Martina Butler

Subject(s):: Science, Geography
Curriculum Strands:: Natural environments (Geography), Living things (Science), Energy and forces (Science)
Counties catered for:: Donegal, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo
Classes catered for:: All Classes, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th

Martina provides a wide range of SESE based workshops that are child centered, hands-on and fun. She has a particular ability to relate to children of all ages and can tailor make her workshops to suit the needs of the school.

Typically, each workshop includes an outdoor activity in the school grounds or at a related habitat such as a woodland, meadow, bog, rocky sea shore, lake or riverside. Workshops include: Nature Detectives, Mighty Mini Beasts, Wildflowers & Trees of Ireland, Project Pollinators, What about Climate Change? and Habitat Studies. Greens Schools themed workshops based on nature conservation can also be delivered including Biodiversity, Water, Litter & Waste, Energy and Global Citizenship. Workshops can also include an art/craft activity or a visit by some of Martina’s own handmade puppets - a special treat for the junior classes.

Martina is a qualified and experienced teacher who has provided Department of Education-approved teacher-training courses in Environmental Education. She also worked for four years as an Education Officer with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, before becoming a Heritage Expert with the Heritage in Schools Scheme in 2010.

Testimonials

"Martina is psssionate about her work and relates very well with the children. She is always very well prepared and holds the children's attention throughout."
"Martina was one of the best specialists ever to visit our school. She was so enthusiastic and was very well prepared."

"Martina was excellent with the children. It was the first time for many of the children to visit Rosses Point beach and many have been back since and looked in the rock pools for sea creatures. A great day out."
"All teachers commented that the presentations was excellent and the children learned a lot from it."
"Martina created a lovely learning environment. She was able to elicit a huge amount of information from the children. Great visual presentation. Excellent questioning and recapping. Students were engrossed."
"Martina infused enthusiasm, energy and great interest in equal measures in our biodiversity workshop today where we firstly viewed and discussed an interactive presentation in the classroom, followed by a field trip to our local Lough Arrow SPA. There we explored the indigenous flora and fauna of the lakeshore, learning so much through Martina's expertise. With pooters, containers and nets we examined and learned the names of a plethora of minibeasts. Returning to the classroom we were able to relate to and appreciate the interconnectedness of all the life form, both plant and animal, which we had just observed at close quarters. Today's workshop was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for students and teachers alike, thanks to Martina. Go raibh maith agat!"
"Staff and Pupils thoroughly enjoyed Martina's visits and found both visits educational and enjoyable."
"Martina is fantastic and has a wonderful way with the children. Her knowledge is extensive and her ability to convey this to the children is excellent." - Ballyforan NS
"Fantastic learning experience for all pupils. They were engaged and interested all day. Martina quickly established a rapport with them which was conducive to learning . I was very impressed with the whole day and we all learned lots in a fun and interactive way- thanks!"
"Very impressed how high level concepts were communicated by Martina and understood by the class groups."

Additional Information

Caters for Special Needs
Provides practical/ hands-on activities
Provides field trips

Contact Details

Mobile:: 087 9137298
Email:: schooloutside@gmail.com

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