The "Interpreting Environmental Justice" online conference is back for a second year! This episode of "What's Up Interpreters?" features leaders from the two NAI sections that are putting on this event: Caroline Lochner of the NAI Sustainability Section and Richard Munoz of the NAI Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Section. C…

Embracing Fire as a Loose Part OutsidePlay.org—great tool with examples! --- Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms Loose Parts Play Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePa…

James is a Conservation Interpreter at the Dallas Zoo and a Senior Guest Experience Associate at the Children's Aquarium Dallas. He has been working as an interpreter for over 7 years, yet his connection with interpretation extends far beyond that, spurred by his deep appreciation for communication and human bonds. His travels commenced in late 202…

Heather Pressman and Danielle Schulz discuss their book Art of Access with NAI's Paul Caputo and Heather Manier this week. Heather Pressman has worked in museum education, development, and communications. She is a founding member of the organizing committee for the Art of Access Alliance in Denver, a consortium working to make Denver’s arts and cul…

This week on the podcast, we're celebrating baseball season! Guest Jef Lambdin created the mascot Wool E. Bull for the iconic minor league baseball team the Durham Bulls, made famous in the movie Bull Durham. On this episode, Jef joins hosts Song Stott and Paul Caputo to discuss the challenges and opportunities he faced communicating with audiences…

Learn more about an exciting new product that turns your child from the toy user to the toy maker in this conversation with Marcus Veerman from Nüdel Pod. Nüdel Pod Kickstarter campaign Nüdel Kart website My previous podcast episode with Marcus --- Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-…

Lawana Holland-Moore is the Director of Fellowships and Interpretive Strategies at the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, National Trust for Historic Preservation. In this week's episode, she discusses the importance of the sites AACHF funds, big or small, and how they preserve stories throughout history. She is joined by NAI's Heather…

Liz Moore is the founder of Planning School, which provides education and training in contemporary strategic planning and change leadership, including courses designed for interpretive programs. She joins NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott on this episode.By National Association for Interpretation

Mynesha Spencer worked in the National Park Service for 13 years and was a panelist on the "From Barriers to Bridges" keynote panel at the NAI National Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mynesha is the Founder, CEO and Principal Inclusion Strategist at All of Us Together Co., a human relations firm that specializes in diversity, equity and inclus…

Book: Treasure Basket Explorations https://amzn.to/48OZsEw Podcast Episode on Treasure Baskets https://amzn.to/48OZsEw Basket Options: 12” by 8” by 5” rope basket Hyacinth Storage Basket Round Woven Basket Rattan Serving Tray --- Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-cla…

Carla Gull is the coordinator of the Master of Arts of Environmental Education program and associate professor at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College in northern Indiana. Dr. Gull helps educators incorporate more nature in the everyday early childhood setting and nature preschools. During this episode, she talks about the rela…

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) strives to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community. On this episode, ASALH’s Aaisha N. Haykal and Ariel Roy join NAI’s Parker McMullen Bushman and Paul Caputo to talk about the work they…

As we close out 2023, "What's Up, Interpreters?" hosts Paul, Song, and Heather recap the year, share their New Years plans, and look forward to 2024. Also, there are NAI podcast T-shirts available on NAI's store!By National Association for Interpretation

Christina is a longtime member of NAI"s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, is an associate editor for NAI's Legacy magazine, and will serve as the guest editor for an upcoming special issue of Legacy on "Women in Interpretation."By National Association for Interpretation

I brought a RØDE Reporter microphone to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conference and asked people about loose parts! They could share anything they wanted—a thought, a tip, a frustration, a product, etc. It was so great to see and meet all of you! Check it out! I’ve tried to link what I can below. Hear voices …

Join seasoned experts in interpretive planning, Halley Fehner and Scott Vierick, as they unravel the intricacies and importance of this process. Halley and Scott highlight the essence of interpretive planning, discussing its role in reevaluating program goals, themes, and future strategies, often spanning several years. They also delve into the cha…

20% off with code LPIA23 until November 30th, 2023. Find the book at Redleaf Press: https://www.redleafpress.org/Loose-Parts-in-Action-The-Essential-How-To-Guide-P2795.aspx --- Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms Loose Parts Play Facebook Page: https://www.f…

The 2023 NAI National Conference, "Building Bridges," took place in Little Rock, Arkansas, took place last week, November 7-11. This episode features a series of visits with conference participants who share their conference experience!By National Association for Interpretation

Facebook Post—we chatted about this! Facebook Website Instagram pages: @lbo_charlotteb @littlebarnowls Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms Loose Parts Play Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.f…

Ian Beard brings history to life at the Historic Arkansas Museum, where his passion for trades like smithing, printing, cooking, and brewing merge with his skills as an interpreter. If you're heading to Little Rock, Arkansas, for the NAI National Conference this month, you can meet Ian and hear his stories in person at the opening reception—or you …

November 3rd—International Stonework Play Day! Stonework Play website (Diana’s website and link to her book) International Stonework Play guide Stonework Play Facebook group Stonework Play Facebook page Rocks/Stone Book List by Carla International Stonework Play podcast past episode with Carla Social Emotional Learning and Loose Parts podcast episo…

Budd Wentz is a former creative consultant for the Mr. Wizard television show and a world traveler. He has degrees in mechanical engineering and law, and his childhood passion for building things led him to create the microscope company Wentzcope, a longtime NAI commercial member responsible for optical devices that have appeared in thousands of mu…

It's Oktoberfest on "What's Up, Interpreters"! NAI Board Member Ira Bletz, recently retired from East Bay Regional Park District, has made a name for himself as "Beer Guy" at NAI conferences for more than a decade. His special event, which tells the story of human civilization through the context of beer, is always a hit at the annual event. Ira jo…

How not to cheat children: The theory of loose parts Messy Maths Dirty Teaching Creative Star Learning—Juliet’s website! A treasure trove of information! Loose Parts Play Toolkit from Inspiring Scotland Outdoor Learning and Play Facebook group Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learn…

Spirit Tawfiq is the closing keynote speaker at NAI 2023 in Little Rock. Spirit has an interpretive background and uses her skillset in now hosting anti-racism workshops in k-12 classrooms, colleges and organizations who are invested in learning, unlearning, and enacting antiracism policies and practices within their respective communities. She joi…

There will be two solar eclipses visible from the contiguous United States and beyond in the next few years. Cris White’s job is to help interpreters prepare to interpret these unique astonomical events. She joins NAI’s Heather Manier and Amanda Berlinski to discuss her work.By National Association for Interpretation

Fascination of Fire Journal by Claire Warden Handout (with additional links) on Loose Parts Nature Play Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms Loose Parts Play Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.…

Sam H. Ham is a professor emeritus of communication psychology and conservation social sciences at the University of Idaho. He became a household name for interpreters with his book Environmental Interpretation: A Practical Guide for People with Big Ideas and Small Budgets, which was published in four languages, and more recently, Interpretation: M…

Ronny Alexander Muñoz Blanco is a professional tour guide in Costa Rica, and served in that role for one particularly daunting audience: NAI's recent International Un-Conference. Ronny joins NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott to discuss that event, the challenges of interpreting in multiple settings for international visitors, and the Pura Vida lifes…

Ahmad Toure has worked for the National Park Service for more than a decade, striving to share important, and most importantly complete stories. On this episode, he discusses that work and his Tilden Award-nominated project with hosts Paul Caputo and Song Stott.By National Association for Interpretation

Beyond Ecophobia by David Sobel ICAN Webinar about Beyond Ecophobia Magazine Article Here is a pdf of a synopsis of the article Look! Don’t Touch! Orion Magazine Living Loose Parts Resources Connecting Children to Animals Podcast episode Worms, Glorious Worms Podcast episode Animal Homes Podcast episode Animal Architects Podcast episode Squirrel Ap…

Larry Beck's scholarship has had an immense effect on the field of interpretation. He is the author or co-author of such notable titles as Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources, Interpretive Perspectives, and Gifts of Interpretation: Fifteen Guiding Principles for Interpreting Nature and Culture, as well as a now 26-part series in Legacy…

“Plants remind us to move in nature time” –Ruth Wilson Naturally Inclusive by Ruth Wilson Gryphon House Amazon Children & Nature Network—Connecting Children of All Abilities to Nature Play and Therapeutic Gardens “Nature doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t make judgments. Rain falls on every child.” —Ruth Wilson, author and Children & Nature Network r…

NAI's Young Professionals Council (YPC) was established to help represent the perspective of new interpreters. Katie Hemann and Grace Teofilo talk about the challenges and opportunities facing interpreters just getting started. This episode is hosted by NAI’s Heather Manier and Emily McCowan.By National Association for Interpretation

Longtime NAI member, former NAI Conference Chair, and new editor of Legacy Magazine joins hosts Paul Caputo and Song Stott to discuss the future of NAI's premier periodical.By National Association for Interpretation

The debut episode of NAI's podcast welcomes association president Parker McMullen Bushman, who joins hosts Song Stott and Paul Caputo during NAI's International Un-Conference in Costa Rica. Parker shares her story, her perspective on interpretation, and her vision for her tenure as NAI President.By National Association for Interpretation

Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education Natural Start Alliance Books: An Earthworm’s Life by John Himmelman Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular b…

Big things are afoot at NAI, and we're bringing you this podcast to chat about them! We'll talk with movers and shakers and innovators and leaders in the field of interpretation and we'll ask them all, "What's Up, Interpreters?!"By National Association for Interpretation

Celebrating Special Days with a Loose Parts Mindset—link to the Exchange Article Additional related podcast episodes: Natural and Loose Parts Valentines Autumn Treasures Fall Fun! Ice as a Loose Part International Stonework Play Day Global School Play Day Cardboard as a Loose Part International Mud Day Rube Goldberg Machines Loose Parts Inspired Bo…

Indiana Children and Nature Network Webinar Recordings Types of Risky Play—Sandseter What to Say Instead of Be Careful—Backwoods Mamma When You Want to Say Be Careful—Child & Nature Alliance of Canada Busting the Myth that We Have to Bubble Wrap Our Kids Adventures in Risky Play—Rusty Keeler Thank you, Dr. Joanna Spotts! Book--Loose Parts Learning …

Book: When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski LPNP Podcast Episode—my reaction to the book Remake Learning Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms The Fred Rogers Archives Primanti Bros. Sandwiches How Not to Cheat Children: The Theory of Loose Part…

Book: When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski Pictures from the Pittsburgh Trip! The Mattress Factory Pittsburgh Children’s Museum SLB Radio Museum Lab Carnegie Science Center Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Falling Water Remake Learning Light Painting E…

Indiana Children and Nature Network ICAN Play 30 and Seasonal Book Chat Book Pick: The Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson “For most of us, knowledge of our world comes largely through sight, yet we look about with such unseeing eyes that we are partially blind. One way to open your eyes to unnoticed beauty is to ask yourself, "What if I had never see…

Join Marcus Veerman to discuss loose parts and the Nudelkart! Nudelkart Resources and Manuals Playgroundideas.org Theory of Loose Parts: How Not to Cheat Children Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms Loose Parts Play Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lo…

Listen to Ronnie Green share about dealing with behaviors around loose parts. Find her at: Cultivating Confidence: Early Years Consultancy Additional resources shared in this episode: Michelle Thornhill Schema and Loose Parts Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classro…

Why Get Outside with Tweens and Teens Less screen time Physically active Mental health Decreased stress Experience awe and wonder Healing power of nature Skill building Career exploration Challenges and Opportunities More reliance on technology Seeking more independence Often more influenced by peers Developing identity Expanding independence Tips …

Get to know our own emotions—Atlas of the Heart, Brene Brown, on HBO Max Recognize inherent aspect of loose parts to allow children to work out issues and meet needs. Specific “kit” around SEL topics—emotions, faces, etc. Include books around SEL in other kits, such as I’m Done in a beaver kit, Let’s Make Faces by Hanoch Piven and How are you peeli…

The Nature Pyramid Experience Nature: Find a place in the park (or nature) that speaks to you. Close your eyes. Focus on the feeling of the air . . . the sounds and scents around you. When you open your eyes, notice the small details—a drop of dew, light, and shadows. Describe your experience for someone who has never been here—what did you feel, h…

Getting Started with Loose Parts Recognize it is already happening! Play! Start playing with some items and see how else they may be used. Start with what you have Classroom Sort/Beautiful Stuff Project Let go of the control and let it happen Start with a book or prompt then get out of the way—already had some in the classroom—yes! Study the childr…

Why Have Kits? Grab and go Organized materials Find your stuff Versatile Accessible for more people How to use: storytime, grab one for a hike, follow children’s interests, family days, check out at your center, send home kits, children’s free choice, rotate Types of Kits: Book extensions: Not a Stick, Mama Built a Little Nest, An Egg is Quiet, A N…