Environmental Arts Therapy, also known as eco-art therapy or nature-based arts therapy, is an expressive arts therapy approach that incorporates nature as an essential element in the therapeutic process. The aim of environmental arts therapy is to foster emotional healing, personal growth, and environmental consciousness by combining the healing power of artistic expression with the transformative influence of nature. Drawing from the fields of arts therapy and environmental education, The Environmental Arts Therapy for Teachers course provides teachers with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools necessary to integrate the therapeutic power of art and nature into their teaching practices. By merging environmental awareness with artistic expression, teachers can create a nurturing and sustainable learning environment that promotes emotional well-being, ecological mindfulness, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

 

Throughout the course, participants are introduced to the fundamentals of arts therapy and its application in educational settings. They gain insights into the interconnections between the environment, art, and human psychology, acknowledging the potential of nature to stimulate creativity, enhance well-being, and facilitate emotional healing. Various artistic modalities and techniques are explored, allowing teachers to facilitate creative self-expression, emotional exploration, and mindfulness through art. A significant aspect of the course involves designing and implementing nature-inspired art activities. These activities focus on fostering environmental awareness and appreciation for the natural world. Teachers learn how to create art experiences that draw inspiration from nature, emphasizing the use of sustainable art materials and practices to promote environmental responsibility. They collaboratively develop lesson plans that integrate environmental arts therapy into the curriculum, enriching the learning experience across different subjects. 

 

The course also delves into the principles and practices of ecotherapy, an approach that emphasizes the healing power of the natural world and the need for ecological consciousness. Participants explore their roles as teachers, not only in imparting knowledge but also as environmental advocates and stewards. Strategies for incorporating ecological perspectives into teaching practices are discussed to inspire a sense of environmental responsibility in students. A significant component of the course includes field experiences and a practicum. Participants engage in nature-based art therapy sessions in real-world settings, such as parks, gardens, or nature reserves. These experiences allow teachers to witness firsthand the transformative potential of environmental arts therapy and reflect on their personal growth during the course. They receive feedback and guidance from experienced arts therapists and educators to further refine their skills.

Upon completion of the course, participants can expect to achieve the following learning outcomes:

 

1. Understanding of Environmental Arts Therapy: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, theories, and methodologies of environmental arts therapy. They will grasp how the combination of arts and nature can be utilized as a transformative tool for emotional expression, personal growth, and environmental consciousness.

2. Integration of Artistic Modalities: Participants will be able to explore and employ a diverse range of artistic modalities, such as visual arts, music, movement, drama, and storytelling, to facilitate emotional exploration and creative self-expression. They will understand the therapeutic potential of each modality and how to tailor them to meet the needs of their students.

3. Nature-Inspired Art Activities: Participants will learn to design and implement nature-inspired art activities that foster environmental awareness and appreciation for the natural world. They will acquire skills in creating sustainable art experiences that promote environmental responsibility and mindfulness.

4. Curriculum Integration: Participants will be equipped with strategies to integrate environmental arts therapy into their teaching across various subjects and grade levels. They will be able to create lesson plans that infuse art and nature-based activities into the curriculum, enhancing students' learning experiences.

5. Ecotherapy and Ecological Perspective: Participants will understand the principles and practices of ecotherapy and its relevance in fostering ecological consciousness. They will recognize their role as teachers in promoting environmental stewardship and cultivating an ecological perspective among their students.

6. Personal Growth and Self-Reflection: Participants will engage in experiential learning and reflective practices during field experiences and the practicum. They will develop a deeper understanding of their own relationship with art and nature, leading to personal growth and self-awareness.

7. Facilitation Skills: Participants will develop facilitation skills that allow them to guide students through art therapy activities effectively. They will be able to create a supportive and nurturing environment for emotional exploration and creative expression.

8. Environmental Advocacy: Participants will gain the ability to advocate for environmental awareness and sustainability in their educational communities. They will recognize the significance of fostering a deep connection with nature to inspire future generations to become environmentally conscious individuals.

9. Appreciation of Nature's Healing Power: Participants will understand the profound impact of nature on emotional well-being and healing. They will recognize the importance of incorporating nature-based experiences in educational settings to promote students' mental and emotional health.

10. Application of Learning: Participants will apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course to their own teaching practices. They will demonstrate competence in using environmental arts therapy as a valuable tool for nurturing emotionally resilient, creatively expressive, and environmentally conscious students.

Classes take place Monday to Friday in the morning.

 

Day 1 - Monday: Introduction to Environmental Arts Therapy

 

Welcome and Course Overview

Expectations and participant introductions.

Definition and Significance of Environmental Arts Therapy

The Interconnections Between Art, Nature, and Human Psychology

Historical and Theoretical Foundations of Eco-Art Therapy

Icebreaker Activities to Build Group Cohesion

 

Day 2 - Tuesday: Artistic Modalities and Techniques

 

Exploring Different Artistic Modalities (Visual Arts, Music, Movement, Drama, Writing)

Understanding the Therapeutic Potential of Each Modality

Practice Sessions for Participants to Experience Art Therapy Techniques

Adapting Art Techniques for Different Age Groups and Student Needs

 

Day 3 - Wednesday: Nature-Inspired Art Activities

 

Designing Nature-Inspired Art Activities and Projects

Emphasizing Sustainable Art Materials and Practices

Collaborative Lesson Planning for Integrating Environmental Arts Therapy into the Curriculum

Presentations of Lesson Plans by Participants

 

Day 4 - Thursday: Field Experience

 

Nature-Based Art Therapy Sessions in Real-World Settings (e.g., Parks, Gardens)

Group Facilitation Practice for Participants

Reflection and Sharing of Personal Experiences and Learnings from the Field Experience

 

Day 5 - Friday: Ecotherapy and Ecological Perspective

 

Introduction to Ecotherapy and Its Relevance in Education

Cultivating an Ecological Perspective and Environmental Awareness

The Role of Teachers as Environmental Advocates and Stewards

Strategies for Incorporating Ecotherapy Principles into Teaching Practices

Final reflections and Certification of Attendance 

Confirmation of Erasmus+ Mobility documents

 

Note: The specific content and duration of each day's activities may vary based on the needs of the participants.