Brilliant Minds

Celtic Knot- Representing this Learning Model

I have a brilliant colleague (Dr. Jenny Evans) who commented that the design of the autonomy, creativity, and play, with the ongoing inner-relationship of nature reminded her of a Celtic knot.  Specifically, the three-part knot with an interwoven center ring.  There are multiple meanings of a triad knot but the one she recommended was the meaning of body, mind, and spirit.   

Regardless, this  symbol represents the continual, ongoing intersection of how the forest schools worked.  There was never a true beginning and no ending, because one thing seamlessly leads into another and is influenced by all aspects.

Here is the rendition made by my son.  Dang, I like that.  I'm pretty proud of his skills with illustrator.  This is a perfect visual.  Thanks Drew!

Back to the final part of this diagram.  The bottom box is the outcomes. According to the data from my study this includes  the following:

• Confidence and independence of the students
• Love of learning
• Resilience
• No fear of failure (because failure is just a learning experience)
• Little to no stress for both the teacher and the students
• In depth learning, constant investigation(not in search of a single right answer.)
• ​Students view daily learning as an adventure

All of these were the outcomes I saw at these schools.  Children took charge of their learning and it did not matter the gender, race or religion, I did not see any children disengaged.

Bringing it Full Circle
So, if you take a close look you will see two arrows that bring everything back to the top.  This is to demonstrate a continuous cycle, where the outcomes lead to the endless possibilities, and build the environment for empowerment.