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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 common, making it a great theme for all.
Nature has a lot to offer your winter solstice celebration including open space, natural decorations, and the ability to tolerate loud noises, so consider taking your party outside! In this episode, I describe outdoor winter games, low key activities, party food, and communication with parents and administration to make your party as successful as possible.
Resources Mentioned ๐
How Do You Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Elementary Students?A Helpful Guide to Teaching the Season Transition to WinterEpisode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards16 Wonderful Childrenโs Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers5 Senses of Winter Scavenger HuntsBird Feeder Garland - RHS Campaign for School GardeningShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode26
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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 outside can help harness said energy in productive ways and these books and activities will do just that.
Books featured in the episode ๐
"Gobble, Gobble" by Cathryn Falwell"How to Catch a Turkey" by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton"I'm a Turkey" by Jim Arnosky"How to Hide a Turkey" by Hope AicherResources mentioned ๐
Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching in NatureTurkey Needs Outdoor Scavenger HuntTalking About Turkey Facts: 10 Things to Know Before ThanksgivingShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode25
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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 a Next Generation Science Standard and an explanation of how it relates to the phases of the moon. Tune in to hear about:
Collecting weather data and phases of the moon (Kindergarten)Keeping a moon journal (1st Grade)Playing moon phase tidal tug of war (2nd Grade)Completing a blindfolded migration obstacle course (3rd Grade)Creating a moon phase mobile model (4th Grade)Playing predator prey moonlit tag (5th Grade)Resources mentioned ๐
How Does the Moon Affect the Tides and Weather?Episode 113: Roots of Learning: Nature in Elementary Science EducationMoon Phases and Light Mini Unit for 1st Grade12 Stellar Books About the Moon, Sun, and EclipsesTides and Water LevelsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode24
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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 interested in hearing about the benefits of field trips for students, types of activities to look for when booking a field trip for your students, 3 things to look for in field trips to ensure a quality experience, and advice to make your experience as the teacher less stressful and more enjoyable.
Make sure to listen until the end because today's Teaching Tip is about getting funding for your field trip through nature grants.
Connect with James Dake:
Email: [email protected]Resources mentioned ๐
https://www.michigannature.org/menus/education.htmlShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode23
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If youโve decided to take your students outside for learning but youโre not sure where to start lesson planning, this is the episode for you! There are a variety of childrenโs 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 activitiesExplorationData collectionObservational studiesRunning gamesRole playing gamesConcept reinforcement gamesMake sure to stick around until the end of the show where I give you ideas of how to get your hands on study skins, or taxidermied animals, to bring your studentsโ learning to life!
Resources mentioned ๐
Episode 3: Teaching with Books: Thinking Outside the Box with Steve FrisbeeEpisode 15: 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students and TeachersEpisode 20: 6 Animal Migration Activities for the Elementary ClassroomEpisode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsEpisode 4: 6 Invasive Species Activities to Use in the Elementary ClassroomNaturally Teaching scavenger huntsSeasonal Senses Scavenger Hunts for Fall, Winter, and SpringOutdoor Pollination Scavenger HuntLiving and Non LivingScavenger HuntWorm Weather Picture Book CompanionBorrow CMU Zoology SpecimenAcorn NaturalistsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode22
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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 students. Press play to hear about Forest Bright, Forest Night by Jennifer Ward, Where Are the Night Animals by Mary Ann Fraser, Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies, and more!
Resources mentioned ๐
Sound Investigation Mini Unit for 1st Grade (ELA and Science Activities)Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode21
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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 migration. Tune in to hear about:
Participating in a migration obstacle course (Kindergarten)Collecting migration data (1st Grade)Planting a Monarch Waystation (2nd Grade)Creating a Reindeer migration magnetic map (3rd Grade)Comparing migration maps to topographical maps (4th Grade)Completing a star navigation course (5th Grade)Resources mentioned ๐
Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideโGarden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Prepare for Success.โButterflies Belong Here: A Story of One Idea, Thirty Kids, and a World of Butterflies by Deborah HopkinsonBirdcastHow Animals Follow the Stars by the Royal Society of Great BritainShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode20
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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 games, low key activities, party food, and communication with parents and administration.
Resources mentioned ๐
Episode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards5 Senses of Fall Scavenger Hunts12 Instructive Picture Books On Pumpkins for Elementary StudentsPumpkins in November: How to Use Halloween Pumpkins to Teach StudentsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode19
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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 the significance of these roles in nature based preschools and elementary classrooms. Her passion, wit, and years of experience really bring to light how important teachers are in the success of these amazing programs.
Teacher roles she describes include:
Holder of memoriesProvider of spaceProvider of timeProvider of materialsConversationalistConnect with Dr. Rachel Larimore:
Take the quiz and get your custom toolkit!Website: https://www.samarael.com/Buy her books: https://www.samarael.com/shopInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaraearlylearning/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SamaraEarlyLearning/Podcast: https://www.samarael.com/mindful-turtleResources mentioned ๐
Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life by Dacher KeltnerShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode18
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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 that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to the fall season, and a description of how to implement the activity in your classroom. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.
Fun fall activities described in this episode include:
Kindergarten: Season Tag1st Grade: Day and Night Hopscotch2nd Grade: Squirrel Cache Capture the Flag3rd Grade: Migration Tag4th Grade: Fall 20 Questions5th Grade: Photosynthesis RelayResources mentioned ๐
Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode17
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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 by Eliza Wheeler, Summer Green to Autumn Gold by Mia Posada, Migration by Gail Gibbons, and more.
Resources mentioned ๐
Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary ClassroomsA Free Fall Picture Books List for Teachers with 16 RecommendationsEpisode 10: 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary ClassroomEpisode 14: Outdoor Classroom Routines and Procedures: 5 Easy Activities for Your First Week OutsideMiss Mapleโs Seeds Book Companion for 2nd GradeShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode16
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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 data, find patterns and discoveries, and use their findings to correct misinformation, inform conservation decisions, and more.
In this episode, I describe 6 different citizen science projects paired to Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. Listen in to find out the nitty gritties including who sponsors the projects, how to submit data, how the project is related to the standard, and more.
Kindergarten: mPing - observing precipitation
1st Grade: eBird - submitting sound wave data
2nd Grade: The Great Sunflower Project - observing pollination
3rd Grade: Journey North Monarch Butterflies - observing life cycles of Monarch butterflies and Milkweed plants
4th Grade: S'COOL - observing clouds
5th Grade: The Great Backyard Bird Count - submitting bird sightings
Resources mentioned ๐
The Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary TeachersEpisode 10: 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary ClassroomThe Great Backyard Bird Count - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode15
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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 easier.
The same can be said of practicing your outdoor classroom routines and procedures. By taking the time at the beginning of the year, your students will learn your expectations and will transition from the indoor classroom to the outdoor classroom with ease.
In this episode, I describe 5 easy activities that you can use the first week you go outside to practice your outdoor classroom routines and procedures. I describe a week's schedule starting with structured activities moving to unstructured activities as the week goes on. Listen in to hear about the following activities and the routines and procedures they help your students practice:
Read a book Go for a nature hikeDo a scavenger huntExplore the spacePlay a simple gameResources mentioned ๐
Episode 3: Outdoor Learning Environment: 3 Things to Plan for Back to SchoolEpisode 11: Teaching with Phenology: How to Plan Your Science Standards Around the SeasonsA Helpful Guide to Teaching the Season Transition to WinterThe Four Seasons Scavenger Hunt Bundle for Fall, Winter, Spring, and SummerNaturally Teaching Scavenger HuntsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode14
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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 conversation, she talks through what STEM education looks like, what the engineering design process is, how that process can aid your teaching, benefits to teaching with STEM, suggestions for integrating STEM into your elementary classroom, and more.
Tune in to this awesome conversation and get inspired to integrate STEM into your classroom!
Connect with Naomi Meredith:
Email: [email protected]: naomimeredith.comInstagram, TikTok & Twitter: @naomimeredith_Podcasts: The Elementary STEM Coach & The STEM Career Quest PodcastYouTube: Naomi MeredithTeachersPayTeachers Shop: Naomi MeredithFacebook Page: Naomi Meredith- The Elementary STEM CoachResources mentioned ๐
After the Fall by Dan SantatFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersWonder WorkshopShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode13
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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 Ellie Peterson, Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson, A Bunny for All Seasons by Janet Schulman, and more.
Resources mentioned ๐
Episode 11: Teaching with Phenology: How to Plan Your Science Standards Around the SeasonsA Helpful Introduction for Teachers Teaching the Four Seasons in SchoolFour Seasons Sorting Activity Bundle for Fall, Winter, Spring, and SummerShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode12
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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 for developing a scope and sequence, and how to use the workshop model to develop lessons for your new scope and sequence.
Resources mentioned ๐
A Helpful Introduction for Teachers Teaching the Four Seasons in SchoolEpisode 7: Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with AnimalsTen Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy CamperShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode11
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We've reached the 10th episode of the podcast! ๐ฅณ 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 mentioned ๐
National Weather ServiceThe Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary TeachersThe Great Backyard Bird Count - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode10
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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, or animals without backbones. Animals such as snails, earthworms, spiders, daddy longlegs, and more are explored through these fantastic titles and series. Press play to hear about Iโm Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton, The Snailโs Spell by Joanne Ryder, Are You a Centipede? by Judy Allen, and more.
Resources mentioned ๐
Episode 7: Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with Animals11 Fantastic Life Cycle Books by John HimmelmanShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode9
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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 States and has broken them down into four different garden types that she explains in this episode. She shares how using elements from each garden type enhances student experience and development with real-life examples.
Tune in to find out how learning gardens could benefit your curricular goals plus 3 action steps to get started developing a learning garden in your own space. Her excitement, passion, and experience is contagious; I can't wait for you to hear this wonderful conversation!
Connect with Victoria Hackett of Outdoor Classrooms:
Website: www.outdoor-classrooms.comNext Masterclass: Exploring Nature in SummerThe Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipOutdoor Classrooms Podcast: On your favorite platform or on my websiteLooking for ideas to find funding for your learning gardens? Check out my article, "Garden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Plan for Success"!
Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode8
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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 similar and different from each other. I do this by touching on 6 different categories of characteristics including:
Animal coveringHow they breatheHow they have youngIf they are warm-blooded or cold-bloodedIf they are a vertebrate or an invertebrateA unique characteristic to that animal groupTune in to learn about the unique traits of these animal groups and get inspired to teach animal characteristics in your classroom!
Resources mentioned ๐
Amphibians Vs Reptiles: How to Teach the Difference in Your Elementary ClassroomAnimal Characteristic Booklet BundleShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode7
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