Episode Summary: Think creating an outdoor classroom has to cost thousands? Think again. In this episode, I’m sharing four practical and budget-friendly ways to design essential outdoor learning spaces—without draining your wallet. From community gathering spots to mud kitchens, art areas, and climbing spaces, you’ll walk away with clear, creative ideas for how to source materials, ask for donations, and make the most of what you already have. This episode is perfect for educators, childcare providers, and leaders who want to bring nature-based learning to life—even on a shoestring budget. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to set up a community/gathering space for free or cheap using secondhand seating and found materials. Ways to create a makerspace with tools, loose parts, and upcycled supplies that spark creativity. How to design a mud kitchen or play kitchen using old cookware, pallets, and donations. Affordable options for gross motor play spaces—from hammocks to climbing setups—without buying expensive equipment. Simple strategies for asking families and your community for support through donations, swaps, and “buy nothing” groups. Why Listen: If you’ve ever felt like budget is the biggest barrier to starting or expanding your outdoor classroom, this episode will give you the inspiration and practical steps to make it happen right now. Resources & Links: Connect with me on Instagram @natureplayallday Join my mentorship program: The Nature Play Blueprint (a 4-week intensive designed to help you create a thriving outdoor classroom with confidence and clarity). This program goes deeper into planning, routines, and communication strategies that make outdoor teaching sustainable—so you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. https://www.natureplayallday.org/nature-play-blueprint
Show Notes Recap Title: How to Talk to Parents About Risky Play—Without Apologizing In this episode: Why you need to ground yourself before talking to families Real language you can use to describe what risky play is and how you support it How to normalize nervousness and still stand your ground Simple strategies to communicate supervision and safety Ways to build trust without overexplaining or defending every choice Mentioned: Nature Play Blueprint Mentorship — 4-week mentorship for educators and program leaders who want to lead with clarity and joy, not fear.
Learn how to implement five simple rhythms to bring more flow, less stress, and more child-centered connection to your outdoor days. Perfect for educators feeling stuck, scattered, or just ready to create more ease in the day. In This Episode: How to structure your day without rigidity Why circle time might actually work long-term Anchoring transitions with real intention Protecting unstructured play time Creating closure that supports regulation Resources Mentioned: 🌿 Nature Play Blueprint Mentorship — A 4-week intensive mentorship for educators and program founders. Build strong rhythms and systems with full support. https://www.natureplayallday.org/nature-play-blueprint ⏰15 Minute Rule- How to gradually build in more time for uninterupted exploration and play. https://www.natureplayallday.org/signup-3249d9ff-e126-4b5e-8329-87628aa2db8c
If you’re dreaming about starting your own nature or play-based program—but feel overwhelmed about where to begin—you’re in the right place. Today, we’re breaking it down into three essential steps: building your support circle, navigating licensing, and securing your space. Plus, we’ll talk about the heart of it all—your why. Let’s ground your vision and get you moving, one step at a time.
Hidden under that mountain of laundry and dishes in the sink, buried within the catacombs of your to-do list - there's a message for future you. Walk with Ade as she shares how to move through seasons of overwhelm and give action steps on how to make your daily "grind" 5-10% more enjoyable. Hint: the little things are the big things. Tune into episode 24 for more details!
Nature and nutrition go together like pollinators and wildflowers. Walk with Ade as she shares her journey and discoveries in how taking a closer look at what and how she was fueling her body majorly shifted how she showed up in the space she shares with children in her forest classroom!
In this episode of The Outside The Box Podcast, we explore how optimizing energy isn’t just about food and movement—but also about sleep. After working with a nutritionist in preparation for USS Nationals, I discovered that despite doing everything “right,” my sleep was the missing piece. Join me as we dive into sleep cycles, daily habits, and how aligning our personal energy affects how we show up in the spaces we share with children. Plus, practical steps to investigate your own energy layers and make sustainable changes. Tune in and start building a more energized, present version of yourself—one layer at a time. UPDATE: Turns out that my percentages aren't too terrible! How about you? Use the link below to learn more about sleep cycles and how much time is recommended to be in each stage. More info on sleep stages and cycles: https://www.simplypsychology.org/sleep-stages.html
In this episode of The Outside The Box Podcast, we explore how nature’s seasonal rhythms can inspire us to rethink the traditional New Year's resolutions. Instead of setting goals in the depth of winter, we discuss why spring is the perfect time for new beginnings. Tune in to learn how aligning with nature’s cycles can bring balance, creativity, and renewal to both your personal growth and your work with children. Plus, practical tips on incorporating seasonal rhythms into classroom routines and home life.
Welcome back to Outside the Box! I’m your host, Ade Hofmann, and in this episode, we’re diving into the deeply personal journey of creating something from scratch—whether it’s a program, a project, or a vision for your life. The process is so much more than the end result. It’s messy, emotional, and full of unexpected beauty. Join me as we unpack what it means to build something meaningful, embrace the twists and turns, and find joy in the journey. Grab a warm drink, settle in, and let’s take this walk together. www.natureplayallday.org Nature Play Blueprint 4 Week Intensive
In this episode, The Discipline of Freedom: How Structure Sets Us Free in Nature-Based Education, we explore the transformative power of routines and rhythms in outdoor learning. Discover how intentional structure creates safety and trust, empowering children to take risks, explore, and build meaningful connections with the natural world—and with the educators who guide them. Join us as we redefine discipline, not as control, but as the foundation for freedom and growth in nature-based education. FREE DOWNLOAD: The 15 Minute Rule
Join Ade in this episode as she walks with you through the three components to building a classroom community that is rotted in authentic connection, understating, trust and respect. Practicing these methods will not only positively impact your cohort at large but also expand your practice as an educator/caregiver. Love this episode? Want to dig even DEEPER? Check out Ade’s newest virtual training: Observation & Documentation 101. Receive over half a dozen downloads to keep your documentation game on point and earn a certificate for 1.5 hours of professional development. Enroll today: https://www.natureplayallday.org/observation-documentation-101
Join Ade in this episode as she shares her latest tips on how to manage your classroom set up without stress or overwhelm. She will walk you through the before and after of intentionally creating spaces that have the children’s experience in mind. Download the FREE Guide to Why Play Matters here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua and shop major deals on gear at The Outdoor School Shop by clicking here: https://outdoorschoolshop.com?aff=13
Join Ade as embraces vulnerability in this episode and walks through some hurtles she has faced as she creates a solid ground to build her future on. What limiting beliefs are holding you back? Don’t forget to download her Guide To Why Play Matters More here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua
Join Ade on this episode where she explores how to build guts, grit, personal power and get an edge on hard times. Walk with her as she connects her strength journey to her practices in the world of nature and play based education. Don’t forget to download the FREE Guide to Why Play Matters More Than Kindergarten Readiness here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua
Join Ade in this episode as she shares how she tackles the never ending to-do list as an entrepreneur, and program director. She shares with you some quick and tactical guidance that you can implement today! After this episode you will no longer be haunted by your personal to-do list. Don’t forget to download the free Guide to Why Play Matters MORE Than Kindergarten Readiness here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua
Join Ade as she chats about a spicy topic of how so many of us fear that our young children are falling behind in their education. Don’t forget to download the free Guide to Why Play Matters More Than Kindergarten Readiness here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua
Choosing gear for your child (and you) is no easy feat. Listen in as Ade shares a new tip on how to choose gear that WORKS. Don’t forget to download The Ultimate Gear Guide for FREE using this link: https://mailchi.mp/1db2ee74701f/the-ultimate-gear-guide-sign-up
Why is asking for help SO HARD?! Walk with Ade as she shares some insight as to why asking and accepting help can feel so challenging. Tune in for a little tough love and a whole lot of “so, it’s not just me” moments. Dont forget to download her FREE Guide to Why Play Matters More here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua
Join Ade as she explores the notion of silver linings and why they’re so powerful in her practice of moving the needle closer to the “goal”. Unpack ideas of perfectionism and readiness. Don’t forget to download her Why Play Matters MORE guide here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua