In the Quiet of Nature: How Ants and Sunlight Transformed My Perspective on Rest

 I am deeply grateful for the nurturing touch of nature, which sustains and rejuvenates my spirit. The delicate aroma of my plants after watering them fills my heart with delight, compelling me to admire their quiet beauty. Their leaves, freshly gleaming in the sunlight, amaze me with a sudden glow. As I brush my fingers against their warm radiance, I am reminded of the gentle presence of the sun. In that moment, gratitude envelops me.

As I tend to my houseplants, I notice ants diligently building their home amidst the greenery. Watching them, I can't help but wonder—do they ever rest? These tiny creatures never cease their movement, even when I try to obstruct their path with my finger. They adapt, finding alternate routes to continue their tireless activity. Their determination is mesmerizing.

This quiet observation leads me to reflect on my own life. I am grateful that I have the privilege

of resting, the ability to choose how to use my moments of pause—whether for self-care or offering care to others. This freedom to make decisions is a gift, one I cherish deeply.

And so, I make my choice. I sit silently, watching the ants at work. I let the sunlight warm my skin. I listen to the gentle rustle of trees in the breeze and breathe in the earthy fragrance of my plants. Indeed, I am grateful for this precious moment of solitude, where nature surrounds me with peace and wonder.

Digital Skills: The Foundation for AI Literacy

AI Literacy is undeniably a powerful tool, but to truly unlock its potential in today's world, it must be grounded in an essential starting point—digital skills.

Digital skills provide the foundation for effectively engaging with AI and other advanced technologies. Without proficiency in basic digital tools, students exploring AI would face significant barriers, akin to trying to run before learning to walk. Thus, fostering strong digital skills in students is an essential prerequisite. Once students and educators are confident in their digital abilities, AI literacy can elevate learning to new heights, enriching their engagement with Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Through AI, learners can uncover innovative, data-driven solutions to tackle pressing global challenges, opening doors to impactful sustainability projects.

However, this leads to a critical question: How can students be prepared if their teachers are not equipped to guide them? 

The reality is that not all educators have access to digital tools or possess the necessary skills to integrate AI into their teaching effectively. This disparity creates a significant barrier to the equitable and successful implementation of AI literacy in education.

The solution lies in empowering educators first. Teachers need access to robust training programs, valuable resources, and practical tools that focus on both digital skills and AI literacy. Collaborative initiatives, such as workshops, mentorship programs, and partnerships with technology-driven organizations, can play a transformative role in bridging the gap. By equipping educators, we lay the groundwork for a ripple effect—empowering students to become adept problem-solvers ready to address sustainability challenges with confidence and creativity.

Reflecting on this, it becomes clear that supporting both educators and learners in embracing a digital and AI-powered future is not just a necessity—it’s an opportunity to create a resilient and forward-thinking generation. Let’s explore actionable ways to bridge these gaps and ensure that every educator is empowered to guide their students into a thriving, technology-integrated future.

Check out my talk at the Global Schools Program

Bytes for a Greener Tomorrow: Nurturing Digital Literacy Skills in ESD

https://youtu.be/wbpEdQ5nVwA?si=DnTmP7QfWlm_AkA9

The Journey of an Educator: How Traveling Redefines Teaching and Perspective

As an educator who has spent over a decade far from my home country, I’ve discovered that traveling is much more than a leisure activity—it’s a way to reset, recharge, and see the world through new lenses. For me, traveling is about becoming a traveler, not a tourist, and embracing the opportunities it provides for learning and growth. 

For teachers, traveling isn’t just inspiring—it’s transformative. Here are some reasons why I believe every educator should explore the world and what I’ve learned along the way: 

1. Museums: Walking Through History’s Showcase

Museums are like time capsules, offering a glimpse into a country’s past, present, and even future. I love immersing myself in these curated spaces, dedicating entire days to museum tours. It might seem “boring” to some, but for me, it’s fascinating. 

Take my trip to Troia (Troy), for example. I traveled six hours from Izmir to Çanakkale just to walk through the ancient ruins—connecting with the tales I once taught. I’ve spent hours exploring the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, reading about how this magnificent structure was built while others posed for quick photos. In Yerevan, visiting the museum to see Copernicus’ original manuscript was nothing short of magical. These experiences fuel my passion as an educator, bringing historical narratives to life in my classroom and inspiring students to connect with the world beyond their textbooks. 

2. Public Transportation: Language, Instincts, and Discovery

Navigating public transportation in a foreign country is one of the most thrilling and practical aspects of traveling. It’s where preparation and spontaneity meet. Before heading to a new destination, I memorize basic expressions in the local language and study maps to navigate confidently. 

Istanbul’s metro card, for instance, made getting around on both trams and buses effortless—though I often preferred walking to take in the city’s sights. In Dubai, I found the train a more budget-friendly option compared to taxis. One of my favorite experiences was riding Yerevan’s post-Soviet trains, where I practiced Russian while asking locals for directions. 

Traveling teaches adaptability and boosts instinctive decision-making—skills that are invaluable not only for life but also for teaching. I encourage my students to embrace the same curiosity and problem-solving mindset in their studies. 

3. Eating Locally: Savoring Cultural Experiences

For me, exploring a destination also means indulging in its flavors. I rarely go to fast-food chains while traveling; instead, I embrace local cuisine. 

In Yerevan, I spent time in neighborhood markets, sampling dishes I later tried to recreate at home. Here in Libya, where I’m currently based, I continue to enjoy the national dishes in Tripoli’s many restaurants. Food offers a sensory connection to the place you’re in—it tells a story of tradition, culture, and community. As an educator, I share these stories with my students, encouraging them to see food as a gateway to understanding the world’s diversity. 

Conclusion: Traveling Shapes Us as Educators

Traveling has become an integral part of my life—not just as a personal passion, but as a tool to enrich my teaching and connect with my students. Each experience, from walking through historical landmarks to navigating the bustling streets of a new city, teaches lessons that translate directly into the classroom. 

For educators, traveling isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about creating opportunities for growth, inspiration, and connection. It reminds us that learning is a lifelong journey, one that extends far beyond the boundaries of our classrooms. 

So, where will your next journey take you? Let’s continue exploring, one step at a time. 

Nature Unplugged: 4 Creative Ways to Connect Your Classroom with the Outdoors

 Why? Because it provides the essential element. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, nature is our greatest provider. As educators, we have a unique opportunity to show our students how interconnected we are with the natural world and inspire them to act for a sustainable future. Here are some engaging ways to bring nature into your classroom and spark meaningful connections:

1. Capture the World: Nature Photography

Encourage your students to step outside and capture the beauty of their surroundings with their cameras or smartphones.

• Activity Idea: Set a theme—like "the art of nature" or "hidden treasures"—and have them snap photos that tell a story.

• Outcome: Students learn to observe details, appreciate natural beauty, and share their perspectives through visual storytelling.

2. Words from the Wild: Japanese Poetry

Introduce your classroom to the art of Haiku and Tanka—Japanese poetry that celebrates nature in its purest form.

• Activity Idea: After a brief lesson on these poetic forms, invite students to write a short poem capturing a moment they witnessed in nature.

• Outcome: This creative exercise encourages mindfulness and a deeper emotional connection with the environment, all while honing concise writing skills.

3. Feel the Earth: Grounding Exercise

Sometimes, the best way to connect with nature is to get a little closer—literally.

• Activity Idea: Have students remove their shoes and take a quiet minute outside, feeling the earth beneath their feet.

• Outcome: This simple yet profound exercise can promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and remind students of the tangible connection between themselves and the natural world.

4. Conversations with Green: Talking to Plants

It might sound whimsical, but encouraging your students to speak to the plants can foster a genuine sense of gratitude and respect for living organisms.

• Activity Idea: Ask students to pick a plant in a school garden or a nearby park, then express their thanks and share a hopeful message with it.

• Outcome: This activity nurtures empathy and opens up discussions on the care and importance of all living things, linking emotional well-being with environmental stewardship.

Bringing It All Together

By incorporating these nature-inspired activities, you create a classroom environment that is dynamic, reflective, and ever-connected to the world around us. Not only do these methods encourage creativity and critical thinking, but they also empower the next generation to value sustainability and their role in protecting our natural heritage.

How do you think your students will respond to these activities? Have you already tried any creative ways to bring nature into your classroom? Share your experiences and ideas below

Why Teaching is Like "Squid Game"

Ever pause and wonder if teaching might be cut from the same cloth as something as intense as "Squid Game"? At first glance, the connection might seem wild, but look a little closer and you'll find striking parallels that celebrate both the grit and heart required in the classroom.

High Stakes: Step into any classroom, and you'll realize that every lesson carries weight. Much like the life-changing risks in "Squid Game," a teacher holds the future in their hands with every word and every idea shared. It's not just about passing on knowledge—it's about inspiring dreams, sparking curiosity, and even changing the course of a student's life.

Challenges and Obstacles: Every day presents new tests. As educators, we navigate a maze of varying learning styles, classroom dynamics, and even resource constraints. This journey isn’t straightforward—just like the unpredictable games in "Squid Game," each challenge forces us to adapt, learn, and ultimately grow stronger in our resolve.

Competition and Collaboration: In the high-pressure environment of "Squid Game," alliances often form to tackle overwhelming odds. Similarly, in our classrooms, we nurture a balanced environment where healthy competition meets the strength of collaboration. We encourage students to strive for personal excellence while learning the power of teamwork—a dance between individuality and community that enriches every learner.

Unpredictability: No two days are the same in the realm of education. Like the twists and turns of a suspenseful game, teaching is marked by moments of delightful surprise—a question that opens up new insights, an unexpected breakthrough, or a teachable moment that transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary. This very unpredictability lends a vibrant, dynamic quality to our everyday mission.

Emotional Investment: Perhaps the most profound similarity lies within our hearts. Just as contestants in "Squid Game" risk everything with every decision, teachers invest deeply in the growth and well-being of our students. The bonds we form are not measured by grades or test scores but by the lasting impact we have on young lives—an influence that echoes far beyond the classroom.

In the end, teaching is a bold adventure—a game of passion, resilience, and connection. Every lesson is a round where challenges are met with creativity and every day is an opportunity to shape a future that’s as unpredictable as it is promising. What do you think: Are you ready to play this game with heart?