Winter has just begun, so now is a good time to start scoping out winter picture books to help you teach seasonal concepts. Picture books are a great way to explore the changing of the seasons in words and pictures.

In this episode I cover 9 picture books that introduce the signs of the season, snow, and animals in winter. Press play to hear about "Winter is the Warmest Season" by Lauren Stringer, "The Jacket I Wear in the Snow" by Shirley Neitzel, "Animals in Winter" by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. VanGelder, "Sizing Up Winter" by Lizann Flatt, and more.

Resources mentioned 💚

• 16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers
• Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
• Winter Picture Book Companion for Kindergarten
• Ep. 29: Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups
• Ep. 30: 10 Books on Hibernation and Other Forms of Dormancy for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode34

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It's almost the New Year which means it's time for reflection, gratitude, and new beginnings. Listen in as I share my reflections on this podcast, all the things I am thankful for, and exciting things to look forward to in 2025 including a new name for the podcast and an activity index coming in March.

Resources mentioned 💚

• Podcasting for Educators Prep School

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode33

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Winter is a season of mystery and intrigue. So let's make the season work for you by including fun winter activities in your schedule! Combining the mystique of winter with the power of learning through play can get your students motivated to learn.

Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun winter 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 the winter season, and a description of how to implement the activity in your classroom. 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.

Fun winter activities described in this episode include:

• Kindergarten: Push & Pull Stations
• 1st Grade: Walk in the Dark
• 2nd Grade: Mapping States of Water
• 3rd Grade: Animals Grouping for Survival Simon Says
• 4th Grade: Erosion Stations
• 5th Grade: Water Cycle Obstacle Course

Resources mentioned 💚

• Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
• Episode 26: Celebrating the Winter Solstice with an Outdoor Party for Your Elementary Students
• A Helpful Guide to Teaching the Season Transition to Winter
• A Helpful Introduction for Teachers Teaching the Four Seasons in School

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode32

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If you've been struggling to understand the Next Generation Science Standards and how to use them in your elementary classroom, then this is the podcast episode for you!

In today's episode Beth Christiansen explains the Next Generation Science Standards, how they differ from traditional science standards, how they utilize three dimensional learning for student success, and more. She also shares a TON of resources to help you find phenomena to investigate, how to effectively facilitate class discussions, and much, much more.

Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode because today's Teaching Tip is about using informal questioning and class discussion to assess your students' understanding of your curriculum.

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode31

Email Beth Christiansen: [email protected]

Some of the resources mentioned 💚

• The wonder of science:  https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenal
• NGSS Phenomena Ideas: http://www.ngssphenomena.com/
• Next Generation Science Standards Interactive Resource: https://nextgenscience.org/
• Nine talk moves from TERC https://inquiryproject.terc.edu/prof_dev/Goals_and_Moves.cfm.html
• Phenomenal Science (free K-5 curriculum): https://phenomscience.weebly.com/
• Visit show notes for lots more!

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Animals have spent the last few months preparing for this moment, the moment when fall fades and winter arrives. Many animals have found a place to sleep for the winter and will remain there until spring comes.

This fascinating concept may be foreign to your students, but it's an amazing phenomena that could captivate them. Studying animal dormancy could lead to understanding of animal needs, behaviors passed from adult to young, and internal structures that help animals survive.

This episode is all about 10 books on hibernation and other forms of dormancy to help you introduce sleeping through the winter to your students. Press play to hear about "Time to Sleep" by Denise Fleming, "Over and Under the Snow" by Kate Messner, "Not a Buzz to Be Found" by Linda Glaser, and more!

Resources mentioned 💚

• Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups
• Hibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st Grade
• Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
• Over and Under the Snow Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode30

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Hibernation in animals is a much talked about topic in elementary science, but it’s misunderstood. Listen in to hear about hibernation and the different forms of animal dormancy including torpor, brumation, and diapause.

After covering the basics of animal dormancy, we’ll talk through 6 different activities inspired by sleeping animals for grades K-5. I share the Next Generation Science Standard that inspired the activity, how the activity connects to animal dormancy, and how to use the activity with your class or homeschool group.

Press play to hear about:

• Role playing animals looking for their needs in preparation for winter (Kindergarten)
• Using a movement cube to experience ways animals prepare for their winter sleep (1st Grade)
• Completing a chipmunk inspired relay race (2nd Grade)
• Creating models of insects entering diapause in different life stages (3rd Grade)
• Developing centers to match animals with their internal structures that support survival by sleeping through the winter (4th Grade)
• Collecting data of sunrise and sunset time along with animal sightings to determine how hours of daylight affect animal dormancy (5th Grade)

Resources mentioned 💚

• Hibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st Grade
• Suny College ESF - Woodchuck
• Small reusable shopping bags
• "Not a Buzz to Be Found" by Linda Glaser

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode29

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Did you know that you already have all the tools that you need to take your teaching outside? All the skills that you use to teach inside will transfer swimmingly outside and will serve you and your students well.

However, if you're looking for some equipment and props to help make that transition easier, make sure to take a listen to this episode. I cover tried and true equipment that I used most days that I taught outside during elementary school science lessons.

Listen in to hear about: Poker chips, Ropes, Cones, Poly spots, Bug boxes, Butterfly pavilions, and Field guides

(Follow the links for examples of equipment that could be helpful with your outdoor education efforts).

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode28

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If you're looking to get involved in the citizen science project the Great Backyard Bird Count with your students but you don't know where to start, then this is the episode for you! There are two ways to participate in the count; you can either count birds while you walk outside or you can count birds while watching bird feeders.

This episode is here to help you set up a bird feeding station so you and your students can collect data from inside or outside your school. Martha Holzheuer is on the show to describe:

• Where to place your feeders
• What types of feeders and feed are best for bird diversity
• If you should include a heated bird bath or not
• How long it takes for birds to find new bird feeders
• And how to use native plants to enhance your bird feeding station

Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode because today's Teaching Tip is about ideas for acquiring the materials to put together a bird feeding station.

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode27

Connect with Martha Holzheuer:

• Email Martha: [email protected]
• Website: www.nature-niche.com
• Store phone number: 1-989-423-1477
• Store address: 2004 W. Wackerly St, Midland, Mi 48640

Resources mentioned 💚

• Nature Niche: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCduEqQ3WMv8bnlKU8xwIl2g/videos 
• Visit https://naturallyteaching.com/episode27 for more specific Mondays with Martha
• Bird Feeding Stations: How to Design the Perfect Backyard Habitat
• Martha's Midland Songbird Seed Mix
• Seed Cylinder Feeders
• Pole Kits
• Heated Bird Baths
• For the Birds! WCMU Public Media
• Bird Feeder Tactics: An Education Partner Grant
• The Great Backyard Bird Count - Citizen Science Projects for 5th Graders
• The Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary Teachers

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Winter break is right around the corner! And even though Thanksgiving is still on the horizon, your winter party is creeping up faster than you want to admit.

If you're looking for a way to be more inclusive with your party theme and activities this year, consider celebrating the winter solstice instead of Christmas or Hanukkah. The winter solstice is a worldwide phenomenon that everyone has in common, making it a great theme for all.

Nature has a lot to offer your winter solstice celebration including open space, natural decorations, and the ability to tolerate loud noises, so consider taking your party outside! In this episode, I describe outdoor winter games, low key activities, party food, and communication with parents and administration to make your party as successful as possible.

Resources Mentioned 💚

• How Do You Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Elementary Students?
• A Helpful Guide to Teaching the Season Transition to Winter
• Episode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards
• 16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers
• 5 Senses of Winter Scavenger Hunts
• Bird Feeder Garland - RHS Campaign for School Gardening

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode26

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With Thanksgiving on the horizon, you know the pre-holiday energy is on its way. It may not be on the same level as winter break energy, but it's still energy on a whole other level from the regular 5-day-week energy.

In this episode, I'm bringing you 4 different books with activities to celebrate turkeys the week leading up to Thanksgiving break. When the energy is high, getting your students outside can help harness said energy in productive ways and these books and activities will do just that.

Books featured in the episode 📚

• "Gobble, Gobble" by Cathryn Falwell
• "How to Catch a Turkey" by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton
• "I'm a Turkey" by Jim Arnosky
• "How to Hide a Turkey" by Hope Aicher

Resources mentioned 💚

• Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching in Nature
• Turkey Needs Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
• Talking About Turkey Facts: 10 Things to Know Before Thanksgiving

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode25

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