Mindful Movement and Mingling was just so inspired! I've never been to a retreat that did that type of program. The usual sitting around, alone, and slowly meeting one or two people can be pretty isolating. You guys brought us to that place of connectedness in a fun way.

Lisa Evans, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat participant

Thank you again for coming on Friday. It was an incredible hands-on learning experience for the students. Once the simulation was finished students reflected on their experience and newly gained insights into life near the poverty line.

Kenny Baker, 11th grade - Gilbert High School

Next Step was an excellent addition to our Super Power Summit for middle school students. They incorporated hands-on learning activities that involved dirt, art, leadership, and the great outdoors!

Carrie Scheidel, Iowa Department of Education

Thank you so very much for your love, care, and support on this journey. You truly are a great teacher and healer.

Therese, Yoga student

The STEM Camp at Harding this summer was awesome! Our students were actively engaged in activities, learning, and lots of fun! It was a great experience for students to connect with their school, community, and science!

Joy Linquist, Principal

Next Step has been a solid addition to our student leadership workshops. Their connection with students is thoughtful, purposeful and brings great energy.

Chad Elsberry IHSAA Assistant Director

I thought the Poverty simulation was fantastic...it did a great job of forcing you to deal with the everyday complications of those living in poverty. It was impossible not to get frustrated. The simulation forced the participants to come up with "creative" ways to solve problems or cut corners that were going to have a lasting impact on their family, job, or both. I was extremely impressed with the entire process.

Wil Wiemann, 8th Grade Social Studies, Edward Stone Middle School, Burlington, Iowa

I heard great things about the training and would like to find a time this fall for an early out training for our staff to visit the park as well as hear about the wonderful things offered.

Brian Crook, Principal, Studebaker Elementary School, Des Moines, Iowa

It only takes a minute or two and can totally change the classroom atmosphere. One minute they can be going a million miles a minute coming in from lunch and recess, and after a quick breathing technique, they settle down, giggle a little, and then get to work.

Mychele, Kindergarten Teacher