River of Words along the Connecticut River is a place-based education program connecting young people to their watersheds through environmental science, literacy and the arts.
“I am from the Connecticut River…”
Three sources inform and inspire our regional program:
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River of Words national education program promoting environmental literacy through the arts and cultural exchange
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Connecticut River Conservancy preserving the health of the watershed through science, advocacy, recreation and outreach for over 60 years
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Students and educators engaging their communities in watershed projects: see Project Gallery.
Program Coordinator
Carol Berner has over 20 years’ experience teaching students of all ages; designing inquiry-based curriculum; and facilitating collaborative professional development. Since 2004, Carol has been teaching at Smith College and Antioch University New England. Prior to that, she served on the graduate faculty of Bank Street College of Education and taught elementary school for 12 years in New York City and Connecticut. As Regional Coordinator for River of Words, Carol works with schools and community organizations to develop place-based education initiatives integrating poetry, art and environmental science.
Contact: row@ctriver.org or (413) 772-2020
How do we work?
- K-12 school programs: in-class workshops and outdoor investigations integrating science, literacy and the arts with grade level curriculum topics
- Professional development sessions modeling innovative pedagogy and giving teachers tools to integrate the arts and outdoor learning into existing curriculum
- Community-based initiatives fostering watershed connections, sense of place and environmental stewardship
- Culminating events showcasing student work through poetry performances, art displays, print publications, online galleries and community art projects
- Online lesson plans and classroom resources designed by and for teachers along the Connecticut River
What an amazing body of work from the children! Each piece, whether a picture or words, revealed such insight and detail about our community and environment. They, collectively, gave me a new appreciation for this place we call our home.
Program Partners
River of Words along the Connecticut River works in collaboration with the Connecticut River Watershed Council
Program Consultants
Enchanted Circle Theater, Community-Based Arts-Integration, Program Consultant
Sharon Seelig, Professor in the Humanities, Smith College, Curriculum Consultant
Ted Watt, Educator/Naturalist, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Curriculum Consultant
Program Contact Information
Email: row@ctriver.org
Phone: (413) 772-2020
Thank you to the sponsors who make this program possible:
