Welcome to the Waterloo Region Booking Calendar!
Photo by William G. at St. Matthew CES
Want to learn how our workshop ties in with the curriculum? Check out our new Teacher Resources Page to learn more about the details of our workshops.
Please note that our current staff members facilitating the Indigenous Focus workshop do not identify as Indigenous. They are happy to run the workshop this fall. However, if you prefer the session to be delivered by an Indigenous facilitator, we kindly ask that you select a date in 2026.
Focus on Nature now offers 4 different types of workshops depending on what you want for your classroom. Elements of Design, recommended for grades 3-8. The Principles of Design, are recommended for your second workshop with us or grades 7-11. Our advanced Macro Photography workshop is recommended for those who have taken the first two workshops or grades 8-11. The Indigenous Elements of Design, for classes wanting to learn more about Indigenous photographers for grades 3-8.
When booking your workshop we will automatically run the basic Elements of Design program with your students unless you request one of the other 3 workshops in your booking.
What Waterloo Teachers Had to Say 2024/25:
“This program provided students with a unique opportunity to explore nature around our school and be creative through photography. Fantastic program, especially with 1:1 technology!” - Jessica, W.T. Townshend Public School
“This program forces students to use observational skills and get down to the micro level of nature. Students come out of it with much improved photography skills, but also a keener creative eye. I also like to plan this activity at the same time my class is working on plants and animals in our science curriculum. This allows them to use their observational skills to grow their understanding of science curriculum content.” - Brent, Lexington Public School
“The Focus on Nature workshop is one of my favourite programs to use each year. The students learn about the Elements of Design, and how it applies to other Visual Art concepts, rather than just 2D paper tasks. Having the Elements of Design written on the back of their name tag is a great idea, as the students accessed it as they were on their Nature walk. Some students have kept it in their desk to refer to during Art class. The connections to Indigenous culture and Nature Sculptures are great add-ons that allow the students to see creativity and art in different aspects. ” - Danielle, St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School - Kitchener
Photo by Sydney at Blessed Sacrament CES