Outdoor Classrooms: Nature-Based Teaching and Learning for Educators and Parents

September in the Outdoor Classroom: Notice, Adjust, Simplify, Repeat

September is full of new routines, new children, and plans that don’t always work quite the way we imagined.

But what if that doesn’t mean something is going wrong? What if September is simply giving us information?

In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, Victoria explores how small systems can make teaching outdoors easier, more sustainable, and more child-centered. From transitions and clothing to materials, boundaries, and the role of the adult, you’ll be encouraged to look at what’s...

The Seasons of an Outdoor Classroom: How to Adapt, Grow & Teach Through Change

What happens when you plan the perfect first day in your outdoor classroom…and then it rains?

In this episode, I’m taking you into the Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom, where our first day back became a lesson in pivoting, noticing, and embracing what the season gives us.

We’ll explore how changing weather, falling leaves, messy gardens, and shifting seasons can become part of the curriculum—and why an outdoor classroom is never truly finished.

In this...

Episode #215: Look Up: What Teaching Outdoors Can Teach Us About Attention, Screens & the Culture We Create

What if one of the greatest gifts of teaching outdoors is simply learning to pay attention again?

In this episode, Victoria begins with an ordinary moment: sitting on the couch, surrounded by screens, and feeling frustrated that "together time" didn't actually feel very together. Then came the uncomfortable realization: she was looking at a screen too.

That small moment opened a much bigger question: What culture are we participating in - and is it the...

The Power of Being in the Room: Why Nature-Based Educators Need Each Other

Have you ever felt like you’re swimming upstream as a nature-based educator?

You believe in getting children outside. You see the learning, confidence, curiosity, and connection that happen there. But when you’re constantly explaining—or even defending—why this work matters, it can be easy to start questioning yourself.

In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, I’m exploring the power of being in the room with people who understand the work you’re trying to do.

The Messy Middle of Your Outdoor Classroom: Permission to Start Small

What if your outdoor classroom doesn’t need to be finished—or even close to perfect—to be meaningful?

In this episode, we’re talking about two permissions every outdoor educator needs: permission to start small and permission to embrace the messy middle.

It’s easy to look at a beautiful, established outdoor classroom and think you need the budget, materials, master plan, and perfect space before you can begin. But meaningful outdoor classrooms rarely happen all at once. They grow one i...

Taking the Leap: What a Hut-to-Hut Trek in Sweden Taught Me About Outdoor Classrooms & Community

What happens when you say yes before you feel completely ready?

In this episode, I’m taking you along on my hut-to-hut trek through Sweden—and sharing the unexpected lessons I brought home about courage, Outdoor Classrooms, and community.

Along the trail, I was reminded that we don't need to see the entire path before taking the first step. Whether you're trekking through Sweden or growing an Outdoor Classroom, sometimes you simply need to focus on the...

Clara’s Curiosity: Foxy Friends, Nature & Wonder with Karen Belanger-Richmond

What happens when a child’s curiosity leads her outside—and she discovers a family of foxes?

In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, I’m joined by children’s author Karen Belanger-Richmond, author of Clara’s Curiosity & Her Foxy Friends.

Karen shares the inspiration behind Clara’s story and how a real-life experience grew into a children’s book celebrating curiosity, observation, wildlife, and the simple magic of spending time outdoors.

Together, we explore what can happen when children ar...

Episode 210: Inside Nature Forward Nature Preschool:

Carlos Duque on Curiosity, Confidence & Belonging

What happens when we give children the time, space, and freedom to follow their curiosity?

In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, Victoria Hackett sits down with Carlos Duque, Preschool Director at Nature Forward, to explore how nature-based education helps children develop confidence, empathy, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging.

Drawing on his experience as a teacher, librarian, camp counselor, and school leader, Carlos shares how child-led learning comes to life in a nature preschool...

Raising Wild Little Wonderers: How Nature Shapes Curious, Confident Children with Sophie O'Borne

What if the greatest gift we can give children isn't another activity—but the freedom to wonder?

In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, Victoria Hackett welcomes Sophie O'Borne, founder of Wild Little Wonderers, for a heartfelt conversation about raising children who are deeply connected to the natural world.

Sophie shares the story behind Wild Little Wonderers and the experiences that inspired her work. Together, Victoria and Sophie explore how unhurried time outdoors nurtures curiosity, re...

Episode 208: The Life We Model: What Children Learn from the Way We Live

As outdoor educators, we spend a great deal of time thinking about what children need—but how often do we pause to consider what they are learning simply by watching us?

In this reflective episode, I explore the quiet lessons we teach through the way we live. As I prepare for an upcoming hut-to-hut trek through the Swedish Highlands and put the finishing touches on my new book, Outdoor Classrooms Unlocked, I've been thinking about growth, discomfort, curiosity, and the im...

What happens when we trust children, trust nature, and trust ourselves enough to do education differently?

In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, Victoria Hackett sits down with Mel Merchand, founder of Oro-Medonte Forest School, to explore what it really takes to build a thriving forest school and nature-based learning community.

Going beyond the basics, Mel shares the behind-the-scenes realities of leading a forest school—from mentoring educators and building a strong culture to partnering with families, embracing thoughtful risk, and continually evolving as a nature-based educator.

In this episode, we...

Nature According to Children: Voices from the Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom

What do children really think about nature?

In this special episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, we turn the microphone over to the children of Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom. Through a series of mini-interviews, children share their thoughts about being outdoors, their favorite nature experiences, and what they love most about learning and playing in natural spaces.

Their answers are heartfelt, humorous, insightful, and often surprising. From discovering insects and building forts to making friends and finding peaceful places to...

Episode # 205: Nature, Neuroscience & Meaning:

What We’re Learning About Connection, Awe & the Developing Brain

In this episode, I explore the connection between nature, neuroscience, and meaning-making in early childhood education. Inspired by Dr. Lisa Miller’s work, I reflect on what research is beginning to show about how nature supports regulation, attention, and a sense of connection—without drifting into “woo woo,” but staying grounded in science and classroom practice.

In this episode, you will learn...

Nature in the Classroom with Ernesto Rodriguez: Creating Calmer, More Focused Learning Spaces

What if supporting children's focus, well-being, and learning could begin with the spaces where they spend their day?

In this episode, Victoria Hackett sits down with Ernesto Rodriguez, founder of Nature in the Classroom, to explore how nature-inspired learning environments can help children feel calmer, more engaged, and better able to learn. Drawing on his background in school psychology, photography, and environmental education, Ernesto shares the story behind his innovative work bringing tree canopy imagery into schools and classrooms.

Episode 203: Summer Outdoor Classroom Ideas Across Four Teaching Gardens

Summer brings a powerful shift in the outdoor classroom—but many educators find themselves wondering how to move beyond maintenance into intentional, meaningful outdoor learning.

In this episode, we explore how to reimagine your outdoor classroom for summer through four “teaching gardens” that support curiosity, exploration, and nature-based learning.

Rather than treating the outdoor space as one general area, this episode introduces a framework for designing outdoor environments that reflect the richness of the summer season.

We explore four teaching garden...

From Mud Kitchens to College Graduation

Outdoor Learning, Childhood & the Growth We Don’t Always See

This episode connects a deeply personal moment—watching a son graduate from Cornell University—with reflections on childhood, parenting, and the long arc of development.

From mud kitchens to outdoor classrooms, it explores how children grow in ways that are often invisible in the moment—but undeniable over time.

In This Episode

Episode #201: Turn Back Time with Lisa Burris: Reclaiming Childhood Through Outdoor Learning

What happens when children are given time, space, and freedom to connect deeply with nature?

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Lisa Burris, founder of Turn Back Time, to explore the transformative power of outdoor learning, connection, and childhood wonder.

Lisa shares the story behind Turn Back Time and how her work has created meaningful experiences for children and families through nature-based education, farm experiences, and relationship-centered learning. Together, we discuss what children truly need to thrive...

Episode #200: Aging Well Through Nature: Lessons from My 93-Year-Old Mother’s Garden

This Mother’s Day, I visited my 93-year-old mother and spent time in her garden—a living, breathing oasis filled with flowers, birds, sunlight, and the quiet rhythm of seasonal change.

As I watched her move through this familiar space, I found myself reflecting on something we often overlook: nature is not just for children.

In this episode, I share a personal story alongside research and reflection on how nature supports healthy aging, emotional wellbeing, memory, purpose, and quality of life in old...

The Legacy You’re Already Living: Nature-Based Education, Outdoor Learning & the Power of Attention

What if legacy isn’t something we leave behind—but something we build every day?

In this episode, we explore how nature-based education shapes children through attention, connection, and repeated experiences outdoors. Through a story from the Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom, a simple puddle becomes a powerful example of how curiosity, observation, and place-based learning create lasting impact.

This episode is for educators and parents who want to deepen children’s relationship with the natural world—and understand...

🎧 Beyond the Front Door with José Bergeron: Small Shifts That Transform Family & Classroom Life Outdoors

What if the most meaningful learning—for both families and classrooms—begins just beyond the front door?

In this episode, I’m joined by José Bergeron, author of Beyond the Front Door: Embracing Nature for a Happier and Healthier Family, to explore how simple, everyday moments in nature can transform the way children live, learn, and connect—at home and in school.

We talk about why so many children are disconnected from the outdoors—and how small, intentio...

Episode #197: Playful Personalities: Designing Outdoor Classrooms that Invite Every Child In

What if engagement in your outdoor classroom isn’t about better activities—but better design?

In this episode, we explore playful personalities—the natural ways children engage with the world—and how they can become powerful on-ramps to learning. From builders and explorers to observers and storytellers, you’ll learn how to design spaces that invite every child in.

With real stories and simple shifts, you’ll begin to see your outdoor classroom as a place of belonging, curiosity, and meaningful l...

Episode 196: Growing Outside with Ellen Grudzien: Trusting Children, Nature, and the Process

What if the most meaningful learning doesn’t happen inside a classroom—but outside?

In this episode, I’m joined by Ellen Grudzien, founder of Let’s Grow Outside NH, to explore the power of child-led learning in nature. With decades of experience in early childhood education, Ellen shares how outdoor classrooms can transform the way children learn, grow, and connect.

We talk about what it really looks like to trust children, embrace all-weather learning, and create space for curiosit...

🌿 How Outdoor Classrooms Are Rewiring the Way We Think: The Nature Embedded Mind with Julie Brams

What if the way we think—and teach—could actually heal both ourselves and the planet?

In this episode, I sit down with Julie Brams, author of The Nature Embedded Mind, to explore how a “nature embedded mind” can transform education, outdoor classrooms, and the way children—and adults—relate to the world around them.

We dive into why outdoor classrooms aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re a powerful tool for reshaping thinking, fostering connection, and inspi...

🎙️ The Outdoor Classroom Is Already Beautiful: Noticing & Using What’s Around You

🌿 After a trip to Ithaca, New York and its stunning waterfalls, I found myself reflecting on why nature feels so powerful when we travel—but so easy to overlook at home.

In this episode, I explore how to bring that same sense of awe into our outdoor classrooms, no matter where we are. Because meaningful outdoor learning isn’t about the location—it’s about how we help students notice, slow down, and connect.

✨ In This Episode:

🎙️ What If? Reimagining Education Through Play, Nature, and Possibility

🌿 Episode Description

What if we let children be children… a little longer?

After returning from a guest speaking experience at Endicott College, this episode reflects on the power of play—not just in early childhood, but across all ages.

Through storytelling, real classroom experiences, and thought-provoking questions, we explore what might be possible if we reimagined education through play, nature, and trust in development.

What if reading instruction didn’t begin so early?

What if every child had acce...

Episode 192: Behind the Pages: The Making of Outdoor Classrooms Unlocked

Ever wonder what it takes to bring a book to life? In this episode, I take you behind the pages of my upcoming book, Outdoor Classrooms Unlocked: The 5 Phases of Confident Outdoor Teaching Across 4 Types of Teaching Gardens.

I share the full journey—from the first spark of an idea, to writing and editing the manuscript, gathering feedback from early readers, and even selecting a cover that captures the heart of teaching outdoors. Along the way, you’ll hear stories, surprises, and reflections from my experience as an outdoor educator and author.

We also explore how the 5 Pha...

Over the past few months, I’ve been playing a lot of Sudoku. What began as a simple puzzle quickly became something much more meaningful. As I struggled through Easy puzzles and eventually unlocked the Master level, I began to notice something fascinating: the mindset needed to solve Sudoku is remarkably similar to the mindset needed to teach outdoors.

Episode 191: Finding the Openings: What Sudoku Taught Me About Teaching Outdoors

In this episode of Outdoor Classroom News, I explore the surprising parallels between solving puzzles and guiding children in nature. Both require patience, curiosity, experimentation, an...

Growing Wins: Celebrating Success in the Outdoor Classroom

In this episode, we explore the importance of celebrating our wins—big and small—and why pausing to acknowledge accomplishments can transform the way we approach life, learning, and growth. Drawing inspiration from outdoor classrooms, we reflect on how children celebrate curiosity, effort, and discovery, and how we can do the same in our own lives.

From submitting a major project to noticing small everyday successes, celebration fuels motivation, joy, and self-confidence. Join me as we uncover practical ways to mark your achievements, connect with nature, and crea...

Episode 189: CIRCLE Roundtable Reflections: What Happens When Educators Truly Belong

In the middle of an East Coast blizzard, our monthly CIRCLE Roundtable began.

Some logged in right on time.

Others arrived late.

One joined after watching a tree fall on her outdoor classroom.

And still… they showed up.

This episode reflects on that unusual night — and what it revealed about community, commitment, and belonging.

CIRCLE isn’t a masterclass. There are no slides or lessons. It’s a space for support, laughter, honest conversation, and real rel...

Episode 188: Follow the Water: Story, Survival & Science in the Outdoor Classroom with Ellen Cochrane

What happens when a true survival story becomes a doorway into science, resilience, and deep connection to the natural world?

In this episode, I’m joined by Ellen Cochrane, author of Follow the Water—the gripping true story of Juliane Koepcke, a 17-year-old who survived alone in the Amazon rainforest by following the river.

Ellen writes immersive nonfiction that trusts young readers—their intelligence and their emotions. Together, we explore how powerful storytelling can live inside outdoor classrooms, how scienc...

From Seed to Sanctuary: Cultivating Garden-Centered Classrooms with Sara Rubens

What if your classroom didn’t just have a garden… but was shaped by one?

In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, Victoria sits down with Sara Rubens, author of A Love Letter for a Garden-Centered Life, to explore how gardens can become living, breathing learning environments for children.

Together, they discuss:

🌱 Episode 186: Growing a Greener Future with CitySprouts: Pubic School Gardens for Teaching & Learning

In this episode, Victoria talks with Alex Frank of CitySprouts about how school gardens function as both science labs and creative spaces. Together, they explore how urban school gardens cultivate curiosity, connection, and meaningful learning experiences for students and educators alike—while growing a greener future from the ground up.

🌿 In This Episode, We Explore:

Why school gardens are both a science and an art

How hands-on garden learning sparks curiosity and wonder in students

What makes ur...

In Sync with Nature: Lessons in Rhythm, Pause, and Presence

In this reflective episode, we explore what the natural world can teach us about staying in sync—especially for educators and caregivers who spend their days responding to the needs of others.

Nature is not balanced because it avoids disruption, but because it integrates it. Through seasons, storms, rest, and regeneration, the natural world offers powerful lessons about rhythm, timing, and presence—lessons that are often easy to forget in professions built around constant giving.

Recorded during a season of personal vulnerability, this epis...

184: Imperfect Sustainability: Building Environmental Literacy in the Outdoor Classroom with Alexa Pavan

What does sustainability look like in the outdoor classroom—without the pressure to be perfect?

In this episode, Victoria talks with sustainability advocate and content creator Alexa Pavan about weaving environmental and sustainability literacy into outdoor classrooms in meaningful, accessible ways. Together, they explore how outdoor learning can help children understand their connection to the planet while modeling curiosity, care, and progress over perfection.

🌿 Meet Alexa:

Alexa Pavan is an imperfect sustainability advocate, eco content creator, and writer for susta...

January is a hard month in education—and winter often takes the blame.

When directors call asking for ideas, strategies, or professional development, what they’re often really asking is: How do we support educators through this season?

In this episode, we explore what sits beneath those January phone calls and why winter isn’t the problem it’s made out to be. Rather than offering quick fixes, this conversation focuses on what nature-based educators truly need right now: permission to slow down, validation, strong pedagogy, and reconnection to purpose.

This episode is for dire...

Episode 182: "Oh, The Places You Will Go" – Ocean State Kids with Marial Leisge

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour with Marial Leisge, founder of Ocean State Kids, a nonprofit supporting parents as their child’s most influential teacher. In this Circle Member Tour & Talk, we explore the many programs Ocean State Kids offers across Rhode Island, from outdoor learning spaces to hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and connection in children.

💡 Circle Members get exclusive access to the full photo tour! Become a member today to go behind the scenes and see how Ocean State Kids em...

In this heartfelt episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Juliet Robertson, a passionate advocate for outdoor learning and play. Juliet inspired countless educators to embrace messy, hands-on experiences and to see the natural world as a classroom full of wonder.

We reflect on her approach to teaching outdoors, her dedication to supporting teachers, and the joy she brought to children and adults alike. This episode is a tribute to her vision: that learning is richest when it’s playful, engaging, and a little bit messy.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

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 Bootcamp

How starting—and closing—the year with Bootcamp created a powerful, cyclical r...

In 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:

Building 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 matters

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...