Teach Outdoors

September is a month of beginnings—new classrooms, new routines, and new opportunities to build relationships. In this episode, I sit down with Elsa Medina and Alisa Paul to talk about slowing down at the start of the school year and putting community first.

Together, they share practical routines and activities—like creating names with loose natural materials, morning greetings, and reflection circles—that help students feel safe, calm, and connected. The conversation explores:

• Why social-emotional learning comes before curriculum
• How circles and rituals support regulation and belonging
• Rights and responsibilities as a foundation for classroom agreements
• The Circle of Courage framework for independence, generosity, and belonging
• Ways to nurture intrinsic motivation instead of relying on extrinsic rewards

We also dive into the power of outdoor spaces in September—whether it’s exploring the garden classroom, noticing growth as a metaphor for learning, or playing games like Eagle Eye and Forest Perfume.

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned one, this episode offers fresh ideas for creating routines that foster autonomy, community, and joy right from the start of the school year.

In this heartfelt and reflective episode, we dive deep into what it really means to nurture resilience, perseverance, and empathy in outdoor learning spaces.

We explore how small steps – like starting with just 30 seconds at a sit spot – build stamina and belief in our ability to do hard things. Using learning continuums from Natural Curiosity (2nd Edition), we look at what growth looks like when learning is messy, nonlinear, and rooted in the land. Success doesn’t always look like neat checkboxes — sometimes, it looks like muddy boots and quiet confidence.

We unpack the power of the butterfly metaphor — a reminder that we can't rush the process or rescue too soon. Struggle is part of the learning, and nature offers the perfect environment for students (and educators!) to stretch, grow, and trust themselves.

Through stories, questions, and practical reflections, we talk about how outdoor learning grows empathy — for self, for others, and for the land. What does it mean to truly support a child through challenge without fixing everything? How does nature teach us that?

Tune in to reflect, recharge, and reimagine what learning can look like — when we let it grow at its own pace.

🌿 This episode is for anyone building strength in small moments, one outdoor step at a time.

What does it mean to regulate with our students instead of for them? In this episode, I sit down with educators Alisa Paul and Elsa Medina to explore co-regulation through a social-emotional learning lens—grounded in nature.

We share real stories about feeling dysregulated as teachers, what it means to model honesty with students, and how the land itself can become a co-regulator. Together, we reflect on:

🌿 Why naming our own nervous system state matters
 🌿 How outdoor routines can build safety, trust, and connection
 🌿 Ways that nature can calm students when adults can't
 🌿 Practical strategies a TTOC or classroom teacher can lead—starting tomorrow
 🌿 What we wish more teachers understood about managing emotions outside

Whether you're new to outdoor learning or simply feeling stretched thin, this episode offers simple, powerful ways to bring co-regulation to life—step by step, and breath by breath.

When a generous donation of mystery plants arrived at our school — unlabeled and unidentifiable — our outdoor classroom turned into a full-blown botanical detective case. In this episode of the Teach Outdoors Podcast, I share the hilarious, humbling, and deeply rewarding journey our students and I took to figure out: What exactly is growing in our garden?

From digging into field guides and sketching garden maps, to daily replantings thanks to curious crows (yes, really), and eventually calling in gardening expert Megan Zeni for backup — this story is full of inquiry, problem-solving, and lots of muddy hands.

We talk about:

• What real-world inquiry looks like outdoors
• How students designed crow-proof garden netting
• What it means to be a teacher who learns alongside your students
• And why not knowing all the answers might be the best thing for your classroom

This garden mystery reminded us what it means to be observers, stewards, and curious participants in an ever-changing ecosystem. Tune in for a mix of laughter, learning, and leafy green chaos.

🎧 Whether you're a seasoned outdoor educator or just planting your first school garden, this episode will leave you feeling inspired (and maybe slightly suspicious of your local crows).

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Teach Outdoors! Today, we’re joined by Stephanie Aleksiuk, founder of Thimbleberry Learning, environmental educator, and certified mindfulness instructor based in Calgary. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie recently at the National Outdoor Learning Conference in Banff, and the moment we started talking, I knew she needed to be on the show.

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of sit spots, mindfulness, and place-based learning—not just for students, but especially for educators navigating burnout and busy classrooms. Stephanie shares her journey of launching Thimbleberry Learning, her passion for urban biodiversity, and why supporting teacher well-being through nature connection is essential for long-term sustainability in education.

We explore:

• The origins of Thimbleberry Learning and how it supports teachers outdoors
• Why sit spots are powerful tools for adult educators, not just kids
• Simple practices to help teachers begin their own nature connection journey
• How mindfulness and SEL intersect with outdoor learning
• Ways to notice and teach biodiversity even in urban, concrete-heavy spaces
• The role of nature in building motivation, creativity, and resilience

If you're a teacher looking for realistic, grounded strategies to reconnect with nature, support your students more holistically, or simply catch your breath outdoors, this conversation is for you. Stephanie’s perspective is both calming and energizing—just like a sit spot in spring sunshine.

Links Mentioned:

• Learn more about Stephanie and her work: Thimbleberry Learning

In this reflective episode, Lauren shares her experience at the 2025 National Outdoor Learning Conference in Banff — a gathering filled with powerful stories, emotional connections, and inspiring practices in outdoor education.

From sitting in circle with Elders to trying blind contour drawings and engaging in climate action conversations, Lauren takes us inside the sessions that moved her — and the unexpected feedback that left her feeling deeply humbled.

She unpacks her own workshop on Sit Spots and how educators can weave UDL, inquiry, and land-based learning into these simple yet profound routines. You’ll also hear about:

• Why storytelling matters more than scripted land acknowledgements
• How art and nature journaling can unlock new ways of seeing
• What it means to be seen as a mentor — and how to carry that with care
• Insights from climate education, Indigenous panels, and water-based learning
• A final circle of song, gratitude, and quiet reflection in the mountains

Whether you’re new to outdoor learning or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers heartfelt insight, concrete examples, and an open invitation to keep walking this path together.

Resources & Mentions:

• Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots
• Foundations of Water Education by Maxine Koskie & Billie Jo Reid
• Sessions with Sonya Rokosh, David Norwell, Dr. Ellen Field, Sylvia Ann Fox, and more
• Shelley Moore's UDL approach: “Must, Can, Could, Try” framework
• The Outdoor Learning Store: [insert URL]
• Learn more at https://teachoutdoors.ca/ or follow @teach.outdoors on Instagram

Want to bring Sit Spots or outdoor learning to your school? Lauren offers custom workshops, team training, and curriculum-aligned resources — reach out anytime.

In this episode of the Teach Outdoors podcast, we explore how outdoor education can foster Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) with two incredible guests. Camille Simone Edwards, a DEI practitioner with over 14 years of experience, and Dan Kriesberg, a veteran environmental educator and co-creator of Diversity Education in Nature, join us to discuss how nature can be a powerful space for building community and inclusivity.

Together, we dive into why DEIN is essential in education today, the biggest challenges educators face in integrating these principles into outdoor learning, and creative activities that help students engage with diversity and belonging in nature. We also explore how fostering a connection with nature supports a sense of place, stewardship, and community.

Tune in for practical strategies, inspiring stories, and actionable steps to make outdoor learning more inclusive for all students.

Connect with Our Guests:
🔹 Camille Simone Edwards – Learn more at Camille Simone Consulting
🔹 Dan Kriesberg – Discover his work at Earth Wisdom

Using Nature Awareness Skills to Build Communities of Belonging

Webinar Description: Join Camille Simone Edwards and Dan Kriesberg, creators of Diversity Education In Nature, for an introduction to using the nature awareness skills of attending wonderfulling. Participants will gain a toolkit of actions they can apply to create communities of belonging through better connections and understanding of each other and the more than human world.
The webinar outline:What is Diversity Education In Nature?What are the nature awareness skills of attending, wonderfulling, and pattern-seeking?How can they help build communities of belonging?What are some activities for our toolkit?How to move forward and take your first next step.
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 8 – 4p-5p EST via Zoom |

Zoom Linkhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/4867633541 |

Registration Linkhttps://tinyurl.com/52d5wzsb

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In this episode, I’m sharing some BIG news—I’ve joined the Run Wild My Child Creative Team! I’ve followed them for years, drawn so much inspiration from their work, and now I get to be part of this incredible global community helping families get outside with ease. I’ll tell you all about my journey to becoming a team member, what this means for my writing, and why I’m so excited to contribute.

I’m also launching a 4-Part Virtual Course with The Outdoor Learning Store called Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom! If you’ve been looking for ways to take learning outside or want to deepen your outdoor teaching practice, this course is for you. I’ll walk through what each session covers and how it can support you in creating meaningful, engaging outdoor learning experiences.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
✔️ How I became a Run Wild My Child Creative Team Member
✔️ Why their Winter 2024 Brave magazine inspired me to apply
✔️ What it means to be part of a worldwide outdoor community
✔️ A sneak peek at my upcoming articles and contributions
✔️ Details on my Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom course and how it can help you

 Resources & Links:
✨ Subscribe to Run Wild My Child Magazine: Click Here
✨ Learn more about Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom: Click Here
✨ Check out my books: Click Here

Closing Notes:
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a review! ⭐ Your support helps more educators and parents find the podcast. And if you’ve read any of my books, a review on Amazon or Google makes a huge difference for indie authors like me.

In this episode, we’re diving into one of my favourite ways to connect literacy and outdoor learning—using great books as a springboard for exploration and play. I’ll be sharing some of my go-to seasonal read-alouds along with simple, engaging activities to bring them to life outside.

From making Leaf Man-inspired creatures in the fall to tracking animal footprints in the snow, planting seeds in spring, and searching for nature’s spirals in summer, these activities invite students to experience books in a whole new way.

Of course, outdoor learning comes with its challenges! I’ll also be sharing some real-life moments—like what happens when the wind carries away a carefully crafted leaf creation or when students struggle to describe "wildness" in words. We’ll talk about simple adaptations to keep learning meaningful (and fun!) no matter the season.

🌱 Books & Activities in This Episode:
🍁 Fall: Leaf Man (Lois Ehlert) & Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn (Kenard Pak)
❄️ Winter: Over and Under the Snow (Kate Messner) & The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Keats)
🌸 Spring: The Curious Garden (Peter Brown) & Finding Wild (Megan Wagner Lloyd)
☀️ Summer: Swirl by Swirl (Joyce Sidman) & A Beach Tail (Karen Lynn Williams)

So grab a cozy drink, step outside, and let’s talk about how to make read-alouds an adventure! 🎧✨

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to Teach Outdoors on YouTube for more outdoor learning ideas!

In this episode of the Teach Outdoors podcast, I’m diving into two exciting topics: the Thrive Outside program and author visits. Whether it’s helping teachers bring outdoor learning into their classrooms or connecting with students through storytelling, these experiences are at the heart of what I do.

First, I’m sharing all about Thrive Outside: Grow Your Teaching Space, a 5-week pilot course designed to help you build confidence and creativity in outdoor learning. I’ll walk you through how this course offers hands-on, step-by-step strategies to create meaningful outdoor experiences for both you and your students.

Next, I take you behind the scenes of what an author visit looks like, from preparing for the event to sharing my book Me and My Sit Spot with students. Whether in-person or virtual, my author visits are all about bringing stories, nature, and interactive learning to classrooms across Canada.

Tune in to hear how author visits go beyond just reading books, how the writing process comes to life, and how you can book your own author visit or learn more about Thrive Outside.