Nature-Based Educator

Nature and nutrition go together like pollinators and wildflowers. Walk with Ade as she shares her journey and discoveries in how taking a closer look at what and how she was fueling her body majorly shifted how she showed up in the space she shares with children in her forest classroom!

In this episode of The Outside The Box Podcast, we explore how optimizing energy isn’t just about food and movement—but also about sleep. After working with a nutritionist in preparation for USS Nationals, I discovered that despite doing everything “right,” my sleep was the missing piece. Join me as we dive into sleep cycles, daily habits, and how aligning our personal energy affects how we show u...

In this episode of The Outside The Box Podcast , we explore how nature’s seasonal rhythms can inspire us to rethink the traditional New Year's resolutions. Instead of setting goals in the depth of winter, we discuss why spring is the perfect time for new beginnings. Tune in to learn how aligning with nature’s cycles can bring balance, creativity, and renewal to both your personal growth and y...

Welcome back to Outside the Box! I’m your host, Ade Hofmann, and in this episode, we’re diving into the deeply personal journey of creating something from scratch—whether it’s a program, a project, or a vision for your life. The process is so much more than the end result. It’s messy, emotional, and full of unexpected beauty. Join me as we unpack what it means to build something meaningful, embrac...

In this episode, The Discipline of Freedom: How Structure Sets Us Free in Nature-Based Education, we explore the transformative power of routines and rhythms in outdoor learning. Discover how intentional structure creates safety and trust, empowering children to take risks, explore, and build meaningful connections with the natural world—and with the educators who guide them. Join us as we redefin...

Join Ade in this episode as she walks with you through the three components to building a classroom community that is rotted in authentic connection, understating, trust and respect. Practicing these methods will not only positively impact your cohort at large but also expand your practice as an educator/caregiver. 
 Love this episode? Want to dig even DEEPER? Check out Ade’s newest virtual traini...

Join Ade in this episode as she shares her latest tips on how to manage your classroom set up without stress or overwhelm. She will walk you through the before and after of intentionally creating spaces that have the children’s experience in mind. Download the FREE Guide to Why Play Matters here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua and shop major deals on gear at The Outdoor School Shop by...

Join Ade as embraces vulnerability in this episode and walks through some hurtles she has faced as she creates a solid ground to build her future on. What limiting beliefs are holding you back? Don’t forget to download her Guide To Why Play Matters More here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua

Join Ade on this episode where she explores how to build guts, grit, personal power and get an edge on hard times. Walk with her as she connects her strength journey to her practices in the world of nature and play based education. Don’t forget to download the FREE Guide to Why Play Matters More Than Kindergarten Readiness here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua

Join Ade in this episode as she shares how she tackles the never ending to-do list as an entrepreneur, and program director. She shares with you some quick and tactical guidance that you can implement today! After this episode you will no longer be haunted by your personal to-do list. Don’t forget to download the free Guide to Why Play Matters MORE Than Kindergarten Readiness here: https://mailchi...

Join Ade as she chats about a spicy topic of how so many of us fear that our young children are falling behind in their education. Don’t forget to download the free Guide to Why Play Matters More Than Kindergarten Readiness here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua

Choosing gear for your child (and you) is no easy feat. Listen in as Ade shares a new tip on how to choose gear that WORKS. Don’t forget to download The Ultimate Gear Guide for FREE using this link: https://mailchi.mp/1db2ee74701f/the-ultimate-gear-guide-sign-up

Why is asking for help SO HARD?! Walk with Ade as she shares some insight as to why asking and accepting help can feel so challenging. Tune in for a little tough love and a whole lot of “so, it’s not just me” moments. Dont forget to download her FREE Guide to Why Play Matters More here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua

Join Ade as she explores the notion of silver linings and why they’re so powerful in her practice of moving the needle closer to the “goal”. Unpack ideas of perfectionism and readiness. Don’t forget to download her Why Play Matters MORE guide here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua

Ade shares a heartfelt message for all those who are working so hard to make way for change in early childhood. She invites you to share in her efforts of change by joining a free community (NPBC). Click here for the Why Play Matters freebie: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua . Join the Nature and Play-Based Consortium for free here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TXag1VhVXrojMB5Apwk2vR...

Ade shares with you her top 5 spaces to be sure to incorporate into any outdoor learning environment. She shares stories of how these spaces have a deep and lasting impact on children’s development. Don’t forget to download Ade’s FREE Guide to Why Play Matters more here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua

Walk with Ade as she debunks the great myth of the beloved worksheet. Ade shares her experience in a variety of early learning environments and how it’s helped shape her philosophy that living is learning and that above all, play and learning are synonymous. Do you need more proof for those on the fencers and naysayers? Ade’s put together a list of 10 reasons why outdoor winter play is crucial to...

Join Ade as she chats about what’s really keeping educators and caregivers INSIDE rather than venturing out into nature. Having trouble navigating the vast world of outdoor gear? Download The Ultimate Gear Guide, your one stop shop to knowing what you need and why here: https://mailchi.mp/1db2ee74701f/the-ultimate-gear-guide-sign-up

Walk with Ade alone the Observation Continuum and learn where you are on your journey to becoming a Great Observer. Download this exercise below to practice with your staff.

Take a listen to what’s in store on Ade’s NEW podcast, launching January 2, 2024. New episodes available every Monday! Please like, comment and share the podcast, we need help from listeners like you to spread the word. 💚 Now, go on, BE AWESOME!

Join Ade as she explores the idea that gear is a vital piece of that beloved curriculum that so many of us cling to. Also hear about her two exclusive freebies she has created to help you gather gear with ease and major savings. Download your FREE guide to Why Play Matters MORE than Kindergarten readiness HERE: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua Check out Ade’s Ultimate Gear Guide: https:/...

Ade shares the top three lessons she’s learned on her journey to founding a fully nature and play-based early childhood program. Download your FREE guide to Why Play Matters More than Kindergarten readiness here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua

Explore the idea of “seeing the fear and doing it anyway”. Walk with Ade as she shares her lessons learned from her first mentor, and how they apply to her work as a program founder. Download your FREE guide to Why Play Matters MORE than Kindergarten Readiness here: https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua

Becoming aware of the barriers that keep us from facilitating a truly play-based learning space. Grab your FREE Guide to why Play Matters More than Kindergarten readiness HERE! https://mailchi.mp/1e971e8a207d/9l9pim0nua