Outdoor Classrooms Podcast cover art

All Episodes

Outdoor Classrooms Podcast — 209 episodes

#
Title
1

208: The Life We Model: What Children Learn from the Way We Live

2

207: Beyond Forest School: Trusting Children, Nature & Ourselves with Mel Merchand

3

206: Nature According to Children: Voices from the Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom

4

205: Nature, Neuroscience & Meaning: What We’re Learning About Connection, Awe & the Developing Brain

5

204: Nature in the Classroom with Ernesto Rodriguez: Creating Calmer, More Focused Learning Spaces

6

203: Summer Outdoor Classroom Ideas Across Four Teaching Gardens

7

202: From Mud Kitchens to College Graduation: Outdoor Learning, Childhood & the Growth We Don’t Always See

8

201: Turn Back Time with Lisa Burris: Reclaiming Childhood Through Outdoor Learning

9

200. Aging Well Through Nature: Lessons from My 93-Year-Old Mother’s Garden

10

199: The Legacy You’re Already Living: Nature-Based Education, Outdoor Learning & the Power of Attention

11

198: Beyond the Front Door with José Bergeron: Small Shifts That Transform Family & Classroom Life Outdoors

12

197: Playful Personalities: Designing Outdoor Classrooms that Invite Every Child In

13

196: Growing Outside with Ellen Grudzien: Trusting Children, Nature, and the Process

14

195: How Outdoor Classrooms Are Rewiring the Way We Think | The Nature Embedded Mind with Julie Brams

15

194: The Outdoor Classroom Is Already Beautiful: Noticing & Using What’s Around You

16

193: What If? Reimagining Education Through Play, Nature, and Outdoor Classrooms

17

192: Behind the Pages: The Making of My Book, Outdoor Classrooms Unlocked

18

191: Finding the Openings: What Sudoku Taught Me About Teaching Outdoors

19

190: Growing Wins: Celebrating Success in the Outdoor Classroom

20

189: CIRCLE Roundtable Reflections: What Happens When Educators Truly Belong

21

188: Follow the Water: Story, Survival & Science in the Outdoor Classroom with Ellen Cochrane

22

187: From Seed to Sanctuary: Cultivating Garden-Centered Classrooms with Sara Rubens

23

186: Growing a Greener Future with CitySprouts: Pubic School Gardens for Teaching & Learning

24

185: In Sync with Nature: Lessons in Rhythm, Pause, and Presence

25

184: Imperfect Sustainability: Building Environmental Literacy in the Outdoor Classroom with Alexa Pavan

26

183: When Directors Call in January: What Nature-Based Educators Really Need Right Now

27

182: "Oh, The Places You Will Go" – Ocean State Kids with Marial Leisge

28

181: Dirty, Messy, and Full of Wonder: Remembering Juliet Robertson

29

180: 2025 Reflections & Looking Ahead to 2026: Growth, Community, and Teaching Beyond Walls

30

179: Setting Goals for the New Year in Your Outdoor Classroom Using the Four Types of Teaching Gardens

31

178: Wintering Well: What Children Need Most in a Season of Stillness

32

177: Good Natured Learning with Becca Katz: Transforming Schools in Kenya Through Outdoor Classrooms

33

176: From Tree Farm to Learning Haven: The Heartwood Nature School Story with Martha Burke

34

175: Gratitude in Nature: A Must-Do Practice for Your Brain and Heart

35

174: "In Our Nature"~ Storytelling, Film, and the Power of Nature with Juliet Grable & James Parker

36

173: TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: Ann Ranger’s Breakthrough in the Outdoor Classrooms Certification Program

37

172: TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: Amy Wood's Success Story with the Outdoor Classroom Teacher Certification

38

171: The Art of Noticing: Helping Children See the World through Nature's Eyes

39

170: Free Range Learning: An Outdoor Journey with Shannon Sadler

40

169: The Gift of Gratitude: Nurturing Thankfulness in Nature-Based Education

41

168: Leap of Faith: Trusting Nature's Wisdom and Embracing a Growth Mindset

42

167: Making Sunshine: The Outdoor Classroom Journey Beyond Walls

43

166: Where Exploration Meets Education: A Tour and Talk with Tina Brouwer Kraska from Red Oaks Forest School

44

165: From Vision to Reality: Empowering Your Dreams For Your Outdoor Learning Spaces

45

164: TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: Jorja Dearing's Success Story with the Outdoor Classroom Teacher Certification

46

163: Deep Wellness - Science, Spirit & Community with Sarah Hutchinson

47

162: Every Drop Counts: Nurturing Young Minds with Water Science with Ann Gadzikowski

48

161: Unlocking Child Potential: Leaning into Observation and Uninterrupted Play with Ade Hofmann at Nature Play All Day

49

160: Urgent Call! Understanding and Protecting the Natural World with Griff Griffith

50

159: Family Nature-Based Childcare: A Lifestyle, Not Just a Job with Stacy Morgan

51

158: Empowering Young Minds: BOPN's Free, Public Outdoor Preschool at Franklin Park Zoo

52

157: Barefoot University Tour and Talk with Madeleine Braden and Amber Brown

53

156: Leap and Build: Crafting Your Parachute for New Horizons in Your Outdoor Teaching Practice

54

155: From Quiet Achiever to Storyteller: Amplifying Voices in Outdoor Education

55

154: Five Sustainable Practices in Outdoor Classrooms

56

153: School's Out: Now What? Exploring Summer Learning Adventures

57

152: Growing Minds: Cultivating Education and Community at the Farm with Ryan Blosser

58

151: Leading with Love: Jan Plourde's Inspiring Journey with the REAL Program

59

150: The Power of Collaboration: Building a Community of Nature-Based Educators

60

149: Nurturing Minds in Nature - A Conversation with Jorja Dearing

61

148: Nature's Classroom: Enhancing Your Teaching Practice Through Personal Exploration

62

147: Exploring Outdoor Learning: A Tour and Talk with Jen Gelhar of Little Beginning Learning Center

63

146: Inside 'The School Garden Curriculum' with Author Kaci Rae Christopher

64

145: Seasonal Mastery: Enhancing Outdoor Learning Year-Round

65

144: More than a Tomato Plant: Engaging the Players with Sandra Duncan and Clare Nugent

66

143: Seasonal Activities for Outdoor Classrooms: Spring into Learning

67

142: Thriving in Nature: Dr. Michelle Borba on Cultivating Resilient and Empathetic Kids

68

141: Nurturing Wonder: Suzette Salmon on Nature-Based Learning and Overcoming Daycare Burnout

69

140: Empowering Eco-Minds: Planet Bonehead's Revolution in Environmental Education

70

139: Nature's Classroom: Montessori Magic at Harborlight with Elisa Pitkin

71

138: Nature is the HEART of the Story with Jodi Simpson

72

137: The Role of Imagination in Ecological Education with Dr. Gillian Judson

73

136: Unexpected Beginnings: My Outdoor Classroom Story

74

135: The Importance of a Mark: Nature-based Journaling with Amy Wood

75

134: A Journey through the Landscape of Inquiry Outdoors with Kath Murdoch

76

133: Strength in Play: Kids Engaging in Heavy Work Outdoors with Jaala Shaw from GORUCK Tribe Kids

77

132: Beyond the Four Walls: Embracing Nature in Education with Maxine and Brianna from Buena Vista School

78

131: Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning with Rachel Larimore and Claire Warden

79

130: The Power of Play: A Conversation with Rae Pica

80

129: Nature's Classroom: Unleashing the Science Behind Outdoor Learning

81

128: Unlocking Creativity & Inquiry Outdoors: The Power of Play Playlist

82

127: Beyond SMART: Goals Rooted in Outdoor Classrooms

83

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

84

125: Seeds of Change: Growing Educational Gardens with Leila Mireskandari founder of Kids Growing City

85

124: Nature’s Playlist: Weaving Frameworks, Pedagogy, and Schemas into Outdoor Play

86

123: Unlocking the Outdoors: Teacher Certification Program

87

122: Discover Nature’s Hidden Gems: An Outdoor Classroom Tour & Talk with Emma Donnelly at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

88

121. The Transformative Power of Nature-Based Education Workshops for Teachers

89

120: Beyond the Classroom: Innovative Environmental Education with Julie Travaglini

90

119: Don't Just Listen – Experience Buddy Builders Outdoors for Real Impact

91

118: End of Summer Special: Top 5 Podcasts Playlist

92

117: The Power of Persistence in Outdoor Classrooms

93

116: The Answer is YES, The Question is HOW with Andy Webster from the Walden Project

94

115: Legacy of Bloom: Family Tales of Gardening with the Hacketts

95

114: Balanced and Barefoot: Q&A with Author Angela Hanscom

96

113: Roots of Learning: Nature in Elementary Science Education with Victoria Zablocki from Naturally Teaching

97

112: Day Four: Growing Minds: Gardens as Outdoor Learning Stations

98

111. Day Three: Cultivating Creativity: Gardens for Art & Beauty

99

110: Day Two: The Edible Eden: Gardens that Feed

100

109: Day One: Unveiling the Secrets of Summer Wildlife Gardens

101

108: Unlock the Secrets of Summer Teaching Gardens: FREE 5-Day LIVE Event

102

107: Outdoor Classroom CIRCLE Book Club: #2 Balanced and Barefoot by Angela Hanscom

103

106: Tuning in to Outdoor Play with Meagan Duncan from Connected Kids Thrive

104

105: Equitable Access to Nature: Breaking Barriers with Mandy Slavik from the Boston Outdoor Preschool Network

105

104: Releasing the Artist Within: A Children's Outdoor Art Show with Laura Delgado from The Montessori Tree

106

103: The Future of Outdoor Learning: Adapting to Change

107

102: Revitalizing Tradition: A Journey with The Secret Garden That Feeds

108

101: Therapeutic Forest School: Perspectives on Nature-Based Wellness with Tamara Wineland from AdventureME & Trek Outdoors

109

100: One Hundred Episode CELEBRATION!!!

110

99: Starting a Nature School with CIRCLE Member Katie Minor from Wonderforest School

111

98: Exploring Nature in Spring: A Masterclass

112

97: Inquiry-Based Learning in an Outdoor Classroom with Edwina Cottino

113

96: Five Ways to Introduce Poetry into the Outdoor Classroom

114

95. Legacy Of Impact: Changing The Face Of Public Education Through Outdoor Classrooms with Jodi Simpson

115

94: Massachusetts Environmental Education Conference

116

93: Ignite Outdoor Learning & Try Something New Everyday

117

92. Seven Tips to Harvest a Connection to the Natural World

118

91: Connect with Nature in a Disconnected World with Robyn Broudie from Roots 2 Rise

119

90: Five Steps to Grow Holistic Development, Health and Well-Being in your Outdoor Classroom

120

89. Explore, Create and Play with Charlotte Ellis from Seasons: A Tour and Talk

121

88. Plant Seeds of Wonder

122

87. Wintergarden with Author Janet Fox

123

86. Growing a Forest School with Bianca Hagen from Hidden Valley Forest School

124

85: Lessons Learned from the Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass

125

84. Eight Ways to use Technology in Nature?

126

83: Delivering Technology to Assess and Promote Nature Exposure with Jared Hanley from Nature Quant

127

82. Love is Everywhere! Let's Find Hearts in Nature

128

81: Outside the Classroom Walls with Heather Bishop

129

80: Cultivating a Daily Rhythm in your Outdoor Classroom

130

79: Three Pillars of Outdoor Learning Adventures with Jessica Kagle from Kestrel Educational Adventures

131

78. Last Call! Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass

132

77. Reflections from Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass Alumni

133

76: IT'S BACK! The Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass

134

75. Unstructured Child's Play Outdoors with Teacher Tom

135

74. Tapping into Outdoor Classroom Icebreakers

136

73. Moving and Learning Outside with Author Rae Pica

137

72: NEW Book of the Month Inside the Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE Community

138

71. How to Navigate Licensing a Fully Outdoor Program with Jess Labbe from Village Nest Cooperative

139

70. Sustainable Living and Green Beverly with Julia Long and Shelley Lee

140

69. Be Prepared and Feel Confident Outdoors with Nicole Roma Thurrell from Wild Med

141

68. How to Choose a Word of the Year for Your Outdoor Teaching Practice

142

67. Good Natured Learning with Becca Katz

143

66. Embrace Winter and Shift Winter Mindsets in Your Outdoor Classroom

144

65. Seven Essential Strategies for Leadership Buy-In For Your Outdoor Classroom

145

64. Unpaved Paradise at the Garden School

146

63. Getting to YES! Outdoor Classrooms In Our Public Schools

147

62. Playful Learning at Kind Roots with Annie Berres

148

61: Celebrate the Seasons Change with a Lantern Walk

149

60. Healthy Ecosystems and Community Focused Outdoor Classrooms with Bridger Hahn

150

59. The Link between Nature Education and Environmental Advocacy for Children

151

58. The Big Book of Nature Activities with Authors Drew Monkman and Jacob Rodenburg

152

57. Embracing the Energy of Autumn

153

56. Celebrating Rituals at Wasatch Nature School with Kristy Nuttall

154

55. Green Schoolyards America with Rachel Pringle

155

54. Understanding Montessori Practical Life Outdoors

156

53. The Natural Advantage with Ricardo Sierra

157

52. Three Approaches to Teaching Outdoors

158

51. A Classroom Without Walls at Northshore Nursery School

159

50. How to Add Floorbooks and Talking Tubs to Your Outdoor Classroom (Inspired by Clare Warden)

160

49. Eight Schemas of Play for Outdoor Learning

161

48. FREE 3-Part Training Series: Ignite Wonder, Curiosity and Flow Into Your Outdoor Classroom

162

47. Can Technology Enhance Outdoor Learning?

163

46. The Four Seasons at Walworth School Kindergarten Outdoor Classroom with Cathy Boldger

164

45. Intrinsic Motivation in Outdoor Classrooms

165

44. Build Community with the Hannah School ~ Principal Gabrielle Montevecchi

166

43. Reclaim the Roots in Education with Jean Lomino from The Forest School Teacher Institute

167

42: From a Seed of Inspiration CIRCLE Reflections with Ann Ranger

168

41: Bilingual Unplugged Adventure Play with Nicole Marie Majewski

169

40: The Ripple Effect CIRCLE Refections with Member Laura Delgado

170

39. Reggio-Inspired SHED Children's Campus with Linda Shottes Bouchard

171

38. Sow Seeds and Bloom: CIRCLE Member Reflections with Michelle Lipp

172

37: Place-Based Learning with Taira Restar from Emerald Heart Forest School

173

36: Messy Maths with Juliet Robertson

174

35: Barefeet Farm School with Erin Majeske

175

34. Environmental Generational Amnesia: Can We Cure It?

176

33. Little Farmers Preschool with Maia Lewis

177

32. No One Goes Outside Anymore: The Research

178

31. Teaching Off Trail with Peter Dargatz

179

30. The Adventures in Risky Play with Author Rusty Keeler

180

29. Wild Learning with Author Rachel Tidd

181

28. Ten Must-Read Nature-Based Books From My Bookshelf

182

27. Me and My Sit Spot with Author Lauren MacLean

183

26. Nine Ways to Embrace Nature Every Day

184

25. There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather with Author Linda McGurk

185

24. Fostering a Growth Mindset in Your Outdoor Teaching Practice

186

23. Small Outdoor Programs Can Make a Big Impact with Laura Delgado from The Montessori Tree

187

22. Inquiry-Based Teaching & Learning Outdoors

188

21. Child-Led Teaching with Rhonda Pollock at the Pollywogs Nature Playschool

189

20. Grow Confidence and Community through Nature

190

19. Keep Kids Muddy with Jess Labbe at the Village Nest Cooperative Nature School

191

18. Imagine If Teaching Outdoors Was The Norm?

192

17. Rethinking Nature Pedagogy in Higher Education with April Zakjo

193

16. Teaching Patience Through Nature Study

194

15. Rooted in Imagination with Clare Nugent from The Ferntop Nature Preschool

195

14. Explore the Temperate Rainforest with Nicole Fravel & the Wildwood Nature School

196

13. The Magic of Mud Play

197

12. Find Nature in the City with the Toronto Nature School

198

11. Get Outdoors with the Outdoor School Shop

199

10. Nature’s Classroom: A Deep Dive into Four Types of Teaching Gardens

200

9. Literacy Moves Outdoors with Valerie Bang-Jensen

201

8. Begin Your Outdoor Classroom with the Child in Mind

202

7. Nature Play for the 7 Senses with Jena Jauchius

203

6. Five Phases of Teaching Outdoors: A Framework

204

5. Mindfulness in the Garden with Jean Skaane

205

4. What is Nature Pedagogy?

206

3. OUTDOOR CLASSROOM TOUR & TALK: The Hidden Valley Forest School with Bianca Hagen

207

2. The Power of Nature-Based Play Outdoors

208

How Does Nature Impact Young Children's Wellbeing?

209

Introducing the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast