Nature is the HEART of the Story with Jodi Simpson

This special episode features Jodi's Simpson's presentation that she shared with the CIRCLE Membership. This presentation is a captivating journey through her innovative story workshop for her kindergarteners, integrating nature as the heart of storytelling. Jodi’s approach not only inspires creativity but also taps into the developmental growth of her young learners. Her session highlighted sensational photos of her classroom setup, illustrating the immersive environment she creates for her students. The highlight of the episode displays the 3D stories crafted by the children, showcasing their imaginative interpretations and connection with nature.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Jodi Simpson's Teaching Philosophy: Jodi emphasizes the importance of nature in fostering creativity in young learners. She shares her unique perspective on how nature can serve as the heart of storytelling, providing an authentic and engaging learning experience for children.
• Nature-Centric Story Workshop: Details about her story workshops, where she uses elements of nature to guide storytelling. The focus is on how these workshops encourage children to express themselves and learn organically.
• Visual Feast for CIRCLE Members of Classroom and Setup: Viewers are treated to stunning photos of Jodi’s classroom environment, reflecting her commitment to integrating natural elements into her teaching space. This visual presentation complements her storytelling approach, making the learning space itself an inspirational story.
• Showcase of 3D Stories by Kindergartners: The episode concludes with a fascinating display of how to share the 3D stories created by her students, highlighting their creativity and the profound impact of Jodi's teaching methods.

Call to Action: Curious viewers are invited to join the CIRCLE Membership to gain full access to Jodi’s workshops and similar inspirational content. Already a CIRCLE Member? Go to the Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk section in your Membership platform and bring your reflections to our next Roundtable.

MEET JODI:

Joy has been the building block of Jodi Simpson’s teaching career of 22 years. She currently teaches kindergarten and has taught preschool, first grade, and second grade. She is also the author of the Circle-Time Poetry series, published by Scholastic in 2005, as well as, Read Snack & Learn With Favorite Picture Books in 2004,. Sharing ideas and activities with other teachers helped her grow as a mentor teacher for many student teachers. She has also worked with a team of author-collaborators for our school district’s curriculum. Jodi’s learning and teaching journey includes being the recipient of the North Fork Teacher of the Year 2014 and Colorado Teacher of the Year Finalist 2017. Currently, she a part of a nature-based learning cohort of teachers that supports other educators in teaching students outdoors.  

Jodi Simpson’s newest books would fall into Scholastic’s “reproducible activity books” category for grades PreK - First Grade, similar to her earlier books. The new set of books are specifically created for the latest trends in these educational movements: nature and place-based learning, structured foundational literacy skills (rhyme, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension), STEAM investigations, and social-emotional learning. 

*Three new titles: 1.  Circle Time Poetry: In the Woods, 2. Circle Time Poetry: Let’s Take a Walk, and 3. Circle Time Poetry: Play & Wonder are resources for teachers to use to get outside and connect with nature, while at the same time to build phonemic awareness, oral language, and early STEAM skills. Each book invites teachers to share a poem that works as the springboard for discussions and learning extensions. The books are also created so that teachers can use them in an outdoor setting, on neighborhood walks, and as play invitations/investigations for bringing nature indoors.

CONNECT WITH JODI:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/looking.at.photos/

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:

• WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.com
• EMAIL: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/
• Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:

• The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE Membership
• The Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp
• Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck
• FREE PDF Library of Nature-Based Children's Books & Weekly Seedling News