Episodes
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In this heartfelt final episode of Season 1, host Dr. Rachel Larimore reflects on the vital role of nature-based early childhood education and the challenges educators face every day. With gratitude, she celebrates the dedication of early childhood educators and encourages them to support one another through reflection and collaboration.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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We're in week three of our dreaming mini-series! As the school year wraps up, Dr. Rachel Larimore invites you to envision your outdoor summer activities. This is your time to focus on how YOU want to connect with nature.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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Episodes manquant?
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In this second episode in the"Dream a Little" series, Dr. Rachel Larimore invites you to identify a recurring barrier that prompts a defeated mindsetâperhaps something you often dismiss with "we can't" or "that's just the way it is"âand brainstorm possible solutions. By taking intentional time to reflect and brainstorm we might just find a creative solution that's been there all along.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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This episode invites you to celebrate the spark moments from workshops and conferences that ignite our passion for teaching and apply them to your own work.
Natural Start Alliance website: https://naturalstart.org/nature-based-early-learning/nature-preschools
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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As we gear up for the end of our first season, this weekâs episode invites you to pause and reflect on your journey as an educator. Capture what went well, the challenges you faced, and potential adjustments to make--all to inform your teaching for the next year.
Check out the Reflecting on Practice: Looking Back to Move Forward workbook for questions and prompts will help you identify the strengths and challenges of the previous school year to identify areas for growth and improvement for the upcoming year. Learn more here: https://www.samarael.com/shop/p/reflecting-on-practice-looking-back-to-move-forward
Learn more about the M.A.P.L.E (Mentoring for Administrators to Propel Leadership in Education) mastermind group for nature-based administrators: https://www.samarael.com/maple
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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Dr. Rachel Larimore invites educators to reflect on gratitude as the school year draws to a close. Amidst the pressures of a fast-paced culture, it's easy to forget to acknowledge the support we receive from colleagues throughout the year. This episode invites nature-based educators to express their gratitude to those that helped make the school year a success.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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It's important to connect with nature at any time of year, but especially during the busy end-of-year school time. This time of year is also when bird songs abound, creating a beautiful, chaotic chorus. Dr. Rachel Larimore invites nature-based early childhood educators to take time outside, ideally before students arrive, to pay attention to that chorus.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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In this weekâs episode, Dr. Rachel Larimore hones in on the distinction between process-oriented and product-oriented art, equipping you with insights and actionable steps to enrich your nature-based teaching practices.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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As we welcome May, host Dr. Rachel Larimore encourages listeners to organize a special outdoor day for your classroom. This time of transition into spring offers a perfect opportunity to invigorate both educators and children through entirely outdoor day. Already spend the full day outside? Consider planning for an extra special day where children will be saying, "This is the best day ever!"
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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In this episode of Mindful Turtle, Dr. Rachel Larimore, reflects on the seasonal transitions of spring and highlights outdoor play in this context. She encourages nature-based educators to undertake a "slow sweep" of their outdoor play spaces. This low-pressure task not only rejuvenates outdoor areas but also instills a sense of responsibility for the environment, reinforcing the need for ongoing stewardship in educational practices. A great way to celebrate Earth Month!
Check out the Leave No Trace organization for more about Leave No Trace principles briefly mentioned in this episode.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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Join us for a special Earth Day episode of Mindful Turtle, where we explore the vital role sustainability plays in nature-based early childhood education. With insights from renowned nature pedagogy expert Dr. Claire Warden, weâll unpack what it means to integrate eco-centric attitudes into our teaching practices and why this is crucial for nurturing a positive educational environment.
You can hear the entire conversation between Rachel and Claire inside The Grove membership hosted by Dr. Rachel Larimore and Samara Early Learning. The Grove is professional development, consulting, and a resource library all in one. Join today at: https://www.samarael.com/grove
Order the book Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring By Rachel A. Larimore and Claire Warden today!
About Dr. Claire Warden
Dr. Claire Warden is an internationally renowned educator, consultant, and advocate for nature-based learning. As the creator of the FloorbookÂź Approach and founder of Mindstretchers Academy, she has transformed early years education by promoting inquiry-led, child-centered learning in outdoor environments. With over 30 years of experience, Claire works with educators worldwide to implement nature pedagogy, offering practical tools for documentation, planning, and curriculum development. Her passion for reconnecting children with nature and empowering educators through innovative teaching strategies has made her a leading voice in early childhood education.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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Join us in the latest episode of Mindful Turtle, where Dr. Rachel Larimore, Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning, dives into the vital role of nature-based education as we approach Earth Day. This episode is for educators eager to instill a profound love and respect for the planet in young children, shifting away from hustle culture to a slower, more mindful approach.
Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring by Drs. Rachel Larimore and Claire Warden
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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How often does our language and even behavior as educators focus on preparing children for the future, rather than being present in the moment? This week Dr. Rachel Larimore, host of Mindful Turtle, invites educators to reflect on how the desire to rush toward future readiness can detract from valuable present experiences for both children and educators.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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In this episode, host Dr. Rachel Larimore dives into the beauty and benefits of learning about local wildflowers as a way to deepen our connection with nature and enrich our teaching practices.
Resources discussed:
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb
The Goodness of Rain Developing an Ecological Identity in Young Children by Ann Pelo
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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This week on The Mindful Turtle, weâre celebrating the fifth Sunday in March with a special High Five moment! Dr. Rachel Larimore invites listeners to take just three minutes to reflect on and list their positive achievements from the past month. This simple yet powerful exercise encourages educators to shift their focus from overlooking accomplishments to truly appreciating their progress.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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In this bonus episode of The Mindful Turtle, Dr. Rachel Larimore chats with Rusty Keeler, a 30-year advocate for children's play, about the concept of "yes" spacesâplaces where children can freely explore. Rusty encourages educators to reflect on their instinctive reactions to children's play, questioning whether the urge to say "no" comes from genuine safety concerns or personal anxieties and societal pressures. The conversation emphasizes the value of reflective practice, urging educators to challenge arbitrary rules and create environments that nurture children's natural curiosity and creativity.
From Tasmania to Texas, Rusty Keeler has spent the last 30 years traveling the world designing and advocating for children's play. Described as a cross between Mr Rogers and Jerry Garcia, Rusty is a frequent keynote speaker and author of multiple books on play including the recent Adventures in Risky Play: What is Your Yes? A pioneer in the movement to connect children to nature through play, Rusty lives with his family beside a creek in Ithaca, NY with a backyard full of plants, straw bales, treehouses, tires, tennis balls, hoola hoops, bubbles, and more. Rusty is the current vice president of the USA chapter of the International Play Association. https://rustykeeler.com/about-rusty-keeler/
Want to hear more conversations like this? Join The Grove.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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As spring begins, itâs the ideal time for a seasonal refresh. With the change in seasons, childrenâs play needs evolve, making it essential to reorganize seasonal items, improve access to frequently used materials, and address any maintenance issues. This week, Dr. Rachel Larimore invites nature-based early educators to dedicate just 15 minutes to organizing their outdoor spaces.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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This week on The Mindful Turtle, we continue our deep dive into managing risk in nature-based programs. In this episode, Dr. Rachel Larimore discusses benefit-risk assessments and shares strategies for evaluating activities that go beyond traditional safety boundaries. Listeners will learn how to assess each activity by weighing its educational benefits, identifying potential hazards, and crafting thoughtful safety protocols to ensure everyoneâs well-being.
Curious to learn more? Check out Samara Early Learning's Benefit-Risk blog post.
And for your team to dive in deeper, check out our affordable professional development: Risky Play On-Demand Workshop
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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This week kicks off a two-part series on risk management in nature-based programs. This week's focus is on conducting a site assessment to identify and assess potential hazards in our outdoor spaces. As warmer weather invites more outdoor exploration, it's essential to understand the difference between hazards, risks, and fears. This knowledge helps us create safe environments, recognizing that "safe" doesn't necessarily mean "risk-free."
For a deeper dive, check out our affordable professional development workshop on Risky Play!
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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March often feels like a time of transition, moving from the cold of winter to the early signs of spring, though the warm, sunny days aren't quite here to stay. This week, Dr. Rachel Larimore urges nature-based educators to practice what they preach and take just five minutes in nature, three times a week, to reset their nervous systems. She introduces a simple yet powerful practice that helps shift you from âfight or flightâ to a state of calm by engaging your senses outdoors. Dr. Larimore underscores the importance of teacher well-being, noting that when educators are dysregulated, they struggle to support students in managing their emotions effectively.
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young childrenâs holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.
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