Using the Four Types of Teaching Gardens

In this episode, Victoria guides educators through an inspiring and actionable journey of setting meaningful New Year goals for their Outdoor Classroom using the Four Types of Teaching Gardens:

1. Gardens that Feed
2. Gardens that Attract Wildlife
3. Gardens for Art and Beauty
4. Gardens as Outdoor Learning Stations

Building on the reflective questions shared in the latest Seedling News PDF, this episode brings those prompts to life—helping you turn reflection into a clear, garden-centered plan for the year ahead.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

🌱 Why goal-setting matters

1. How intention, not perfection, shapes a thriving Outdoor Classroom.

🥕 How to develop goals for Gardens that Feed

1. Ideas for edible planting, cultural foods, composting, and hands-on culinary rituals for kids.

🦋 Ways to invite more wildlife into your space

1. Tips for creating habitat, expanding native plantings, and supporting children as citizen scientists.

🎨 How to cultivate beauty, creativity, and art outdoors

1. From color gardens to nature looms, this segment explores aesthetic and sensory-rich garden features that nurture imagination.

🔍 How to strengthen your Outdoor Learning Stations

1. Practical strategies for evolving your mud kitchen, literacy areas, STEM zones, and sensory spaces.

🗂 How to build a simple, seasonal action plan

1. Victoria walks you through choosing ONE goal for each garden type—and spreading those steps across winter and spring.

Reflection Questions Featured:

1. What do you want your outdoor classroom to become this year?
2. Which plants, wildlife, art elements, or learning stations most engaged children last season?
3. What do you want children to feel, experience, and discover in each garden area?
4. What support or structure will help you bring your goals to life?

Resources Mentioned:

Seedling News Reflective PDF – Use it alongside this episode to map out your year

The Four Types of Teaching Gardens Framework: Learn more in our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program

CIRCLE Membership Community – For educators ready to grow deeper and connect with others on the same journey

Join the Community:

Want to continue the conversation, access our workshop library, or collaborate with like-minded educators?

👉 Join the CIRCLE Membership and grow into a more confident, connected outdoor classroom leader.

FREE Resource:

🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page)

Resources & Links:

🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program

🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp

🎓 Seasonal Masterclass Bundle (includes Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass)

🎓 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course

🌸 CIRCLE Membership for Educators

🌿 30-Day Gratitude in Nature Challenge

🌸 1-hour Online Workshop Library

Connect with Victoria:

WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.com

EMAIL: [email protected]

Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/

Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

Winter is often seen as a season to endure—but what if it’s actually a season that gives? In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, Victoria Hackett explores how winter can support children’s development, emotional regulation, and creativity, while also offering adults a chance to slow down, recalibrate, and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the world.

 We’ll talk about:

The state of childhood today and how screens and busy schedules have disconnected children from the seasons.

What nature teaches us about winter and the importance of slowing down.

How embracing winter benefits children’s resilience, creativity, and emotional well-being.

Why adults benefit from leaning into the season too—and how modeling curiosity matters.

A simple winter philosophy for educators and parents: dress well, notice more, slow down, and follow the children.

If you’re ready to move beyond winter survival and embrace it as a partner in learning, this episode is for you.

🎓 Go Deeper with the Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass

If this episode inspires you, you can explore winter more intentionally through our Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass, opening January 2. The first LIVE session is January 8 from 7:00–8:00 pm EST. This four-week course is part of our Seasonal Masterclass Bundle—buy one and get all four seasonal courses—or as part of the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program.

Resources & Links:

Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass

Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program

Follow & Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/

Facebook: Outdoor Classrooms

Website: www.outdoor-classrooms.com

Key Takeaways:

Winter is not a dead season—it’s regenerative and full of learning opportunities.

Children need stillness, sensory experiences, and seasonal rhythms for healthy development.

Adults modeling curiosity and presence outdoors helps children thrive.

Slowing down, noticing, and following the children is the most powerful winter philosophy.

Listener Challenge:

This week, step outside with your children (or your students) and pause for five minutes. Notice one small change in the landscape, one sound, or one texture that tells the story of winter. Share your observations in the comments or on social media with #OutdoorClassroomsPodcast.

In this episode, Becca from Good Natured Learning shares how her work has expanded from Colorado to Kenya, piloting Outdoor Learning Collaborations in two schools within Nairobi’s informal settlements. She breaks down the Spaces–Systems–Skills model, the power of co-creation with teachers and communities, and the vision to bring this work to 12+ Kenyan schools in 2026.

🎬 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why Good Natured Learning began and how it’s evolved across continents

What nature-based learning looks like in Colorado vs. Kenya

How Outdoor Learning Collaborations bring nature access to schools with little green space

The impact of rooftop “living classrooms” in Kibera and Mathare

How co-creation with teachers strengthens ownership and sustainability

The vision for expanding to 12+ schools in 2026—and who’s needed to make it possible

Simple ways educators can bring nature into learning anywhere

👤 Meet Becca

Becca is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Good Natured Learning. A nature-based educator for over two decades, she has worked across the U.S. and Kenya to integrate outdoor learning, redesign school systems, and co-create inclusive, nature-connected learning environments. With both Stanford training and years of wilderness experience, she’s committed to making nature-based learning accessible, meaningful, and transformative for all schools.

Contact Becca:

EMAIL: [email protected]

Outdoor Classroom Resources & Links:

🌿 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program

🌸 CIRCLE Membership for Educators

🎓 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:

WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.com

EMAIL: [email protected]

Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/

Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk, we embark on an inspiring journey with Martha Burke, the visionary Founding Director of Heartwood Nature School in West Newbury. Nestled on an 18-acre Christmas tree farm, surrounded by the serene expanses of Fish and Game land, Heartwood is a testament to Martha's passion for outdoor education.

Episode Highlights:

Heartwood's Humble Beginnings: Discover how Martha transformed her backyard woods into a nurturing educational environment with just a bell tent and a small group of six children in 2020.

Growth and Expansion: Learn about the school's remarkable growth, now featuring two yurts and serving approximately 60 children annually with a dedicated staff of eight.

Educational Philosophy: Martha shares her philosophy on the importance of outdoor education and the unique experiences Heartwood offers.

Challenges and Triumphs: Hear about the challenges Martha faced in building Heartwood and the triumphs that have made the journey worthwhile.

A Day in the Life: Get a glimpse into a typical day at Heartwood, where the love for nature and learning go hand in hand.

Future Vision: Martha discusses her future plans for Heartwood and her aspirations for outdoor education.

Join us as we explore Martha's dedication to fostering a love for nature in children and creating a vibrant outdoor learning community. Whether you're an educator, parent, or nature enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Meet Martha:

Martha is the Founding Director of Heartwood Nature School in West Newbury. Her school operates on an 18-acre Christmas tree farm surrounded by countless acres of Fish and Game land. She started Heartwood in 2020 with a bell tent in her backyard woods and a pod of six beloved children. Today, she has two yurts and serves roughly 60 children a year with her staff of 8. She loves nothing more than time in the woods with kids.

FREE Resource:

🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page)

Resources & Links:

🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program

🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp

🎓 Seasonal Masterclass Bundle

🎓 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course

🌸 CIRCLE Membership for Educators

🌿 30-Day Gratitude in Nature Challenge

🌸 1-hour Online Workshop Library

Connect with Victoria:

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

In this episode, I explore why gratitude and time outdoors aren’t just “nice practices” — they’re essential. We look at the growing research showing how gratitude reshapes attention, mood, and connection, and how nature calms the nervous system, lowers stress, and restores our ability to focus. When you combine the two, the effects strengthen each other in ways that support real emotional resilience. This is simple, accessible, evidence-backed mental health care you can practice every day.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why gratitude is more than a positive mindset — it’s a proven mental-health tool

• How nature lowers stress and restores clarity, even in short doses

• The powerful way these two practices reinforce each other

• What researchers are discovering about resilience, mood, and attention

• Why this isn’t optional — it’s essential

• A personal invitation to join my 30-Day Gratitude in Nature Challenge

Key Takeaways

• Gratitude helps train your mind away from constant threat and toward what supports you

• Nature quickly lowers physiological stress and resets attention

• Together, these practices create a feedback loop that strengthens well-being

• These are small, doable habits with big impacts

• You don’t need hours outside or perfect conditions — consistency is what matters

• These practices are being taken seriously by researchers for a reason: they work

Join the 30-Day Gratitude in Nature Email Challenge

I’ve created a simple, structured 30-day email challenge to help you build this powerful habit into your daily life. It’s grounded in what the research tells us about consistency, reflection, and the amount of contact needed to create real change.

🔗 You can sign up HERE: https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/product/30-day-gratitude-in-nature-challenge/

Resources & Links:

🌿 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program

🌸 CIRCLE Membership for Educators

🎓 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:

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

In this episode of The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, we sit down with filmmaker and storyteller Juliet Grable, co-creator of the powerful documentary In Our Nature. Juliet and her creative partner, James Parker, have captured the extraordinary ways people are reconnecting with the natural world—one story at a time.

Together, we explore the inspiration behind In Our Nature, how the team chose the stories featured in the film, and the lessons learned along the way. Juliet shares her hopes for how the film will inspire action, connection, and deeper appreciation for the environment.

We also dive into their current Seed & Spark fundraising campaign, what it takes to bring independent films like this to life, and how storytelling can be a catalyst for change. 

🎬 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

🌿 How Juliet and James developed the concept for In Our Nature

🌳 The process of selecting and capturing authentic nature stories

💡 Lessons learned through the filmmaking journey

🎯 What the filmmakers hope to achieve with the documentary

🌱 Insights into their Seed & Spark campaign — and how you can support it

🎥 A behind-the-scenes look at their previous collaboration

If you’re passionate about storytelling, nature, and the ways creativity can inspire environmental awareness, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to tell your own story — in your classroom, community, or backyard.

Meet Juliet:

Juliet Grable is an independent writer based in Southern Oregon who combines a background in the natural sciences with innate curiosity and a passion for language. She has written for many national and regional publications and media outlets, she has also authored four books for Ecotone Publishing and co-produced two documentary films with Synchronous Pictures. Juliet’s niches include sustainable design, watershed restoration, wildlife conservation, climate change, and rural communities. She is especially interested in stories that explore the nexus of ecosystem health, community resilience, and human flourishing.

Meet James:

James Parker is a director, producer, and founder of Synchronous Pictures, a boutique production company creating award-winning content that bridges divides and sparks conversation. His work has aired on major networks and screened internationally, earning multiple Emmy nominations, Telly Awards, and a presidential medal for his work capturing Botswana’s HIV/AIDS response.

From documentary to commercial, James has filmed human stories across Singapore, Botswana, India, Sri Lanka, the UK, and throughout the US, working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to major studios including CBS, ABC, BBC, Amazon Studios, and National Geographic.

He is also a seasoned entrepreneur, having led the brand launch for an international smart mobility company - securing press in USA Today, TechCrunch, and Forbes, and earning PR Daily’s Best Product Launch award.

James lives with a spirit of adventure and a belief in storytelling’s power to connect, illuminate, and drive meaningful change.

🔗 Learn more and support the film: www.inournaturemovie.com 

[email protected]

[email protected]

https://www.synchronous.tv/

www.julietgrable.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-grable-ba484344/

www.othersideofthehillmovie.com

Outdoor Classroom Resources & Links:

🌿 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program

🌸 CIRCLE Membership for Educators

🎓 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:

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

In this episode, we sit down with Ann Ranger, a graduate of the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program, to hear her inspiring story of growth, discovery, and success. Ann shares how the program transformed her teaching practice and helped her land her dream job.

She takes us behind the scenes of the Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp, the Seasonal Masterclass Bundle, and the Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course, sharing the key lessons and “aha” moments that shaped her journey.

Ann also walks us through her capstone project, revealing how it challenged her, stretched her thinking, and solidified her skills as a nature-based educator. Whether you’re curious about teaching outdoors, seeking inspiration, or considering certification yourself, this episode is full of actionable insights and motivation.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How the Outdoor Classrooms program supports teachers at every stage of their journey.

Key takeaways from the Bootcamp, Seasonal Masterclass Bundle, and Capstone Course.

Ann’s personal “aha” moments and lessons learned along the way.

How completing the program helped Ann land her dream teaching position.

Tune in to discover how the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program can help you grow as an educator and make a lasting impact in your classroom and beyond.

FREE Resource:

🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page)

Resources & Links:

🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program

🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp

🎓 Seasonal Masterclass Bundle

🎓 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course

🌸 CIRCLE Membership for Educators

🌿 30-Day Gratitude in Nature Challenge

🌸 1-hour Online Workshop Library

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:

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

In this inspiring Teacher Spotlight, we chat with Amy Wood, an innovative educator who has transformed her teaching through the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program. From her first steps in the Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp, through the Seasonal Masterclass Bundle, to completing the Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course, Amy shares her journey, challenges, and successes bringing learning outdoors.

If you’re curious about how nature-based education can reshape your classroom, this episode is packed with real stories, practical insights, and heartfelt reflections that will motivate you to take your teaching beyond walls.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Amy’s inspiration for joining the Teacher Certification Program
• Key takeaways from the Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp
• How seasonal learning has enhanced her classroom experiences
• The process and impact of her Capstone project
• Lessons learned, challenges overcome, and successes celebrated
• Tips for other educators considering nature-based learning

Resources & Links:

🌿 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program

🌸 CIRCLE Membership for Educators

🎓 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:

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

In this episode, we explore the art of noticing — the simple yet powerful practice of slowing down, paying attention, and inviting children to truly see the natural world. Discover how intentional noticing can transform outdoor learning, spark curiosity, and nurture empathy and environmental stewardship.

You’ll learn what “noticing” really means, why it’s such an essential skill for children, and how to weave it into your outdoor classroom routines. From sensory walks and nature journaling to mindful moments of quiet observation, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tools to help educators cultivate curiosity and connection in nature.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

What “noticing” means: How it goes beyond simple observation to engage children’s senses, curiosity, and awareness.

Why noticing matters: The cognitive, emotional, creative, and environmental benefits of helping children notice the world around them.

How to teach noticing: Practical strategies for incorporating noticing into outdoor classrooms — through modeling, sensory invitations, journaling, art, and reflective discussion.

How noticing builds connection: How attention, curiosity, and care for nature grow together.

🌿 Key Takeaways

Noticing is an act of mindfulness that helps children (and adults!) slow down and connect more deeply with the natural world.

It supports learning across disciplines — from science and literacy to creativity and social-emotional growth.

When educators model curiosity and wonder, children learn to pay attention to details that spark questions and stories.

Simple routines — like a daily “minute of noticing” or reflection circles — can profoundly shape children’s relationship with nature.

As Mary Oliver reminds us, “Attention is the beginning of devotion.”

🌎 Practical Ideas to Try

“I notice, I wonder, It reminds me of…” — Use this simple prompt to guide observations.

Sensory walks: Focus on one sense at a time — listen, touch, look, smell.

Nature journals: Encourage sketching, labeling, and writing reflections.

Noticing station: Provide magnifying glasses, field guides, and art supplies.

Slow walks and sit spots: Build in quiet time for observation and reflection.

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

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast where we dive into the world of outdoor education and the transformative power of nature-based learning. In this episode, we take you on a tour of Little Free Range Learners Preschool, a unique educational environment where children are encouraged to explore, play, and learn in natural settings.

Key Highlights:

Vision of Freedom: Discover how "Free Range" goes beyond movement, fostering exploration and growth in young minds.

Power of Play: Understand why play is vital for self-regulation and world comprehension in early childhood.

Diverse Learning Environments: See how children thrive in various settings, building knowledge and confidence.

Social Emotional Growth: Learn about the integration of social emotional learning in daily activities.

Outdoor Adventures: Experience the benefits of daily outdoor exploration and physical play.

Early Learning Foundations: Explore how literacy and numeracy are naturally integrated into playful learning.

Connect with Shannon:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: instagram.com/littlefreerangelearners/

Meet Victoria: 

Victoria is passionate about outdoor education and personal growth. With years of experience in creating outdoor classrooms, she brings a unique perspective on how nature can inspire transformation and a growth mindset.

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