Episodit
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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 π
Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life by Dacher KeltnerTopics in the episode: teacher roles, nature based preschools, nature based elementary classrooms, indoor space, outdoor space, beyond the fence, nature based learning
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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 π
Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideTopics in the episode: fun fall activities, gamification, gamifying curriculum, fall, seasons, weather, seed dispersal, migration, photosynthesis
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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 π
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 Mapleβs Seeds Book Companion for 2nd GradeTopics covered: fall picture books, fall, winter, animals in fall, falling leaves, picture books, food chain, food webs
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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 π
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 GradersTopics in this episode: citizen science projects, mPing, eBird, The Great Sunflower Project, Journey North, Monarch butterflies, S'COOL, The Great Backyard Bird Count
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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 π
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 HuntsTopics in this episode: classroom routines and procedures, outdoor education, outdoor classroom, nature hike, scavenger hunts, Going on a Nature Hike by Steve Metzger
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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 π
After the Fall by Dan SantatFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersWonder WorkshopTopics in the article: integrating STEM, STEM education, STEM coach, science, technology, engineering, math, mathematics
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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 π
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 SummerTopics covered: different seasons books, fall, winter, spring, summer, picture books, phenology
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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 π
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 CamperTopics in this episode: phenology, teaching with the seasons, scope and sequence, lesson planning, outdoor education
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We've reached the 10th episode of the podcast! π₯³ 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 π
National Weather ServiceThe Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary TeachersThe Great Backyard Bird Count - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersTopics covered: nature apps, identification apps, plant apps, bird apps, outdoor education, technology in education
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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 Iβm Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton, The Snailβs Spell by Joanne Ryder, Are You a Centipede? by Judy Allen, and more.
Resources mentioned π
Episode 7: Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with Animals11 Fantastic Life Cycle Books by John HimmelmanTopics covered: invertebrates, animal characteristic, animal characteristics, teaching about animals, elementary science, picture books
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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"!
Topics in this episode: learning gardens, teaching gardens, makerspace garden, teaching outside, literacy garden, outdoor education
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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 π
Amphibians Vs Reptiles: How to Teach the Difference in Your Elementary ClassroomAnimal Characteristic Booklet BundleTopics covered: animal characteristic, animal characteristics, teaching about animals, elementary science, Next Generation Science Standards, NGSS
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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 expectations and rulesInstructing your students to use the bathroom before going outsideUsing a trail bagResources mentioned π
Outdoor Education: How to Use Nature to Improve Your Science StudiesEpisode 2 - Outdoor Learning Environment: 3 Things to Plan for Back to SchoolTopics covered: outdoor education safety tips, outdoor education, teaching outside, outdoor classroom safety, outdoor safety, safety
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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 questioning, observing, notebooking, and more are explored through these wonderful titles. Press play to hear about What is Science? by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writing by Jessica Fries-Gaither, Crow Not Crow by Jane Yolen, and more.
Resources mentioned π
Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary ClassroomsEpisode 1: 10 Science Activities for Elementary Students That Aren't ExperimentsTopics in the episode: picture books, books about science, books for kid scientists, science skills, teaching science
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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 activity for each grade, K-5, that are linked to a coordinating Next Generation Science Standard and a little natural history to give the concept context.
Get inspired by some of the activities for a grade other than yours and make it work for your curricular needs; these activities are easy to adapt and could work for many different age groups!
π Resources mentioned:
Episode 1: 10 Science Activities for Elementary Students That Aren't ExperimentsTopics in the episode: invasive species activities, invasive species, exotic species, native species, Next Generation Science Standards, biodiversity
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Teaching with books is a great way to make science more approachable and enjoyable for your students. But it's not just about reading books, it's about making them engaging and integrating them into your science lessons.
That's why I'm excited to have Steve Frisbee on the show today. He shares my obsession with children's books and he has a lot of experience weaving literature into his science teachings in unique, authentic, and engaging ways. Make sure to listen in on this fun conversation!
π Books Mentioned:
Pond Life: A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press by George K. ReidFlower Talk: How Plants Use Color to Communicate by Sara LevineA Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia LongNoisy Bird Sing-Along by John HimmelmanNoisy Bug Sing-Along by John HimmelmanNoisy Frog Sing-Along by John HimmelmanRobyn Boid: Architect by Maree CooteAn Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia LongA Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia LongThe Salamander Room by Anne MazerWhere the Wild Things Are by Maurice SendakSome Smug Slug by Pamela Duncan EdwardsTopics in this episode: teaching with books, integrating science and literacy, outdoor education, picture books, reading books
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Outdoor education has many benefits for teaching science but can seem daunting, especially when your plate as a teacher is already so full. Listen in as I break down how to set up your outdoor learning environment to make outdoor education more attainable.
We'll talk through planning your routines and expectations and how to practice them your first week of school. I'll also introduce the differences between man-made and natural outdoor learning spaces and how they can benefit your science lessons. We'll also touch on viewing nature as an outdoor lab and how it can enrich your science education.
π Resources Mentioned:
Outdoor Education: How to Use Nature to Improve Your Science StudiesTopics in this episode: outdoor education, outdoor learning spaces, learning outside, routines and expectations, outdoor lab
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Are you interested in science activities that will better reach your elementary students? Do you feel like finding experiments is challenging and not very rewarding? I'm here to help lift the weight off your shoulders.
In this episode, I'm introducing 10 science activities for elementary students that aren't experiments. Examples and actionable steps are provided for each activity type, making them easy for teachers to implement immediately.
π Resources Mentioned:
Reusing Recyclables: 10 Science Tools to Make for StudentsThe Great Backyard Bird Count citizen science projectMonarch Waystation informationNGSX Talk Moves PDFTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacyπ Books Mentioned:
Worm Weather by Jean TaftA Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts AstonA Wood Frog's Life by John HimmelmanThe Secret Pool by Kimberly RidleyTopics in this episode: science activities for elementary students, teaching science, integrating literacy with science, science notebooking, nature journaling, modeling
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Are you an elementary teacher who understands the importance of science education but struggles to find the time and resources to include it into your curriculum? Do you dream of incorporating outdoor education experiences and integrating science and literacy, but feel overwhelmed by where to begin? Then this podcast is for you!
Join me each week as we tackle common challenges, share innovative ideas, and make teaching science to young learners easier, approachable, and enjoyable.
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