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.
- Update frequency
- every 5 days
- Average duration
- 28 minutes
- Episodes
- 165
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
64. Unpaved Paradise at the Garden School
The mission of The Garden School is to pass on
the essential skills of life to the next generation,
starting with horticulture.
Much of the experience of young people today is an abstraction—viewed th…
63. Getting to YES! Outdoor Classrooms In Our Public Schools
In this mini-episode, we asking some really important questions about getting outdoor classrooms into our public schools.
- Why do educators opt out of teaching outdoors?
- What are the barriers to teach…
62. Playful Learning at Kind Roots with Annie Berres
We are visiting Kind Roots Early Learning and Care with an Outdoor Classroom Tour and Talk with Annie Berres. Please note members can view the visual tour in our membership dashboard. Not a member? J…
61: Celebrate the Seasons Change with a Lantern Walk
When I was asked, "Who is hosting a Lantern Walk this year?" One of our members asked, “What is a Lantern Walk?”
In this mini-episode, we are taking a look at:
- How the seasons change and losing dayli…
60. Healthy Ecosystems and Community Focused Outdoor Classrooms with Bridger Hahn
We are visiting Wild Earth Wonder with an Outdoor classroom tour and talk with CIRCLE Member, Bridger Hahn. Please note members can view the visual tour in our membership dashboard. Not a member? Joi…
59. The Link between Nature Education and Environmental Advocacy for Children
“Never doubt that a thoughtful, committed group of citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead
In this episode, we are asking the following questions:
- W…
58. The Big Book of Nature Activities with Authors Drew Monkman and Jacob Rodenburg
Take a closer look inside The Big Book of Nature Activities with authors Drew Monkman and Jacob Rodenburg.
This episode is a conversation that includes:
- Jacob and Drew's journey BEFORE meeting each …
57. Embracing the Energy of Autumn
"The first breath of autumn was in the air, a prodigal feeling, a feeling of wanting, taking, and keeping before it is too late."
This episode is a conversation that was sparked by many "seeds of insp…
56. Celebrating Rituals at Wasatch Nature School with Kristy Nuttall
Take a closer look at Wasatch Nature School with Kristy Nuttall. This is an Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk. Members of the CIRCLE have access to the visual tour in our membership dashboard.
This ep…
55. Green Schoolyards America with Rachel Pringle
Take a closer look at Green Schoolyards America.
This episode is a conversation that includes:
- Rachel's journey BEFORE coming to Green Schoolyards America
- Covid Initiative and how it was formed
- Nationa…
54. Understanding Montessori Practical Life Outdoors
In today's episode, we are looking at Understanding Montessori Practical Life and planting seeds to take it outdoors.
- What is Montessori Practical Life?
- What are the 4 categories of Montessori Practic…
53. The Natural Advantage with Ricardo Sierra
Take a closer look at what Ricardo Sierra calls, "The Natural Advantage."
This episode is a conversation that includes:
- Ricardo's journey to becoming a Forest Educator
- Stories about wilderness & what …
52. Three Approaches to Teaching Outdoors
In today's episode, we are looking at Three Approaches to Teaching Outdoors:
- Forest School Approach
- Outdoor Classroom Approach
- Farm School Approach
We are also discussing the similarities and differenc…
51. A Classroom Without Walls at Northshore Nursery School
Take a closer look at how three educators from Northshore Nursery School transitioned their indoor classroom into a classroom without walls.
This episode is an Outdoor Classrooms Tour and Talk that i…
50. How to Add Floorbooks and Talking Tubs to Your Outdoor Classroom
"Play is the highest form of research."
In today's episode, we are asking:
- What is a Floor Book?
- What is a Talking Tub?
- What are the benefits?
- My story of integrating Floor Books and Talking Tubs.
- Bene…
49. Eight Schemas of Play for Outdoor Learning
"Play is the highest form of research."
In today's episode, we are looking at eight Schemas of Play for Outdoor Learning. They include:
- Connecting
- Orientation
- Transporting
- Trajectory
- Positioning
- Envelopin…
48. FREE 3-Part Training Series: Ignite Wonder, Curiosity and Flow Into Your Outdoor Classroom
Remember the goals you set for yourself at the start of this year?
Well, Fall is now here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refocus and ensure you finish the year strong.
To help you do jus…
47. Can Technology Enhance Outdoor Learning?
"Play is the highest form of research."
In today's episode, we are asking the questions:
- Can Technology Enhance Outdoor Learning?
- Should kindergartners be exposed to iPads?
- At what age should childre…
46. The Four Seasons at Walworth School Kindergarten Outdoor Classroom with Cathy Boldger
In today's episode, we are traveling through the four seasons at the Walworth School Kindergarten Outdoor Classroom. Note: This is a Tour and Talk. Members of The CIRCLE have access to the photo tour…
45. Intrinsic Motivation in Outdoor Classrooms
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." –John Muir.
In today's episode, we are looking at Intrinsic Motivation in our Outdoor Classrooms and how to increase it.
What to expect…