Outdoor Classrooms: Nature-Based Teaching and Learning for Educators and Parents

In this heartfelt episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Juliet Robertson, a passionate advocate for outdoor learning and play. Juliet inspired countless educators to embrace messy, hands-on experiences and to see the natural world as a classroom full of wonder. We reflect on her approach to teaching outdoors, her dedication to supporting teachers, and the joy she brought to children and adu...

In this special reflective episode, I pause to look back on 2025—a year filled with growth, connection, creativity, and community inside Outdoor Classrooms. Rather than an interview, this episode is an invitation to slow down. Together, we reflect on what it truly means to build outdoor classrooms over time—with intention, curiosity, and care—while looking ahead to what’s taking root for 2026. 🎙 I...

In this episode, Victoria guides educators through an inspiring and actionable journey of setting meaningful New Year goals for their Outdoor Classroom using the Four Types of Teaching Gardens: Gardens that Feed Gardens that Attract Wildlife Gardens for Art and Beauty Gardens as Outdoor Learning Stations Building on the reflective questions shared in the latest Seedling News PDF, this episode brin...

Winter is often seen as a season to endure—but what if it’s actually a season that gives? In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, Victoria Hackett explores how winter can support children’s development, emotional regulation, and creativity, while also offering adults a chance to slow down, recalibrate, and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the world.   We’ll talk about: The sta...

In this episode, Becca from Good Natured Learning shares how her work has expanded from Colorado to Kenya, piloting Outdoor Learning Collaborations in two schools within Nairobi’s informal settlements. She breaks down the Spaces–Systems–Skills model, the power of co-creation with teachers and communities, and the vision to bring this work to 12+ Kenyan schools in 2026. 🎬 In This Episode, You’ll L...

In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk, we embark on an inspiring journey with Martha Burke, the visionary Founding Director of Heartwood Nature School in West Newbury. Nestled on an 18-acre Christmas tree farm, surrounded by the serene expanses of Fish and Game land, Heartwood is a testament to Martha's passion for outdoor education. Episode Highlights: Heartwood's Humble Beginni...

In this episode, I explore why gratitude and time outdoors aren’t just “nice practices” — they’re essential. We look at the growing research showing how gratitude reshapes attention, mood, and connection, and how nature calms the nervous system, lowers stress, and restores our ability to focus. When you combine the two, the effects strengthen each other in ways that support real emotional resilien...

In this episode of The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, we sit down with filmmaker and storyteller Juliet Grable, co-creator of the powerful documentary In Our Nature. Juliet and her creative partner, James Parker, have captured the extraordinary ways people are reconnecting with the natural world—one story at a time. Together, we explore the inspiration behind In Our Nature, how the team chose the sto...

In this episode, we sit down with Ann Ranger, a graduate of the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program, to hear her inspiring story of growth, discovery, and success. Ann shares how the program transformed her teaching practice and helped her land her dream job. She takes us behind the scenes of the Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp, the Seasonal Masterclass Bundle, and the Teaching Beyond Walls...

In this inspiring Teacher Spotlight, we chat with Amy Wood, an innovative educator who has transformed her teaching through the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program. From her first steps in the Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp, through the Seasonal Masterclass Bundle, to completing the Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course, Amy shares her journey, challenges, and successes bringing learning o...

In this episode, we explore the art of noticing — the simple yet powerful practice of slowing down, paying attention, and inviting children to truly see the natural world. Discover how intentional noticing can transform outdoor learning, spark curiosity, and nurture empathy and environmental stewardship. You’ll learn what “noticing” really means, why it’s such an essential skill for children, and...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast where we dive into the world of outdoor education and the transformative power of nature-based learning. In this episode, we take you on a tour of Little Free Range Learners Preschool, a unique educational environment where children are encouraged to explore, play, and learn in natural settings. Key Highlights: Vision of Freedo...

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of gratitude within nature-based education. Join Victoria as we discuss how integrating gratitude practices into learning environments can enhance educational experiences and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Through practical activities and listener engagement, we aim to inspire educators and learners alike to cultivate thankf...

Join us on a journey of transformation as we delve into the power of taking leaps of faith, like the one I experienced when I signed up for a 5-day trek in the Swedish highlands with CIRCLE Member Kristy Nuttall, led by the remarkable Linda McGurk, author of There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather . Through personal stories and practical insights, we'll uncover how trusting the universe and embracing...

In this enlightening episode, I'm thrilled to share my guest appearance on the "Ready, Set, Go" Show, where I explored the transformative journey of outdoor classrooms. 🌱✨ Episode Highlights: Guest Appearance: Tune in to hear my insights and experiences shared as a guest on the "Ready, Set, Go" Show with Kathryn Leigh Kirt, discussing the power of outdoor classroom and nature-based educatio...

In this captivating episode, join us for an immersive outdoor classrooms tour and talk with Tina Brouwer Kraska from Red Oaks Forest School, where exploration meets education. Since 2014, Red Oaks has been at the forefront of nature-based learning, focusing on conservation and community engagement from parent-child programs through adolescence. Episode Highlights: Outdoor Classrooms Tour: As...

Have you ever imagined what your perfect outdoor classroom would look like, or how the beauty of nature can transform the way we teach and learn? In this episode, we dive into the power of dreams and how they can be realized in the creation of outdoor classrooms. Inspired by Richard Bach's quote, "You are never given a dream without also being given the power to make it true," we explore the journ...

In this episode, host Victoria introduces Jorja Dearing, the first graduate of the Outdoor Classroom Teacher Certification program . Discover how Jorja transformed her passion into success through dedication and the support of our program. Since Jorja's journey, numerous educators have followed in her footsteps, completing innovative Capstone Projects that you can explore on our graduates page. Ou...

In this episode, Sarah delves into the integration of scientific principles with spiritual practices in nature-based education, highlighting a holistic approach that nurtures both mind and soul. She discusses how scientific research informs our understanding of developmental stages from childhood to adulthood, complementing spiritual growth. Nature is portrayed as a bridge between scientific inqui...

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the world of early childhood education and environmental science with Ann Gadzikowski, the author of the forthcoming book, "Every Drop Counts: Exploring Water Science with Young Children in a Changing Climate." Ann shares her inspiration for writing this book and the joy of collaborating with water scientist Alexa Yeo, who brings a wealth of knowledge and...

Welcome to this enlightening episode where we dive into the transformative journey of Ade Hofmann, founder of Nature Play All Day. With over a decade of traditional teaching under her belt, Ade made a bold move to redefine early childhood education by embracing the outdoors and the power of play. Episode Highlights: From Traditional to Transformative: Ade Hofmann shares her inspiring story of...

Join us for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Griff Griffith, a master storyteller and passionate advocate for the natural world. In this episode, Griff takes us on a journey through personal stories and experiences that have shaped his life's mission to protect, conserve, and understand nature. Highlights from the Episode: Family Roots: Griff shares touching stories about his grandmo...

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Stacy Morgan, a dedicated Family Childcare Provider at Little Bit of Sunshine Nature Learning Academy. Discover how Stacy transitioned from a career in banking to early childhood education, driven by her passion for fostering child-led and nature-based learning environments. In this episode, Stacy shares her philosophy on integrating nature into dai...

In this episode, we delve into the innovative world of outdoor education at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, where the Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) has established a unique learning environment. Join educators Ava and Alexandra as they share their experiences and insights into this inspiring program that combines nature and education to foster young minds. Topics Covered: The distinctiv...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Madeleine Braden and Amber Brown, the passionate founders of Barefoot University. Discover how they are connecting homeschool families to nature and each other through their innovative approach to education. Learn about the physical, educational, and spiritual benefits of spending time outdoors and how it can be a vital part of your child's learning exper...