Outdoor Classrooms Podcast

In this special reflective episode, I pause to look back on 2025—a year filled with growth, connection, creativity, and community inside Outdoor Classrooms.Rather than an interview, this episode is an invitation to slow down. Together, we reflect on what it truly means to build outdoor classrooms over time—with intention, curiosity, and care—while looking ahead to what’s taking root for 2026.🎙 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:🌱 Beginning and ending 2025 with the Outdoor Teaching BootcampHow starting—and closing—the year with Bootcamp created a powerful, cyclical rhythm for educators moving through the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program.🌸 Life in the Secret GardensParent/child classes, drop-off afterschool programs, birthday celebrations, an art show, and what it looks like when children and adults are given space to truly slow down and connect with nature.🔵 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone & Certification MilestonesCelebrating our first graduates, their powerful capstone projects, and the ever-growing Graduate Testimonials page.🏫 Professional Development & Conference PresentationsTraining with Evergreen Day School (Cambridge, MA), Roots and Wings Nature School (NH), Brookwood School (Beverly,Ma) and presentations at Natural Start and MEES.🎧 179 Podcast Episodes & a Growing Listener CommunityReflections on the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, reaching over 1,000 listeners each month, and what these conversations mean moving forward.🌿 CIRCLE Membership highlights12 new workshops added in 202512 books read togetherMonthly Roundtable discussionsSeasonal masterclasses: Exploring Nature in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall ✍️ Personal milestonesWriting and submitting the first draft of my book, traveling to Acadia National Park and Joshua Tree, and how place continues to shape this work. 🌟 Looking Ahead to 2026In the final portion of the episode, I share what’s guiding me into the new year:A commitment to documenting 2026 with one video a dayUsing nature as a healing and reflective tool through seasonal living, cooking from the garden, intentional walks, journaling, and habit-buildingExpanding CIRCLE Gatherings in the Secret Gardens to deepen community connectionPreparing the January edition of the CIRCLE Chronicle, including:Our 2026 book list for Roundtable Discussions12 new monthly workshop topicsExploring opportunities to connect the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program with higher education pathwaysSeeking like-minded sponsors for the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast to help reach even more educators while staying deeply aligned with our values💬 Featured Reflections from the Community:“This podcast reminds me why I became a teacher. It grounds me and gives me permission to slow down.”“This program gave me language for what I already felt in my bones.”“CIRCLE feels like professional development that also feeds my soul.”🌱 A Note for Potential SponsorsAs we head into 2026, Outdoor Classrooms is seeking values-aligned sponsors who believe in nature-based education, community-centered learning, and teaching beyond walls.If that sounds like you—or someone you know—we’d love to connect. 🔗 Learn More & Stay ConnectedFREE Resource:🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page) Resources & Links:🎓

Using the Four Types of Teaching GardensIn this episode, Victoria guides educators through an inspiring and actionable journey of setting meaningful New Year goals for their Outdoor Classroom using the Four Types of Teaching Gardens:Gardens that FeedGardens that Attract WildlifeGardens for Art and BeautyGardens as Outdoor Learning StationsBuilding on the reflective questions shared in the latest Seedling News PDF, this episode brings those prompts to life—helping you turn reflection into a clear, garden-centered plan for the year ahead. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:🌱 Why goal-setting mattersHow intention, not perfection, shapes a thriving Outdoor Classroom.🥕 How to develop goals for Gardens that FeedIdeas for edible planting, cultural foods, composting, and hands-on culinary rituals for kids.🦋 Ways to invite more wildlife into your spaceTips for creating habitat, expanding native plantings, and supporting children as citizen scientists.🎨 How to cultivate beauty, creativity, and art outdoorsFrom color gardens to nature looms, this segment explores aesthetic and sensory-rich garden features that nurture imagination.🔍 How to strengthen your Outdoor Learning StationsPractical strategies for evolving your mud kitchen, literacy areas, STEM zones, and sensory spaces.🗂 How to build a simple, seasonal action planVictoria walks you through choosing ONE goal for each garden type—and spreading those steps across winter and spring.Reflection Questions Featured:What do you want your outdoor classroom to become this year?Which plants, wildlife, art elements, or learning stations most engaged children last season?What do you want children to feel, experience, and discover in each garden area?What support or structure will help you bring your goals to life?Resources Mentioned:Seedling News Reflective PDF – Use it alongside this episode to map out your yearThe Four Types of Teaching Gardens Framework: Learn more in our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification ProgramCIRCLE Membership Community – For educators ready to grow deeper and connect with others on the same journeyJoin the Community:Want to continue the conversation, access our workshop library, or collaborate with like-minded educators?👉

Winter is often seen as a season to endure—but what if it’s actually a season that gives? In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, Victoria Hackett explores how winter can support children’s development, emotional regulation, and creativity, while also offering adults a chance to slow down, recalibrate, and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the world. We’ll talk about:The state of childhood today and how screens and busy schedules have disconnected children from the seasons.What nature teaches us about winter and the importance of slowing down.How embracing winter benefits children’s resilience, creativity, and emotional well-being.Why adults benefit from leaning into the season too—and how modeling curiosity matters.A simple winter philosophy for educators and parents: dress well, notice more, slow down, and follow the children.If you’re ready to move beyond winter survival and embrace it as a partner in learning, this episode is for you.🎓 Go Deeper with the Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass If this episode inspires you, you can explore winter more intentionally through our Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass, opening January 2. The first LIVE session is January 8 from 7:00–8:00 pm EST. This four-week course is part of our Seasonal Masterclass Bundle—buy one and get all four seasonal courses—or as part of the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program.Resources & Links:Exploring Nature in Winter MasterclassOutdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification ProgramFollow & Connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Outdoor ClassroomsWebsite: www.outdoor-classrooms.comKey Takeaways:Winter is not a dead season—it’s regenerative and full of learning opportunities.Children need stillness, sensory experiences, and seasonal rhythms for healthy development.Adults modeling curiosity and presence outdoors helps children thrive.Slowing down, noticing, and following the children is the most powerful winter philosophy.Listener Challenge:This week, step outside with your children (or your students) and pause for five minutes. Notice one small change in the landscape, one sound, or one texture that tells the story of winter. Share your observations in the comments or on social media with #OutdoorClassroomsPodcast.

In this episode, Becca from Good Natured Learning shares how her work has expanded from Colorado to Kenya, piloting Outdoor Learning Collaborations in two schools within Nairobi’s informal settlements. She breaks down the Spaces–Systems–Skills model, the power of co-creation with teachers and communities, and the vision to bring this work to 12+ Kenyan schools in 2026. 🎬 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why Good Natured Learning began and how it’s evolved across continentsWhat nature-based learning looks like in Colorado vs. KenyaHow Outdoor Learning Collaborations bring nature access to schools with little green spaceThe impact of rooftop “living classrooms” in Kibera and MathareHow co-creation with teachers strengthens ownership and sustainabilityThe vision for expanding to 12+ schools in 2026—and who’s needed to make it possibleSimple ways educators can bring nature into learning anywhere 👤 Meet BeccaBecca is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Good Natured Learning. A nature-based educator for over two decades, she has worked across the U.S. and Kenya to integrate outdoor learning, redesign school systems, and co-create inclusive, nature-connected learning environments. With both Stanford training and years of wilderness experience, she’s committed to making nature-based learning accessible, meaningful, and transformative for all schools.Contact Becca: EMAIL: [email protected] Outdoor Classroom Resources & Links:🌿 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program🌸 CIRCLE Membership for Educators🎓 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone CourseCONNECT WITH VICTORIA:WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: [email protected]: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk, we embark on an inspiring journey with Martha Burke, the visionary Founding Director of Heartwood Nature School in West Newbury. Nestled on an 18-acre Christmas tree farm, surrounded by the serene expanses of Fish and Game land, Heartwood is a testament to Martha's passion for outdoor education.Episode Highlights:Heartwood's Humble Beginnings: Discover how Martha transformed her backyard woods into a nurturing educational environment with just a bell tent and a small group of six children in 2020.Growth and Expansion: Learn about the school's remarkable growth, now featuring two yurts and serving approximately 60 children annually with a dedicated staff of eight.Educational Philosophy: Martha shares her philosophy on the importance of outdoor education and the unique experiences Heartwood offers.Challenges and Triumphs: Hear about the challenges Martha faced in building Heartwood and the triumphs that have made the journey worthwhile.A Day in the Life: Get a glimpse into a typical day at Heartwood, where the love for nature and learning go hand in hand.Future Vision: Martha discusses her future plans for Heartwood and her aspirations for outdoor education.Join us as we explore Martha's dedication to fostering a love for nature in children and creating a vibrant outdoor learning community. Whether you're an educator, parent, or nature enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.Meet Martha: Martha is the Founding Director of Heartwood Nature School in West Newbury. Her school operates on an 18-acre Christmas tree farm surrounded by countless acres of Fish and Game land. She started Heartwood in 2020 with a bell tent in her backyard woods and a pod of six beloved children. Today, she has two yurts and serves roughly 60 children a year with her staff of 8. She loves nothing more than time in the woods with kids.FREE Resource: 🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page)Resources & Links:🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program 🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp🎓 Seasonal Masterclass Bundle🎓 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course🌸 CIRCLE Membership for Educators🌿 30-Day Gratitude in Nature Challenge🌸 1-hour Online Workshop LibraryConnect with Victoria:WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: [email protected]: