Course Number: | EDU 5515 C50 (July) OR EDU 5515 C48 (August) |
Instructor: | Anja Pfeffer, M.A.Ed. |
Location: | Circle of Harmony Learning Center, 1225 Hardwick Street, East Hardwick, VT |
Dates and Times: | Section 1: July 9 - July 15, 2022 OR Section 2: August 1 - August 7, 2022 9:00-3:30 daily |
Credits: | 3 Graduate Credits |
Tuition: | $1,195 |
In order for schools to improve their culture, teachers need skills to build more positive classroom environments. Many students, especially those from disadvantaged homes and backgrounds of trauma, often feel isolated, unheard, unseen, and misunderstood. When teachers know how to listen from a much deeper place, with greater attunement and compassion, they are able to connect with students in more trusting and respectful ways. During this course, participants build such relationships with horses who, as prey animals, naturally only feel safe around people who are grounded, balanced, and in tune with their needs.
Course Description: Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential approach to learning and pursuing educational goals by partnering with horses. This course is designed to help teachers build stronger relationships with students and create a more positive classroom environment. During 1:1 time with horses, participants experience how breathing, grounding, awareness, balance, and attunement lead to trust, respect, and quality of connection. Reflective discussion and journaling relate each concept to individual classroom situations.
Audience: All Educators. Administrators and Guidance Counselors encouraged.
Primary Methods of Instruction: Participants will learn to build mutually respectful and empowering relationships with horses (1:1 time with horses) and reflect on how their experiences apply to their relationships with students. All activities are on the ground (no riding!) in order to experience firsthand and reflect on concepts that are essential to building a positive classroom environment:
Short readings / Articles / Poems will be provided by the instructor.
Other Suggested Readings/Texts:
“Building a Life Together - You and Your Horse” by Magali Delgado, Frédéric Pignon
“Empowered horses - Learning Their Way through Independence, Self-Confidence, and Creative Play” by Imke Spilker
“The Cognitive Horse - An Inspiring Journey towards a New Co-Existence” by Francesco De Giorgio, José Schoorl
“Life-Enriching Education - Nonviolent Communication Helps Schools Improve Performance, Reduce Conflict, and Enhance Relationships” by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.
“The Gifts of Imperfection - Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brené Brown, Ph.D, L.M.S.W.
“Troublemakers - Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School” by Carla Shalaby
Anja Pfeffer
(802) 681-3662
(802) 468-1325