Martina Kilian - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Martina Kilian

Martina Killian
Martina Killian2
Martina Killian 1
Martina Killian 2
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Martina Killian
Subject(s):
Science, History, Geography
Curriculum Strands:
Story (History), Human environments (Geography), Natural environments (Geography), Environmental awareness and care (Geography/Science), Living things (Science)
Counties catered for:
Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo
Classes catered for:
All Classes

Book in-person visit


Martina has spent over 20 years inspiring children to connect with the world around them. Her guiding principle is: “We all have a National Park right outside our front door.” This motto encourages curiosity and appreciation for the unique habitats within our own communities.

Martina’s in person visits can include a wide range of topics to suit the school, size of the group, age ranges etc. She is especially passionate about trees and woodlands, hedgerows and boglands, local history and heritage. Martina can work with groups to improve the school garden, exploring the idea of rewilding within the school grounds or encourage discussions about sustainability, climate change and climate action.

Mindful and sensory practices in nature deepen the connection and often inspire creativity in the outdoors. Activities like journaling, ‘stick-games’ or seasonal hands-on activities can be part of any lesson. During fieldtrips children are encouraged to ‘read’ the forest floor to find out who lives nearby, forage and use wild herbaceous plants, along with general plant and animal identification and highlighting the ‘Leave-No-Trace’ ethos.

  • Have fun learning about common native and non-native trees and how to distinguish them.
  • The tree as a whole organism
  • ‘Favourite tree’ storytelling
  • Mindfulness with tree

  • What is rewilding?
  • Where is a ‘wild place’ nearby? Do you know any ‘wild’ places?
  • Who and what benefits from it?
  • Evaluation of school ground via bug hunt, bird watch, plant identification, soil indicator plants.
  • Tips for ‘rewilding’ a corner on your school/community ground/garden.

  • Short presentation on blanket and raised bogs
  • Important role in carbon storage and climate change
  • Field trip to a local bog to learn about it's unique flora and fauna
  • Bog storytelling
  • Traditional use of turf, heather, sphagnum moss...
  • Each child makes their own 8-fold notebook with facts, drawings and collections
  • Optional: sensory barefoot walk

Testimonials

  • "Martina provided us with a wealth of information about our immediate surroundings, she interacted with every child and answered all their questions. Martina went above and beyond to inform the children about the purpose and beauty of nature, all around us." - Knockminna NS, Sligo
  • "Excellent facilitator. Pupils were really engaged and loved the activities." - Corballa NS, Sligo

Additional Information

  • Provides in-person visits
  • Caters for special needs
  • Provides practical/hands-on activities
  • Provides field trips

Contact Details

Mobile:
0872403005
Email:
martina13.kilian@gmail.com