Mentoring Nature Connections: Recent Episodes
Lauren MacLean
This podcast is for educators by educators, in the hopes of inspiring and developing our connections with nature. Let's create a supportive and encouraging environment by sharing our personal experiences with learning, teaching, and playing outdoors. We will tackle questions around why outdoor learning is so important, how do we set up nature routines with our learners, how do we connect different curricular areas with nature, and how do we document our learning journey. This interview style podcast will explore a variety of nature experiences from educators across the province.
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
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.
In this episode, I sit down with Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, a passionate leader in nature-based education. As the founding director of the Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE) and cofounder of three forest and nature preschools in Maryland, Monica has spent over two decades helping educators bring learning outdoors. She’s also the coauthor of the award-winning book Nature Play Workshop for Families and is currently writing a new book on nature-based early childhood education.
Together, we dive into:
🌿 How Monica first connected with nature-based education and what continues to inspire her.
🌱 Why nature is essential for childhood development—and what happens when kids don’t get enough time outside.
🚧 The biggest barriers teachers face when bringing learning outdoors—and actionable ways to remove them.
📚 Must-have resources for educators looking to deepen their understanding of nature-based learning and play.
Whether you're new to outdoor education or looking for fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice to help you get outside with your students.
🔗 Listen now and explore how we can nurture a lifelong love of nature in the next generation!
Welcome to the Teach Outdoors Podcast! I’m your host, Lauren MacLean, and today we’re diving into the magic of winter with special guest April Zajko. Despite it being the end of January and winter feeling a bit delayed in my corner of the world, we’re getting ready to embrace all that the season has to offer for outdoor learning.
April Zajko, M.Ed., is an early childhood educator with nearly 25 years of experience, a keynote presenter, college instructor, and the founder of the vibrant Nature Inspired Teacher community with over 19,000 members. Her passion for connecting nature, art, and wellness shines through as she inspires educators worldwide to bring outdoor learning into their classrooms.
In this episode, April shares her expertise on winter outdoor education, including:
The unique learning opportunities winter provides.
How to keep students warm and comfortable.
Tips for overcoming common winter challenges.
Must-have materials for outdoor winter learning.
Activities, subjects, and safety tips for winter exploration.
We also discuss accessibility, inclusivity, and why winter is a season worth celebrating in outdoor education.
Finally, I share updates about my online coaching program, Thrive Outside: Grow Your Teaching Space, starting February 12, 2025, and upcoming workshops across BC. For more details, visit teachoutdoors.ca or reach out to me directly at lauren@teachoutdoors.ca.
Bundle up and join us for this inspiring conversation!
In this episode, we’re joined by Maxine Panchuk and Brianna Aubin, two inspiring nature-based elementary school teachers from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Maxine, a kindergarten teacher with a passion for gardening, land-based teachings, and experiential learning, shares how she infuses these elements into her place-based pedagogy. Brianna, a Grade 1 teacher with an inquiry-driven approach, highlights how she incorporates outdoor adventures and place-based learning into her literacy-focused classroom.
Together, Maxine and Brianna discuss:
- The importance of having a “go bag” to make outdoor learning seamless.
- How to bring the outside in, creating nature-inspired indoor spaces.
- Routines and rituals that make outdoor learning (and all learning) meaningful and manageable.
- Classroom setup and organization tips to facilitate outdoor learning.
- Their favourite outdoor projects and field trips that bring learning to life.
Tune in to hear their practical tips, creative ideas, and heartfelt stories as they inspire educators to embrace outdoor learning and soak up the sunshine with their students.
In this episode of the Teach Outdoors podcast, we dive into the powerful connection between nature and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL is about nurturing essential skills like self-awareness, managing emotions, building relationships, and making responsible decisions—and there’s no better place to support these skills than in the great outdoors.
Join Lauren as she shares practical, nature-based activities to help foster resilience, mindfulness, and empathy in your students. From sensory walks and sit spots to bird language skits and cooperative games, these simple yet impactful strategies bring SEL to life in your outdoor classroom. You'll hear how activities like comfort scavenger hunts and nature breaths help students tune into their emotions, reflect on their choices, and build meaningful connections with each other and the environment.
Whether you're new to outdoor learning or looking to enhance your existing practices, this episode will offer valuable insights and inspiration to support your students’ social-emotional growth in nature.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How nature supports self-awareness and self-management
- Activities for developing social awareness and relationship skills
- Simple ways to foster responsible decision-making in an outdoor setting
- Tips for scaffolding outdoor experiences for all students
And don’t miss Lauren’s exciting updates about her books, professional development programs, and upcoming events!
Tune in and discover how nature can be your most powerful partner in supporting SEL. 🌱
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Me and My Sit Spot for Early Learners
- Nature’s Path: A Year of Monthly Parks
- Finding Common Ground
- Sitting With Nature: An Educator's Guide to Sit Spots
Thank you for listening, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for Lauren’s books and programs to help others discover these valuable tools!
Music Credit: "From the Trees" by Brandon Grant.
Welcome back to Teach Outdoors, the podcast that inspires educators to take learning outside! In this episode, we chat with Leila Mireskandari, a Gardening Coach for teachers, founder of Kids Growing City, and host of the School Gardens with Ease podcast. Leila shares her journey from software developer to school garden expert, driven by her passion for growing food and teaching children crucial life skills. We dive into her Oasis programs, designed to help teachers create thriving school gardens that are fully managed by students and integrated into the curriculum. Whether you’re new to garden-based learning or looking to overcome common challenges, Leila’s insights offer practical strategies and inspiring success stories.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- 🌱 How Leila transitioned from a corporate job to leading school garden programs.
- 🌱 The driving factors behind her passion for food-growing education.
- 🌱 An overview of the Oasis suite of programs and how they empower teachers and students.
- 🌱 Challenges teachers face when starting a school garden and how Leila’s programs provide solutions.
- 🌱 Highlights from Leila’s work, including her experiences growing school gardens and overcoming obstacles.
- 🌱 Tips for maintaining a sustainable garden year-round, even through summer breaks.
Key Takeaways:
- Gardens as Classrooms: Leila’s Oasis programs are designed to be easy for teachers to implement during the school day, connecting directly to the curriculum and allowing students to lead the way.
- Skill Development: Beyond gardening, students gain valuable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and an understanding of food systems and sustainability.
- Overcoming Obstacles: Leila shares her lessons from running gardens in various settings, helping teachers bypass common pitfalls.
- Sustainability Tips: Practical advice for ensuring school gardens thrive, even when school isn’t in session.
About Our Guest: Leila Mireskandari is a certified Permaculture Designer, Landscape Designer, and holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on food-growing education. She has been running school garden programs full-time since 2013, helping schools create abundant, educational food gardens with ease.
Connect with Leila:
- Website: Kids Growing City
- Podcast: School Gardens with Ease
- Instagram: @kidsgrowingcity
Resources Mentioned:
- The Oasis Series Programs (Lesson plans, student booklets, and support for teachers)
- Tips for garden sustainability and student-led projects
Welcome back to the Teach Outdoors podcast! I’m Lauren, and today we’re diving into Outdoor Literacy—exploring ways to take reading and writing outside to deepen students' connection with nature while enhancing their literacy skills. I’ll share my favourite mentor texts, engaging outdoor literacy activities, and effective routines that support reading and writing in nature. From using Sit Spots and nature journals to storytelling with stones, this episode is packed with ideas to help you make literacy come alive outdoors.
Plus, I’m thrilled to share updates on Nature’s Path: A Year of Monthly Parks, now in its third year and used by schools across North America. This program offers monthly videos and resources designed to inspire outdoor learning with seasonal activities, book recommendations, and circle reflection prompts, linked to the curriculum. You can find more information on my website here or connect with me on Instagram.
Lastly, don’t miss out on my latest content across platforms—Instagram for quick tips, and YouTube Shorts for student-friendly activities you can play in class. And if you haven’t picked up a copy of my second children’s book, Finding Common Ground, it’s available on my website, Amazon, and major bookstores. Reviews help new readers discover it, so please leave one if you can! Until next time, keep exploring, writing, and reading in the wild!
In this episode of Teach Outdoors, “The Power of Play: How Free Play in Nature Builds Foundational Skills,” we explore the incredible impact of outdoor free play on students of all ages. Often thought of as a preschool or kindergarten activity, free play is actually a powerful tool for learners from elementary through high school. Research shows that free play helps build essential skills like problem-solving, resilience, and executive function. This episode dives into how free play enhances learning across age groups, supporting mental breaks, creativity, and social-emotional growth.
We’ll cover practical strategies for incorporating free play into busy school days, discuss overcoming challenges, and provide ideas for setting expectations and routines to make outdoor play effective and safe. Tune in for ways to create space for free play in nature, support foundational skills, and bring joy and exploration back into learning.
Grab Your FREE Outdoor Learning Calendar Here
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Welcome to Season 3 of the Teach Outdoors Podcast! I'm your host, Lauren, and I'm thrilled to bring you new and exciting ways to support your outdoor learning journey. Each episode this season will dive deep into practical strategies, creative ideas, and actionable advice to help you take your curriculum outside. We’re also expanding across platforms—Instagram offers quick tips, and YouTube Shorts provide student-centred videos you can use in the classroom. In today’s episode, we’re exploring Autumn Leaf Art, where I’ll share creative ways to use nature’s vibrant colours for hands-on learning.
We’ll dive into fun activities like leaf rubbings, creating leaf wreaths, and making leaf prints with clay or salt dough. These hands-on projects not only spark creativity but also encourage observation skills and a deeper connection with nature. Plus, I’ve got some exciting updates on our growing Nature’s Path pro-d series and my new children's book, Finding Common Ground. Let’s get started!
Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks (Find here)
Me and My Sit Spot (Find here)
Finding Common Ground (Find here)
In this episode of the Teach Outdoors podcast, we feature Kyra Stephenson, who serves as a Nature-Based Learning Coach at Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School #12 within the Rochester City School District. Kyra has successfully integrated a comprehensive nature-based learning (NBL) program into a PreK-8th grade public school setting. You can follow Kyra on Instagram to stay updated on her initiatives and insights.
Email: Kyra.Stephenson@rcsdk12.org
School website: https://www.rcsdk12.org/12
Instagram: kls_natureed
Purpose – How Nature-Based Learning Started for Kyra
Kyra’s journey with nature-based learning is deeply rooted in her own lifelong connection with nature, beginning in her childhood and continuing through adulthood. Motivated by a personal health scare and an understanding of nature’s positive benefits, Kyra sought to make a bigger difference and create a lasting impact through her work. The NBL program at her school is built on three main pillars:
-
Academic Growth
-
Physical and Emotional Wellness
-
Community Building, which includes fostering connections with the natural community.
Benefits of Nature-Based Learning
The program supports Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives, with data collected from Wellness Check-ins indicating significant benefits. Students exhibit awe, joy, and 100% engagement during nature-based activities, which positively impacts their overall well-being and readiness to engage in classroom learning. The program emphasizes learning outdoors, and its benefits are evident as students transition back into the classroom environment.
Outcomes of the Program
The implementation of NBL has led to a noticeable culture shift within the school. Behavior referrals have decreased, and there are initial findings of academic growth. The school has also established an outdoor classroom and developed lessons that integrate with the district's curriculum, enhancing the learning experience.
Goals for the Future
Kyra is currently awaiting final approval to conduct research on the impact of NBL at her school in collaboration with a professor from SUNY Brockport. The program aims to meet the needs defined within the City of Rochester’s Children and Outdoor Bill of Rights. Future goals include incorporating more teacher preparation programs with local universities, expanding the NBL program to other schools within the district and beyond, and creating a generation of Nature Ambassadors.
One of my favourite suggestions from Kyra can be found around minute 37 when she talks about Nature Portraits and Nature Names!
For more information about the Fall 2024 symposium, visit: Rochester Ecology Partners Event
Learn more about the City of Rochester’s Children and Outdoor Bill of Rights here: City of Rochester Article
Welcome to Moss and Lichen Unveiled: Nature’s Tiny Wonders Podcast! Join your host, Lauren MacLean, on a captivating journey into the enchanting realm of moss and lichen. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau's poetic musings, Lauren invites fellow nature enthusiasts to delve deep into the often-overlooked world of these remarkable organisms.
In this episode, Lauren shares intriguing teaching and learning experiences centred around moss and lichen, highlighting their significance in the ecosystem. From hands-on activities like estimation exercises and observation sketches to artistic expressions using natural materials, listeners gain insight into the diverse ways these tiny wonders can inspire curiosity and discovery.
Guided by Lauren's enthusiastic narration, listeners explore the distinctive features of moss and lichen, from their rhizoids and filaments to their unique growth patterns and habitats. Through engaging descriptions and educational insights, listeners develop a deeper appreciation for these silent sentinels of the natural world.
So grab your magnifying glass and embark on a quest to uncover the mysteries of moss and lichen with Moss and Lichen Unveiled: Nature’s Tiny Wonders Podcast! Don't forget to follow @teachoutdoors.ca on Instagram and @lkmaclean on Twitter for updates on ongoing explorations and inquiries. Until next time, keep exploring, keep wondering, and keep marvelling at the beauty of the natural world.
Join us on today's episode as we delve into the fascinating world of mushrooms and fungi with our special guest, Carly Eirikson, Vice-Principal of a local school district in British Columbia, Canada.
Carly shares her incredible journey with her grade 3 students, where a simple curiosity during nature walks blossomed into a captivating inquiry into the world of mushrooms and fungi. Utilizing the Walking Curriculum as her guide, Carly and her students embarked on a remarkable exploration, observing, and investigating the diverse fungi in their surroundings.
What makes this story truly remarkable is the involvement of families, who eagerly participated in the inquiry, even extending it to weekends. From humble beginnings, the inquiry grew into an immersive learning experience, seamlessly integrating science curriculum objectives.
In this episode, Carly discusses the process of weaving the science curriculum into the fungi inquiry, reflecting on what worked well and what she would do differently next time. Her insights offer valuable lessons for educators and parents alike on nurturing curiosity and fostering authentic, inquiry-based learning experiences.
As a bonus recommendation, Carly encourages listeners to watch the documentary Fantastic Fungi, which further illuminates the wonders of the fungal kingdom and its profound connections to our world.
Tune in to gain inspiration from Carly's journey and discover the magic of exploring nature through the lens of fungi! 🍄✨
In this episode of Teach Outdoors with Lauren MacLean, we embark on an enthralling exploration of the insect world, inspired by E.O. Wilson's timeless quote, "Every kid has a bug period. I never grew out of mine." Join us as we delve into the captivating realm of insects and spiders, shedding light on their crucial environmental roles.
Throughout the episode, Lauren encourages listeners to foster curiosity and understanding about these tiny creatures, often overlooked yet essential to our ecosystems. Beginning with observations of common species like butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and beetles, she guides us through their habitats, diets, and the challenges they face from predators.
But it's not just about facts; Lauren emphasizes the importance of perspective, prompting listeners to consider what makes certain bugs beautiful or terrifying and fostering appreciation for their diversity. The episode also features insights from students' research on notable features of butterflies, ladybugs, and beetles, accompanied by reflections on emotions evoked by these insects.
Listeners are invited to join Lauren on various outdoor activities, from constructing bug habitats to creating an insect field guide collaboratively. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of understanding the distinction between beneficial and harmful bugs and fostering an appreciation for these essential creatures in the natural world.
Tune in to Teach Outdoors with Lauren MacLean to explore the enchanting world of insects and bugs, celebrating their beauty and significance in our environment.
In this episode of Teach Outdoors, join host Lauren MacLean for a cozy exploration of leaves in "Leaves Under Investigation: A Close-Up Study." Dive into the spontaneous adventures of leaf inquiries, where students jump into piles, create leaf art inspired by "Leaf Man," and delve into leafy details. Discover the vibrant colors, symmetrical patterns, and unique characteristics of leaves found in British Columbia, from the majestic Cedar to the iconic Maple. Explore leaf veins through activities like leaf rubbings and vein poetry, and even mimic the graceful descent of falling leaves in an impromptu dance performance. Plus, find inspiration in picture books like "Leaf Jumpers" and "Leaf Man" to ignite leaf inquiries in your own outdoor explorations.
As we conclude our leafy expedition, let's recognize the vital
role leaves play in our ecosystem and strengthen our bond with the natural
world. Share your leafy discoveries on Instagram @teachoutdoors.ca, and until
next time, keep wandering, keep wondering, and keep celebrating the beauty of
leaves.
Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here
Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here
Welcome to our podcast, where we embark on outdoor adventures driven by the winds of curiosity! Informed by Carol Thompson's captivating book, 'Wind,' we dive into a world of exploration and learning. From crafting windmills to observing the dance of maple seeds carried by the breeze, each moment unfolds as an opportunity for discovery.
In our latest episode, we share our journey through a wind inquiry inspired by Thompson's work. As students engage in activities like the Maple Seed Target Adventure and experimenting with wind catchers made from ribbons and sticks, they delve into the unpredictable yet fascinating patterns of wind power. Through reflective discussions and observations in our Sit Spot, we ponder the intricate influence of wind on our surroundings, from scattered debris to delicate petals.
Join us as we navigate the complexities of wind and weather, capturing insightful reflections and fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. Tune in to our podcast for an enriching exploration of the unseen forces shaping our environment, one gust at a time.
Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here
Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here
Embark on a seasonal journey with the Teach Outdoors podcast, where we celebrate the wonders of outdoor learning. From fostering a growth mindset to overcoming challenges inherent in teaching across diverse seasons, each episode offers invaluable insights for educators and students alike. Explore our outdoor learning routine, beginning with engaging anchor books and leading into invigorating nature walks, reflective circle sessions, and hands-on activities.
Immerse yourself in the current winter season as we navigate the transition to spring through captivating explorations in our garden classroom. Witness the magic of learners as they observe and sketch the subtle signs of seasonal change, honing their observational skills while fostering a deep connection with the natural world. Join the conversation on social media at @teachoutdoors.ca and be part of the movement to inspire and elevate outdoor education. Stay warm, stay curious, and keep teaching outdoors for an enriching learning experience all year round.
Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here
Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here
Welcome to another exciting episode of Teach Outdoors, the podcast that explores the intersection of education, nature, and technology. In this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Phil, a multifaceted educator, speaker, and technology innovator, as our special guest.
Dr. Phil's diverse background, ranging from teaching to developing a technology company called Plabook, makes him a powerhouse in the education realm. Our conversation kicks off by addressing the common fear of technology among educators. Dr. Phil shares valuable insights on modeling risk-taking and fostering a growth mindset when integrating technology in the classroom. We reflect on the importance of preparing students for the future, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age they are growing up in.
The discussion deepens as we explore the dynamic nature of education, emphasizing the need for educators to be comfortable with continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning. Dr. Phil emphasizes that it's not merely about placing students in front of devices but empowering them to use technology creatively to explore their own inquiries.
A highlight of our conversation is the innovative ways technology can be brought outdoors to enhance learning experiences. Dr. Phil introduces the concept of 1D, 2D, 3D and 4D learning, where technology and nature seamlessly integrate, engaging multiple senses. From taking photos and mapping to organizing data, technology has become a powerful tool for outdoor exploration. Dr. Phil shares insights into various apps that facilitate journaling and drawing while outdoors, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor learning.
To learn more about Dr. Phil and his work, visit his website at www.plabookeducation.com. Join us in this episode of Teach Outdoors as we uncover the transformative potential of merging technology with nature to create immersive and dynamic learning experiences for students.
Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here
Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here
Welcome to Teach Outdoors, the podcast where we explore the transformative power of outdoor education. In this episode, we sit down with David Hawker-Budlovsky, a dedicated educator with 25 years of experience in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), currently serving as the Centrally Assigned Principal supporting Outdoor Education.
In our conversation, David sheds light on why it's crucial for our education system to fully embrace outdoor learning. Discover how the TDSB has established nine outdoor education centers, including day centers hosting up to 10 classes a day and overnight centers. Learn about the support-to-schools initiative, where educators collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate outdoor learning into specific contexts, fostering a co-teaching model.
Community engagement is a key focus, with outdoor learning sites opened to parents for firsthand experiences. David emphasizes the gradual progression from low-risk opportunities to building stamina over time. Tune in to explore how students can have agency and voice over their outdoor learning experiences, creating a sense of ownership.
As winter blankets the landscape, discover the variety of activities designed to engage students, from teamwork exercises to art and mapping, as well as climate and environment inquiries. Join us as we delve into the enriching world of outdoor education, exploring ways to make learning come alive beyond the classroom walls.
Don't miss this insightful episode as we uncover the strategies, benefits, and joys of taking education outdoors with David Hawker-Budlovsky.
X: @TOES_TDSB
Website: schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/toes
Email: toes@tdsb.on.ca
Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here
Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here
In this episode, we delve into the educational benefits of engaging with snow, from refining motor skills to fostering teamwork and problem-solving. Our young explorers not only learn about seasonal changes but also find the perfect balance between joy and the challenges of snow play.
Join us as we share our favourite winter activities, including creative journeys inspired by “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner, building unique snow huts that promote visualization and problem-solving skills, and exploring the enchanting mysteries of snowy habitats. From circle reflections to nature detective work, we'll show you how these snowy adventures create meaningful connections between play and learning, making winter an exciting and educational journey for our students.
Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here
Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here
Tis the report card season which inevitably brings up questions about assessment and documentation. So today we’re diving right into the topic of what formative assessment and documentation looks like in our outdoor classroom.
We begin by talking about how and why we document. I’ll explore various methods, such as taking pictures and collecting student quotes, to capture the essence of our outdoor learning experiences. We will also discuss the significance of aligning our activities with the curriculum and how it enhances overall learning outcomes.
Here is the link to some downloadable resources on documentation.
Nature’s Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks (Find out more here)
Nature Classroom Podcast Series: (Find out more here)
In this episode of Teach Outdoors, we dive into the significance of biodiversity and its connection to the diversity of communities. As we embark on our daily nature walk, we observe and learn about both native and non-native plant species in their area. We discover the unique characteristics of native plants and discuss the impact of non-native and invasive species on the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Through this exploration, they highlight the importance of understanding the managing invasive species to preserve biodiversity.
Our group encounters a variety of native plant species along our school tail, sparking their curiosity and appreciation for the diversity they bring to the local ecosystem. They compare these native plants to non-native species that have been introduced by humans for decorative or agricultural purposes. We discuss the potential of non-native plants to outcompete native species, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. As we come across an invasive species encroaching on the trail, we emphasize the need to identify and manage these species to protect biodiversity.
For more information, visit:
https://bcinvasives.ca/take-action/identify/
We also talk extensively about the potential hazards of some plants and fungi. Please use caution and research which plants and fungi may be harmful and poisonous.
SSISC – BC Envir’l Non-Profit on Instagram!
In this episode of Teach Outdoors, we delve into a rainy week of explorations. Join us as we discuss how we prepared for the rain, what we noticed on a rainy autumn nature walk, and the math and science activities we engaged in.
First, we emphasize the importance of proper preparation and safety when embarking on outdoor activities in the rain. Ensuring everyone had the right rain gear and discussing different types of precipitation helped set the stage for a successful outing.
Next, we share how we integrated math and science into our explorations. We set u rain gauges to measure rainfall and engaged in a rainfall rate experiment using raindrop catchers. This allowed our students to learn about data collections, analysis and the importance of rainfall for plants and animals.
This episode is a great reminder that rainy days can be just as educational and engaging as sunny ones. Exploring nature in the rain fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environment while adding an element of fun and adventure.
Nature’s Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks. https://teachoutdoors.ca/workshops/ Join us on a year-long journey through the wonders of nature with our pre-recorded workshop series, designed to inspire and support outdoor learning.
Each month, immerse yourself in 5-7 minute sessions celebrating the beauty of the natural world.
Discover the magic of the monthly moons as we explore their significance and how they shape the seasons. Learn about seasonal activities that can be integrated into your curriculum, bringing outdoor experiences into the classroom. Delve into fascinating tidbits about birds and plants, expanding your nature knowledge.
Nature Classroom Podcast Series: https://teachoutdoors.ca/podcast-2/Join us for a 6-episode journey where we delve into the fascinating world of nature routines and outdoor education. In each episode, we will explore various topics designed to enlighten and entertain, offering valuable insights and practical tips for both educators and parents alike.
“Best $20 I’ve spent this year on pro-d!” ~Melissa
Nature Classroom Podcast Series: A paid podcast series that includes 6 episodes ranging from how to set up your nature routines, expectations, math connections, and social-emotional learning development. Each episode has many downloadable resources for you to print and use outdoors with your learners.
Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks: Most schools across the country are signing up for these series to use during their monthly staff meetings. For each month of the year, you receive a 5-7minute recorded powerpoint video and downloadable resources to use in your elementary school setting.
Our guest today is Maxine Panchuk, (IG: @teachingtaurus) an educator from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan who is passionate about nature, gardening, and outdoor learning. She is currently a kindergarten teacher at Buena Vista School, which has a focus on nature and outdoor based learning. Her days are usually spent exploring in the sunshine with her students and facilitating opportunities for them to observe the beauty of nature. When she is not at school, she enjoys spending time in her garden, hanging out with her cat, and biking around the community.
Some of my personal highlights from this episode are around minute 20 where Maxine talks specifically about how she incorporates literacy and numeracy into her outdoor program! From practicing oral language skills, to making human number lines, she makes it sound easy!
Novelty nature note time:
We’ve been digging up a small section in our outdoor classroom in order to plant a narrow bed of pollinator plants – like lavender. In doing so, our students have been finding a lot of chaffer beetles. They are an invasive species of beetle that feed on grass roots. We’ve been reading about some environmentally friendly ways of preventing infestation – which are beneficial nematodes – which is a parasite that will kill the beetle larvae. In the meantime, we will try to keep our grass as healthy as possible because they don’t infest healthy lawns as easily.
Maxine shares her knowledge about maple tree seeds - did you know the "wings" are also called samara?! Very cool!
Our guest today is Rachel Tidd, the author of Wild Learning: Practical Ideas for Bringing Teaching Outdoors and the Wild Math® and Reading Curriculums®.
Today’s episode dives into the connections between nature and curriculum. Not only does Rachel provide some great examples on how to incorporate literacy and numeracy into our outdoor learning adventures, but she also talks about the value of different outdoor learning spaces such as the school yard, neighbourhood, and fields. They are all inclusive learning spaces which allow for a range of playful opportunities. In fact, one of the chapters of her book is all about how to use chalk! Around minute 13 of the episode, Rachel talks about how to incorporate arrays and multiplication connections while on a nature walk. Then she digs into some potential barriers of outdoor classrooms, like gear or having a student that is at risk of running out of the boundaries. To end the episode, we talk about how to document student learning outdoors – something that all teachers are eager to learn more about!
Novelty nature note:
I shared about water striders and how their legs are covered in hairs which trap air, making them buoyant. We also learned that they could live up to a year, as long as the temperatures aren’t freezing.
Rachel shared about leaves, both simple and compound, and how leaflets are the structures that make up a compound leaf.
Don’t forget to bookmark: https://teachoutdoors.ca and subscribe to @TeachOutdoors on YouTube (you can find the episode of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/11f9i2ZoTh8 )
Make sure to bookmark Rachel’s website: www.discoverwildlearning.com and follow her on Instagram and Facebook @discoverwildlearning.
Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast where we feature inspiring stories of educators who are passionate about taking learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. In today’s episode we have a special guest with us, James Matthews, is the Head of Environmental Studies at BHCS in Melbourne Australia and teaches both in Primary and Middle School. He is passionate about bush regeneration and students expressing creativity in his lessons using natural resources. Today he will share his experience in facilitating a memorable experience for his students through a planting day.
Key Points:
1. The importance of outdoor learning: James shares about his belief in the benefits of taking learning outside the classroom. He shares that it is a great way for learners to connect with nature and understand the interconnectedness of the environment. Engagement is his biggest takeaway!
2. Planning and preparation: James explains the importance of planning and preparation for a successful planting day. He talks about how he communicated with the learners about the activity beforehand, and how he made sure he had all the necessary supplies and tools ready.
3. The activity: James walks us through the actual day of planting. He shares how he assigned responsibilities and spaces to his learners, how he encouraged them to work collaboratively, and how he made sure everyone was engaged int he activity. He also talks about the practical skills his learners acquired during the activity, such as digging, planting, and measuring.
4. Reflection and evaluation. James shares how he encouraged his learners to reflect on the activity and evaluate their work. He explains how he made sure that the learns celebrates their successes and accomplishments.
Thank you James for sharing your valuable insights and experiences with us. If you would like to contact him for further information, you can reach out to him at jmathews@bhcs.vic.edu.au
I hope that this episode will inspire educators to consider taking learning outside the classroom and to become stewards of the environment. Until next time, stay curious, keep learning, and keep cultivating those green thumbs.
Don't forget to check out www.teachoutdoors.ca and follow on Instagram @teachoutdoors.ca
Today’s episode is all about overcoming springtime challenges, especially when it comes to allergen season. I don’t know about you, but my eyes are watery and itchy, even my ears are itchy! That doesn’t stop us from getting outside to explore, we just need a few extra tips up our sleeves. If you have any additional tips you'd like to share with us, please feel free to leave a voice message on Speakpipe. You don't need to set up an account and it's completely anonymous! I'll share out some of the tips you leave me on the next episode!
We will also talk about how our new garden beds are progressing. What are we harvesting right now? How are the learners enjoying their new garden classroom? One of the best things we've done so far is using a 4-square worksheet to help guide and facilitate our observations. You can download the worksheets here!
Thank you for listening, subscribing, and visiting our website.
Our school recently installed 6 garden beds! How amazing and terrifying all at the same time :)
I have never been shy to speak about what I struggle with and I hope this helps other educators and families see that it's ok to be nervous about gardening. The challenges are going to be worth the experience that both educators and students will get!
From limited resources, to lack expertise, I am going to chat about what fears are bubbling up for me this week.
Please share your best tips and strategies with us by sharing on social media and tagging @teachoutdoors.ca
Teach Outdoors Website
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Welcome to the first episode of Season 2! What used to be called Mentoring Nature Connections is now called Teach Outdoors. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey on how I can best tailor this podcast to your needs. I'm excited to continue along this journey with you!
Today I give a quick little introduction on who I am, as there are many new followers here with us! I grew up in British Columbia, Canada, and still live here with my husband, two young toddlers and energetic dog. I am the author of the bestselling children's picture book, Me and My Sit Spot, and a full time elementary school teacher.
Teaching outdoors can often be a challenging experience, and it's important to remember that not everything will go according to plan. The most common question I get from teachers is "How can I get my students to listen better outside?" They feel frustrated with the unruly behaviours that their students are displaying. My simple answer: be consistent with routines and expectations. Here are my top 4 tips:
Tip #1: Establish Clear Expectations. What can they do? What should they avoid doing? What does it look like and sound like? What happens when these expectations are not met? I highly recommend reviewing these expectations indoors, before going outside.
Tip #2: Use Visuals. This helps all learners remember what is expected of them (I even have mine printed out small and hang them on a lanyard around my neck for easy access!).
Tip #3: Create a Routine. Our days look like: Nature walk, instructional activity, closure activity. The predictability helps the students feel more comfortable.
Tip #4: Be Consistent. There is nothing more confusing to a student when one day they can play with a stick and the next day they can't.
Don't forget to follow and subscribe to the podcast and follow @teachoutdoors.ca on Instagram. Check out the new website www.teachoutdoors.ca to subscribe to the newsletter for upcoming free resources.
Share your best tips for creating consistent routines and expectations on Instagram and remember to tag @teachoutdoors.ca
When it comes to teaching students outdoors, there are few activities more meaningful than noticing and observing clouds. Often dismissed as mundane, clouds are surprisingly complex and stimulate creative thinking, real-time problem solving, self-reflection and environmental stewardship n children. Studying clouds can ignite passion and creativity, while teaching students a variety of skills.
Cloud formations are like works of art, carrying distinct shapes and patterns. Even hundreds of years ago, some cultures believed specific formations brought special meaning, such as rain or a storm. Today, while I personally can’t make any reliable predictions, clouds do offer insight into the environment around us.
As students spend time outdoors noticing and observing clouds, they learn to take note of small details. Our learners have been exploring the different shapes and textures of the clouds and comparing them. I am also asking questions to guide their observations. For example, I’ll ask them to notice how the clouds move, or how fast they move compared to other clouds. On our nature walks, sometimes we try to mimic the shape of clouds and move as a group in the same direction that the clouds are moving. It’s quite comical and a great team building activity.
I’d love to hear how your outdoor explorations are going with your classes – so please share your adventures by tagging Mentoring Nature Connections on Instagram. And check out the MNC website for other updates at www.mentoringnatureconnections.ca Until next time, go get your hands dirty and have fun with mentoring nature connections.
My class of grade 1 and 2 learners have continued our routine of being outdoors every day, ranging from 30 minutes up to almost 2 hours. The last few weeks we have been noticing how many different types of trees we have on our school grounds - too many to choose from! Listen to today's episode for how we began learning about the western red cedar and how we will continue to use that knowledge to compare and contrast with the other trees that live near us - like the massive Douglas Fir!
A big thank you to all of those who are sharing your outdoor learning journey with us on social media by tagging @mentoringnatureconnections on IG. You can also visit the newly updated MNC website at www.mentoringnatureconnections.ca
We are having unusually warm weather for October here in British Columbia. We are taking advantage of the sunshine by going out on daily nature walks to explore the different spaces on our school grounds. We are learning about our local birds and keeping a monthly bird count. We are talking about the impacts humans have on nature and reminding ourselves how our smallest actions have both positive and negative consequences.
Instagram: @mentoringnatureconnections
Twitter: @lkmaclean
Website: www.mentoringnatureconnections.ca
Music Video for From the Trees song by Brandon Grant on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvmlotbPl7I
Today’s episode is going to be about starting the school year with outdoor learning routines. I am going to share with you how the last week has gone, what we’ve discovered, what our challenges have been and what we’re looking forward to exploring with next week.
What are the expectations when we go on a nature walk? We stay together as a group, we don’t pick living things just for the sake of it, and we stop often to observe and reflect together. To gather all the learners together, I make a chickadee call – chickadee dee dee.
One of our favourite activities this week was looking at dandelions and their common look alikes (Hairy Cats Ear). Did you know that if you pick the stem and it’s hollow, then it’s a dandelion. If you pick the stem and it’s not hollow, then it’s the Hairy Cats Ear. You can also use the stem of a dandelion as a flute!
I also talk about how we are beginning our local bird inquiry. I can’t wait to see how this inquiry progresses over the year.
Some of the hazards we have discussed as a class: we never touch mushrooms (we have a few varieties that are unsafe) as well as the protocol for when we see a black bear.
Sit Spot song: From the Trees by Brandon Grant
Today’s episode is all about outdoor play, both the possibilities and the challenges. To help us dig into this topic, we have Claudine Mossberg with us. She offers 1:1 coaching to Design Your Time Outdoors the way it works for you, and Group coaching to Build Your Outdoor Community for outdoor play, co-op or forest school style learning for all ages.
Some of the highlights of today's episode are talking about the importance of unstructured play at any age, from our youngest toddlers to our teenagers. Claudine also highlights the many benefits of exploring with multi-aged groups. She talks about how the older kids have the opportunities to become mentors and the younger kids benefit from seeing their counterparts as being leaders.
Claudine also gives some great tips on how to start the school year on the right foot. She suggests starting off with safety expectations and gives some great examples of her call system. A call system allows you to communicate with your children in case they get too far. One call sound means respond. 2 call sounds means they need to come back to the teacher. 3 call means come for help.
At the end of the episode, we dig into some of the challenges of outdoor learning, like time and weather.
You can find out more about Claudine's work on her website: www.outdoorplayconnection.com and make sure to follow her on Instagram: @outdoorplayconnection
Our guest is Dr.Beverlie Dietze who is the Director of Learning and Applied Research at Okanagan College. She is a lead researcher on two national outdoor pedagogy projects. She is the author or co-author of seven textbooks, many peer reviewed articles, and publisher of Play Outdoors Magazine. https://playoutdoorsmagazine.ca.
Dr. Beverlie believes it begins with the mindset of the educator. Let's model having a growth mindset - "It's raining!! Yippie! Let's go explore!."
And remember, we don’t always have to write things down to justify our time. Let’s practice oral storytelling! Maybe play charades?!
Beverly highlights some lovely examples of puppet play and how it allows for children who are introverted to have confidence to participate in oral language activities. One of her lovely examples is how to use provocations to support storytelling experiences. E.g., taking your rubber boots on a journey!
Other provocations we may consider? Using puddles as a mirror to explore with symmetry and reflections.
Novelty Nature Notes:
Beverly’s novelty nature note: Mom and dad birds don’t stay in the nest – they are promoting independence. When do those birds leave the next?
My novelty nature note is about the dark eyed junco which can be found across north America. They do love our forested areas, they love to eat seeds – so common at our bird feeders, they nest typically on the ground near an upturned tree for protection, they have a cute hop instead of a walk and they love to scratch a leaf litter
So my inquiry question is: where do different birds nest?
Today's episode is about the evolution of confidence in our learners as they explore the outdoors. Logan Enns and Aura Garzon are the founders of the Kollektive which is an outdoor program that provides children with opportunities for discovery and exploration. Above all else, they believe in the magical power of the outdoors!
www.thekollektive.ca
We begin our conversation by talking about how their program supports and promotes confidence and independence. They both notice that many children enter their program with some level of tentativeness. As time passes, they learn to trust themselves and what their bodies are capable of.
We also talk about how the flow of their day is organized. They demonstrate respectful and thoughtful awareness when speaking about how they follow the children's pace and passions when they are exploring.
My favourite question was when I asked them if they ever noticed their children complain about being bored. Their answer highlights their amazing gifts as being gentle and mindful educators!
I always love a good book suggestion! Logan and Aura highly recommend Wild Things: Over 100 Magical Outdoor Adventures (https://amzn.to/3stYXM3). In it, you will find an encyclopedia of ideas for how to utilize natural materials and situations (like frost!).
My novelty nature note was about snails and hibernation. They actually curl up inside their shell and close off the opening with skin that's part chalk and part slime. This combination is how they stay so well insulated from the cold weather. Logan and Aura shared their observations on the local squirrel population and how they are getting ready for the cold winter months!
Hi everyone, welcome back to mentoring nature connections. 2022 hasn’t exactly been the start of the school year that we were all hoping for. I’m hoping that everyone is staying healthy and safe and I’m hopeful that we’ll make it through to the other side. Thank you to everyone who has reached out about my first book Me and My Sit Spot. It is available on amazon and other online platforms. If you follow me on twitter @lkmaclean or Instagram @ mentoringnatureconnections, I will make an announcement as soon as it’s available on the website. www.mentoringnatureconnections.ca
Today’s topic is about reflecting on the last few months and then setting plans as we look forward. Something I’m sure we are all doing right now with the new year on our heels. April Pikkarainen is back to share her experiences doing outdoor prep for teachers at her school. For those of you who aren’t from our province of BC, we have preparation blocks here where another teacher will relieve you of your learners so that you can “prep” learning materials, do assessments, etc.
So what worked so well for April and her learners?
Setting up nature routines, like sit spots, nature walks, etc. and practicing these routines in different locations around the schoolgrounds.
Expectations and slowing down with introducing these nature routines – contributed to the success and positive emotions of the learners when outdoors.
From a workshop April took from ‘Unlearn’ - Names are the beginning of someone’s story – However, April believes that names are the beginning of story because it helps ground the learners connection to place.
Teaching outdoors provides so many opportunities for both the teachers and the learners. April believes that we need to be grounded in purpose and intention while we balance the changing elements such as weather.
What are April's next steps and goals for outdoor learning?
she's interested in incorporating more technology into her outdoor learning adventures, such as digital microscopes and identification apps.
her school is also interested in uncovering the story of the land through data collection. Very cool!
Resources that April recommends:
Messy Maths by Juliet Robertson (click here)
Dirty Teaching by Juliet Robertson (click here)
Ensouling our School by Jennifer Katz (click here)
Decolonizing Place in Early Childhood Education by Kidile Nxumalo (click here)
April's Novelty Nature Note:
- Calliope hummingbird – smallest at 3 inches long, 1/10 of an ounce - found in central BC
*Short wingspan, when flapping wings, sounds like a bumble bee
Lauren's Novelty Nature Note:
Robin's maintain their warmth in the winter by fluffing up their feathers.
They don't necessarily migrate, but they are nomadic - following wherever the food is.
*They eat fruit off trees and shrubs like snowberries or kinnickinnic (bearberries)
April Pikkarainen's Twitter: April_pikk
Today’s topic is about sustainability and well-being (such an important topic this time of year when the days are dark and short). It’s so important to consider what steps we can take to support our mental health. For many of us, this is going to include spending time with our family, friends, and being outside. That’s one of the reasons why today I have my infant daughter, Evelyn, sitting on my lap while I speak to our guest today. You’ll often hear her babbling along with excitement which I hope spreads a little extra cheer to you as you’re listening.
Now to help us investigate this topic of sustainability, we have Kristina Hunter joining us by zoom. She lives in Winnipeg Manitoba on Treaty 1. She is the founder of Kristina Hunter Flourishing and has a podcast called Live. Well. Green where she discusses a wide range of topics around sustainability and ecological green living. I am looking forward to asking her about sustainability and well-being and how we can foster these principles in our school system.
Visit www.kristinahunterflourishing.com to find out more information about the courses she offers!
Kristina believes that it’s not just about ecological sustainability but also financial and cultural sustainability. She discuss ways that we can move beyond sustainable development.
She views sustainability like a tree with 3 main roots:
1)Personal wellness – not just problems with the environment, plastic pollution, deforestation, etc. can often make us feel overwhelmed – the problems are too big to tackle.
By connecting with nature, we protect our mental health. Physical, mental, spiritual health are all part of this root / personal wellness.
2)Social Justice- looking to change systemic racism, marginalized voices, environmental racism that are part of our reality. Respecting everyone’s say.
3)Ecological – litterless lunches, live lighter on the planet (reducing carbon emissions), Being restorative on the land. Lastly, restoring our relationship with nature. Sometimes we see the environment as “out there,” separate from ourselves. We are part of the natural world.
Novelty Nature Note:
Kristina shared about isostatic rebound, which you can find evidence of on the tundra where she lives. When glaciers recede, the heavy weight of the glacier is now gone which allows the land to 'bounce back.' Now, when you're walking on the tundra, even 1km away from the ocean, you can see a lake with a beach!
My novelty nature note is about snow because we have a lot of it up where I live! First, even though it looks white – it’s actually transclucent, just like frozen water. It’s the suns reflection that gives it a white appearance. Also, the snow actually warms you up – because compacted snow is over 90% trapped air…. So this is why animals dig burrows in the snow, their body heat keeps them warm under there.
Our guest today is Dr. Gillian Judson, assistant professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. She has a passion for looking at imagination’s role in leadership and learning. We discuss what the walking curriculum is and how we can incorporate cognitive tools to help us imaginatively and emotionally engage our learners. Gillian shares some examples of her inquiry questions and how they are used by Kelsey Keller in her intermediate classroom.
Dr. Gillian Judson :
Twitter: @perfinker
Blog: www.educationthatinspires.ca
Books:
Walking Curriculum, Evoking Wonder And Developing Sense of Place (K-12) https://amzn.to/318WFIt
Engaging Imagination in Ecological Education: Practical Strategies for Teachers https://amzn.to/3relKfG
Imagination and the Engaged Learner: Cognitive Tools for the Classroom
https://amzn.to/3CWJzuI
Have you ever wondered what the benefits are to using natural dyes? Today's episode will help you dip into some colourful lessons and hands-on activities with your learners. Our guest, Sarah Graham, guides us through the process of natural plant dyeing and tackles questions like:
How does the process work from start to finish?
What is your favourite plant to make a natural dye?
Which plants should we avoid using?
What are your best tips and strategies in terms of classroom management when engaging in these type of lessons?
Sara Graham is an artist based in Port Moody, BC, Canada whose primary concern is with the issues and ideas of the contemporary city. One of her central engagements in her practice is in the mapping of place and how the city and landscape interconnect with our everyday lives. She has been a practicing artist for twenty-three years and exhibited her work across North America. Sara was recently announced as the artist who will create a large scale public artwork at the new Gordie Howe International Bridge in Ontario. The artwork will be incorporated into the façade of the Energy Complex Building at the Canadian Port of Entry.
Come listen to Sara discuss how to dye with plants and flowers and how we could do, as classroom teachers, engage in other place-based and arts-based lesson ideas afterwards. Enjoy!
Sara Graham Social Media:
Twitter: @saracitymove
Instagram: @citimovement
Visit: www.mentoringnatureconnections.ca for a blog post on today's episode as well as other teaching resources for your classroom.
Alana Tesan is our amazing guest tonight! She is a Kindergarten teacher in the Delta District, BC, Canada
Twitter: @AlanaTesan
www.mentoringnatureconnections.ca
Alana believes that children are natural storytellers. You can find her interview excerpt in the Story Workshop: New Possibilities for Young Writers book by Susan Harris McKay. Story Workshop is a way for learners to explore their imagination and Alana believes that every learner has a story that lives inside them. There is no right or wrong way to engage in storytelling. The possibilities are open, invitational and inclusive. Alana suggests that a key to “success” is to start small and let the kids drive their own stories. By going outdoors, we can also explore stories that live on our land. We can use the materials that we find on our schoolgrounds to help tell our stories. But what else do they take outdoors to support storytelling? Their class has a wagon that is packed full of clipboards, paper, crayons, sharpies and (weather depending) some iPads to help with documentation.
Oral language and communication skills are woven throughout story workshop naturally. Alana was inspired by Kelly Shuto (@kellyshuto and @kellyshutobooks) on how to incorporate core competency language during story workshop explorations.
Novelty Nature Note:
I shared about Douglas Squirrels who have a high growth rate which means they are constantly chewing to wear down their front teeth. I love this connection to Beavers!
Alana shared about the book: Can You Hear the Trees Talking? By Peter Wohlleben and how they use an underground root system to communicate with one another.
Have you ever wondered how to spend an entire day outdoors with your learners? How do you structure your time? What games do you play? What "lessons" can we explore?
To help us dig into these questions, we invited Manon McPeters (from Wilderness Awareness School) back for Part 2! Her passion and creativity for playing, learning and teaching outdoors is palpable! You'll appreciate her vivid description of a "typical" day and how they use Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature by Jon Young to guide their intentions.
My biggest takeaway from speaking with Manon was when she described what "peak fun" is and how we can use that as a classroom management strategy. This notion of reading the flow of our learners' energies is such an important key in how we observe, listen, and respond to the needs of our kids.
Want to learn a new nature game?! Manon gives a great description of how to play blindfold ninja!
Novelty nature note:
Manon shared some tracking gems! A domestic dog often has more ‘relaxed’ foot muscles. The toes will be more splayed apart, the X negative space will be less defined and the star shaped peak will not be as high. But when you're observing the track of a wild dog, it will have a more sharply defined X.
Cat has a C shape in negative space. Only one lead toe, not two lead toes. Usually don’t register claws in tracks. All toes can fit into a heel pad. Toes of a dog will NOT fit into heel pad space.
My novelty nature note was about black bears and how their cubs can weigh less than a pound at birth and gain over 20 pounds in just their first 3 months of life.
Megan Zeni is a Master Gardener, PhD student and school garden expert who works for the Richmond School District. In today's episode, she shares with us some of her best secrets and tips on how to set up core routines with her learners at the beginning of the year (such as the Waiting Tree, to help with exit and entry transitions!).
Megan is a strong advocate for outdoor learning because it supports learners having a positive growth mindset, develops patience and promotes equity. It allows learners, who may struggle to represent their learning in a “traditional” way , to move freely and make decisions that are best suited for them, which in turn, provides them with more autonomy over their learning,
One of my favourite insights that Megan shares with us is how she explicitly introduces activities that can turn into station work. This gradual release of responsibility highlights how important classroom management strategies are, both indoors and outdoors!
Megan also gives us some suggestions on how to use outdoor learning spaces for when fall transitions into winter. Have you ever thought of having a 'Bug Hotel'?! Or a Mud Kitchen – link here. https://meganzeni.com/build-a-mud-kitchen/
Novelty Nature Notes:
I shared about inchworms because I’m just getting covered in them when I go walking in the forest lately. They also go by other names, such as measuring worm, oak looper, leaf roller, and spring cankerworms. I was reading that they are only here for about 4-5 weeks before they burrow into the ground and then we’ll see them again in the fall as geometer moths.
Megan shared about growing corn with her learners. They plant POPCORN! Have you ever noticed that each silk thread is attached to a kernel of corn - if there are kernels missing, then the silk wasn't pollinated by a bee!
The start of the year is the perfect time to have this collaborative discussion. How to create outdoor learning bins? How do they support both structured lessons and emergent learning at the same time? What could we include in the bins?
Sinead Joy and Erin Reid are with us today to talk about their experiences in creating and using outdoor learning bins with a mathematical focus. Their school, with the help of funding from Coquitlam District's Numeracy Initiative Project, created 6 outdoor learning bins.
1) Measurement: cloth measuring tapes
2) Number Senses: addition and subtraction focus. Tarps with dots and number values. (e.g., students could throw a bean bag or pinecone and add or subtract that number from their original number).
3) Patterns: included Andy Goldsworthy books and other pictures of nature patterns
4) Financial Literacy: a bin for pricing out the cost for a school garden and also included seed catalogues
5) Visual/Spatial Reasoning and Coding: compass and arrows
6) Number Sense/ Number Lines: twine, clothes pegs and various numbers.
Also included in their teacher wagon: binoculars, clipboards, waterproof pens, large plastic Venn diagram hoops for sorting activities.
Today we have two guests with us today to talk about how this past school year went, what did they learn, and what are the goals that we are looking forward to tackling next year.
Carly Eirikson is a VP at Ecole Herbert Spencer Elementary, In New Westminster, she has her Masters of Education in Special Education and spent 4 years of her career as an educational consultant for POPARD supporting students with autism all over British Columbia.
Twitter: @ceirikson
Instagram: all_of_us_outside
What worked well?Seeing students’ creativity go in unique directions when learning outdoors. Carly also incorporated technology skills when learning in nature.
What are your goals next year?
Focus on the connection to self, others and place.
Story Workshop in connection with the ADST curriculum, especially the design aspect (e.g., Nature Design)
What resources will you use to support those goals?
Outdoor Learning Store (link here) has so many resources!
Place-Based Education: Connecting Classrooms and Communities by David Sobel.
Natural Curiosity by Doug Anderson.
Engaging Imagination in Ecological Education by Gillian Judson.
Adrienne Gear’s Building a Sense of Connection to self, others, community, place through indigenous stories.
April Pikkarainen is a VP at Gilmore elementary in Richmond, she has a Masters of Education in Self-Regulated Learning. Her passion is in early learning and nature immersion.
Twitter: @april_pikk
Instagram: aprilpikkarainen
What worked well? Helping kids understand what they need in order to move their learning forward. April uses the framework: what is my job, what are the steps to get my job done, what do I need to do next? She also noticed a deeper connection between learners and the land after visiting the same places repeatedly over the course of the year.
What are your goals next year?
Nurturing and deepening the learners’ connection to land and re-creating our narrative with our relationship to the land.
Professional goal is to focus on having a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion through outdoor learning.
What resources will you use to support those goals?
Using Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature by Jon Young
Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs by Tristan Gooley
One Story One Song by Richard Wagamese
The Goodness of Rain by Ann Pelo
Today’s episode is about how to utilize the outdoor learning spaces on your schoolgrounds in relation to our BC curriculum. We will also discuss how school districts can support and encourage the adoption of outdoor learning routines. To help guide our conversation we have two educators from East Kensington Outdoor Learning School or EKOlogy which is a K-5 school in the Surrey District.
Twitter: @EKOLogy_sd36
They give some great tips on how to utilize your spaces and who you need to have "onboard" to help out.
Alison Leslie is the Vice-Principal and K/1/2 teacher working at East Kensington Elementary Outdoor learning program in SD36. Twitter: @Alimleslie
Cheryl is a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship in education. She has been lead teacher at East Kensington since the inception of the EKOLogy program four years ago, teaching kindergarten, grade 1 & 2. Cheryl is currently the Vice President of SEED36 (Surrey Ecological Educators of District 36) Twitter: @cherleclerc
Novelty Nature Notes:
Cheryl shared about orca whales near Saturna Island – first whale captured and brought into inner harbours so it could be studied. The Killer Whale that Changed the World book.
Allison shared about banana slugs and how their natural mucus has anaesthetic in it – can make your tongue go numb. Yikes!
I shared about black bears and how they breed every other year, they can have up to 6 cubs who can stay with their moms til about 18 months old. Their tracks have the deepest impression on the outside. This makes sense when you watch them waddle – they really sway from side to side. Whereas most animals and humans – our weight usually falls to the inside of our bodies, rotating in.
Kate Dawson and Emily Vera are the founders of Terra Nova Nature School.
Twitter: @tnnatureschool
Terra Nova Website: https://terranovanatureschool.com/programs/preschool/
In this episode, Kate and Emily talk about the intricacies of place-based work and how that plays into their curriculum planning in their outdoor school. They also talk about the delicate balance between planning your lessons and emergent learning and provide a few lovely examples to highlight their work in this area. I was also keen to ask them about the materials they bring with them on their explorations, and they provide many examples of using open-ended materials to promote and support emergent learning. The heart of their message was asking: “How do we explore mysteries with children? What is the core that is captivating our learners?”
Our guest tonight is Katherine Porter (@Katporter04) who is a K/1 teacher in the Richmond School District. She is a Reggio-inspired teacher who is passionate about play-based learning. Katherine also loves spending time exploring and learning outdoors. This love for nature has inspired her to take her teaching outside whenever possible. Katherine is excited to continue learning alongside her students, and explore what new possibilities lie waiting for outdoor learning.
Kat is organizing her week around the 5 senses. For example, on Day 1 they were inspired by hearing - "Let’s listen to the sounds of nature."
As you listen to Kat talking about her plans for the week and then debriefing after the week was complete, you get a sense of how comfortable she is with taking the lead from her learners and not being too strict with following her lesson plans. A great example of emergent learning!
Novelty Nature Note:
Kat shared how she has used dandelions to make tea and shortbreads!
With the heat wave we’ve been experiencing in BC, I’ve been reading a lot about how to keep your lawns healthy. Keeping your grass height around 3” will encourage water retention as well as support a deeper root system.
Our guest today is Jenna Rudolph who is the founder of Soaring Eagle Nature School. www.soaringeaglenatureschool.org
Today’s episode is sponsored by Wilderness Awareness School. They are committed to helping children and adults establish healthy relationships with nature, community, and self. They offer a variety of programs in the foothills of the Cascades, outside of Seattle.
Their 9-month immersion program is a transformative experience for adults, covering everything from self-discovery to survival skills. You can also learn to become a Coyote Mentor, their signature art of mentoring children in nature with their 9-month Nature Instructor Training.
Wilderness Awareness School also runs workshops and intensives, youth programs, and the Kamana Independent Naturalist Study Program. Learn more today at wildernessawareness.org.
We begin our conversation by talking about birds and bird language. Jenna recommends choosing 5 local birds and learn their songs, habitats, and what they like to eat. It’s a good idea to select ground feeders so that you’re more likely to see them.
We tackle many questions together:
Birds: How can we observe and use bird behaviour to tell us what’s happening in our environment? What do bird songs tell us? What about their alarm call? Do birds of different species communicate with one another? What is the relationship between food sources and locations of specific bird species throughout the year? What are the 5 types of bird language?
Did you know we can hear better when our ears are off-center? Tilt your head and you can hear better. A lesson we can learn from our local American Robins.
Local BC Birds: American Robin, Pacific Wren, Spotted Towhee, Dark Eyed Junco, Song Sparrow. They stay here on the coast all year round.
Plants: How can we get our learners more excited to learn about our local plants? What patterns do you see? Which plants produce fruit? Jenna shares an example of using a string of questions to use alongside her learners to help them observe different parts of plants to help identify it.
Local BC Plants: Dandelion, Plantain, Salmonberry, Blackberry
Novelty Nature Note:
Jenna shared her favourite forest tea recipe to make with her learners:western hemlock needles, douglas fir needles, licorice fern (sweetness!) and salal leaves. Boil and sit for 5 minutes.
I shared about thimbleberries. When you pick the red fruit, it leaves behind a core which looks like a thimble. Hence the name J
Kelly Shuto is a K/1 teacher in the Surrey district as well as a k-2 math mentor. She has contributed to our BC curriculum resource site by sharing her in-depth documentation and examples of how the core competencies live in our classrooms. She is also a children’s book author! Her first book, one of my toddler’s favourites, is titled What Does it Mean to be Brave. You will often find her presenting workshops on how to use the core competencies to create a deeper sense of self in the primary grades.
Twitter: @keshuto
Instagram: kellyshutobooks and kellyshuto
This episode is sponsored by Wilderness Awareness School. They are committed to helping children and adults establish healthy relationships with nature, community, and self. They offer a variety of programs in the foothills of the Cascades, outside of Seattle.
Their 9-month immersion program is a transformative experience for adults, covering everything from self-discovery to survival skills. You can also learn to become a Coyote Mentor, their signature art of mentoring children in nature with their 9-month Nature Instructor Training.
Wilderness Awareness School also runs workshops and intensives, youth programs, and the Kamana Independent Naturalist Study Program. Learn more today at wildernessawareness.org.
Our British Columbia curriculum has a unique aspect to it. The core competencies are something we do not “assess” but we help guide students to develop them throughout the year. These include persona/social competencies, thinking competencies, and communication competencies. The Core Competencies don’t live on a piece of paper. They live within us. Kelly illustrates how we can use the outdoors as a place to help develop and support our core competencies.
Kelly also talks about a fascinating inquiry that her learners investigated this year - “How does the forest act like a family?” How are the trees and roots similar to our support systems that we have in our own families and communities?
Kelly is masterful when it comes to documenting student learning so our discussion naturally progressed to talking about how she captures magical moments when she’s outdoors with her learners.
Resources:
Can You Hear the Trees Talking by Peter Wohlleben
Suggested apps to use when documenting learning:
Clips
PicCollage
Shadow Puppets
Novelty Nature Note:
Kelly shared: How do trees fight? If 2 trees of the same species are beside each other, then the roots will join together and exclude the roots of other tree species growing around them.
Lauren shared: More than half the tree roots grow within the top 6 inches of the soil. That’s one of the reasons why tree roots grow out laterally so far.
Today’s episode is to help shed light on a very important topic here in Canada. I do want to front load all of the listeners that there is some graphic and disturbing content in the intro of this podcast.
Our country has a tragically sad history when it comes to the treatment of Indigenous people. Recently, the remains of 215 children were discovered at the Kamloops Indian Residential school. Our guest today, Nadine McSpadden, has a personal connection with this school and graciously agreed to speak with us to help open up these difficult conversations.
Please consider making a donation to the Indian Residential School Survivor Society:
https://www.irsss.ca
Nadine McSpadden:
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Secwepemc Nation, Shuswap Indian Band
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Helping Teacher for Aboriginal Learning, Surrey School District
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My dream is that every teacher participates in reconciliation. I love how the Early Childhood Framework defines reconciliation and this is how I interpret their definition. We heal relationships by valuing Indigenous Peoples. We show value by forging personal connections, by showcasing authentic resources in all areas of the curriculum and by making a commitment to participate in community events where we build background knowledge about the people of who’s traditional territories we reside. By creating these relationships, we can redefine how schools are perceived by those who have been hurt. School can become a place where Indigenous knowledge is celebrated and where diversity of language and culture is recognized.
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Twitter: @NadineMcSpadden
Nadine begins by guiding us through how to make land acknowledgments more personal and authentic. She speaks to “How are we unique? And how are we similar to other cultures?”
“How can we make our schools a safe place to be?” Let’s begin by looking at the resources in our schools – are they inclusive, authentic and respectful?
Who has the right to share stories? Teachers have the responsibility to do their due diligence; there are some things that aren’t meant to be shared.
Resources:
Saanich moon kit: https://sites.google.com/sd63.bc.ca/sd63indigenoused/resource-kits/the-saanich-year-resource-kit
Surrey School District’s Aboriginal resources for teachers: https://aboriginalresourcesforteachers.weebly.com
A website Nadine created for outdoor learning: https://aboriginalresourcesforteachers.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html
Many Voices One mind https://www.manyvoicesonemind.ca/
Samples of Language Books
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Stand Like Cedar – Nicola Campbell
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Metis Series – Fiddle Dancer (dual language book), The Christmas Mittens, Metis New Year and many more)
Websites that support First Nation Language/story
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Firstvoices.org (each language page has stories, songs and vocabulary to learn)
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CBC Kids (great videos on What is a Pow Wow, What is Regalia and many more)
Strong Nations: https://www.strongnations.com
- Order the Pacific Northwest Plant cards here
FNESC (First Nation Education Steering Committee): http://www.fnesc.ca
Chris Green, our guest today, is the Director of The Guelph Outdoor School in Ontario, Canada.
Website: https://www.theguelphoutdoorschool.com/about
Facebook: The Guelph Outdoor School
Instagram: @TheGuelphOutdoorSchool
We begin by talking about how to make land acknowledgements more personal and authentic. Chris suggests that we can do this by thinking about our relationship to the land.
Guelph Outdoor School was inspired by the book Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature, by Jon Young. Why? Because it’s an attributes based curriculum that prepares learners with practical skills (like cardinal directions) but also ‘soft skills’ (like learning about cooperation).
Chris also talks about how we live in an era that is ‘information rich but connection poor.’ He believes that outdoor school not only helps disrupt this trend but it also helps to rebuild our connection and relationships with our land and community.
Chris describes how to use the Art of Questioning with your learners. He paints a picture of finding a balance with the different levels of questions that you ask.
Level 1: confidence building, observable, simple. E.g., “What colour is the mallards head over there?”
Level 2: digging a bit deeper, have to explore a little bit more to gather more information, expanded observation, inquisitive focus. E.g., “What direction is the worm track going? Are you sure? How do you know?”
Level 3: extension questions that sometimes can’t be answered. E.g., “How does this worm see where it’s going?”
There’s nothing wrong, however, with giving answers and information. In fact, there’s a common saying: “never throw seeds at unprepped soil…but if the soil is prepped, then give the seeds.”
Chris ends our time by talking about the importance of planning for down time – he calls it “making time for timelessness!”
Novelty Nature Note:
you can determine the age of a sand dollar by counting the rings on it, like you do with a tree.
a woodpecker can coil it's tongue around it's brain!
Manon McPeters is a lead nature instructor trainer at the Wilderness Awareness School which is based in Duvall, Washington. She has been working with the 8 shields framework for mentoring for over a decade and also grew up as a teen student of the Wilderness Awareness program. Her passions are engaging with the human body and observing the connection between brain and body and how they collaborate together.
Manon McPeters Instagram: asarum.caudatum
Wilderness Awareness School:
Instagram: wilderness_awareness
Twitter: @teamcoyote
Website: https://www.wildernessawareness.org
Kamana Independent Study courses: https://www.wildernessawareness.org/adult-programs/kamana/
Book: Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature by Jon Young, Ellen Haas, and Evan McGown. http://coyotesguide.com
The Art of Questioning is an approach used in coyote’s mentoring. I wonder how I can use questioning to support inquiry and nudge learning in new directions? This isn’t formulaic or a set of check boxes that we need to complete. We work with what our students are curious about. What is catching their attention?
Manon also talks about how we can use storytelling as a way to infuse and weave information during our interactions with our learners.
I also ask Manon to talk about the ‘trickster transformer’ mentoring approach. It’s a very powerful tool but we need to have a strong relationship with our learners first. Trust is everything!
Novelty Nature Note:
I’ve been learning how to identify the difference between a Coopers hawk and a Sharp Shinned hawk. The Cooper’s hawk is about 6 inches bigger than a Sharpie – but also their outer tail feathers are shorter than the rest of the tail feathers – so it looks rounded or like a rainbow
Manon’s Novelty Nature Note:
Woodpeckers have retractable tongues! It spirals around their skull or even around their eyes.
Place has a history, often we are unconscious of it. It is our responsibility to think about the indigeneity of our place and learn about different perspectives. We can help students develop a sense of responsibility for the land.
Dr. Leyton Schnellert: Twitter @LeytonSchnell Website: https://leytonschnellert.com
Today through zoom, Dr. Leyton Schnellert is joining us to talk about place-concious learning in the middle school years. Leyton is an associate professor in the UBC’s department of curriculum & pedagogy and Eleanor rix professor of rural teacher education. He has been a middle school and secondary school classroom teacher as well as a learning resource teacher for K-12. Leyton has co-authored 7 books, including Student Diversity, Pulling Together, Developing Self-Regulated Learners, and It’s All About Thinking. As a researcher, he has the opportunity to present his work throughout Canada as well as internationally.
When thinking about outdoor learning and place-conscious learning, think to yourself:
What needs to be transformed here?
What needs to be protected here?
What needs to be restored here?
What needs to be created here?
Resources:
Leyton believes that the first resource is place and the second resource are the learners.
Newsella: online researching tool
Nativeland.ca
Mill Bay Nature School
Kootenay boundary inspirational handbook: https://kbee.ca/handbook/
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” Lao Tzu
“If we want kids to flourish then we need them to love the earth first before we ask them to save it.” David Sobel
Inspirational People:
Kim Ondrik – visiting the bog and investigating community impact on the bog.
Orrin Hawke – SD 5
Biz Tupper and Leslie Leitch: Math Wonder Walks
Morgan Taylor – grade 4/5/6 – collaborative teaching
David Greenweld: environmental education – what needs to be transformed here – what needs to be protected here? What needs to be restored here? Created here?
Novelty Nature Note:
My random nature fact is about Wildlife Trees or decaying trees in the forest and how woodpeckers are “primary cavity nesters” which means they dig out the holes themselves to live in. But the next year they move onto a new decaying tree and dig out another hole. This means that a “secondary cavity nester” can move into their old nest – these are often owls, kestrels, or swallows – so an animal that is unable to dig out their own hole.
Leyton’s Nature Note:
The airport near him in Castlegar is nicknamed ‘cancelgar’, because of the inversions in the air. The birds have to navigate a lot of weather challenges!
He also talks about the forest fires and how that connects to the life cycle of trees.
Let’s discuss the intersection between social-emotional learning and learning outdoors with Miriam Miller!
Visit mentoringnatureconnections.wordpress.com for outdoor learning resources as well as workshop and consulting opportunities.
Casel reviews and recommends SEL programs that can be adopted into classroom practice. casel.org
Investigating and discussing how outdoor learning can be a way we can practice and apply SEL.
The importance of using nature routines to provide safety and consistency for our learners (e.g., a gathering circle, a sit spot).
Mindfulness! The outdoors is a place to slow down and attend to the environment. Sometimes the invitation for our learners is simply to listen.
SEED framework which stands for social-emotional and environmental education development framework. It’s a nature-based social-emotional approach for early childhood education.
Novelty Nature Note:
Cougars are the second largest cat in North America, but they are unable to roar. They have the biggest range of large animals in the western hemisphere, and they can jump up to 20 feet in the air.
Bull kelp: you can cut off the end and use it to snorkel!
Our guest tonight is Alexa Charles who is a Mentoring Support Teacher for the Coquitlam district. She leads us through her journey of “Learning with Purpose and Place in SD43” and how she infuses an ethnography lens with her documentation.
Alexa Charles Information:
She curates a blog entitled, “Learning with Purpose and Place in SD43.”
Follow her on Twitter @MsCharlesSD43
Other Inspirational People We Chatted About:
Megan Zeni @Roomtoplay
Dr. Gillian Judson (Walking Curriculum) @perfinker
CBEEN (Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network) @CBEENetwork and www.cbeen.ca
Inspirational Quotes:
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
One of Alexa’s personal mentors, Collen Castonguay, a middle school VP in Coquitlam, once said to her…. “Anytime anyone anywhere shares a story, a story you know they are passionate to tell, you will find a connection to it.” That is her offering today, on the podcast. Her hope that through our conversation, you will find something to connect to with, big or small.
Novelty Nature Note:
*Hummingbirds: They are the only bird that can fly backwards, their legs are only used for perching – well they can move sideways when they are perched but they can’t walk. They have no sense of smell, but colour vision is amazing – which is why feeders are bright red. And they are the smallest migrating birds, but they don’t migrate in flocks.
*Crows – commonly viewed as a nuisance so are often overlooked. The best thing about these birds is that they can be easily observed in rural and urban settings. Go observe them! We can learn a lot from them
Shelley Moore is the author of One Without the Other: Stories of unity through diversity and inclusion. Her website blogsomemoore.com has numerous resources and information about her endless work in this complex field of inclusive education and competency-based learning. Shelley also consults throughout BC, Canada and across north America.
Shelley's Social Media Info:
blogsomemoore.com
@tweetsomemoore
We asked the Twittersphere if they had questions for Shelley about inclusion and outdoor learning. We tackled 4 questions:
1)Alyssa Stapleton asked: "How might the universal design principles be adapted for outdoor learning opportunities? What might planning for outdoor learning for all learners and inclusivity look like at different levels within an educational and school setting? How does collaboration with learning support teachers and school-based teams look like in this context?"
2)Josie Zahn: "What dream team!! Outdoor learning is fantastic for all students. The only issues I’ve had have been around safety… For example, little ones who aren’t aware of the boundaries (when there’s only one adult) and sensory issues (wet feet, rain) … and preplanning helps these!"
3)Shannon Mills but actually hers is more of a comment. She says that: "In our cohort we have 3 students who have autism and all thrive during outdoor learning. We visit the forest every day and it is a part of the day they most look forward to. They get very disappointed if there is a wind warning and we can’t go. Get outdoors. It’s the best."
4)Anna Dutke asks: "Any tips or advice on writing their special education goals/objectives so that they can be worked on in an outdoor classroom environment? Or examples of how teachers have incorporated data collection in an outdoor classroom? I often hear time and data collection as being barriers."
Other Things Mentioned:
Book: A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel
Anna Dutke: Outdoor educator in Minnesota – twitter: @ADutke
Novelty Nature Note:
Did you know that the hippopotamus milk is pink?!
Shelley lives on Bowen Island and part of her reconciliation journey was to get to know her new place a little better. It’s part of the Squamish territory and is named Nex̱wlélex̱m. Shelley also mentioned Glass Coral Reef. It was thought that glass coral only grew in one place north west corner of Vancouver island. But it has been recently discovered on the north west corner of Bowen island. Shelley is about to live in a UNESCO marine heritage site!
April Pikkarainen is our guest tonight to talk about the importance of collaborative teaching. April and I taught in a collaborative setting for 2 years where we engaged in daily outdoor learning experiences with our 44 Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners. Amazing!! I hope you have fun listening to our journey and what we learned from this experience.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions please visit and contact me through mentoringnatureconnections.wordpress.com
What We Talk About Today:
*collaborative teaching in a K/1 classroom
*how our collaborative teaching helped with outdoor learning inquiries
*re-imagining how we used our resource support outdoors
Inspirational people who were mentioned:
Kelli Lundi @KelliB12
Alan Tesan @AlanaTesan
Catherine Ludwig @CathJule
Hieu Fraser @hieu_fraser
Novelty Nature Notes:
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skunk cabbage generates its own heat which melts the snow around itself – allowing them to bloom early.
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conifers can “help” control the squirrel population by alternating how many cones / seeds they produce each year.
Have you ever wondered how to infuse literacy with your outdoor adventures? Nature is a literacy-rich environment, a place where we can experiment with language in many ways. Our land provides us with an inherently play-based environment where we can explore literacy in an informal way. We can expand our vocabulary, develop conversational skills, recount stories and events, and the list goes on and on. And this isn’t just for our youngest learners, we can all develop our language through play and our outdoor environment is a very powerful tool that we can use to help us on that learning journey.
Our guest tonight is Faye Brownlie, a literacy superstar! She has worked all over Canada as well as internationally to support and coach K-12 teachers in their journey towards creating an inclusive literacy framework for their classrooms. Faye has several publications, including It’s All About Thinking, Grand Conversations, Learning in Safe Schools, and Student Diversity. She flawlessly models open-ended teaching strategies and believes in the power of collaboration.
Website: fayebrownlie.ca
Twitter: @fayebrownlie
What we discuss today:
*Looking at the world through a literacy lens!
*Story Walks – taking an image from a familiar picture book and displaying them around your nature walk path. A fun way to explore retelling stories while getting some fresh air!
*Guided Imagery lesson example – the benefits of being outdoors while writing in role
*How nature can help us build a word bank and a world bank through our experiences
*Setting Collection lesson ideas. Gathering nature items to help inspire your setting for writing a narrative
Inspirational People and Resources who were mentioned:
*Whonnock Elementary in Maple Ridge, BC. Heather Chapman and Renee Pennell run a program called Cedar Stream
*Georgia Herd’s book, Awakening the Heart. A wonderful book to help you explore poetry and play with language and imagery.
*Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Gathering Moss. “With words at your disposal, you can see more clearly. Finding the words is another step in learning to see.”
Novelty Nature Note:
- Reindeer moss is not actually a type of moss, it’s a lichen – but it gets its name because reindeer are one of the only animals that eat it. It has a special chemical that helps the animal keep its blood warm during the colder months.
*Racoons are digging up Faye’s planter boxes on the second story balcony. Oh dear!
In today's episode of Mentoring Nature Connections, we are looking at how to infuse mathematics into our outdoor learning adventures.
Our guest tonight is Janice Novakowski who is a K-12 mathematics and numeracy consultant for the Richmond district in BC. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia, working with pre-service teachers and is on the board of directors of the Vancouver reggio association and facilitates the BC Reggio-Inspired Mathematics Project.
What we discuss today:
*Looking at the world through a mathematical lens! Where does math live outdoors?
*Expanding our understanding of what mathematics is. Looking beyond just computations and seeing how dialogue, discourse and doing mathematics is a key aspect of our BC curriculum.
*Understanding our curriculum will help us follow the inevitable emergent opportunities that nature provides us with.
*Documentation as a tool to help make our outdoor mathematical learning visible.
*So many easy-to-use ideas on how to incorporate mathematics outdoors. For example, using simple prompts based off what you notice outdoors that day. What do you notice? What do you wonder? What math do you see?
*Janice references ‘The Studio’ which is a classroom she has set up at Grauer Elementary in Richmond where she invites classrooms of students and educators to explore play-based mathematics.
- BC Reggio-Inspired Mathematics: https://janicenovkam.typepad.com/reggioinspired_mathematic/archives.html
Inspirational People who were mentioned:
Dr. Cynthia Nicol, UBC - https://edcp.educ.ubc.ca/faculty-staff/cynthia-nicol/
Dr. Selma Wasserman, SFU - https://www.sfu.ca/education-research-hub/research-in-focus/spotlight-series/retiree-research/Selma-Wassermann.html
Terry Point – connecting mathematics, science and land. Interview with the late Terry Point: http://thenhier.ca/en/content/x%3F%3F%3Fiw%3Fn-cep-k%3F%3F%3F%3F-n%3F%3Fey%3F%3F-remember-your-teachings.html
Local weavers: learning about the connection of cedar, wool and mathematics
Jessica Silvey - http://www.authenticindigenous.com/artists/jessica-silvey
Alice Guss - http://www.authenticindigenous.com/artists/alice-guss
Janice and Buddy George - http://weavinghouse.com/who-we-are/
Novelty Nature Note:
*Symmetry is very common in nature and the type of symmetry provides a different purpose – so we have bilateral symmetry whereas starfish have rotational symmetry which helps them attack their prey from different directions.
*After touring the land of the Musqueam community, Janice learned about the indigenous connection to the land and how time is measured. For example, early spring is when salmonberries bloom. This time of year can also be called the “time of the salmonberries.”
Mentoring Nature Connections is all about sharing our experiences and questions about outdoor explorations. I'm hoping you'll join us on our journey of investigating nature with our learners. Today we are joined by Kelsey Keller, a Grade 3/4/5 Montessori teacher at Baker Drive in Coquitlam, BC. Together we are exploring the topic of place-based learning and how we make the connection between story, perspective, and mapping.
Key questions we are going to tackle today include:
How can we see place as being our teacher?
How can we uncover the history of our land?
How can we structure our exploration time during #Forestschool?
I'm Lauren MacLean and I'm a mentoring support teacher in the area of mathematics and outdoor learning for the Coquitlam district in BC.
Website: mentoringnatureconnections.wordpress.com
Twitter: @lkmaclean
Instagram: @mentoringnatureconnections
Information on today's guest: Kelsey Keller
Website: kelseykeller.com
Twitter: @montessorimice
Inspirational people we discussed:
Erin Kenny, the founder of Cedarsong Nature School in Washington, said that “children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.”
David Jardine and his views on restlessness.
Novelty Nature Notes:
Trees cannot die of old age. Something external has to kill them. This makes them the oldest living organism on Earth.
Wood Wide Web. Trees have a secret underground messaging system!