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.

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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

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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:
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• 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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3. Tap on our podcast, scroll down to the 'Ratings & Reviews' section.
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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

In this eye-opening episode of Author Talk, Victoria sits down with Rae Pica to explore the transformative power of play in child development and education. Rae, an expert in early childhood education, shares insights from her new book, Why Play? offering valuable perspectives on it's essential for learning and growth.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Importance of Play: Understanding why play is vital for cognitive and emotional development in children.
• Educational Approaches: How schools and parents can integrate play into learning routines for optimized educational outcomes.
• Challenges and Misconceptions: Addressing common misconceptions about play in education and the challenges of implementing play-centric learning.
• Practical Tips: Rae’s practical advice for educators and parents to foster an environment where play is encouraged and nurtured.

Quotes:

• “Play is the work of childhood.”
• “Children learn best when they are moving, exploring, and interacting with their environment.”

About Rae Pica: Rae Pica is a renowned author and advocate for children's active learning and play. With decades of experience in the field, her works focus on the critical role movement and physical activity play in child development.

Resources Mentioned:

• Rae Pica’s books and articles on play and child development.
• Why Play? By Rae Pica COUPON CODE: PICAOC (Teachers College Press)
• Websites and tools for educators and parents to incorporate play into learning experiences.

Call to Action:

• Subscribe to our podcast, on your favorite podcast platform, for more enlightening conversations with authors and experts in education.
• Explore Rae Pica’s resources and start incorporating play into your child’s daily routine for enriched learning experiences.

• 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]

 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.