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Outdoor Classrooms Podcast

Victoria Hackett, M.Ed: Learning Gardens and Nature Based Curriculum
Outdoor Classrooms Podcast
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  • 175: Gratitude in Nature: A Must-Do Practice for Your Brain and Heart
    In this episode, I explore why gratitude and time outdoors aren’t just “nice practices” — they’re essential. We look at the growing research showing how gratitude reshapes attention, mood, and connection, and how nature calms the nervous system, lowers stress, and restores our ability to focus. When you combine the two, the effects strengthen each other in ways that support real emotional resilience. This is simple, accessible, evidence-backed mental health care you can practice every day.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why gratitude is more than a positive mindset — it’s a proven mental-health tool • How nature lowers stress and restores clarity, even in short doses • The powerful way these two practices reinforce each other • What researchers are discovering about resilience, mood, and attention • Why this isn’t optional — it’s essential • A personal invitation to join my 30-Day Gratitude in Nature Challenge Key Takeaways• Gratitude helps train your mind away from constant threat and toward what supports you • Nature quickly lowers physiological stress and resets attention • Together, these practices create a feedback loop that strengthens well-being • These are small, doable habits with big impacts • You don’t need hours outside or perfect conditions — consistency is what matters • These practices are being taken seriously by researchers for a reason: they workJoin the 30-Day Gratitude in Nature Email ChallengeI’ve created a simple, structured 30-day email challenge to help you build this powerful habit into your daily life. It’s grounded in what the research tells us about consistency, reflection, and the amount of contact needed to create real change.🔗 You can sign up HERE: https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/product/30-day-gratitude-in-nature-challenge/ 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
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  • 174: "In Our Nature"~ Storytelling, Film, and the Power of Nature with Juliet Grable & James Parker
    In this episode of The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, we sit down with filmmaker and storyteller Juliet Grable, co-creator of the powerful documentary In Our Nature. Juliet and her creative partner, James Parker, have captured the extraordinary ways people are reconnecting with the natural world—one story at a time.Together, we explore the inspiration behind In Our Nature, how the team chose the stories featured in the film, and the lessons learned along the way. Juliet shares her hopes for how the film will inspire action, connection, and deeper appreciation for the environment.We also dive into their current Seed & Spark fundraising campaign, what it takes to bring independent films like this to life, and how storytelling can be a catalyst for change. 🎬 In This Episode, You'll Learn: 🌿 How Juliet and James developed the concept for In Our Nature 🌳 The process of selecting and capturing authentic nature stories 💡 Lessons learned through the filmmaking journey 🎯 What the filmmakers hope to achieve with the documentary 🌱 Insights into their Seed & Spark campaign — and how you can support it 🎥 A behind-the-scenes look at their previous collaborationIf you’re passionate about storytelling, nature, and the ways creativity can inspire environmental awareness, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to tell your own story — in your classroom, community, or backyard.Meet Juliet: Juliet Grable is an independent writer based in Southern Oregon who combines a background in the natural sciences with innate curiosity and a passion for language. She has written for many national and regional publications and media outlets, she has also authored four books for Ecotone Publishing and co-produced two documentary films with Synchronous Pictures. Juliet’s niches include sustainable design, watershed restoration, wildlife conservation, climate change, and rural communities. She is especially interested in stories that explore the nexus of ecosystem health, community resilience, and human flourishing.Meet James: James Parker is a director, producer, and founder of Synchronous Pictures, a boutique production company creating award-winning content that bridges divides and sparks conversation. His work has aired on major networks and screened internationally, earning multiple Emmy nominations, Telly Awards, and a presidential medal for his work capturing Botswana’s HIV/AIDS response.From documentary to commercial, James has filmed human stories across Singapore, Botswana, India, Sri Lanka, the UK, and throughout the US, working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to major studios including CBS, ABC, BBC, Amazon Studios, and National Geographic.He is also a seasoned entrepreneur, having led the brand launch for an international smart mobility company - securing press in USA Today, TechCrunch, and Forbes, and earning PR Daily’s Best Product Launch award.James lives with a spirit of adventure and a belief in storytelling’s power to connect, illuminate, and drive meaningful change.🔗 Learn more and support the film: www.inournaturemovie.com [email protected]@synchronous.tvhttps://www.synchronous.tv/ www.julietgrable.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-grable-ba484344/
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  • 173: TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: Ann Ranger’s Breakthrough in the Outdoor Classrooms Certification Program
    In this episode, we sit down with Ann Ranger, a graduate of the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program, to hear her inspiring story of growth, discovery, and success. Ann shares how the program transformed her teaching practice and helped her land her dream job.She takes us behind the scenes of the Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp, the Seasonal Masterclass Bundle, and the Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course, sharing the key lessons and “aha” moments that shaped her journey.Ann also walks us through her capstone project, revealing how it challenged her, stretched her thinking, and solidified her skills as a nature-based educator. Whether you’re curious about teaching outdoors, seeking inspiration, or considering certification yourself, this episode is full of actionable insights and motivation.What you’ll learn in this episode:How the Outdoor Classrooms program supports teachers at every stage of their journey.Key takeaways from the Bootcamp, Seasonal Masterclass Bundle, and Capstone Course.Ann’s personal “aha” moments and lessons learned along the way.How completing the program helped Ann land her dream teaching position.Tune in to discover how the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program can help you grow as an educator and make a lasting impact in your classroom and beyond.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]: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1
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  • 172: TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: Amy Wood's Success Story with the Outdoor Classroom Teacher Certification
    In this inspiring Teacher Spotlight, we chat with Amy Wood, an innovative educator who has transformed her teaching through the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program. From her first steps in the Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp, through the Seasonal Masterclass Bundle, to completing the Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course, Amy shares her journey, challenges, and successes bringing learning outdoors.If you’re curious about how nature-based education can reshape your classroom, this episode is packed with real stories, practical insights, and heartfelt reflections that will motivate you to take your teaching beyond walls.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Amy’s inspiration for joining the Teacher Certification ProgramKey takeaways from the Outdoor Teaching BootcampHow seasonal learning has enhanced her classroom experiencesThe process and impact of her Capstone projectLessons learned, challenges overcome, and successes celebratedTips for other educators considering nature-based learningResources & 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
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  • 171: The Art of Noticing: Helping Children See the World through Nature's Eyes
    In this episode, we explore the art of noticing — the simple yet powerful practice of slowing down, paying attention, and inviting children to truly see the natural world. Discover how intentional noticing can transform outdoor learning, spark curiosity, and nurture empathy and environmental stewardship.You’ll learn what “noticing” really means, why it’s such an essential skill for children, and how to weave it into your outdoor classroom routines. From sensory walks and nature journaling to mindful moments of quiet observation, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tools to help educators cultivate curiosity and connection in nature. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What “noticing” means: How it goes beyond simple observation to engage children’s senses, curiosity, and awareness.Why noticing matters: The cognitive, emotional, creative, and environmental benefits of helping children notice the world around them.How to teach noticing: Practical strategies for incorporating noticing into outdoor classrooms — through modeling, sensory invitations, journaling, art, and reflective discussion.How noticing builds connection: How attention, curiosity, and care for nature grow together. 🌿 Key TakeawaysNoticing is an act of mindfulness that helps children (and adults!) slow down and connect more deeply with the natural world.It supports learning across disciplines — from science and literacy to creativity and social-emotional growth.When educators model curiosity and wonder, children learn to pay attention to details that spark questions and stories.Simple routines — like a daily “minute of noticing” or reflection circles — can profoundly shape children’s relationship with nature.As Mary Oliver reminds us, “Attention is the beginning of devotion.” 🌎 Practical Ideas to Try“I notice, I wonder, It reminds me of…” — Use this simple prompt to guide observations.Sensory walks: Focus on one sense at a time — listen, touch, look, smell.Nature journals: Encourage sketching, labeling, and writing reflections.Noticing station: Provide magnifying glasses, field guides, and art supplies.Slow walks and sit spots: Build in quiet time for observation and reflection.CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: [email protected]: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipOutdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification ProgramSeeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck
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About Outdoor Classrooms Podcast

The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast is the podcast for teachers and parents and anyone interested in cultivating learning gardens and nature-based curricula for children. It’s a show that will help you transform your outdoor space and will offer “seeds of inspiration” for playful learning outdoors. Each week, Victoria Hackett and her guests will share tips and actionable strategies that you will need in order to set in motion, manage and grow your Outdoor Classroom. You’ll learn how to implement the 5 Phases of Teaching Outdoors, all while providing a new way of learning for your children! Studies have shown that children who learn outdoors in all seasons “develop a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline, and initiative.” Victoria Hackett is the founder of Outdoor-Classrooms.com, The CIRCLE Membership community, and The Secret Gardens Demonstration Outdoor Classroom. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more, head on over to our virtual playground at outdoor-classrooms.com.
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