Self-Awareness Outdoors: Helping Students Notice, Feel, and Reflect

What does it really look like to teach self-awareness… outdoors?In this first episode of the SEL Outdoors: One Competency at a Time series, I’m sharing how I scaffold self-awareness with my primary students using simple, meaningful outdoor practices. From picture books like The Color Monster, In My Heart, and Listening to My Body, to nature walks, circle discussions, sit spots, and journaling—you’ll hear real, practical ways to help students notice their thoughts, emotions, and bodies in connection with the natural world.These are approachable entry points you can try right away—while also giving you a glimpse into the deeper, more intentional work that’s possible when these experiences are thoughtfully connected over time.If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to invite you to join me and Jade Berrill for our 4-part course, Social-Emotional Learning in Nature, offered through the Outdoor Learning School & Store this April. Together, we’ll explore how to build a cohesive, curriculum-connected approach to SEL through outdoor learning.✨ All sessions are recorded, so you can participate in a way that fits your schedule.Let’s begin with a simple question: What are you noticing… within yourself?