Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families

April is a great time to look for flowers and early pollinators as everything awakens from its winter sleep. Adults and kids alike look forward to the return of the sprouts that signal spring and now is the time to get outside and find that early green! It's also a great time to study how flowers and pollinators interact.Books are a great way to introduce pollination and those that make it happen. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of pollinator and flower books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.Books in this episode 📚Fantastic Flowers by Susan StockdaleFlower Talk by Sara Levine, illustrated by Masha D’yansBefore the Seed: How Pollen Moves by Susannah Buhrman-Deever, illustrated by Gina Triplett and Matt CurtiusThe Story of Honey: It Starts with a Flower by Robin NelsonAnimal Pollinators By Jennifer BoothroydGive Bees a Chance by Bethany BartonWhat if There Were No Bees? by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Carol Schwartz(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in Spring [Ep. 43]“A Fantastic Spring Picture Book List for Elementary Teachers with 20 Titles”“11 Fantastic Animal Life Cycles Books by John Himmelman”“Pollination for Plants: How to Use ‘Flowers Are Calling’ for Effective Teaching”“How Butterflies Grow: 8 Picture Books About Life Cycles”Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode64🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

By listener request: frogs vs toads and other herps in spring! Spring is a fantastic time to investigate reptiles and amphibians and today I'm sharing three interactive and engaging activities to hook your learners on these early spring risers!Tune in to hear descriptions for 3 frogs vs toads activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to frogs vs toads (or other herps), and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Frogs vs toads and other herps activities described in this episode include:Kindergarten and 3rd Grade: Salamander migration game1st and 4th Grade: A vocal sac investigation with balloons2nd and 5th Grade: A reptile and amphibian focused Bioblitz in different ecosystemsResources mentioned 💚Episode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards Michigan Herp AtlasiNaturalistFrog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini Unit for 3rd Grade (ELA and Science Activities)Frogs and Toads Together: Why Do Amphibians Group Up?Frog Life Cycle Coloring Page (FREE)Naturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode63🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Water is a critical part of weather; without water, we wouldn't have most of our different weather conditions! Whether it's clouds, rain, thunderstorms, humidity, wind...it's all related to water in weather. And March and November are great times to study weather and the role water plays in it!Press play to hear descriptions for maple sugaring with 2nd graders and mapping vernal pools with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to water in weather, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid5-ESS2-2: Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on EarthResources mentioned 💚Episode 61: Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesTapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary ScienceHow Maple Syrup Season Can Help You Teach Elementary StudentsMaple Syrup and Water Cycle Mini Unit for 2nd Grade (ELA, Math, and Science)Citizen Science Lab: Vernal Pools - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersEpisode 46: Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey HarrellEpisode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsEpisode 48: 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsHow Vernal Pools Can Be Used to Reach Your Curricular GoalsNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode62🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Let's continue to take advantage of the variable weather March brings and focus on weather and illumination in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have light and its role in seeing objects in common and weather can help us investigate that concept.Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders match colors to natural objects in different weather conditions and an opportunity where 4th graders take pictures of nature in different amounts of natural light, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to weather and illumination, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:1-PS4-2: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated4-PS4-2: Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects entering the eye allows objects to be seenResources mentioned 💚Episode 60: Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideMoon Phases and Light Mini Unit for 1st Grade (ELA and Science Activities)Naturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode61🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Weather is an inherently interesting concept to elementary-aged learners and March is one of the best times to experience a variety of weather conditions in a short time. Fog, rain, snow, frost, dew, sun, clouds...March has it all. So let's take advantage of this weather-rich month and get your learners some quality experiences.Press play to hear descriptions for a weather movement cube for kindergarteners and the citizen science project CoCoRaHS for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to weather, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:K-ESS2-1: Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.3-ESS2-1: Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 59: 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged StudentsEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideWeather Movement Cube for Kindergarten (Ambulatory Cubes)CoCoRaHS Schools: Getting StartedNeed a rain gauge? Here’s the contact email for help from CoCoRaHSCoCoRaHS Basic training PDFCoCoRaHS Training slide showsCoCoRaHS Training VideosCoCoRaHS FAQ’sCoCoRaHS Gauge installation tipsCoCoRaHS How to Read Your Gauge guideCoCoRaHS Data entry tipsCoCoRaHS Station identification signCoCoRaHS Apple App storeCoCoRaHS Google Play storeWeather Scavenger Hunt PDFFREE Printable Weather WheelShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode60🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

March is a time of varied weather which gives you the chance to explore lots of weather conditions in a short amount of time. Snow, fog, frost, dew, rain, clouds, sunshine...it all comes together in the month of March. Your learners will be so happy to see winter give way to spring, so let's celebrate with weather-related opportunities.Books are a great way to introduce weather conditions. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about weather and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.Books in this episode 📚Feel the Fog by April Pulley SayreDew and Frost by Elizabeth MilesPuff: All About Air by Emily Kate MoonSunshine by Cassie MayerHello, Rain! By Kyo Maclear and Chris TurnhamWacky Weather: All About Odd Weather Events by Todd TarpleyStaying Safe - Weather Safety by Melissa Catena(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”Episode 43: 9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in SpringEpisode 16: 10 Fall Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in Autumn12 Children’s Story Books About Weather for Elementary Students12 Snow Books to Support Your Elementary CurriculumEpisode 52: 5 No Snow Books About Winter for Preschool and Elementary ClassroomsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode59🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Water is a critical part of animal survival, yet it's so scarce during the winter! With freezing temperatures, water is trapped as snow or ice and it makes winter a really hard time for animals to fulfill all of their needs. Now is a great time to study winter animals and the role water plays in their survival!Press play to hear descriptions for a states of matter water experiment for 2nd graders and an observational study for 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to winter animals and water, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid5-ESS2-1: Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interactResources mentioned 💚Episode 57: Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideSnowy Science: A Guide to Teaching About Matter in WinterShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode58🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Winter is a time of scarcity for both animals as well as teachers and homeschool parents trying to find engaging and experiential activities for their learners. Let me help you out with these two activities for 1st and 4th graders inspired by winter animals and hibernation!Press play to hear descriptions for a hibernation animal sort and hike for 1st graders and a predator role playing experience for 4th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to winter animals and hibernation, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:1-LS1-2: Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproductionResources mentioned 💚Episode 56: Signs of Animals in Winter: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 29: Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups.Animal Hibernation Asleep or Awake SortHibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st Grade (Ambulatory Cube)Animal Migration SortWinter Animal Adaptations Sort | Hibernation, Migration, AdaptationShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode57🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Sometimes winter seems so lifeless and dull. However, it can actually be a really beneficial time of the year to study animal needs and the components of habitats. Think about it: during a time of scarcity, there are still animals that are active and surviving. Why not investigate what they're finding that keeps them alive?Press play to hear descriptions for an animal signs hike for kindergarteners and a habitat safari for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to animal needs and habitats, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:K-ESS3-1: Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 51: Adapting - Naturally Teaching Elementary Updates and GoalsEpisode 55: 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged StudentsEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside“Over and Under the Snow” Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade“Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal AdaptationsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode56🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

The extreme weather of winter makes you wonder what animals are crazy enough to endure and survive it. Animals are active in winter, whether we see them or not, and the animals that are awake leave behind traces and clues that can be found. These little gems can be just the hook your learners need to pursue amazing inquiry driven studies.Books are a great way to introduce animal signs in winter and to encourage the development of observational skills. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about animals in winter and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.Books in this episode 📚In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? By Lindsay Barrett GeorgeBig Tracks, Little Tracks by Millicent E. Selsam, illustrated by Marlene Hill DonnellyOver and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas NealTrack That Scat! by Lisa Morlock, illustrated by Carrie Ann BradshawWhose Track is That? by Stan TekielaAnimal Tracks Activity Book by Brett Ortler, illustrated by Shane Nitzsche, Anna Christenson, Julie Martinez, and Bruce Wilson(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”Ep. 34: 9 Winter Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers“Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal AdaptationsOver and Under the Snow Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade (ELA and Science)Storytime with AdventureKEEN - “Whose Track is That?” read by Stan TekielaShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode55🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Urban schools and outdoor education don't seem to go hand-in-hand, but outdoor education has its place in every.single.school! If you teach in an urban school and you don't think you have what you need to take your kids outside for learning, this is the episode for you!Press play to hear about three different ways you can access nature in urban settings near you. Give your students the gift of less stress, more focus, better health, better academic performance, and more by learning how you can incorporate nature into your urban classroom.Resources mentioned 💚Garden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Prepare for SuccessA Raising Butterflies Kit for the Classroom: A Conservation ConversationEpisode 20: 6 Animal Migration Activities for Elementary ClassroomsEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 23: Planning a Field Trip made Easier with Education Director James DakeShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode54🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Are you hesitant to take your students outside for learning because of possible distractions? Do you worry about how you'll give your students the opportunity to pursue their interests while also giving your lesson the time it needs?Tune in to hear descriptions for 5 strategies for classroom management to use when nature grabs your students' attention. These "nature moments" are valuable and can be a part of your outdoor learning time, you just have to know how to embrace them for your success as well as your students'.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 18: Nature Based Preschools and Elementary Classrooms: Talking Teacher Roles with Dr. Rachel LarimoreAwe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode53🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

If you're in a region where winter doesn't include snow, you've probably noticed that there aren't very many books about winter for preschool and elementary classrooms that represent your local weather well. This is probably really confusing for your early childhood students. Sure, you make it work, but wouldn't it be great if there were picture books that represented your mild winters?That's why I've scoured the internet to find 5 no snow books to help you out this winter. In this episode, I give you a brief summary about these books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.Books in this episode 📚City Moon by Rachael Cole, illustrated by Blanca GomezIt Never, Ever Snows in Florida by Amy Sweezey, illustrated by Ricardo J. RodriguezIn a Mississippi Winter by Kathy Chase Young, by Kelly Arcarese StanfordOcean Seasons by Ron Hirschi, illustrated by Kirsten CarlsonSeasons by Hannah Pang, illustrated by Clover Robin(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms”16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary TeachersEpisode 34: 9 Winter Picture Books to Help Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in WinterShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode52🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

After 9 long months - the Naturally Teaching Elementary podcast is back in action! I'm so happy to be behind the mic again to share ideas for bringing science into your classrooms, integrating science and literacy, and taking your teaching outside.Tune in to hear what I've been up to for the last 9 months and my plans for this podcast going forward. Get ahold of me on Instagram or via email (victoria@naturallyteaching.com) to let me know what topics you'd be interested in hearing about in the New Year. Thanks for tuning in again!Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode51🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Picture books are a fantastic tool for teaching learners, and they're not just for early childhood learners. Children of all ages can benefit from hearing picture books and seeing their illustrations, and they can be especially beneficial for teaching science with your elementary-aged learners.In today's episode, Dan Kriesberg talks about picture books for 4th graders and beyond and how he used picture books to teach even into middle school. He talks about what he looks for in quality picture books for older students and how he's used them to enhance his teaching.You'll definitely want to hit play to hear these intriguing ideas and picture book suggestions! Also, make sure to listen to the end of the episode to hear an update about the show.Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode50Email Dan Kriesberg: kriesbergdan@gmail.comLinks to resources mentioned in the episode:Earth Wisdom - Dan KriesbergA Sense of Place: Teaching Children About the Environment with Picture BooksThink Green, Take Action: Books and Activities for KidsDiversity Education In NatureTeach Outdoors - Teaching for All: Making Outdoor Learning Accessible and InclusivePapa Bear Hikes - Diversity Education In NatureTalaterra - Ep116 Dan Kriesberg and Camille Simone Edwards, Diversity Education in NatureKeepers of the Earth by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph BruchacNight Letters by Palmyra LoMonaco, illustrated by Normand ChartierClimbing Kansas Mountains by George Shannon, illustrated by Thomas B. AllenThe Floating House by Scott Russell Sanders, illustrated by Helen CogancherryByrd Baylor booksThe Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor, illustrated by Peter ParnallSecret Place by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Ted RandMy Father’s Hands by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Mark GrahamWho Came Down That Road by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Peter Catalanotto🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Fine arts are a creative way to let your learners share their understanding of your curriculum. By providing opportunities for painting, sculpting, music, poetry, theatre, cinematography, photography, and more, you're providing your learners the opportunity to build their confidence, work on collaboration skills, and allow all learners to shine. Tune in to hear descriptions for 9 fine arts examples of vernal pool and frog projects to use this spring. During the episode I share a description for each project, materials you'll need to make each project happen, preparation suggestions, and how to present the project to your learners.Fine arts projects described in this episode include:Creating a frog call instrumentDeveloping a skit to retell a storyCreating props and costumes to go along with the skitRecording the skit and adding cinematic elementsSculpting a frog life cycleWriting a vernal pool or frog poemTaking photographs of vernal pools or animalsPainting a watercolor painting next to a vernal poolDrawing an organism collected from a vernal poolResources mentioned 💚46. Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey Harrell47. 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards48. 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsiMovie for MaciMovie for WindowsStop Motion StudioVernal Pools by MassDCRShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode49🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Spring is breeding season for frogs and many species use vernal pools to lay their eggs. To get your learners excited about this special time of the year, consider reading them vernal pool or frog books.In this episode I cover 9 picture books that introduce vernal pools, how frogs use them, and frog life cycles. Press play to hear about "The Secret Pool" by Kimberly Ridley, "A Wood Frog's Life" by John Himmelman, "Salamander Sky" by Katy Farber, and more.Books in this episode 📚The Secret Pool by Kimberly Ridley, illustrated by Rebekah RayeThe Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool Through the Seasons by Linda Booth Sweeney, illustrated by Miki SatoVernal Pool Visitors by Heidi Clemmer, illustrated by Marisa PicarielloA Wood Frog’s Life by John HimmelmanTadpoles by Matt JamesNoisy Frog Sing-Along by John HimmelmanA Salamander’s Life by John HimmelmanSalamander Sky by Katy Farber, illustrated by Meg SodanoSalamander Season by Jennifer Keats Curtis and J. Adam Frederick, illustrated by Shennen Bersani(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary ClassroomsVernal Pool Visitors read aloud by Cape Cod Author Heidi Clemmer for the Brewster Ponds Coalition11 Fantastic Animal Life Cycles Books By John HimmelmanFrog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini Unit for 3rd GradeShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode48🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Spring is a fantastic time to explore concepts like sound waves, life cycles, biodiversity, and more. Frogs in the Northern Hemisphere take advantage of spring warmth to call for mates and move through their life cycles...and many of them do this in vernal pools.Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 vernal pools and frog activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to vernal pools and frogs, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Vernal pools and frog activities described in this episode include:Kindergarten: Creating a vernal pool protection plan1st Grade: Watching videos of frogs calling2nd Grade: Conducting an ecosystem survey3rd Grade: Dipping for animal life stages4th Grade: Playing a frog call game5th Grade: Designing a scientific collection toolResources mentioned 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 32: 6 Fun Winter Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsWood Frog CallingWestern Chorus Frog CallingToad vibrations create amazing ripples on water (a short, but sooo good)Episode 45: 6 Earth Day Projects for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsEpisode 46: Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey HarrellCitizen Science Lab: Vernal Pools - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode47🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Vernal pools are a little-known secret, but are an amazing spring phenomenon. These unique wetlands are made from snow melt and spring rains and are only around for short time. But in their short time, they are home to special organisms and are crucial for the survival of many species.In today's episode, Lindsey Harrell explains the Vernal Pool Patrol, a community science opportunity in Michigan. She starts with an explanation of what vernal pools are, how they benefit nature, where to find vernal pools near you, what kind of equipment you might want, and more.If you're interested in taking part in this community science project, but you're not sure what to expect, make sure to listen to the end of the episode. Today's nature note is my firsthand experience surveying a pool with the Vernal Pool Patrol.Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode46Email Lindsey Harrell: lharrell@chippewanaturecenter.orgLinks to Vernal Pool Patrol resources:Vernal Pool Patrol Landing PageVernal Pool Patrol Training PageIdentification ResourcesVernal Pool Michigan MapMichigan Vernal Pool PartnershipMichigan Vernal Pools Research Fund🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

Earth Day is coming up in just under a month and it's a great holiday to incorporate science activities into your celebrations! Many Earth Day activity lists suggest the same ideas over and over, so I'm here to give you some unique projects to do with your learners this year.Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 Earth Day projects aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the project, how the project relates to Earth Day, and a description of how to implement the project in your classroom or at home.Make sure you listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these projects or use one for a different grade level.Earth Day projects describe in this episode include:Kindergarten: Designing trash picker-uppers1st Grade: Solving the problem of staying warm in a car2nd Grade: Designing a way to clean water3rd Grade: Creating a wetland mitigation model4th Grade: Developing non-renewable and renewable resource saving punch cards5th Grade: Participating in the iNaturalist citizen science projectResources mentioned 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideThe Day the Trash Came Out to Play by David M. Beadle, illustrated by Laurie A. FaustThe Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord, illustrated by Julia BlattmanEarth Day Engineers Water Mini Unit for 2nd Grade (STEM and ELA Activities)Earth Day Engineers Habitat Mini Unit for 3rd Grade (STEM and ELA Activities)Episode 15: 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students18 Kids Earth Day Books to Inspire Elementary Students This YearA List of Earth Day Activities Elementary Students Will Love This YearShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode45🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching