Teach Outdoors

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...

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...

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...

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 y...

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...

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-bas...

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...

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 Spo...

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 pr...

Here's the updated description with a paragraph about the key leaf activities: 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...

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 initiativ...

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...

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 t...

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 liste...

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...

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 bree...

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...

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 backg...

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 Assigne...

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...

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 variou...

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 cha...

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 discuss...

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...

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 dif...