Outdoor Classrooms Podcast

Do you desire for your children to be healthy during the cold-weather months? Do you seize the opportunities to get outdoors during inclement weather days? Or do you go into hibernation mode? In this episode we are Shifting our Winter MindsetTaking ActionExploring Nature in Winter Instead of saying and getting stuck with a negative mindset:“I don’t know what to do when we get outdoors.”“We can go outdoors in Winter because the kids get too cold.”“The kids don’t have the proper gear, so it is impossible.”“It takes too long to get outdoors in Winter, it’s easier to stay indoors.”“I am always cold, I can’t be outdoors.” Change your mindset to say,“Where are the opportunities outdoors for children to Explore Nature in Winter?”CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card DeckFREE PDF Library of Nature-Based Children's Book & Weekly Seedling News 

Leadership buy-in refers to the authentic agreement and active support from your school's leadership team towards a shared goal or vision. In this case, your Outdoor Classroom.In this episode, we are defining a school's leadership team as Principals, Stakeholders, Community members, Parents….even educators. In this episode, we ask: Why is leadership buy-in so important when creating an Outdoor Classroom and cultivating a new teaching practice outdoors? What leadership buy-in does for a school community. How community buy-in is mission-critical In this episode, Victoria dives deeper into why leadership buy-in is critical for realizing your school’s outdoor classroom vision, and practical strategies to secure it. We start with simpler, more practical techniques you can start with immediately, and then we dive into more advanced techniques.In this episode we also explore the Hurdles and Strategies; alongwith, along with Advanced Techniques. Secure your leadership buy-in and make your Outdoor Classroom vision a realityCONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

The mission of The Garden School is to pass onthe essential skills of life to the next generation,starting with horticulture.Much of the experience of young people today is an abstraction—viewed through a screen. The Garden School seeks to remedy this by actual experience in the dirt. To plant a seed and watch it grow is an experience you will never forget. Working the land cultivates virtue in the individual: patience, focus, hard work, follow-through, and cooperation. These virtues are foundational for personal growth.MEET JONATHON: The Garden School is directed by Jon Zoba and a board of directors.Jon graduated from Gordon College in 2006 with a major in fine art. From working on the Grounds Department at Gordon he developed a love for the land and has been landscaping and farming ever since. He helped his brother Ben establish The Garden School in 2016, serving as the property and facilities manager. Jon assumed leadershipof the School in 2023 when Ben moved to upstate New York.He lives on the campus with his wife, Shirin, his son, Carl, and two cats.Website

In this mini-episode, we asking some really important questions about getting outdoor classrooms into our public schools. Why do educators opt out of teaching outdoors?What are the barriers to teaching outdoors?How can we support our public school teachers? In this episode, we are also talking about general words of advice and additional tips for taking action. CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

We are visiting Kind Roots Early Learning and Care with an Outdoor Classroom Tour and Talk with Annie Berres. Please note members can view the visual tour in our membership dashboard. Not a member? Join today. This episode is a conversation that includes: A peek into Annie's journey in transforming her backyard outdoor space into a nature-based preschool. How teaching outdoors has changed your teaching practice.An overview description of Annie's Backyard Outdoor Classroom's learning spaces.Tips and Tricks to staying outside all day. Where Annie finds inspiration. MEET ANNIE:Annie comes into nature-based child care through both passion and professional training. A Stillwater native, she earned a BS in Early Childhood Education & Child Services from Montana State University in Bozeman. It was there that she also developed her love for nature-based learning. During her undergrad years and beyond, Annie has gained valuable experience and knowledge in a variety of early childhood programs such as Dodge Nature Preschool, camps, and nanny settings. Recently she received her Nature-based Teacher Certification from the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools.  Annie will also bring another passion and love to the school, her two-year-old son, Beau. CONTACT ANNIE: Kind Roots Early Learning and CareCONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

When I was asked, "Who is hosting a Lantern Walk this year?" One of our members asked, “What is a Lantern Walk?” In this mini-episode, we are taking a look at: How the seasons change and losing daylight in Winter can lead us into hibernation not celebration. How meeting darkness with lightness is happening around the world.Tips for tapping into power, hope, and community with a Lantern Walk. How to make homemade lanterns for your own Lantern Walk. A description of our very simple Secret Gardens Lantern Walk. CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

We are visiting Wild Earth Wonder with an Outdoor classroom tour and talk with CIRCLE Member, Bridger Hahn. Please note members can view the visual tour in our membership dashboard. Not a member? Join today. This episode is a conversation that includes: A peek into Bridger's journey BEFORE becoming a Nature-Based Educator. How teaching outdoors has changed her teaching practice.An overview description of Bridger's Backyard Outdoor Classroom's learning spaces.Challenges and examples of how to pivot.Where Bridger finds inspiration. MEET BRIDGER: Bridger Hahn, an educator and lifelong gardener. She delights in building healthy ecosystems (hello happy frogs and lizards) and community-focused, growth mindset-centered classrooms (hello accountable, kind, and empathetic humans)! Following her heart, she is merging these two passions by providing discovery and learning opportunities in her outdoor classroom. Working in collaboration with the physical world as a learning tool and teacher, she aims to build connections and relationships with nature and among children.  A native North Carolinian, she studied Non-Profit Management at the College of Charleston before receiving a Master of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She has been a classroom teacher for the last decade and enjoys putting her love for nurturing young minds into practice. She feels most at home immersed in nature. Being that WE ARE NATURE, she finds it to be our best teacher. She recently created an outdoor classroom environment in her home garden to share with children and families. She is so excited to transition from teaching indoors to outdoors, where children can get their hands dirty, make noise, and grow through experiential learning.  Briger Hahn's mission is to empower young minds while building connections and environmental awareness. The benefits of outdoor learning for children are numerous and well-documented. When we have a relationship with nature, we are more inclined to advocate for and protect it.CONTACT BRIDGER: Wild Earth WonderCONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp

“Never doubt that a thoughtful, committed group of citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret MeadIn this episode, we are asking the following questions: What does it mean to become an advocate for nature-based education?What is the purpose of nature advocacy?What is an example of environmental advocacy?How to get involved with environmental advocacy? How are you becoming an advocate of nature-based education for children?CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

Take a closer look inside The Big Book of Nature Activities with authors Drew Monkman and Jacob Rodenburg. This episode is a conversation that includes: Jacob and Drew's journey BEFORE meeting each other and co-authoring together. An overview of The Big Book of Nature Activities. Why nature and getting outdoors is important in a child's life.How to apply nature as a teaching tool.How nature education is linked to environmental advocacy for children and what we can do. Tips on how we can help close the gap of Nature-Deficit Disorder. MEET DREW: Drew Monkman is a graduate of Université Laval in Quebec City and the University of Toronto. He worked as a French Immersion teacher, until retiring in 2011. For over 20 years, Drew oversaw the development of a schoolyard naturalization project in Peterborough. Drew is a lifelong naturalist and writer whose environment column has appeared in the Peterborough Examiner since 2004. He is the author of three books, including “Nature's Year in the Kawarthas” and "The Big Book of Nature Activities”, which he co-authored with Jacob Rodenburg. Drew also maintains a website (drewmonkman.com) where he posts his columns, recent wildlife sightings, and information on climate change in the Kawarthas. He has been an active member of the local climate advocacy group “For Our Grandchildren” since 2012. Drew is also involved with other environmental groups like Peterborough Pollinators, Peterborough Field Naturalists, and Pathway to Stewardship. In 2015, he received an Honorary Degree from Trent University. MEET JACOB: Jacob Rodenburg has taught in the field of Outdoor Education for more than 35 years. He is currently the Executive Director of Camp Kawartha a summer camp and Outdoor Education Center. Jacob is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter. He has won many awards for his "passionate determination, inspiration, and innovation in fostering awareness for the natural world around us," Jacob teaches at Trent University in environmental studies and geography. He holds a teaching certificate and a Master's in Education and is the author of many books that include: The Big Book of Nature Activities by Drew Monkman and Jacob RodenburgThe Book of Nature Connection by Jacob Rodenburg:Jacob also conceived of an environmental framework for children of all ages to help promote stewardship through each age and phase of a child's development. Called the Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship, this approach to environmental education helps provide children with the experiences they need in order to become future stewards. CONTACT: Jacob's Email 

"The first breath of autumn was in the air, a prodigal feeling, a feeling of wanting, taking, and keeping before it is too late."This episode is a conversation that was sparked by many "seeds of inspiration" from the week around Autumn Light, Rituals, Curiosity, and Anticipation. It includes: The gentle shift into Autumn and the darker monthsThe variety of Autumn themes can inspire seasonal rituals. The importance of staying curious and outdoors in anticipation of the cold weather months. How are you embracing the energy of Autumn?

Take a closer look at Wasatch Nature School with Kristy Nuttall. This is an Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk. Members of the CIRCLE have access to the visual tour in our membership dashboard. This episode is a conversation that includes: Kristy's journey BEFORE coming to Wasatch Nature School.An overview of Wasatch Nature School and how it has evolved over the years.An overview description of Wasatch outdoor learning spaces.Challenges Kristy has faced in her outdoor teaching practice and classroom. Stories about how Kristy pivoted and used these challenges as opportunities for her outdoor classroom. Where Kristy finds inspiration for her nature-based curriculum. Tips or tricks for Teaching and Learning in Winter outdoors.The use of Nature-Based books outdoors.MEET KRISTY: Kristy Nuttall is a world traveler and has spent time living in Alaska, California, Arizona, Virginia, Oklahoma, Michigan, Turkey, Mexico, Paraguay, India, Texas, and Utah. Kristy has a socio-cultural anthropology degree from Brigham Young University and a master's degree in Teaching English as a second language from Central Michigan University. She has published an academic anthropology chapter in Roads to Change in Maya Guatemala. Kristy is married to James Nuttall, and they have four adventurous boys, two wiley cats, and a very spunky dog. She loves exploring the outdoors so much with her boys that she delved into leading outdoor education programs including Tinkergarten and scouting. Now she is a Forest Kindergarten and Advanced Nature Study teacher at Wasatch Nature School in Provo, Utah. She loves connecting kids to the wonders of nature, stories, and each other in the magical space of an outdoor classroom. Just this year Wasatch Nature School is transitioning from being a private school to being a non-profit organization.Find her on Instagram at @kristy_roser_nuttallCONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

Take a closer look at Green Schoolyards America.This episode is a conversation that includes: Rachel's journey BEFORE coming to Green Schoolyards AmericaCovid Initiative and how it was formed National School Yard Forest SystemSchoolyard Forest System Resource LibraryLiving Schoolyards ActNational Schoolyards Library.....and so much more!!! MEET RACHEL: Rachel Pringle, MA, is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Green Schoolyards America and has been working in the environmental education and green schoolyard fields for 18 years. Rachel was the VP of Strategy at Education Outside, a San Francisco-based nonprofit that brought science and environmental literacy to life in over 60 green schoolyards throughout the Bay Area. Rachel was instrumental in developing the Education Outside AmeriCorps program model and oversaw corps operations, field staff, program evaluation, and expansion activities. Rachel also taught in a public school garden for four years and conducted environmental education programming for San Francisco Unified School District students with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Rachel earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a master’s degree in conservation biology from the University of Pennsylvania and is co-author of How to Grow a School Garden: A Complete Guide for Parents and Teachers from Timber Press.CONNECT WITH GREEN SCHOOLYARDS AMERICA: WebsiteInstagramCONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

In today's episode, we are looking at Understanding Montessori Practical Life and planting seeds to take it outdoors. What is Montessori Practical Life?What are the 4 categories of Montessori Practical Life?What are the characteristics of Montessori Practical Life?Introduction to the Montessori Inspired Outdoor Classroom Workshop. CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

Take a closer look at what Ricardo Sierra calls, "The Natural Advantage." This episode is a conversation that includes: Ricardo's journey to becoming a Forest EducatorStories about wilderness & what children need to thrive in this world. Ideas of how to protect the natural worldDiscussions of building a coalition for the nature-based education movementReflections on how Ricardo's Ted Talk is an example of another tool for getting the word out about this important work. .....and so much more!!! MEET RICARDO: Ricardo's journey into nature education began in 1985 as a summer camp counselor, augmenting his own wilderness skills training that continues today. Over the last 35 years, he has led, taught, directed, and facilitated programs in summer camps, day-long workshops, intensive training, after-school programs, and festivals, to name a few.He's been an advocate for getting our youth connected to nature and he has also trained staff every year for his own programs and camps as well.   He brings a wealth of knowledge hard won from decades of experience, and he enjoys helping others to get the benefits and build their own uniquely inspired programs. He enjoys building positive mentoring relationships with anyone who is passionate about helping the world be a better place. CONNECT WITH RICARDO: WebsiteInstagramCONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

In today's episode, we are looking at Three Approaches to Teaching Outdoors: Forest School ApproachOutdoor Classroom ApproachFarm School ApproachWe are also discussing the similarities and differences of each approach and how to mix and match elements of each within your teaching practice. What Teaching Approach do you use Outdoors?CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

Take a closer look at how three educators from Northshore Nursery School transitioned their indoor classroom into a classroom without walls. This episode is an Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk that includesa peek into 3 teachers' journeys BEFORE becoming a Nature-Based Educator at North Shore Nursery School. how teaching outdoors has changed their teaching practices. an overview of Northshore Nursery School and how the school transitioned into Outdoor Teaching and Learningchallenges each teacher faced in transitioning into a classroom without walls. an overview description of their outdoor learning spaces.where they find inspiration for your nature-based curriculum.stories about their woods and how you use them throughout the seasons.examples of pivoting and using these challenges as opportunities for their program and outdoor teaching practice as a result. .....and so much more!!! CONTACT: Nancy Comeau, Karen Smart, & Christi MelansonNorthshore Nursery SchoolWebsiteInstagramCONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

"Play is the highest form of research." In today's episode, we are asking: What is a Floor Book?What is a Talking Tub? What are the benefits?My story of integrating Floor Books and Talking Tubs.BenefitsCONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

"Play is the highest form of research." In today's episode, we are looking at eight Schemas of Play for Outdoor Learning. They include: ConnectingOrientationTransportingTrajectoryPositioningEnvelopingEnclosingRotationCONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

Remember the goals you set for yourself at the start of this year?Well, Fall is now here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refocus and ensure you finish the year strong.To help you do just that, I’ve decided to give you access to something that’s normally only available to members of the Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE Membership Community.FREE 3-Part Training Series: Ignite Wonder in your Outdoor Classroom.  This training series will help you to:·     Learn how to set up your outdoor space·     Explore how nature-based books inspire the design of your outdoor space.·     Discover tips and tricks for teaching outdoor practice.Because this is usually part of my paid membership, I’m only able to make it available for a few days, so be quick and give it a watch now!REGISTER TODAY HERE! QUESTIONS? ASK VICTORIA

"Play is the highest form of research." In today's episode, we are asking the questions: Can Technology Enhance Outdoor Learning? Should kindergartners be exposed to iPads? At what age should children use I-pads for learning? Can we use this technology outdoors? Is it a case of...our kids are growing up in a digital world, so we can’t hide it from them? Or is it a case of forgetting the i-pads and just sticking with play?What to expect from this episode: The surprising benefits of children using technology. The different ways to use technology outdoors to enhance learning. CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck