COYOTE MENTORING

what is coyote mentoring?

The Coyote Mentoring method, popularized by John Young and Tom Brown Jr., is an educational and mentorship approach rooted in indigenous teaching methods and naturalist traditions. It emphasizes fostering deep connections with nature, self-discovery, and holistic learning. This method combines storytelling, experiential learning, and guided inquiry to inspire curiosity and engagement in learners of all ages.

A good Coyote Mentor embodies a unique blend of qualities, skills, and approaches to guide learners on a journey of self-discovery, connection, and growth. Their role is not just to impart knowledge but to awaken curiosity and foster deeper relationships with nature and community.

Here's a breakdown of its key components:

Core Principles of Coyote Mentoring

  1. Natural Curiosity and Questioning:

    • The method encourages a culture of questioning rather than direct teaching. Mentors use leading questions to guide learners to their own discoveries, akin to how a coyote might lead its young in the wild.

    • Open-ended questions like “What do you notice?” or “Why do you think this happened?” spark curiosity and critical thinking.

  2. Invisible Teaching:

    • The mentor subtly guides learners without making the learning process feel forced or overt.

    • This approach helps learners take ownership of their knowledge and fosters intrinsic motivation.

  3. Storytelling:

    • Stories are a central teaching tool, weaving lessons about ecology, human behavior, and interconnectedness into engaging narratives.

    • They often include metaphors, humor, and archetypal characters to make concepts memorable.

  4. Awareness and Sensory Engagement:

    • Learners are encouraged to sharpen their senses and cultivate awareness of their surroundings, fostering a deep connection with the natural world.

    • Exercises like “fox walking” or “owl vision” help participants experience nature in a more mindful and intuitive way.

  5. Connection to Nature and Community:

    • The method emphasizes the importance of connecting to nature not just as individuals but within a community.

    • Mentors encourage group sharing, cooperative learning, and community-building activities.

  6. The Role of the Trickster (Coyote):

    • The metaphor of the coyote is central, representing a playful, curious, and often mischievous guide.

    • Mentors take on the "trickster" role by using humor and challenges to nudge learners toward growth and resilience.

Influence and Legacy

The Coyote Mentoring method is widely used in outdoor education, nature-based schools, and programs like wilderness survival courses. It empowers learners to become independent, adaptable, and deeply connected to both their inner selves and the natural world. The approach also emphasizes mentorship as a dynamic and relational process, creating a ripple effect where those mentored can go on to mentor others in turn.