Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families
Naturally Teaching Elementary is a podcast for elementary teachers and homeschool parents who want to integrate science into their lessons. Host Victoria Zablocki, a former elementary educator with 10 years of outdoor education experience, shares tips on incorporating science into ELA studies, demystifying scientific concepts, and taking learning outside. Each week, she and her guests provide practical strategies for busy educators.
Episodes
83. 7 Picture Books for Going Back to School
It's time to go back to school! Whether you've been looking forward to it or not, school is either right around the corner or you're welcoming it full force this week! So let's get you feeling prepared to take on another year.Books are a great way to ease your learners back into the swing of things and really set them up for success when going back to school. The books in this episode can help int
82. 6 Classroom Decoration Ideas: How Research Can Help Us Design Student-Centered Learning Spaces
You may already be back in the classroom or you may be getting ready to be in the classroom shortly. What's the first thing on your mind? Your classroom or learning space! What will you decorate with this year? Will there be a theme? All these questions may be causing you to sweat, but don't worry, I'm here to help!Let's help take some of that back-to-school stress away! In this episode, we'll tal
81. 5 Strategies for Bringing Nature Into Your Classroom and Learning Spaces
It's back-to-school time and some of us are stepping back into the classroom as early as today! To help you feel more prepared and excited for this year, I put together this episode to give you concrete strategies to include nature into your classroom environment.In this episode, we'll talk about 5 strategies for bringing nature into your classroom and learning spaces including:Creating a nature c
80. What Butterflies Eat: Interactive Activities for 2nd and 5th Graders
It's summer and butterflies are in the air! Even though you likely don't have learners with you for a bit, I've got some interactive activities to share with you today to investigate what butterflies eat and how that relates to pollination and food chains.Press play to hear descriptions for a butterfly food snack for 2nd graders and participating in the Monarch Butterflies Journey North project wi
79. Are Butterflies Insects? Investigation Activities for 1st and 4th Graders
Summer is when butterflies shine! They're out in full force, making it a great time to highlight butterflies and how they're insects. So let's get you inspired by some butterfly activity ideas this summer!Press play to hear descriptions for a thinking board about insects and butterflies for 1st graders and a set of butterfly senses centers for 4th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science
78. Butterflies with Orange and Other Adaptations for Kindergarten and 3rd Grade
July is when the North American Butterfly Count happens, making it a great time to highlight butterflies and their amazing adaptations! So let's get you some butterfly activity ideas to noodle on over the summer until you're back in the swing of things!Press play to hear descriptions for designing a host plant and caterpillar pair for kindergarteners and a research project about butterfly survival
77. 6 Butterfly Books to Introduce Characteristics, Adaptations, and Life Cycles
July is the month of butterflies thanks to the heat of the summer and the North American Butterfly Count! Butterflies are a high-interest topic that many adults and children get really engaged with. So this month I'll be focusing on butterflies and all their mystique.Books are a great way to introduce butterflies, their characteristics, adaptations, and interesting life cycles. In this episode, I
76. Teaching with Photographs: 6 Research-Based Benefits to Elementary Learners
This is a topic I've been excited to dive into for some time, and summer seemed like the perfect opportunity to introduce it. If you've never thought about how teaching with actual photographs can help your learners in science, this episode is a must-listen. I'm an avid collector of nature photos because you just never know when you'll need that random pic of a raccoon track in the mud. In this ep
75. Summer Activities for 2nd and 5th Graders Aligned with NGSS
Summer has begun! And with it is a wonderful opportunity to explore water and where it can be found. Now is a great time to suggest to your learners' caregivers to enjoy the local waterways and help prevent that summer slide.Press play to hear descriptions for tracking local water visits for 2nd graders and a local waterway clean up for 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standa
74. Outside Summer Activities for 1st and 4th Graders Aligned with NGSS
The summer solstice is coming up next week! Which brings with it signs of summer including warmer temps and longer hours of daylight. So let's give your learners some fun games they can enjoy with their families to extend their learning as well as prevent the dreaded summer slide!Press play to hear descriptions for hours of sunlight hopscotch for 1st graders and a flashlight hide-and-seek game for
73. Summer Activities for Kindergarteners and 3rd Graders Aligned with NGSS
June is the beginning of summer which brings a nice break for you the educator, and family time for your learners. So let's give your learners hands-on experiences they can enjoy with their families to extend their learning as well as prevent the dreaded summer slide!Press play to hear descriptions for a summer scavenger hunt for kindergarteners and collecting summer weather data for 3rd graders,
72. 6 Books for Summer to Help You and Your Learners' Caregivers Introduce Seasonal Signs
Summer is on the horizon, so now is a good time to start scoping out books for summer to help you and your learners' caregivers teach seasonal concepts. Picture books are a great way to explore the changing of the seasons in words and pictures!In this episode I cover 6 books for summer that introduce the signs of the season, ways people can explore nature in summer, and crops that can be harvested
71. Reptiles and Amphibians List: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities
Reptiles and amphibians are a high-interest topic for children (and adults) of all ages. Let's use a reptiles and amphibians list to help us engage our elementary learners! May is a fantastic time to do this since the reptiles and amphibians have come out of their winter sleep and are starting to lay eggs.Press play to hear descriptions for a turtle study for 2nd graders and an energy transfer fla
70. How Are Reptiles and Amphibians Different? 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities
Let's continue to take advantage of the emerging reptiles and amphibians in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have animal heredity in common and looking closely at the characteristics that make reptiles and amphibians unique can help your learners distinguish them from each other and other animal groups as well.Press play to hear descriptions for a reptile and amphi
69. Impact of Humans on Environment: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities
May is a time when your learners are able to see reptiles and amphibians again before the end of the school year slips away. So let's take advantage of the return of our herps and get your learners some quality experiences!Press play to hear descriptions for a Massasauga rattlesnake wetland tag game for kindergarteners and an amphibian wetland tag game for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Gener
68. 6 Picture Books About Characteristics of Amphibians and Reptiles
May is a wonderful time to get outside and look for amphibians and reptiles. Now that they are out and about, you can work with your learners to figure out what makes each group special.Books are a great way to introduce the differences of reptiles and amphibians. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about characteristics of amphibians and reptiles and my thoughts on how they can h
67. Pollination of Flowers: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities
Pollination of flowers is a partnership worth celebrating! Flowers and animals giving each other what they need...the whole concept can lend itself well to teach many different standards in elementary school. And April is a great time to investigate it first-hand with your 2nd and 5th graders as both flowers and pollinators wake from their winter sleep!Press play to hear descriptions for an introd
66. How Flowers Attract Pollinators: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities
Let's continue to take advantage of the flowers and pollinators returning in April and focus on plant and pollinator partnerships in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have plant and animal heredity in common and pollination can help us investigate that concept.Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders visit five different pollinator and flowe
65. Flowers and Pollinators: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities
April is the first full month of spring and flowers, which also means those pollinators that were missing all winter long are slowly returning. So let's take advantage of the return of our pollination partners and get your learners some quality experiences!Press play to hear descriptions for a seasonal plant study for kindergarteners and a pollinator life stage BioBlitz for 3rd graders, both align
64. 7 Pollinator and Flower Books for Elementary-Aged Students
April is a great time to look for flowers and early pollinators as everything awakens from its winter sleep. Adults and kids alike look forward to the return of the sprouts that signal spring and now is the time to get outside and find that early green! It's also a great time to study how flowers and pollinators interact.Books are a great way to introduce pollination and those that make it happen.
63. Frogs Vs Toads and Other Herps in Spring: K-5 NGSS Activities
By listener request: frogs vs toads and other herps in spring! Spring is a fantastic time to investigate reptiles and amphibians and today I'm sharing three interactive and engaging activities to hook your learners on these early spring risers!Tune in to hear descriptions for 3 frogs vs toads activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the s
62. Water in Weather: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities
Water is a critical part of weather; without water, we wouldn't have most of our different weather conditions! Whether it's clouds, rain, thunderstorms, humidity, wind...it's all related to water in weather. And March and November are great times to study weather and the role water plays in it!Press play to hear descriptions for maple sugaring with 2nd graders and mapping vernal pools with 5th gra
61. Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities
Let's continue to take advantage of the variable weather March brings and focus on weather and illumination in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have light and its role in seeing objects in common and weather can help us investigate that concept.Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders match colors to natural objects in different weather con
60. Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities
Weather is an inherently interesting concept to elementary-aged learners and March is one of the best times to experience a variety of weather conditions in a short time. Fog, rain, snow, frost, dew, sun, clouds...March has it all. So let's take advantage of this weather-rich month and get your learners some quality experiences.Press play to hear descriptions for a weather movement cube for kinder
59. 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged Students
March is a time of varied weather which gives you the chance to explore lots of weather conditions in a short amount of time. Snow, fog, frost, dew, rain, clouds, sunshine...it all comes together in the month of March. Your learners will be so happy to see winter give way to spring, so let's celebrate with weather-related opportunities.Books are a great way to introduce weather conditions. In this
58. Winter Animals and Water: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities
Water is a critical part of animal survival, yet it's so scarce during the winter! With freezing temperatures, water is trapped as snow or ice and it makes winter a really hard time for animals to fulfill all of their needs. Now is a great time to study winter animals and the role water plays in their survival!Press play to hear descriptions for a states of matter water experiment for 2nd graders
57. Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities
Winter is a time of scarcity for both animals as well as teachers and homeschool parents trying to find engaging and experiential activities for their learners. Let me help you out with these two activities for 1st and 4th graders inspired by winter animals and hibernation!Press play to hear descriptions for a hibernation animal sort and hike for 1st graders and a predator role playing experience
56. Signs of Animals in Winter: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities
Sometimes winter seems so lifeless and dull. However, it can actually be a really beneficial time of the year to study animal needs and the components of habitats. Think about it: during a time of scarcity, there are still animals that are active and surviving. Why not investigate what they're finding that keeps them alive?Press play to hear descriptions for an animal signs hike for kindergartener
55. 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged Students
The extreme weather of winter makes you wonder what animals are crazy enough to endure and survive it. Animals are active in winter, whether we see them or not, and the animals that are awake leave behind traces and clues that can be found. These little gems can be just the hook your learners need to pursue amazing inquiry driven studies.Books are a great way to introduce animal signs in winter an
54. Urban Schools: 3 Nature Spots to Take Your Students for Learning
Urban schools and outdoor education don't seem to go hand-in-hand, but outdoor education has its place in every.single.school! If you teach in an urban school and you don't think you have what you need to take your kids outside for learning, this is the episode for you!Press play to hear about three different ways you can access nature in urban settings near you. Give your students the gift of les
53. 5 Strategies for Classroom Management: Embracing Nature Moments
Are you hesitant to take your students outside for learning because of possible distractions? Do you worry about how you'll give your students the opportunity to pursue their interests while also giving your lesson the time it needs?Tune in to hear descriptions for 5 strategies for classroom management to use when nature grabs your students' attention. These "nature moments" are valuable and can b
52. No Snow Books About Winter for Preschool and Elementary Classrooms
If you're in a region where winter doesn't include snow, you've probably noticed that there aren't very many books about winter for preschool and elementary classrooms that represent your local weather well. This is probably really confusing for your early childhood students. Sure, you make it work, but wouldn't it be great if there were picture books that represented your mild winters?That's why
51. Adapting - Naturally Teaching Elementary Updates and Goals
After 9 long months - the Naturally Teaching Elementary podcast is back in action! I'm so happy to be behind the mic again to share ideas for bringing science into your classrooms, integrating science and literacy, and taking your teaching outside.Tune in to hear what I've been up to for the last 9 months and my plans for this podcast going forward. Get ahold of me on Instagram or via email (victo
50. Picture Books for 4th Graders and Beyond: Using Picture Books to Enhance Your Science Teaching with Dan Kriesberg
Picture books are a fantastic tool for teaching learners, and they're not just for early childhood learners. Children of all ages can benefit from hearing picture books and seeing their illustrations, and they can be especially beneficial for teaching science with your elementary-aged learners.In today's episode, Dan Kriesberg talks about picture books for 4th graders and beyond and how he used pi
49. 9 Fine Arts Examples of Vernal Pool and Frog Projects for Elementary-aged Learners
Fine arts are a creative way to let your learners share their understanding of your curriculum. By providing opportunities for painting, sculpting, music, poetry, theatre, cinematography, photography, and more, you're providing your learners the opportunity to build their confidence, work on collaboration skills, and allow all learners to shine. Tune in to hear descriptions for 9 fine arts example
48. 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents
Spring is breeding season for frogs and many species use vernal pools to lay their eggs. To get your learners excited about this special time of the year, consider reading them vernal pool or frog books.In this episode I cover 9 picture books that introduce vernal pools, how frogs use them, and frog life cycles. Press play to hear about "The Secret Pool" by Kimberly Ridley, "A Wood Frog's Life" by
47. 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards
Spring is a fantastic time to explore concepts like sound waves, life cycles, biodiversity, and more. Frogs in the Northern Hemisphere take advantage of spring warmth to call for mates and move through their life cycles...and many of them do this in vernal pools.Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 vernal pools and frog activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During
46. Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey Harrell
Vernal pools are a little-known secret, but are an amazing spring phenomenon. These unique wetlands are made from snow melt and spring rains and are only around for short time. But in their short time, they are home to special organisms and are crucial for the survival of many species.In today's episode, Lindsey Harrell explains the Vernal Pool Patrol, a community science opportunity in Michigan.
45. 6 Earth Day Projects for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents
Earth Day is coming up in just under a month and it's a great holiday to incorporate science activities into your celebrations! Many Earth Day activity lists suggest the same ideas over and over, so I'm here to give you some unique projects to do with your learners this year.Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 Earth Day projects aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During
44. 6 Elementary Math Activities for Spring Aligned with K-5 Common Core State Standards
If you're looking for a way to practice your math concepts in a real-world context this spring, this is the podcast episode for you!Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 elementary math activities for spring aligned with Common Core State Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to the spring season, and a description of ho
43. 9 Spring Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in Spring
Spring is about to begin, so now is a good time to start scoping out spring picture books to help you teach seasonal concepts. Picture books are a great way to explore the changing of the seasons in words and pictures.In this episode I cover 9 picture books that introduce the signs of the season, plants, and animals in spring. Press play to hear about "Spring Thaw" by Steven Schnur, "Abracadabra,
42. 6 Fun Spring Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards
Spring is a season of growth, rebirth, and rejuvenation. The plants and animals feel energized, and so do we. We all missed that sun and the warmer temperatures. So let's make the season work for you by including fun spring activities in your schedule!Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun spring activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share t
41. Teaching Elementary Math Outside with Lauren MacLean
If you've been wanting to take your elementary math outside but you're not sure where to start, then this is the podcast episode for you!In today's episode, Lauren MacLean explains a typical day in nature with learners, the benefits of learning math outside, activity types for teaching math in nature, a realistic view of using math manipulatives outside, documenting learner progress, SO MANY examp
40. 10 Ice and Snow Art Ideas for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents
Snow and ice are unique weather phenomena that children absolutely love. So let's take advantage of that excitement and give them fun ice and snow art projects to dive into this winter!Tune in to hear about the difference between product and process art as well as 10 project ideas all about snow and ice. During the episode, I share a description for each project, materials you'll need to make each
39. 11 Children's Water Cycle Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents
Winter is the perfect season to explore the water cycle with your learners since freezing temperatures give way to some lesser seen steps in the process. In winter, water can naturally be found in all three states, providing experiences that are unattainable the rest of the year.In this episode I cover 11 children’s water cycle books that introduce the water cycle, where water can be found, and th
38. 6 Activities for Learning About Water in Winter for Teachers and Homeschool Parents
Winter temperatures may not be everyone's favorite, but those temperatures provide the opportunity for learning about water in a rich and engaging way. The winter season gives your learners the chance to experience water in its three states, sometimes even on the same day!Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 activities for learning about water that are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards
37. 6 Valentine's Day Class Party Ideas Enhanced with Science
Valentine's Day is fluttering our way and will be here very soon! For those of you already preparing for your class party, listen to this episode to discover ways to enhance your class party with a science twist (for those you not ready to plan, listen now and then revisit when you're in the planning mood).In this episode, I share Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5 and a Valentine's
36. Gamifying Learning for Elementary-Aged Children with Allie Elliott
If you've been considering gamifying learning but you're not sure where to start, then this is the podcast episode for you!In today's episode, Allie Elliott explains what gamification is, she gives SO MANY examples of games to use with elementary-aged children, classroom management tips, how gamifying learning creates community within your group, and more.Make sure to listen all the way to the end
35. 6 Groundhog's Day Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups
Groundhog's Day is coming up in just a few weeks and it's a great holiday to incorporate science activities in your celebrations! Many people think it's just a time to talk about weather, but you can also enjoy activities about shadows, hibernation, and squirrels. Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun Groundhog's Day activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. Durin
34. 9 Winter Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter
Winter has just begun, so now is a good time to start scoping out winter picture books to help you teach seasonal concepts. Picture books are a great way to explore the changing of the seasons in words and pictures.In this episode I cover 9 picture books that introduce the signs of the season, snow, and animals in winter. Press play to hear about "Winter is the Warmest Season" by Lauren Stringer,
33. Ch-Ch-Changes: New Year Newness
It's almost the New Year which means it's time for reflection, gratitude, and new beginnings. Listen in as I share my reflections on this podcast, all the things I am thankful for, and exciting things to look forward to in 2025 including a new name for the podcast and an activity index coming in March.Resources mentioned 💚Podcasting for Educators Prep SchoolShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.co
32. 6 Fun Winter Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards
Winter is a season of mystery and intrigue. So let's make the season work for you by including fun winter activities in your schedule! Combining the mystique of winter with the power of learning through play can get your students motivated to learn.Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun winter activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the
31. Next Generation Science Standards Explained with Beth Christiansen
If you've been struggling to understand the Next Generation Science Standards and how to use them in your elementary classroom, then this is the podcast episode for you! In today's episode Beth Christiansen explains the Next Generation Science Standards, how they differ from traditional science standards, how they utilize three dimensional learning for student success, and more. She also shar
30. 10 Books on Hibernation and Other Forms of Dormancy for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups
Animals have spent the last few months preparing for this moment, the moment when fall fades and winter arrives. Many animals have found a place to sleep for the winter and will remain there until spring comes.This fascinating concept may be foreign to your students, but it's an amazing phenomena that could captivate them. Studying animal dormancy could lead to understanding of animal needs, behav
29. Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups
Hibernation in animals is a much talked about topic in elementary science, but it’s misunderstood. Listen in to hear about hibernation and the different forms of animal dormancy including torpor, brumation, and diapause.After covering the basics of animal dormancy, we’ll talk through 6 different activities inspired by sleeping animals for grades K-5. I share the Next Generation Science Standard th
28. Outdoor Learning Equipment for Schools and Homeschool Groups
Did you know that you already have all the tools that you need to take your teaching outside? All the skills that you use to teach inside will transfer swimmingly outside and will serve you and your students well.However, if you're looking for some equipment and props to help make that transition easier, make sure to take a listen to this episode. I cover tried and true equipment that I used most
27. The Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Put Together a Bird Feeding Station with Martha Holzheuer
If you're looking to get involved in the citizen science project the Great Backyard Bird Count with your students but you don't know where to start, then this is the episode for you! There are two ways to participate in the count; you can either count birds while you walk outside or you can count birds while watching bird feeders. This episode is here to help you set up a bird feeding station so y
26. Celebrating the Winter Solstice with an Outdoor Party for Your Elementary Students
Winter break is right around the corner! And even though Thanksgiving is still on the horizon, your winter party is creeping up faster than you want to admit. If you're looking for a way to be more inclusive with your party theme and activities this year, consider celebrating the winter solstice instead of Christmas or Hanukkah. The winter solstice is a worldwide phenomenon that everyone has in co
25. 4 Turkey Day Activities and Books for Energetic Elementary Students
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, you know the pre-holiday energy is on its way. It may not be on the same level as winter break energy, but it's still energy on a whole other level from the regular 5-day-week energy.In this episode, I'm bringing you 4 different books with activities to celebrate turkeys the week leading up to Thanksgiving break. When the energy is high, getting your students outs
24. 6 Moon Phase Activities for Elementary Classrooms
It's the last little bit of October, a month associated with spookiness and darkness. And in this darkness, we can look to the moon to help us reach our curricular goals. Although it sounds like a limited subject, the phases of the moon can actually help us teach physics, life science, Earth science, and space science!In this episode, I share a moon phase activity for each grade, K-5, paired with
23. Planning a Field Trip Made Easier with Education Director James Dake
If planning a field trip is stressful for you, this episode could be just what you need to hear! James Dake, Education Director of Grass River Natural Area, is on the show today to talk about field trips and he shares his unique perspective as a certified teacher with classroom experience who now writes, organizes, and implements nature field trips for children of all ages.Click play if you're int
22. Different Kinds of Children's Outdoor Activities and Games for Teaching Science
If you’ve decided to take your students outside for learning but you’re not sure where to start lesson planning, this is the episode for you! There are a variety of children’s outdoor activities and games to enhance your science studies, and I cover 9 of them in this episode.Tune in for descriptions and examples of:Group meetings or whole group meetingsGuided hikes or walksTrail or sidewalk activi
21. 10 Nocturnal Animal Books: Introducing Animal Adaptations That Help Animals Survive the Night
October is a month for dark, spooky, and mysterious things. Nocturnal animals check those boxes for sure! And what better way is there to introduce your students to creatures of the night other than picture books?To keep with the spirit of the month, this episode is all about 10 nocturnal animal books that can help you introduce animal diversity, animal adaptations, and sound waves to your student
20. 6 Animal Migration Activities for the Elementary Classroom
Fall animal migration is in full swing and is a natural phenomenon that your students will love to study! And guess what?! It's a very dynamic concept that can actually apply to physics, life science, Earth science, and space science!In the episode, I share an animal migration activity for each grade, K-5, paired with a Next Generation Science Standard and an explanation of how it relates to migra
19. Classroom Halloween Activities for An Outdoor Celebration
It's officially fall and Halloween is right around the corner! As you begin planning your classroom Halloween activities, consider taking your party outside. Nature has a lot to offer your Halloween party including open space, natural decorations, and the ability to tolerate loud noises! In this episode, I describe different ways that you can successfully take your party outside including outdoor
18. Nature Based Preschools and Elementary Classrooms: Talking Teacher Roles with Dr. Rachel Larimore
Quality teachers are the most important part of nature based preschools and elementary classrooms. But what roles do teachers need to embody in order to make these programs so successful?Tune in to hear Dr. Rachel Larimore explain effective teacher roles in early childhood classrooms. She shares her experience as a former preschool director, consultant, and educator along with research to support
17. 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards
Fall is a season of mystery and intrigue. So let's make the season work for you by including fun fall activities in your schedule! Combining the mystique of fall with the power of learning through play can get your students motivated to learn.Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun fall activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard
16. 10 Fall Picture Books to Help Your Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in Autumn
Fall is coming, so now is a good time to start scoping out fall picture books to help you teach seasonal concepts. Picture books are a great way to explore the changing of the seasons in words and pictures.In this episode I cover 10 picture books that introduce the signs of the seasons, falling leaves, and animals in autumn. Press play to hear about It's Fall by Renee Kurilla, Miss Maple's Seeds b
15. 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students and Teachers
Citizen science projects are amazing, real-world opportunities to develop your students' science skills, get them involved in the community, have them contribute to the scientific community, and to nurture future stewards of the Earth. But what are citizen science projects?Citizen science projects are opportunities for non-scientists to collect and report data to scientists who then analyze the da
14. Outdoor Classroom Routines and Procedures: 5 Easy Activities for Your First Week Outside
It's that time of year again, where you're getting ready to practice your classroom routines and procedures with your students. You practice everyday, multiple times a day, in the hopes that your students will catch on and be set up for the school year. Your efforts are not in vain; the time you spend practicing your classroom routines and procedures will pay off and will make the rest of the year
13. Integrating STEM Into Your Classroom: How to Get Started with Naomi Meredith
Are you interested in integrating STEM into your elementary classroom but you're not sure where to start? Naomi Meredith, former classroom teacher, current STEM coach, and host of the Elementary STEM Coach podcast, joined me to share her tips and tricks for getting started with STEM.Naomi spent 6 years in 2nd and 3rd grade and 5 years as a STEM teacher so she really knows her stuff! During our con
12. 8 Different Seasons Books: Introducing the Four Seasons with Picture Books
Helping young learners understand the way that seasons are made can be a challenge! Investigating this abstract concept can be made easier with different seasons books.In this episode, I cover 8 picture books that introduce the changing seasons, how they come to be, and their seasonal signs that can clue your students into their differences. Press play to hear about The Reason for the Seasons by E
11. Teaching with Phenology: How to Plan Your Science Standards Around the Seasons
Organizing science curriculum can be a challenging task, but I'm here to help. Using phenology, the study of nature throughout the year, you can organize your science standards into a beneficial plan for your students.In this episode, I break down how to plan your year's worth of science standards around the seasons. Tune in to hear about the benefits of teaching with phenology, a 3-step process f
10. 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary Classroom
We've reached the 10th episode of the podcast! 🥳 To celebrate, I'm sharing the 10 best nature apps to use in the elementary classroom.Aside from being *FREE* and available on Apple and Android products, listen in as I explain why I LOVE these 10 apps:The Weather Channel (or another weather app)My Lightning TrackerMerlin Bird IDiNaturalistSeekAudubon BirdsPlantNeteBirdSkyView LitePlantaResources me
9. Exploring Invertebrates: 10 Picture Books to Introduce Animal Characteristics
Introducing invertebrates in your classroom can give your students a more complete picture of animals and their unique characteristics. However, it can be challenging to distinguish the differences between some groups, so consider using picture books to help you illustrate those differences!In this episode, I review 10 picture books (actually 43 books!) that introduce a variety of invertebrates, o
8. Learning Gardens: Creating Dynamic Outdoor Classrooms with Victoria Hackett
Learning gardens benefit children of all ages, including elementary students. Victoria Hackett from Outdoor Classrooms is on the podcast today to share her experience with developing and using learning gardens to teach children in the hopes of inspiring more elementary teachers to use them in their own teaching.Victoria has experience touring and researching teaching gardens across the United Stat
7. Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals By Teaching with Animals
Animals are inherently interesting to students, so let's take advantage of their characteristics to help you reach your curricular goals! In this episode I introduce different Next Generation Science Standards that can be enhanced by teaching animal characteristics.I also conduct an animal characteristic breakdown where I explain what makes mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects s
6. 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching in Nature
If you've considered teaching outside but you're worried about safety, make sure to listen to this episode. I cover 5 outdoor education safety tips to help ease your mind and get you prepared for the upcoming school year.After 8 years of teaching outside, it all boils down to these 5 things. Listen in as we talk about:Preparing your outdoor spaceUsing natural boundariesSetting up safety expectatio
5. Science Skills for Students: 10 Picture Books for Encouraging Kid Scientists
Science skills are abstract and can be challenging for students to understand. However, picture books are a great way to make science skills more concrete because they show skills in action. They can also show the results of those skills, illustrating why they are important in science.In this episode, I cover 10 picture books that introduce science skills for kid scientists. Skills such as questio
4. 6 Invasive Species Activities to Use in the Elementary Classroom
Providing hands-on experiences with plants while teaching science can be challenging when we want to preserve the integrity of our school yard ecosystem. But I have a hack for you...invasive species activities! Tune in to find out why invasive species are perfect for up-close investigations, harvesting, and being the subject of fascinating research. During the episode I share an invasive species a
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