In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jan Plourde, the founder of the REAL Program. Discover how Jan's passion for education and community service led her to create a program that impacts countless lives. Learn about the challenges she faced, the triumphs she celebrated, and how leading with love became her guiding principle.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Introduction to Jan Plourde and the REAL Program: Background on Jan's career and the inception of the REAL Program.

* Challenges and Triumphs: Insights into the obstacles Jan encountered and how she overcame them.

* The Power of Community: How the REAL Program fosters community involvement and support.

* Leading with Love: Jan's philosophy on leadership and how love plays a crucial role in her approach.

* Impact Stories: Real-life stories of individuals who have been positively affected by the REAL Program.

* Future Vision: Jan's aspirations for the future of the REAL Program and her ongoing commitment to education and community service. 

MEET JAN:

Jan Plourde, M. Ed., founder and Executive Director, has over 40 years of experience as an educator, non-profit and business leader. As founder of First Friends Daycare, The Learning Tree Store, Fulton Publishing/Developmental Teaching, LLC and early childhood professor at North Shore Community College Jan employs a community-based approach to improving the lives of children and young adults. This community-based approach is a basic tenet of The REAL Program.

Notable Quotes

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." – Jan Plourde

"When you lead with love, you create an environment where everyone can thrive." – Jan Plourde

Call to Action:

* Visit the REAL Program Website: Learn more about the program, volunteer opportunities, and how you can contribute.

* Connect with Jan: Follow her journey and get inspired by her work in education and community building.

Additional Resources:

The REAL Program Website - Explore more about the program's mission and impact. https://www.therealprogram.org/

Jan Plourde's Contact Information - [email protected]

Starting Small Preschool - https://www.therealprogram.org/starting-small

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

Thank You for Listening!

We appreciate your support and dedication to enhancing outdoor education. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes.

Join us as we explore the impact of collaboration among nature-based educators. With the Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp opening on June 1, we discuss the benefits of connecting with like-minded peers and share insights on adult learning.

Key Points:

* Community Building: Discover the importance of being part of a supportive network.

* Collaborative Benefits: Learn how sharing resources and ideas enhances teaching.

* Adult Learning Insights: Understand how adults thrive in collaborative environments.

Call to Action

* Join the Bootcamp: Be part of a vibrant community and enhance your teaching skills.

* Share Your Thoughts: Connect with us on social media and join the conversation.

Bootcamp Registration: https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/product/outdoor-teaching-bootcamp/

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

In this enlightening episode, we take you on a journey through the vibrant world of nature-based education with our special guest, Jorja Dearing. As an active member of our CIRCLE membership community and the first graduate of the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program, Jorja has become a leader and advocate for integrating nature into learning environments.

Episode Highlights:

Meet Jorja Dearing: Discover Jorja's inspiring journey as an enrichment educator at Lial Catholic School in Whitehouse, Ohio. Learn about her passion for nature-based education and how it has transformed her teaching approach.

Outdoor Classroom Tour: Join us as Jorja gives us a virtual tour of the outdoor classrooms at Lial Catholic School. Experience the innovative ways she incorporates nature into her curriculum to foster curiosity and engagement among her students. (CIRCLE Members get access to the photo tour)

The Impact of Nature-Based Learning: Jorja shares insights into the benefits of nature-based education, including enhanced student well-being, increased creativity, and improved academic performance.

Becoming a Leader in Nature Education: Learn about Jorja's journey through the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program and how it equipped her with the tools and knowledge to become a leader in her field.

Advocacy and Community Involvement: Hear about Jorja's efforts to advocate for nature-based education within her school and the broader community. Discover how she inspires other educators to embrace the outdoors as a powerful learning tool.

Join the Conversation:

We invite you to listen to this episode and be inspired by Jorja's dedication to nurturing young minds through nature. Whether you're an educator, parent, or nature enthusiast, there's something for everyone in this engaging discussion.

Resources Mentioned:

* Details about the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program. https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/outdoor-classrooms-teacher-certification-program/

* Seasonal Masterclass Bundle https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/explore-nature-seasonal-masterclass-bundle/

* Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course. https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/product/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

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Share your thoughts and experiences with outdoor learning on social media using #OutdoorClassroomsPodcast.

In this episode, we explore the profound impact that personal time in nature can have on educators and their teaching practices. Discover how stepping into nature without the company of children can enhance your creativity, reflection, and effectiveness in outdoor classrooms.

Key Topics Discussed:

* The Importance of Personal Nature Time:

* Understanding the benefits of nature for personal well-being and professional growth.

Insights into how personal nature experiences can enhance teaching effectiveness.

Nature as a Source of Inspiration:

* Personal stories and experiences of finding inspiration and creativity in nature.

The reflective process that occurs when educators connect with nature on a personal level.

Practical Tips for Educators:

* Suggestions for incorporating personal nature time into daily routines.

Activities and practices to help educators reconnect with nature and find teaching inspiration.

Impact on Teaching Practices:

* How personal nature experiences translate into more engaging and effective outdoor classrooms.

Examples of educators who have successfully integrated personal nature time into their teaching.

Call to Action:

We invite you to share your experiences and insights on spending time in nature and its impact on your teaching.

Check out our upcoming events and resources related to outdoor classrooms and personal nature exploration.

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

Thank You for Listening!

We appreciate your support and dedication to enhancing outdoor education. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jen Gelhar from Little Beginning Learning Center. In this episode, we explore the wonders of outdoor learning and take a virtual tour of Jen's innovative outdoor classrooms. Discover how nature can become a powerful tool in education and how Jen's program is making a difference in children's lives. CIRCLE Members will also have exclusive access to pictures from Jen's program. 

Key Highlights: 

* Introduction to Jen Gelhar and Little Beginning Learning Center

* The philosophy and benefits of outdoor learning

* A detailed tour of the outdoor classrooms

* Success stories and impactful moments from Jen's program

* How to implement outdoor learning in your own educational setting

Meet Jen:

Jen Gelhar is the owner and founder of Little Beginnings Learning Center in Hastings, MN, as well as Just In Time Teachers, an early childhood substitute teacher and coaching company. Jen's educational background is in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from UW-River Falls.

Since 1999, Jen has operated Little Beginnings alongside her husband, Wade. Her vision is to cultivate an environment where nature, faith, and community are integral to the program, creating a faith-based atmosphere where children can grow and experience the love of God through nature. 

In her free time, Jen enjoys hiking, horseback riding, gardening, camping, and traveling.

Resources Mentioned:

* Details about the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program. https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/outdoor-classrooms-teacher-certification-program/

* Seasonal Masterclass Bundle https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/explore-nature-seasonal-masterclass-bundle/

* Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course. https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/product/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

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Share your thoughts and experiences with outdoor learning on social media using #OutdoorClassroomsPodcast.

Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Kaci Rae Christopher, the author of "The School Garden Curriculum." Kaci shares her insights into how gardening can be an educational tool that enriches students' lives and learning experiences. Discover the transformational power of integrating nature into school curricula and how it empowers young minds to grow.

In This Episode:

* Introduction to Kaci Rae Christopher and her work

* The journey of creating "The School Garden Curriculum"

* Key benefits of school gardens for student development

* Practical advice for educators looking to implement garden-based learning

* Success stories from schools that have adopted the curriculum

Listener Challenge: Think about how you can bring elements of nature into your own learning or teaching environments to encourage creativity and engagement.

Resources Mentioned:

* Purchase The School Garden Curriculum

* Connect with Kaci Rae Christopher

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

Episode Summary:

In today's episode, I guide you through the transformative power of seasonal learning in outdoor classrooms. From foundational skills to season-specific activities, discover how to enhance educational experiences throughout the year with the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program.

Introduction:

* Welcome to another enriching episode of "Outdoor Classrooms."

* Explore the concept of learning through the seasons and introduce the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program, highlighting its structured approach to outdoor education.

Step 1: The Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp

* Learn about the essential skills taught in the bootcamp that lay the groundwork for versatile learning applications across all seasons.

Seasonal Opportunities with the Seasonal Masterclass Bundle:

* Spring: Discover activities and educational opportunities unique to spring.

* Summer: Engage with explorative adventures and projects featured in the summer masterclass.

* Autumn: Explore harvest-themed activities and ecological studies included in the autumn curriculum.

* Winter: Dive into winter-specific learning topics and activities providing unique educational experiences.

Step 3: Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course:

* Understand how this course allows teachers to personalize and adapt lessons for year-round applicability.

* Hear success stories and potential outcomes from completing this integrative capstone course.

Practical Tips & Community Engagement:

* Gain practical advice on incorporating these steps into your teaching practice right away.

* Learn about the power of community engagement by organizing collaborative seasonal events for shared learning experiences.

Resources Mentioned:

* Details about the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program. https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/outdoor-classrooms-teacher-certification-program/

* Seasonal Masterclass Bundle https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/explore-nature-seasonal-masterclass-bundle/

* Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course. https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/product/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

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 Overview:

In this enlightening episode, Sandra Duncan and Clare Nugent dive deep into the world of children's learning styles within the outdoor classroom. They explore the various roles that children naturally gravitate toward during outdoor play and learning, and how these roles can be encouraged and nurtured by educators and caregivers.

Key Learning Styles Discussed:

* Collectors: Children who love to gather items, whether they're leaves, rocks, or other natural treasures.

* Diggers: Enthusiastic about unearthing what's beneath the surface, these children are naturally curious about the ground below.

* Transformers: Kids who see potential in everything, creating and recreating with found materials.

* Storytellers: Natural narrators who bring events to life with their vivid imaginations.

* Investigators: Detail-oriented and inquisitive, these children question and explore their surroundings thoroughly.

* Nibblers: Those who explore the garden through taste, keen on learning through their palate.

* Planters: Future gardeners who delight in sowing seeds and nurturing plants.

* Artists: These children express themselves creatively through drawing, painting, or crafting with natural materials.

* Builders: Constructive thinkers focused on building structures, forts, or arrangements from elements around them.

* Waterers: Tender-hearted caretakers committed to nurturing and providing care for living things.

Key Takeaway:

This episode emphasizes that we're not just planting tomatoes; we're creating dynamic and inviting spaces for children to forge memories and grow. The outdoor classroom isn't just a physical space; it's a transformative environment where each child's unique learning style is recognized and celebrated.

Conclusion:

Tune in to learn how you can create engaging outdoor environments that cater to every child's style of play and learning, fostering a lifelong connection with nature and peers.

More than a Tomato Plant Article

Meet Sandra:

Sandra Duncan, EdD is an international specialist on early childhood environments. She has conducted extensive research on the psychology of places and spaces, specifically how children engage with built environments and natural surroundings. Sandra applies the pedagogical theories of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf when creating holistic designed places for young children.

Dr. Duncan is a former owner of multi-site/multi-state early learning campuses, president of an educational publishing company, and publisher of two well-respected education journals. She is also the author of seven books focused on environmental design, designer of four furniture collections (Sense of Place/Sense of Place for Wee Ones/Sense of Place for School Age/Sense of Place for Infants), and adjunct faculty at Nova Southeastern University. Sandra has designed and teaches university courses (i.e., Association for Learning Environments) on built early learning environments, collaborating with architects, interior designers, and educators to create extraordinary places and possibilities for children and students of all ages. She is eternally grateful for the many opportunities she has experienced transforming hundreds of environments into extraordinary and inspiring places for young children.

[email protected]

www.SandraDuncan.com

219-743-2923

Meet Clare:

How can something as small as a bird change the course of one’s life? It was a little black-capped chickadee that filled Clare with hope and gave her life direction during a particularly painful time many years ago. A tiny bird sparked a dream that would change the course of her life forever!

Clare clearly sees that it’s been the painful trials that have truly shaped her life and made her a more impactful and empathetic educator. She is a children's naturalist who uses imagination and make believe to deepen children's experience WITH and IN the outdoors.

Clare owns and operates Ferntop Nature School, an outdoor school in Middle Tennessee for children ages 3-14 years. The school is located on her farm and has been running since 2014.

https://www.ferntopnaturepreschool.com/

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 Summary:

Join us in this exciting episode as we explore the vibrant world of seasonal activities within outdoor classrooms. We delve into how aligning educational activities with the seasons can boost student engagement and learning. This episode highlights the "April Showers" workshop, a key feature of our Exploring Nature in Spring Masterclass, part of our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

* The Importance of Seasonal Activities: Discover how seasonal changes offer unique educational opportunities and enhance environmental awareness.

* Overview of the Exploring Nature in Spring Masterclass: Learn how our program inspires innovative teaching by integrating season-themed workshops.

* Spotlight on "April Showers" Workshop: Get a closer look at this engaging workshop focused on understanding rain's role in ecosystems through hands-on projects and sensory activities.

* Tips for Educators: Practical advice on implementing seasonal activities and integrating them seamlessly into your curriculum.

*Community Involvement and Continued Learning: Explore how partnerships with local organizations can enrich outdoor education and opportunities for further professional growth.

Resources Mentioned:

* Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program

* Exploring Nature in Spring Masterclass

*The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE Membership

Call to Action:

* Join the Program: Interested in enriching your teaching approach? Sign up for a 1-1 Call today with Victoria Hackett to learn more about the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program!

* Share Your Experience: Tried any of these activities in your classroom? We'd love to hear about it! Share your stories and feedback with us.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:

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

Join us for a truly enlightening conversation with Dr. Michelle Borba, a renowned educational psychologist and bestselling author, who shares her expert insights on fostering resilience and empathy in children through the power of nature. 🍃✨

In this episode, Dr. Borba delves into how outdoor experiences and natural environments can significantly enhance children's emotional intelligence and ability to empathize with others. By integrating nature into learning, children not only thrive academically but also develop crucial life skills that prepare them for the challenges of the future.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The significance of nature in nurturing resilience and empathy in children
• Practical strategies for integrating natural elements into everyday learning environments
• Real-life success stories of children thriving through nature-inspired education
• Dr. Borba's expert tips on preparing children to face life’s challenges with confidence and compassion

Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate for children's well-being, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help nurture the next generation of empathetic leaders.

Connect with Dr. Michelle Borba:

Website: https://micheleborba.com/

Tune in to discover how nature can be a transformative ally in raising resilient and empathetic kids!

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