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Outdoor Classrooms Podcast

Victoria Hackett, M.Ed: Learning Gardens and Nature Based Curriculum

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The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast is the podcast for teachers and parents and anyone interested in cultivating learning gardens and nature-based curricula for children. It’s a show that will help you transform your outdoor space and will offer “seeds of inspiration” for playful learning outdoors. Each week, Victoria Hackett and her guests will share tips and actionable strategies that you will need in order to set in motion, manage and grow your Outdoor Classroom. You’ll learn how to implement ...
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Are you an elementary teacher that wants to add more science into your teaching schedule but feel like you don’t have the time? Do you know the value of cultivating science skills in your students but feel like you don’t know the best way to incorporate them in your classroom? Then this is the perfect show for you! Naturally Teaching Elementary Science is a podcast designed for the elementary teacher with too much on their plate but a desire to best serve their students. Each week Victoria Z ...
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Learning gardens benefit children of all ages, including elementary students. Victoria Hackett from Outdoor Classrooms is on the podcast today to share her experience with developing and using learning gardens to teach children in the hopes of inspiring more elementary teachers to use them in their own teaching. Victoria has experience touring and …
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Legacy of Bloom: Family Tales of Gardening with the Hacketts Episode Overview: In this special episode of "Legacy of Bloom," we sit down with my 91 year old Mum Judith, and older brother, Christopher, to explore their deep-rooted love for gardening. Spanning several generations, the Hacketts share personal stories, cherished memories, and invaluabl…
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We've reached the 10th episode of the podcast! 🥳 To celebrate, I'm sharing the 10 best nature apps to use in the elementary classroom. Aside from being *FREE* and available on Apple and Android products, listen in as I explain why I LOVE these 10 apps: The Weather Channel (or another weather app) My Lightning Tracker Merlin Bird ID iNaturalist Seek…
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Introduction Welcome to today's special episode! We are thrilled to host Angela Hanscom, the esteemed author of Balanced and Barefoot. This LIVE Q&A event was inspired by our insightful discussions during the book club within the CIRCLE Membership. After diving deep into Angela's valuable insights, our members were inspired to initiate separate dis…
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Introducing invertebrates in your classroom can give your students a more complete picture of animals and their unique characteristics. However, it can be challenging to distinguish the differences between some groups, so consider using picture books to help you illustrate those differences! In this episode, I review 10 picture books (actually 43 b…
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In this episode of "Roots of Learning," we explore the innovative ways that elementary school teachers can integrate nature into their science education curriculum. Our discussion delves into the importance of connecting young learners with the natural world and how this connection can enhance their understanding of scientific concepts. Key Points …
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Animals are inherently interesting to students, so let's take advantage of their characteristics to help you reach your curricular goals! In this episode I introduce different Next Generation Science Standards that can be enhanced by teaching animal characteristics. I also conduct an animal characteristic breakdown where I explain what makes mammal…
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Summary: In this episode, we explore how gardens can be transformed into outdoor learning stations that enrich educational experiences for students. We'll discuss the benefits of hands-on learning, the integration of gardening into various subjects, and the benefits of adding learning stations to your outdoor classroom. Key Points Discussed The mai…
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Description: In this episode, we delve into the fascinating intersection of gardening and artistry in your outdoor classroom. Discover how cultivating this teaching garden can be a profound form of creative expression and contribute to the wellness of your children and aesthetic beauty of your outdoor classroom. Join us as we explore inspiring stor…
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Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve into the world of why edible gardens with a focus on the benefits of planting kitchen gardens with kids. We also share inspiring engagement questions. Benefits: 1. Educational Opportunities 2. Hands-On Learning 3. Healthy Eating Habits 4. Responsibility and Patience 5. Connection to Nature 6. Physical Acti…
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Introduction Welcome to the first episode of our free 5-part series, "Unlock the Secrets of Summer Teaching Gardens"! Today, we will embark on a fascinating journey to discover the hidden gems in your summer wildlife garden. I'm Victoria Hackett, your guide through this adventure, where we’ll explore various ways to attract and support wildlife in …
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If you've considered teaching outside but you're worried about safety, make sure to listen to this episode. I cover 5 outdoor education safety tips to help ease your mind and get you prepared for the upcoming school year. After 8 years of teaching outside, it all boils down to these 5 things. Listen in as we talk about: Preparing your outdoor space…
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Episode Summary Welcome to an exciting episode of Outdoor Classroom Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to announce a special opportunity for all garden enthusiasts, educators, and nature lovers. Join us for the "Unlock the Secret of Summer Teaching Gardens" - a FREE 5-Day LIVE Event designed to immerse you and your children in the beauty and wisdom of …
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Science skills are abstract and can be challenging for students to understand. However, picture books are a great way to make science skills more concrete because they show skills in action. They can also show the results of those skills, illustrating why they are important in science. In this episode, I cover 10 picture books that introduce scienc…
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Have you heard? I have just announced our second Outdoor Classroom’s CIRCLE Book Club selection! It's Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela Hanscom. Book description: Today's kids have adopted sedentary lifestyles filled with television, video games, and computer screens. Bu…
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Providing hands-on experiences with plants while teaching science can be challenging when we want to preserve the integrity of our school yard ecosystem. But I have a hack for you...invasive species activities! Tune in to find out why invasive species are perfect for up-close investigations, harvesting, and being the subject of fascinating research…
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Teaching with books is a great way to make science more approachable and enjoyable for your students. But it's not just about reading books, it's about making them engaging and integrating them into your science lessons. That's why I'm excited to have Steve Frisbee on the show today. He shares my obsession with children's books and he has a lot of …
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Outdoor education has many benefits for teaching science but can seem daunting, especially when your plate as a teacher is already so full. Listen in as I break down how to set up your outdoor learning environment to make outdoor education more attainable. We'll talk through planning your routines and expectations and how to practice them your firs…
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Are you interested in science activities that will better reach your elementary students? Do you feel like finding experiments is challenging and not very rewarding? I'm here to help lift the weight off your shoulders. In this episode, I'm introducing 10 science activities for elementary students that aren't experiments. Examples and actionable ste…
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Today I'm chatting with Meaghan Duncan about how effective communication increases cooperation and elevates connection. She believes, with the right tools, it is possible to turn moments of contention and correction, into moments of quality connection outdoors in nature. Listen and learn her tips and tricks for both parents and educators. MEET MEAG…
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Mandy and I discuss the Boston Outdoor Preschool Network's Forest Days Program in this episode. From there, we talk about how important it is for everyone to have equal access to nature, how to start a nature program in the city, and how to connect nature to curriculum! Pour yourself a cup of tea and listen. I promise you, this conversation will mo…
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Are you an elementary teacher who understands the importance of science education but struggles to find the time and resources to include it into your curriculum? Do you dream of incorporating outdoor education experiences and integrating science and literacy, but feel overwhelmed by where to begin? Then this podcast is for you! Join me each week a…
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Have you ever heard a two year old child announce to you, "I am an artist."? This is exactly the result of Laura Delgado's tireless effort to create an all inclusive art show for young children. Do you want to host an art show, but don't know where to start? Laura discusses her experiences with the Outdoor Classroom Art Show as well as success stra…
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There has to be a good reason for the change because it is difficult. Usually, change is reactive. A scarcity attitude is one of the main obstacles I hear from educators who are reluctant to switch to an outdoor teaching paradigm. Not Enough Time Why does it lack? The response from the students The anticipation of out-of-control behavior Absence of…
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Have you been keeping up with my stories on Instagram? This year, I decided to try something entirely different after nearly giving up on planting and maintaining my edible garden. In this episode, listen to the story that inspired me to test out a new system in my Secret Gardens that Feeds. I've been using photos to record the process so far, but …
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This episode is an Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk with Tamara Wineland from AdventureME and Trek Outdoors. A licensed micro-forest and nature school serving children ages 3-5 in Black Forest, CO. Their approach is not an unsupervised free-for-all, but a behind-the-scenes facilitation of exploration and learning. They use a blended pedagogy that a…
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For most schools, the 100th day falls sometime in February or early March. Many teachers use the countdown in their lessons by having children tally the days on a whiteboard or by filling a countdown chart with numbers or stickers. Many wear special t-shirts to celebrate the 100th day of school. In looking back at the most listened to Outdoor Class…
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In this Outdoor Classroom Tour and Talk we are talking with CIRCLE Member Katies Minor about her how her family childcare program evolved into the Wonderforest School. In this episode, we learn about Katies start-up journey, and how she brings adventure, fun, and learning outdoors. Not matter where you are in the process of creating an outdoor clas…
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Due to the overwhelming success of the winter course, I have made the decision to virtually unlock the Secret Gardens Outdoor Classrooms and share my detailed method for bringing the learning gardens back to life in time for spring. Are you an educator who adores using your outdoor space as a teaching tool? Are you interested in knowing more about …
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Teaching outdoors fosters natural opportunities for inquiry-based learning as it involves open-ended investigations into the wonder of children. In this episode, all the way from Australia, we have Edwina Cottino from Edslessons.com sharing her insight on advocating for outdoor play, nature pedagogy and inquiry-based learning outdoors. We discuss e…
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Nature is a great resource for inspiration, especially when getting children to write. Inspired by Episode #95, today’s mini-episode digs deeper into simple ways to introduce poetry to children in your outdoor classroom. They include: 1. Share and discuss poetry 2. Recite and act out poems outdoors 3. Write poems in a sit spot outdoors 4. Integrate…
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After the pandemic, many teachers began teaching outside. The woods, trails, playgrounds, and parks near their schools became their classrooms. Educators happily discovered that nature provided new academic and social-emotional learning opportunities. Nature-based learning, which can be as simple as bringing natural materials into the classroom or …
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This month I presented at the MEES (Massachusetts Environment Education Conference). In this episode, I am sharing highlights from my workshop and the overall conference. I am also reflecting on the importance of gathering in person with like-minded educators. becoming an advocate of environmental education sharing our outdoor classroom stories. CO…
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Have you ever tried something new and felt like you were writing with your non-dominant hand? Do you ever hear the monkeys in your mind singing, “You can’t do that!” “You are crazy for even trying!” BUT you go ahead and do it anyway…. Are you an educator thinking about moving your classroom outdoors despite the uncertain and vulnerable feelings of …
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Are we doing enough in our outdoor classrooms to harvest a connection to the natural world? In this mini-episode we discuss 7 tips for connecting children with nature in your outdoor classroom. 1. Start with Curiosity as it is the first step to active learning. Ask yourself: What am I curious about in nature? What are the kids curious about in natu…
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Today we have an Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk with Robyn Broudie from Roots to Rise. Roots 2 Rise Outdoors offers year-round nature-based exploratory programs for children ages 2 to 10 throughout Toronto, Canada and surrounding areas. Offering an alternative approach to education, they believe that by facilitating opportunities for children to …
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In this episode, we not only look at the steps to grow holistic development, health, and well-being in your outdoor classroom; Victoria also breaks down each step into mini-how to steps. They include: 1. Drink more water and less sugary drinks. Require children to bring water bottles 2. Watch less screen time. Send home outdoor activities for famil…
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Today we have an Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk with Charlotte Ellis all the way from the UK representing her program called Seasons. In this episode, we discuss, the mission of Seasons and how their programs are reconnecting people with nature to benefit holistic development, health, and well-being. In our discussion, we talk about the importanc…
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In this mini-episode we explore the upcoming Exploring Nature in Spring Masterclass that will be featured inside the CIRCLE Membership community. Inspired by Episode #85 with Author Janet Fox and her book Wintergarden, in our masterclass, we explore how the world of seeds and plants cultivates wonder for children! From the tiniest sesame seeds to t…
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“With a little bit of love and care, a few seeds nestled in pots, and a good windowsill, there’s no better time to make an herb garden with mom than in the dead of winter. Together, a young girl and her mother can grow everything you find in a spring herb garden, from oregano to parsley and baby greens, carefully tending their plants to watch them …
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In this episode we are traveling to the Hidden Valley Forest School with CIRCLE Member, Bianca Hagen, to learn why her school is so uniquely set up to instill a lifelong love of learning in children. Bianca Hagen is sharing how her forest school is growing into a Preschool through Second Grade (with plans to include 3rd-4th grades in 2025-2026)! Hi…
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“Don’t Be Pushed by your Problems. Be led by Your Dreams.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson In this episode, Victoria shares reflections and lessons learned from the 2024 Exploring Nature Winter Masterclass. The mindset shifts around spending time outdoors during the cold-weather months are always refreshing and rejuvenating. Come listen to what teachers lear…
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Children need direct exposure to nature. In today's episode, we are answering the question," Can we use technology to enhance direct exposure to the natural world given children's increased access to screens and statistics around technology use? The answer is yes, and in this episode, we are sharing ten user-friendly tools that can enhance your chi…
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What if you had a personalized nature prescription in the form of a mobile app? In this episode, we are talking with Jared Hanley and learning the Nature Quant story. We discuss the importance of quantifying time in nature to help us in making decisions about our communities. We tap into the research his company has done around how the brain and na…
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When a heart is found in nature, you might feel an overwhelming sensation of love and wonder. In this episode, we are pondering the following question on our quest to find balance in our outdoor classroom. What is the meaning behind seeing hearts in nature? Can you create a balanced and inspired outdoor classroom environment by observing nature? Ca…
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How can parents encourage outdoor play? In today’s episode, we have Heather Bishop sharing her perspectives of Outdoor Classrooms as both a parent and educator. Heather shares her journey as a teacher, raising two boys outdoors, her family stories from the Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom, and how she has taken lessons learned from an outdoor class…
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Many Forest Schools and Nature-Based programs tap into natural rhythms that reflect the different seasons. What if we followed the needs of the children and their interests instead of standards and expectations? In this episode, we will explore the essence of cultivating a rhythm in your program and trusting children’s innate curiosity, wonder, and…
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Kestrel is a natural science educational organization connecting young people of all ages with meaningful learning adventures. In this Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk episode with Jessica Kagel, we learn the 3 Pillars of Learning Adventures: Sensory Awareness, Imagination, and Systems Thinking. Jessica shares her adventure stories, how we all can …
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Last Call! Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass The doors officially closed last night, but if you are still interested in joining us for the Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass, I am keeping the back door open for all my listeners. In this Masterclass you’ll discover: How to create a winter curriculum that gets both you and your kids jazzed a…
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In this episode, we have reflections from our Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass Alumni. Their reflections not only answer questions, but they also demonstrate how this course has impacted their mindset around teaching outdoors in winter. Learn how our alumni developed routines and systems for teaching outdoors in winter while also asking diffi…
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