Schools, Facilities and Clubs
The Benefits of Bonsai for Youth
Improved well-being, strengthened zen focus, connecting to nature, creative expression, stronger communication and collaboration skills within a workshop at your school or facility!
- Daniel will take his students through the following during their bonsai workshop:
-
Welcome to bonsai.
-
The history of bonsai.
-
Daniel's personal bonsai journey.
-
Mindfulness, focus and the mind/body connection.
-
Choosing a tree.
-
Learning about the species of tree.
-
Removing trees from containers.
-
Preparing the pot.
-
Combing out and trimming the roots
-
Securing the tree in the pot, and working the soil into the roots
-
Trimming, Styling, and wiring into shape.
-
How to properly water, the next steps of care, and keeping health the #1 priority.
Research* has found that interacting with nature helps children develop resilience, promotes social-emotional well being and provides practical learning experience.
The practice of bonsai - styling, potting, and watering - promotes physical and mental development, and can help children gain confidence, responsibility, and self-reliance.
Workshop Objectives:
- Learn about Japanese Culture and Horticulture
Students will learn about a facet of Japanese art and philosophy, and gain hands-on experience practicing an ancient artform. Students will leave with a better understanding of the horticultural necessities of caring for a living bonsai
tree.
-Encourage Creativity
Students will look for the bonsai within their tree, and use their imagination and creative skills to plan its styling and bring their plan to fruition.
-Increase Zen Focus
Students learn how to be fully present, aware, open; allowing outside distractions and interruptions to pass in order to stay focused on the moment.
-Create Connections & Improve Communication
Students working in class learn from Daniel and even from each other. Students will practice their communication skills as they ask questions and work with each other.
-Reduce Stress
Provide students with a break that helps build a the ability to do their best in challenging situations, Students will learn a skill they can return to when anxiety or stress becomes overwhelming.
Students must be over the age of 8 and able to safely handle sharp bonsai tools.
Available Workshops
Workshop:
-
Up to 20 students, 2 hours, 30 minutes
-
Tree, pot, tools and wire provided.
-
Students take a small tree from raw material "pre-bonsai" to potted bonsai.
-
School or facility staff must be present with students.
Workshop with Bonus Book to Take Home:
-
Up to 20 students, 2 hours, 30 minutes
-
Tree, pot, tools and wire provided.
-
Students take a small tree from raw material "pre-bonsai" to potted bonsai.
-
Students receive a copy of Daniel's workbook "What can a 1,000 Year Old Tree Teach Us About Life, Love, Loss and Joy?"
-
School or facility staff must be present with students.
All-Day Workshop with Bonus Book to Take Home:
-
Up to 20 students.
-
Tree, pot, tools and wire provided.
-
Students take a small tree from raw material "pre-bonsai" to potted bonsai while working on Daniel's mindfulness workbook "What can a 1,000 Year Old Tree Teach Us About Life, Love, Loss and Joy?"
-
School or facility staff must be present with students.
Robert, CA
I feel like I had the best day today!! Thank you so much Daniel ❤️🔥🙌 incredible experience.
Chris B., CA
Such a blast, thanks again! Looking forward to a long happy healthy life for my new little bud 🌳😎
Ana W., CA
It was an awesome class and a great time 🙌🌲