Outdoor Classrooms Podcast

 Nature's Classroom: Unleashing the Science Behind Outdoor Learning

In this enlightening episode of Outdoor Classrooms, we delve into the fascinating world of outdoor education to uncover the scientific benefits that nature offers to students. Join us as we explore research findings and expert insights on how learning outside the traditional classroom walls enhances cognitive, emotional, and physical development.

Key Points Discussed:

Cognitive Benefits:

• Outdoor learning improves academic performance, with studies showing a positive impact on test scores and critical thinking.
• Discover how exposure to nature boosts attention spans and concentration, particularly in students with attention deficit disorders.

Emotional and Social Benefits:

• Understand how nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering a healthy emotional state for students.
• Learn about the enhancement of social skills and teamwork through collaborative outdoor activities, countering nature-deficit disorder.

Physical Benefits:

• Discover the role of outdoor education in promoting physical activity and combating childhood obesity.
• Explore how outdoor play enhances motor skills, benefiting fine and gross motor development.

Overarching Implications:

• Reflect on the holistic development of students through outdoor learning experiences.
• Consider the challenges and future directions in expanding outdoor education practices.

Episode Highlights:

• Insights from landmark studies on the benefits of outdoor learning.
• Real-life examples and stories from educators and students experiencing transformative learning through nature.
• Practical tips for integrating outdoor activities into educational practices.

Call to Action: We invite you to share this episode with educators, parents, and anyone interested in the potential of outdoor education. Join the conversation by leaving your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Don't forget to subscribe to Outdoor Classrooms for more inspiring discussions on education beyond walls.

Connect with Us:

• Follow Outdoor Classrooms on Instagram
• Visit our website for more resources and episode transcripts

In this insightful episode of Unlocking Creativity & Inquiry Outdoors: The Power of Play Playlist, we embark on an adventure into the vibrant and life-enriching world of outdoor play for young children. Join us as we uncover why stepping outside is not just about fun and games but a crucial part of childhood development and well-being.

Here’s what you can expect:

A curated playlist including conversation about...

• Childhood Development: Discover the profound impact outdoor play has on children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. We'll explore how playing in nature fuels creativity, problem-solving skills, and physical health.
• Building Connections: Learn about the social skills children develop through play, from teamwork and communication to empathy and conflict resolution.
• Nature as a Teacher: Find out how the natural world provides endless learning opportunities, inspiring children to ask questions, explore, and understand their environment in a hands-on way.
• Health Benefits: Delve into the reasons why outdoor play is a natural booster for children's mental and physical health—improving mood, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being.

Whether you are a parent, educator, or caregiver, this Play Playlist episode offers invaluable insights and practical tips to encourage more outdoor adventures. Let’s unlock the door to infinite playground possibilities and nurture a child's love for nature.

Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss out on enriching your child’s playtime and development. Stay tuned and make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to catch every inspiring episode of Play Playlist. Share your thoughts with us on social media using #PLayPlaylist and join our community!

Call to Action: If you’re inspired by today’s episode, leave us a review and let others know how outdoor play has impacted your life or your children's. Your feedback fuels our passion and helps spread the importance of play!

Play Playlist

In this enlightening episode of "Beyond SMART: Goals Rooted in Outdoor Classrooms," we delve into 7 ways to set goals that not only meet but exceed traditional standards. Explore how outdoor classrooms can inspire a more holistic approach to goal setting by tying in personal vision, emotional connection, and meaningful outcomes. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply a lover of the great outdoors, join us as we embark on a journey to redefine success—one goal at a time.

1. Vision-Driven Goals: Start by articulating the bigger vision or purpose that your goal serves. This helps ensure that your goal aligns with your core values and long-term aspirations.
2. Emotional Connection: Identify and describe the emotions you want to feel when you achieve this goal. Emotional involvement can increase motivation and commitment.
3. Outcome Visualization: Visualize and describe precisely what success looks like. How will your life, career, or relationships change once you achieve this goal?
4. Flexibility Factor: Incorporate adaptability in your goal-setting. Recognize that circumstances may change, and that's okay. Having a flexible mindset can help adjust the goal without losing sight of your vision.
5. Identifying Obstacles: Anticipate potential barriers and plan strategies for overcoming them. This proactive approach can help maintain momentum even when challenges arise.
6. Accountability Systems: Set up mechanisms to hold yourself accountable. This could involve sharing your goal with a mentor, joining a mastermind group, or keeping a journal of your progress.
7. Reflective Milestones: Break down your goal into smaller, reflective milestones that allow you to assess progress, celebrate small wins, and recalibrate if necessary.

By expanding beyond the SMART criteria, you can create goals that are vividly connected to your personal growth and values. 

• Website: www.outdoor-classrooms.com
• Social Media: Follow us on Instagram and Outdoor Classrooms Facebook community for updates and community interactions.
• Support: If you have any questions or need assistance, contact us at [email protected]

SURVEY: We want to hear from you.

Join us and unlock the secrets to creating a thriving summer garden that educates, inspires, and brings joy.

Episode 126: Forest Kindergarten Adventures with Ann Ranger at the SHED Children’s Campus

Episode Summary

• This is an Outdoor Classroom Tour and Talk. Member of the CIRCLE Community have access to the behind the scenes photos.
• A brief overview of the day in the life of a Forest School within a larger program.
• Emergent Curriculum, Reggio Emilia,
• Traditional Kindergarten vs. Forest School
• Keeping an eye on the standards
• Nature-Based Activities

Meet Ann:

Ann Ranger teaches Forest Kindergarten at SHED Children’s Campus in Andover, Massachusetts. She has been working with children outdoors for about five years. Prior to embracing nature-based education, Ann worked in more traditional schools and childcare centers for 25 years. She believes that any activity or lesson plan can and should be adapted for outdoor learning, and she enjoys sharing her love of nature with children and adults.

Ann's Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Call to Action

• Subscribe, leave a review, or engage with us on social media.
• Learn more about the SHED Children’s Campus HERE.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative impact of creating educational gardens that feed with Leila Mireskandari. Discover how these gardens are not only teaching kids about gardening but also fostering environmental awareness and life skills.

Founding Kids Growing City

• Leila's inspiration for starting Kids Growing City.
• The mission and vision behind the initiative.

Importance of Educational Gardens

• How educational gardens serve as a tool for learning.
• The benefits of hands-on environmental education.

Implementation Strategies

• Simple Steps to set up a successful educational garden.
• Overcoming common challenges in schools and communities.

Impact on Children and Communities

• Real-life examples of positive changes observed in children and schools.
• Testimonials and stories from participants.

Leila Mireskandari is a Gardening Coach for elementary and middle school teachers, the founder of Kids Growing City, and the host of the School Gardens with Ease podcast. She holds a Permaculture Design Certificate, a Landscape Design Certificate, and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on food-growing education. Leila has been growing school gardens full-time for over a decade and has developed programs that empower teachers to grow abundant educational food gardens with unbelievable ease. Believe it or not, before her career in gardening, she was a software developer, of all things, working a 9 to 5 in the corporate world. 

• Educational gardens can significantly enhance children's learning experiences.
• Practical tips for educators and parents to start their own garden projects.
• Encouragement for communities to embrace green initiatives for sustainable futures.

Learn more about Kids Growing City by visiting:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/
• Free and low-cost material: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/Gardening-for-Elementary-Teachers
• Oasis Series of Programs: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs
• School Gardens with Ease Podcast: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/school-gardens-with-ease-podcast

• 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.

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 Overview

LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST HERE

In this special playlist, we dive into the vibrant world of outdoor play, exploring diverse frameworks, pedagogical approaches, and schemas. Tune in as we unravel the tapestry of outdoor education through eight thoughtfully curated episodes that will inspire and transform your understanding of play.

Episode Highlights: CHOOSE YOUR EPISODE HERE.

Episode 1. How Does Nature Impact Young Children's Wellbeing?

Episode 4. What is Nature Pedagogy?

Episode 6. Five Phases of Teaching Outdoors: A Framework

Episode 10. Four Outdoor Classroom Garden Types

Episode 13. The Magic of Mud Play

Episode 49. Eight Schemas of Play for Outdoor Learning

Episode 50. How to Add Floorbooks and Talking Tubs to Your Outdoor Classrooms

Episode 96. Five Ways to Introduce Poetry into the Outdoor Classroom

Conclusion

Concluding our playlist, we reflect on the integral role that nature plays in fostering holistic education. By embracing diverse frameworks, pedagogies, and schemas, we can cultivate more meaningful outdoor play opportunities that inspire and empower learners.

Unlocking the Outdoors: Teacher Certification Program

The wait is over! We're thrilled to introduce the The Outdoor Classrooms Certification Program, designed to transform the way we educate by embracing the great outdoors. In just three straightforward steps, this innovative program guides you through the process of teaching outside the traditional classroom setting. Our latest podcast episode breaks down each step, providing a clear and detailed pathway to successfully integrating nature-based curricula. By participating in this revolutionary program, educators can not only enhance their teaching methods but also foster a deeper connection with the environment, creating enriching learning experiences for students. Tune in to the podcast to learn more about how you can embark on this exciting journey to outdoor education excellence.

Introduction

• Get a brief overview of the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification program.
• Understand the importance of teaching outdoors.

Step 1: Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp

• Introducing our foundations course.
• Understanding the Five Phases of Teaching Outdoors

Step 2: Explore Nature Seasonal Masterclass Bundle

• Explore nature through the seasons
• Highlights of seasonal activities and lesson plans within each Masterclass using the 4 Types of Teaching Gardens.
• Immerse yourself in nature and observe changes throughout the year.

Step 3: Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course

• Introducing the capstone project.
• Program emphasis on applying learned skills in a comprehensive final project.
• Opportunities for feedback and improvement.

Onboarding Call

• Not sure if this program is for you? Book a 15 Minute Discovery Call with Victoria Hackett
• Ready to enroll? Book a 30 Minute Personalized Onboarding call with Victoria Hackett.
• Our call will help answer any questions and set your expectations for the program.

Resources

• Contact [email protected] for details for further inquiries
• Learn more HERE.

In this enchanting Outdoor Classroom Tour and Talk episode, we take you on a virtual tour of the Chicago Botanic Gardens with Emma Donnelly, an expert educator well-versed in transforming outdoor spaces into vibrant classrooms. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems within the gardens and explore the benefits of incorporating nature into educational settings. Whether you're an educator, parent, or nature enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to inspire your next outdoor adventure.

• Emma Donnelly shares her journey to becoming an outdoor educator.
• The importance of outdoor classrooms and their impact on students.
• Highlights from the Chicago Botanic Gardens’ hidden gems.
• Practical tips for creating outdoor classrooms in any environment.

Emma Donnelly is an esteemed educator at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, specializing in outdoor learning and environmental education. She has been a nature educator for over a decade and has worked as an informal nature educator at various museums and zoos, including the Saint Louis Zoo, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a BS in Biology in 2016 and obtained her Master's in Early Childhood Education from the American College of Education in 2023. Emma is currently the Assistant Preschool Director and a Lead Teacher for a 3-5-year-old class at the Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool, a program that follows an emergent, child-directed curriculum. As a teacher, Emma focuses on social-emotional learning and advocacy to build a strong classroom community, using literacy as a springboard for learning and connection while fostering nature stewardship and a love of the outdoors.

• Chicago Botanic Gardens Website

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Episode Description: In today’s episode, we delve into the transformative power of nature-based education for educators. We discuss why it’s crucial for teachers to invest in professional development in this area and explore the myriad benefits it brings to both educators and students. Join us as we uncover the secrets to more effective, engaging, and stress-free teaching through the wonders of nature.

Key Topics Covered:

• Enhanced Teaching Skills: Exposure to nature-based education methods encourages educators to adopt new teaching strategies that are more engaging and effective.
• Improved Student Outcomes: Educators who undergo training in nature-based education can better facilitate experiential learning, leading to improved student understanding and retention of information.
• Stress Reduction: Spending time in nature reduces stress and promotes well-being, which can improve an educator's capacity to teach effectively.
• Encourages Environmental Stewardship: Educators who are trained in nature-based education are better equipped to instill a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship in their students.
• Innovation and Creativity: Nature-based education encourages creativity and innovation in lesson planning and delivery, making learning more dynamic and interactive.
• Building Stronger Connections: It fosters a deeper connection between educators, students, and the natural world, enhancing overall engagement and participation.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Nature-based education often integrates multiple subjects, promoting a holistic approach to learning that benefits both educators and students.

• Buddy Builders Outdoors: Get Acquainted Activities workshop details REGISTER HERE!
• Relevant articles or studies on the decline of playtime (if applicable)

• Subscribe to the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast for more insights
• Share this episode with fellow educators and parents
• Reach out to [email protected] for more questions or topic suggestions

• 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.

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! We appreciate your support and look forward to reading your reviews. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

In this episode, we sit down with Julie Travaglini, the Senior Director of Education and Curriculum at Allegheny Land Trust. Julie shares her journey and passion for environmental education, emphasizing the importance and benefits of connecting people with nature. She discusses various strategies for effective teaching and engagement, highlighting some of the innovative programs her team is currently developing. Listeners will hear about impactful projects, including success stories that showcase the noticeable impacts of their initiatives. Additionally, Julie provides insights into upcoming projects and her vision for the future of environmental education.

For more information about the programs and events at Allegheny Land Trust, visit Allegheny Land Trust Events. Feel free to connect with Julie or learn more about their work through their website or social media platforms. Lastly, we encourage our listeners to reflect on how environmental education has impacted their perspective on nature and conservation. Share your thoughts and experiences with us on our social media channels or through our website.

MEET JULIE:

Julie Travaglini is the Senior Director of Education and Curriculum for Allegheny Land Trust. In her role, she creates hands-on, stem and place based lessons for children and adults alike as well as providing state accredited professional development. Working in the field for almost 20 years, she regularly travels the country speaking on the importance of environmental education. She is a community leader, serving as the President of the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators as well as serving on the Board of the Western PA Mushroom Club and Beverly’s Birthdays. She recently self published a children’s book called Super Skills of Backyard Bugs, which is available on Amazon. In her spare time she can be found looking for mushrooms, kayaking or crocheting mythical creatures.

RESOURCES:

• www.alleghenylandtrust.org/events
• www.paee.net

• Buddy Builders Outdoors: Get Acquainted Activities workshop details REGISTER HERE!
• Relevant articles or studies on the decline of playtime (if applicable)

• Subscribe to the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast for more insights
• Share this episode with fellow educators and parents
• Reach out to [email protected] for more questions or topic suggestions

• 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.

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! We appreciate your support and look forward to reading your reviews. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.