Episode Overview:

Join us in this insightful episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast as we dive into the groundbreaking world of environmental education with Bobby Donohue, the visionary founder of Planet Bonehead. Discover how this innovative platform is empowering teachers and inspiring young learners across the globe to tackle climate change and build a sustainable future.

Meet Bobby Donohue:

Bobby introduces himself as the founder of Planet Bonehead, where he's dedicated to transforming climate change education. With a focus on grades K-8, Bobby shares his mission to equip educators with the necessary knowledge, resources, and support to address environmental topics with confidence.

Knowledge Boost:

Learn about the "Teacher Learning Center," an empowering initiative by Planet Bonehead. Bobby's professional development courses provide certifications that distinguish facts from myths, introduce innovative teaching strategies, and offer guidance on integrating climate change topics across various subjects.

Resource-Rich Curriculum:

Discover the standards-aligned classroom series designed by Planet Bonehead. This curriculum aims to tackle complex environmental issues with optimism, evidenced by successful collaborations with global distributors like SAFARI Montage, Learn360, ClickView, and Boclips.

Future-Focused Support:

Bobby shares his exciting plans for "Planet Symposium," set to launch in 2025. These events will connect teachers with scientists, environmental leaders, and changemakers, providing vital insights to prepare students for careers in greentech and STEAM fields.

Call to Action:

Tune in to learn from Bobby Donohue's inspiring journey and the impact of Planet Bonehead. Explore how you can contribute to a sustainable future through education and innovation.

Connect with Bobby and Explore More:

Website: www.planetbonehead.com

Follow Planet Bonehead on social media for updates and more resources.

Join us for a compelling conversation that bridges creativity, storytelling, and real-world solutions to inspire the next generation of environmentally conscientious leaders!

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
• Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program
• Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck
• FREE PDF Library of Nature-Based Children's Books & Weekly Seedling News

Episode Description:

Join us for an insightful journey into the heart of Montessori Outdoor Classrooms at Harborlight Montessori School in Beverly, MA. In this episode, Eliza Pitkin shares her passion and experiences in cultivating an enriching learning environment where nature and education seamlessly intertwine. Discover how outdoor classrooms are enhancing children's learning experiences by engaging their senses and fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to Harborlight's Outdoor Classrooms:

• An overview of the Montessori method and its application in outdoor settings.
• The unique features of Harborlight Montessori's approach to outdoor learning.

Eliza Pitkin's Personal Journey:

• Eliza's story of integrating outdoor education into the Montessori curriculum.
• Her inspiration and vision for creating an immersive educational experience.

The Impact of Nature on Learning:

• Discussing the benefits of outdoor classrooms on cognitive and emotional development.
• How the natural environment stimulates curiosity and creativity among students.

Success Stories and Testimonials:

• Sharing anecdotes of student experiences and their transformative learning moments.
• Feedback from teachers and parents on the positive impact of this educational model.

Challenges and Triumphs:

• Overcoming obstacles in implementing outdoor classrooms and raising chickens.
• Celebrating the milestones achieved and future aspirations.

Final Thoughts:

• Eliza's reflections and hopes for the continued evolution of outdoor learning.
• An invitation for educators and parents to explore and embrace this innovative approach.

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! To learn more about the Montessori approach and how you can incorporate outdoor learning activities, visit Harborlight Montessori School's website or reach out to Eliza Pitkin for more insights.

Meet Elisa:

Elisa Pitkin is the Director of Education at Harborlight Montessori School in Beverly MA, and has over 30 years of experience teaching and leading Montessori educational programs. Elisa has a BA in Early Childhood Education and has a Master’s Degree in Education. She has been teaching for the Montessori Institute of New England as well as Endicott College. Elisa is a Montessori trained teacher for Early Childhood, Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary. She has been at Harborlight for 29 years and most recently has working on their outdoor classroom spaces, including garden beds, raising chickens, and creating spaces for children to learn and work. 

Contact Elisa:

• Harborlight Montessori 
• Elisa Pitkin, Director of Education
• [email protected]
• 243 Essex Street Beverly, MA 01915 
• Phone 978-922-1008

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
• Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program
• Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck
• FREE PDF Library of Nature-Based Children's Books & Weekly Seedling News

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

The Role of Imagination in Ecological Education with Dr. Gillian Judson

Discussion Highlights:

1. Walking Curriculum: Discover the innovative approach behind the Dr. Judson's Walking Curriculum, aimed at integrating imagination and place-based learning. Learn how outdoor educational practices can nurture curiosity and ecological awareness into your outdoor classroom.
2. Role of Imagination in Ecological Education: Delve into how imagination serves as a crucial tool in fostering ecological understanding and responsibility among students, encouraging deeper connections with nature.
3. Cognitive Tools in Learning: Explore the concept of cognitive tools as essential elements in imaginative teaching, enhancing students' capacity to engage with new information meaningfully.
4. Leadership and Imagination: Hear Dr. Judson's insights on how imaginative approaches can revolutionize educational leadership, fostering environments that embrace creativity and drive social and ecological progress.
5. Soil as a Metaphor: Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on how Dr. Judson uses soil as a metaphor for learning and growth.

Meet Dr. Gillian Judson:

Dr. Gillian Judson is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. She gratefully works on unceded traditional Indigenous territories, including those of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen Nations. She investigates imaginative and ecological teaching practices (PreK through post-secondary) with expertise in a pedagogy called Imaginative Education and Imaginative Ecological Education. She also researches the role of imagination in educational leadership, with a specific focus on leadership for social and ecological justice. Her latest books are entitled Cultivating Imagination in Leadership: Transforming Schools and Communities (Judson & Dougherty, Eds., Teachers College Press, 2023), Imagination and the Engaged Learner: Cognitive Tools for the Classroom. (Egan & Judson, 2016),Engaging Imagination in Ecological Education: Practical Strategies for Teaching (Judson, 2015), and A Walking Curriculum (Judson, 2018/2019); A Walking Curriculum for the Early Years (Judson, Mckay & Redford, 2023). Check out her other books here.

Links

imaginED website: www.educationthatinspires.ca

The Cultivate Imagination project website (podcasts and blogs): www.cultivateimagination.ca

Gillian's SFU faculty webpage: https://www.sfu.ca/education/faculty-profiles/gjudson.html

Gillian's books

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gillian-Judson/author/B0045DWQ4G?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

• Explore our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification program.
• Join the Discussion: Continue the conversation in our CIRCLE Membership Community.
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• Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more valuable content to you.

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For Apple Podcasts:

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3. Tap on our podcast, scroll down to the 'Ratings & Reviews' section.
4. Tap 'Write a Review', rate the podcast, and write your review.

For Spotify:

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In this episode titled "Unexpected Beginnings: My Outdoor Classroom Story," you'll discover how an outdoor courtyard environment at my children's elementary school transformed traditional learning experiences and led to surprising personal and professional growth for me. We delve into the unique challenges and rewarding moments that come with embracing nature as a backdrop for education. Learn how this experience changed my entire philosophy of education, and brought with it so many unexpected beginnings.

• Discovery and Transformation: Learn how the shift from a conventional classroom setting to the great outdoors catalyzed new learning methods and personal growth.
• Overcoming Challenges: Hear inspiring stories about overcoming initial hurdles and resistance, leading to a successful implementation of our outdoor classroom.
• Impact on Learning: Understanding, through anecdotal story, how fresh air and open spaces promote creativity, engagement, and enthusiasm among students and teachers alike.

• Join the Community: If you're intrigued by innovative education ideas and want to connect with likeminded individuals, join us at www.outdoor-classrooms.com
• Feedback and Stories: Share your thoughts on this episode and tell us your story. Email [email protected].

• Explore our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification program.
• Join the Discussion: Continue the conversation in our CIRCLE Membership Community.
• Upcoming Events: Don’t miss out on our future live events! Subscribe to the Seedling News.
• Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more valuable content to you.

How to leave a review:

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today's episode, consider leaving us a review. Here’s how:

For Apple Podcasts:

1. Open the Apple Podcasts app.
2. Search for Outdoor Classrooms Podcast
3. Tap on our podcast, scroll down to the 'Ratings & Reviews' section.
4. Tap 'Write a Review', rate the podcast, and write your review.

For Spotify:

1. Open the Spotify app.
2. Go to the Outdoor Classrooms podcast page.
3. Tap the three dots, and select ‘Rate Show.’
4. Leave a rating of your choice.

Episode 135: The Importance of a Mark: Nature-based Journaling with Amy Wood

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we delve into the art and science of nature-based journaling with expert and CIRCLE member Amy Wood. Join us as we explore the transformative power of combining nature with reflective journaling to deepen our young childrens' understanding and connection with the natural world.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Nature-Based Journaling: Amy introduces the research and concept of nature-based journaling, explaining its significance in today's fast-paced world. She articulates how this practice can enhance mindfulness and foster a deeper connection with nature.
• The Power of a Mark: Discover the impact that making a simple mark on paper can have on young children. Amy shares insights into how journaling these observations helps capture the essence of moments in nature, turning them into lasting memories.
• Practical Tips and Techniques: Amy offers practical advice on how to start your own nature journal program in your classroom, including the tools you need and methods to stay consistent with your children's journaling practice.
• Benefits for Educators and Students: Learn about the advantages of incorporating nature-based journaling into outdoor classrooms. Amy discusses how this practice can support learning outcomes and enhance student engagement with their environment.
• Inspiration for Your Own Practice: Amy shares stories from her own journaling journey in her outdoor classroom and encourages listeners to find their personal style, emphasizing that there's no right or wrong way to engage in nature-based journaling with young children.

Featured In:

• Outdoor Classroom Tour and Talks in the CIRCLE Membership Community
• Outdoor Classrooms Podcast Episode 135

Meet Amy:

Amy Wood’s passion for nature has been a defining feature of her classrooms throughout her 25-year career in early childhood education. Guiding toddlers through kindergarteners in various Montessori schools, she has consistently integrated the natural world into her teaching. Currently, Amy serves as the lead preschool teacher at SHED Children’s Campus, a nature-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired school in Andover, MA, where her students explore the woods daily.

In 2018, while working with toddlers, Amy attended a workshop titled “Why ‘Making Learning Visible’ is Important for Parents, Teachers, and Children.” Inspired by the workshop’s focus on capturing and showcasing the learning process, she developed a journaling program to support all areas of development. This program also addressed a common classroom challenge: the upset children felt when their prized drawings were misplaced. By incorporating journaling, Amy created a way for children to preserve and reflect on their work, fostering pride and deeper engagement in their learning. This transformative approach has since become a staple in her classrooms.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in math and science from Wheelock College and a Master of Arts in Montessori Education from St. Catherine University. She also has Montessori credentials at both the Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood levels, reflecting her deep expertise in child-centered education.

A heartfelt congratulations to Amy Wood for her extraordinary journaling project that continues to inspire and enrich our understanding of nature's role in education and personal growth.

Contact Amy HERE.

• Explore our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification program.
• Join the Discussion: Continue the conversation in our CIRCLE Membership Community.
• Upcoming Events: Don’t miss out on our future live events! Subscribe to the Seedling News.
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For Apple Podcasts:

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3. Tap on our podcast, scroll down to the 'Ratings & Reviews' section.
4. Tap 'Write a Review', rate the podcast, and write your review.

For Spotify:

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3. Tap the three dots, and select ‘Rate Show.’
4. Leave a rating of your choice.

In this episode, Victoria Hackett talks with Kath Murdoch about the fascinating concept of inquiry-based learning and how it can be applied in outdoor settings. Kath shares insights from her extensive experience as an educator and explores the benefits of taking learning beyond the classroom walls.

Introduction to Inquiry-Based Learning:

• Basics of inquiry-based learning and its importance.
• How it encourages curiosity and critical thinking among students.

Benefits of Outdoor Learning:

• The advantages of incorporating nature into the learning process.
• Real-life examples of successful outdoor inquiry projects.

Strategies for Educators:

• Practical tips for educators looking to implement inquiry-based learning outdoors.
• Overcoming common challenges and barriers.

Reflections on Learning:

• Kath’s personal journey and what she has learned through her practice.
• The evolving role of educators in facilitating inquiry-based experiences.

Meet Kath:

Kath Murdoch’s name is synonymous with Inquiry Learning – a field in she has taught, researched and written about throughout a career that spans forty years. An experienced primary teacher, writer, university lecturer and popular consultant, Kath has worked with teachers and students in schools throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, Canada, The United States, The UK and Europe. Author of 17 books and numerous articles for teachers – including the best selling ‘The Power of Inquiry’ and ‘Getting Personal with Inquiry learning’ (2015), Kath’s work has influenced the ways in which educators around the world think about their role in cultivating curiosity, agency and a zest in their own and children’s learning.

Kath began her professional life as a classroom teacher in Melbourne, Australia. Her fascination in how students’ constructed understandings and her interest in the way questions and big ideas could drive curriculum soon lead to a passion for integrative and inquiry based methodologies. This passion has become a career long focus for teaching, research and writing. The methodologies in which Kath specialises are now central to curriculum frameworks in many parts of the world – including the popular International Baccalaureate, PYP program. 

Critical to Kath’s success is her continued commitment to classroom teaching. Whether it is to demonstrate techniques, coach teachers, design for learning with teans or build her own repertoire of practices, Kath is committed to regular and ongoing work with students. Her classroom work and research feeds a dynamic and ever-evolving expertise in the area of integrative, inquiry-based learning. 

Kath’s professional development offerings are diverse. They range from intensive, ongoing partnerships with schools through to one-day workshops for beginning or experienced inquiry teachers. She is a popular keynote speaker and conference presenter. Whether in her home town of Melbourne or on the other side of the world, working with a team or speaking to a packed auditorium Kath’s style is refreshingly practical, engaging, inclusive and always connected to the real world of teaching.

Kath lives in Melbourne, Australia.

• Kath Murdoch Website

• Explore our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification program.
• Join the Discussion: Continue the conversation in our CIRCLE Membership Community.
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For Apple Podcasts:

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3. Tap on our podcast, scroll down to the 'Ratings & Reviews' section.
4. Tap 'Write a Review', rate the podcast, and write your review.

For Spotify:

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3. Tap the three dots, and select ‘Rate Show.’
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In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of children's heavy work outdoors with Jaala Shaw from GO RUCK Tribe Kids. With a wealth of experience in early childhood education and international teaching, Jaala shares her insights on the power of outdoor play in developing resilience and strength in young learners.

• Exploring Heavy Work: Understand the concept of heavy work for children and its role in physical and emotional development.
• Global Perspectives: Learn from Jaala's diverse experiences teaching in locations like China, Micronesia, and working in conflict zones, and how these have informed her approach to education.
• Outdoor Benefits: Discover the unique benefits that outdoor activities offer, from fostering teamwork to enhancing problem-solving skills.
• Fitness and Play: Jaala discusses how her passion for fitness influences her work with children, encouraging active and healthy lifestyles.
• Practical Tips: Gain practical advice on incorporating heavy work and outdoor play into educational settings effectively.

Jaala holds an M.A. in Early Childhood Education, an M.A. in TESOL, and a B.A. in Political Science and Education. She started her teaching career as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer first in Chengdu, China as an English teacher, then in the Federated States of Micronesia (Yap) as an elementary school teacher of agriculture and outdoor education. For many years after that, she was an Instructor at the University of California Santa Barbara, and later at the University of Colorado Boulder. She has received two US State Department English Language Fellowships to train teachers in Afghanistan and Jordan. She has also worked in Israel and Palestine learning about non-violent conflict resolution and peace building. As she worked with refugees in war zones, she realized that children are the people who will change our world, so she returned to the United States to begin her teaching career anew, this time with our youngest learners. Besides teaching, Jaala is a professional coach and lover of all sports. She works for CrossFit Headquarters on their coaching seminar staff and is the creator and director of a worldwide fitness program for kids at GORUCK. She and her husband Larry, along with their dog Carmen, love to do ultra-endurance events, summit big mountains, and rock climb. Jaala also enjoys reading and writes freelance about politics and education for various organizations. She loves languages and *tries* to speak some Mandarin, Spanish, and Arabic (but admits she isn't very good at any of them).

• GORUCK Tribe Kids free content:
• https://www.goruck.com/pages/tribe-kids-calendar
• GORUCK Tribe Kids Info page :
• https://www.goruck.com/pages/tribe-kids
• Rucking: The Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder
• https://blog.goruck.com/rucking-training/rucking-the-treatment-for-sensory-processing-disorder/
• What is Rucking?
• https://www.goruck.com/pages/what-is-rucking
• GORUCK Tribe and Training (program for adults) 
• https://www.goruck.com/pages/tribe-n-training

Special Offer: Code for 10% off all full priced items: GORUCKTribeKids. The dates are good starting today through December 31, 2024. 

Join us as we explore how heavy work and outdoor play are integral to a child's growth and development, and how educators and parents can harness these tools for powerful learning experiences.

• Explore our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification program.
• Join the Discussion: Continue the conversation in our CIRCLE Membership Community.
• Upcoming Events: Don’t miss out on our future live events! Subscribe to the Seedling News.
• Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more valuable content to you.

How to leave a review:

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today's episode, consider leaving us a review. Here’s how:

For Apple Podcasts:

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2. Search for Outdoor Classrooms Podcast
3. Tap on our podcast, scroll down to the 'Ratings & Reviews' section.
4. Tap 'Write a Review', rate the podcast, and write your review.

For Spotify:

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3. Tap the three dots, and select ‘Rate Show.’
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Introduction:

• Welcome to the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, where we explore outdoor classroom stories, nature-based curriculum and outdoor teaching strategies.
• In this episode, we are thrilled to talk with Maxine Panchuk and Brianna Aubin, two innovative educators committed to nature-based learning in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan CANADA.

Guest Bios:

• Maxine Panchuk: A dedicated kindergarten teacher using place-based pedagogy, Maxine integrates her passions for gardening, land-based teachings, and experiential learning into her classrooms. Her aim is to cultivate a generation connected with nature while learning foundational skills.
• Brianna Aubin: Brianna leads a grade 1 classroom with a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning. She skillfully blends place-based education and outdoor adventures to create a literacy-focused curriculum that inspires curiosity and learning beyond the traditional walls of a classroom.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategies for integrating nature-based learning into traditional curriculums.
• The benefits of place-based pedagogy for enhancing student engagement and understanding.
• Encouraging listeners to explore outdoor educational opportunities that align with various subjects.
• The benefits of an all-school shared vision for outdoor teaching.

Call to Action:

• Are you inspired to bring more outdoor learning into your classroom? Share your experiences with us in a review.
• Subscribe to our podcast for more insights on innovative teaching methods.

• Explore our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification program.
• Join the Discussion: Continue the conversation in our CIRCLE Membership Community.
• Upcoming Events: Don’t miss out on our future live events! Subscribe to the Seedling News.
• Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more valuable content to you.

How to leave a review:

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today's episode, consider leaving us a review. Here’s how:

For Apple Podcasts:

1. Open the Apple Podcasts app.
2. Search for Outdoor Classrooms Podcast
3. Tap on our podcast, scroll down to the 'Ratings & Reviews' section.
4. Tap 'Write a Review', rate the podcast, and write your review.

For Spotify:

1. Open the Spotify app.
2. Go to the Outdoor Classrooms podcast page.
3. Tap the three dots, and select ‘Rate Show.’
4. Leave a rating of your choice.

Thank you for tuning into this enlightening conversation with Leila Mireskandari. Stay inspired and keep growing!

Episode 131: Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-Based Learning with Dr. Rachel Larimore and Dr. Claire Warden

Welcome to episode 131 of our podcast, where we are excited to host Dr. Rachel Larimore and Dr. Claire Warden, authors of the enlightening book, "Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-Based Learning." Join us as we dive into the dynamic world of nature-based education and explore transformative insights that promise to redefine how educators engage with their students.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Insights from the Authors: Dr. Larimore and Dr. Warden share compelling narratives and practical strategies from their latest work, transforming traditional teaching approaches through nature-based education.
• Integrating Nature into Learning: Discover how incorporating natural elements into curricula can enhance curiosity and student engagement, creating a more holistic and enriching learning experience.
• Redefining Educator Roles: Learn about the evolving role of educators as guides who facilitate learning experiences that harness the powerful benefits of the natural world.
• Real-World Applications and Strategies: Explore real-world examples and actionable strategies for educators interested in adopting nature-based teaching methods in their classrooms.

About Our Guests:

• Dr. Rachel Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. For nearly 30 years her work has focused on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and her newest book Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning, an organization focused on helping early childhood educators start nature-based schools or add nature-based approaches into their existing program. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
• Dr. Claire Warden is the Founder of the not-for-profit Living Classrooms and the International Association of Nature Pedagogy (IANP), CEO of Claire Warden Ltd., and Founder and Academic Advisor to the Mindstretchers Academy. She has recently been recognised for her original contribution in the field of education for her thesis ‘The Creation and Theorisation of Nature Pedagogy’. Her inspirational research and approach to experiential learning has developed through a variety of experiences including primary teaching, advisory work, lecturing in further education and development of the award winning Auchlone Nature Kindergarten in Scotland. Claire works with governments and associations around the world to create high quality nature-based models of education learning with nature inside, outside and beyond. Her philanthropic work includes international advisor to the Children and Nature Network, World Forum Foundation, International School Grounds Group and the board of National Trust Scotland.

Tune In and Get Inspired!

Join us for an enlightening conversation that promises to inspire educators, parents, and anyone interested in the profound impact of nature on learning. Whether you're a teacher looking to innovate your teaching methods or a nature enthusiast curious about education, this episode is rich with insights and inspiration.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: "Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-Based Learning" by Dr. Rachel Larimore and Dr. Claire Warden
• Dr. Claire Warden website
• Dr. Rachel Larimore website