Shows
Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families50. Picture Books for 4th Graders and Beyond: Using Picture Books to Enhance Your Science Teaching with Dan KriesbergPicture books are a fantastic tool for teaching learners, and they're not just for early childhood learners. Children of all ages can benefit from hearing picture books and seeing their illustrations, and they can be especially beneficial for teaching science with your elementary-aged learners.In today's episode, Dan Kriesberg talks about picture books for 4th graders and beyond and how he used picture books to teach even into middle school. He talks about what he looks for in quality picture books for older students and how he's used them to enhance his teaching.You'll definitely...
2025-04-2827 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families49. 9 Fine Arts Examples of Vernal Pool and Frog Projects for Elementary-aged LearnersFine arts are a creative way to let your learners share their understanding of your curriculum. By providing opportunities for painting, sculpting, music, poetry, theatre, cinematography, photography, and more, you're providing your learners the opportunity to build their confidence, work on collaboration skills, and allow all learners to shine. Tune in to hear descriptions for 9 fine arts examples of vernal pool and frog projects to use this spring. During the episode I share a description for each project, materials you'll need to make each project happen, preparation suggestions, and how to present the project to your learners.
2025-04-2119 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families48. 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsSpring is breeding season for frogs and many species use vernal pools to lay their eggs. To get your learners excited about this special time of the year, consider reading them vernal pool or frog books.In this episode I cover 9 picture books that introduce vernal pools, how frogs use them, and frog life cycles. Press play to hear about "The Secret Pool" by Kimberly Ridley, "A Wood Frog's Life" by John Himmelman, "Salamander Sky" by Katy Farber, and more.Resources mentioned 💚Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary ClassroomsVernal Poo...
2025-04-1418 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families47. 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsSpring is a fantastic time to explore concepts like sound waves, life cycles, biodiversity, and more. Frogs in the Northern Hemisphere take advantage of spring warmth to call for mates and move through their life cycles...and many of them do this in vernal pools.Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 vernal pools and frog activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to vernal pools and frogs, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners...
2025-04-0723 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families46. Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey HarrellVernal pools are a little-known secret, but are an amazing spring phenomenon. These unique wetlands are made from snow melt and spring rains and are only around for short time. But in their short time, they are home to special organisms and are crucial for the survival of many species.In today's episode, Lindsey Harrell explains the Vernal Pool Patrol, a community science opportunity in Michigan. She starts with an explanation of what vernal pools are, how they benefit nature, where to find vernal pools near you, what kind of equipment you might want, and more.
2025-03-3123 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families45. 6 Earth Day Projects for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsEarth Day is coming up in just under a month and it's a great holiday to incorporate science activities into your celebrations! Many Earth Day activity lists suggest the same ideas over and over, so I'm here to give you some unique projects to do with your learners this year.Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 Earth Day projects aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the project, how the project relates to Earth Day, and a description of how to implement the project in your...
2025-03-2424 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families44. 6 Elementary Math Activities for Spring Aligned with K-5 Common Core State StandardsIf you're looking for a way to practice your math concepts in a real-world context this spring, this is the podcast episode for you!Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 elementary math activities for spring aligned with Common Core State Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to the spring season, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of...
2025-03-1720 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families43. 9 Spring Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in SpringSpring is about to begin, so now is a good time to start scoping out spring picture books to help you teach seasonal concepts. Picture books are a great way to explore the changing of the seasons in words and pictures.In this episode I cover 9 picture books that introduce the signs of the season, plants, and animals in spring. Press play to hear about "Spring Thaw" by Steven Schnur, "Abracadabra, It’s Spring" by Anne Sibley O’Brien, "Worm Weather" by Jean Taft, "Bloom Boom!" by April Pulley Sayre, and more.Resources mentioned 💚Spring...
2025-03-1016 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families42. 6 Fun Spring Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsSpring is a season of growth, rebirth, and rejuvenation. The plants and animals feel energized, and so do we. We all missed that sun and the warmer temperatures. So let's make the season work for you by including fun spring activities in your schedule!Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun spring activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to the spring season, and a description of how to implement the activity in your classroom. And make sure to...
2025-03-0326 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families41. Teaching Elementary Math Outside with Lauren MacLeanIf you've been wanting to take your elementary math outside but you're not sure where to start, then this is the podcast episode for you!In today's episode, Lauren MacLean explains a typical day in nature with learners, the benefits of learning math outside, activity types for teaching math in nature, a realistic view of using math manipulatives outside, documenting learner progress, SO MANY examples, and more.Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode because today's Teaching Tip is a list of 11 nature-based picture books that are all about...
2025-02-2436 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families40. 10 Ice and Snow Art Ideas for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsSnow and ice are unique weather phenomena that children absolutely love. So let's take advantage of that excitement and give them fun ice and snow art projects to dive into this winter!Tune in to hear about the difference between product and process art as well as 10 project ideas all about snow and ice. During the episode, I share a description for each project, materials you'll need to make each project happen, preparation suggestions, and how to present the projects to your learners. Ice and snow projects described in the episode include:Painting with...
2025-02-1718 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families39. 11 Children's Water Cycle Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsWinter is the perfect season to explore the water cycle with your learners since freezing temperatures give way to some lesser seen steps in the process. In winter, water can naturally be found in all three states, providing experiences that are unattainable the rest of the year.In this episode I cover 11 children’s water cycle books that introduce the water cycle, where water can be found, and that it comes in different states. Press play to hear about "Water is Water" by Miranda Paul, "Once Upon a Raindrop" by James Carter, "From River to Raindrop: The Wa...
2025-02-1022 min
The Teaching Toolbox - A Podcast for Middle School Teachers70. Nature in the Classroom with Victoria ZablockiUnlock the power of nature in your middle school classroom. Today's guest, Victoria Zablocki, has ideas for every subject so this episode has something for every teacher's toolbox.Topics DiscussedBenefits beyond the science classroomIdeas for incorporating natureThinking about your campus in a new wayField trip resourcesConnect with today's guestWebsite: https://www.naturallyteaching.com/Naturally Teaching Elementary School podcast: https://www.naturallyteaching.com/naturally-teaching-elementary-podcast/Naturally Teaching store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Naturally-TeachingInstagram @naturally.teaching or Facebook at naturally.teaching
2025-02-0422 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families38. 6 Activities for Learning About Water in Winter for Teachers and Homeschool ParentsWinter temperatures may not be everyone's favorite, but those temperatures provide the opportunity for learning about water in a rich and engaging way. The winter season gives your learners the chance to experience water in its three states, sometimes even on the same day!Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 activities for learning about water that are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to water, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. ...
2025-02-0319 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families37. 6 Valentine's Day Class Party Ideas Enhanced with ScienceValentine's Day is fluttering our way and will be here very soon! For those of you already preparing for your class party, listen to this episode to discover ways to enhance your class party with a science twist (for those you not ready to plan, listen now and then revisit when you're in the planning mood).In this episode, I share Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5 and a Valentine's Day theme that pairs with it. I go on to share examples of three centers that you could use at your class party that go along...
2025-01-2723 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families36. Gamifying Learning for Elementary-Aged Children with Allie ElliottIf you've been considering gamifying learning but you're not sure where to start, then this is the podcast episode for you!In today's episode, Allie Elliott explains what gamification is, she gives SO MANY examples of games to use with elementary-aged children, classroom management tips, how gamifying learning creates community within your group, and more.Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode because today's Teaching Tip is about how to budget your time when it comes to gamifying learning.Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode36...
2025-01-2027 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families35. 6 Groundhog's Day Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool GroupsGroundhog's Day is coming up in just a few weeks and it's a great holiday to incorporate science activities in your celebrations! Many people think it's just a time to talk about weather, but you can also enjoy activities about shadows, hibernation, and squirrels. Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun Groundhog's Day activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to Groundhog's Day, and a description of how to implement the activity in your classroom or at home.
2025-01-1320 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families34. 9 Winter Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in WinterWinter has just begun, so now is a good time to start scoping out winter picture books to help you teach seasonal concepts. Picture books are a great way to explore the changing of the seasons in words and pictures.In this episode I cover 9 picture books that introduce the signs of the season, snow, and animals in winter. Press play to hear about "Winter is the Warmest Season" by Lauren Stringer, "The Jacket I Wear in the Snow" by Shirley Neitzel, "Animals in Winter" by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. VanGelder, "Sizing Up Winter" by Lizann...
2025-01-0616 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families33. Ch-Ch-Changes: New Year NewnessIt's almost the New Year which means it's time for reflection, gratitude, and new beginnings. Listen in as I share my reflections on this podcast, all the things I am thankful for, and exciting things to look forward to in 2025 including a new name for the podcast and an activity index coming in March.Resources mentioned 💚Podcasting for Educators Prep SchoolShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode33🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tri...
2024-12-3010 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families32. 6 Fun Winter Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsWinter is a season of mystery and intrigue. So let's make the season work for you by including fun winter activities in your schedule! Combining the mystique of winter with the power of learning through play can get your students motivated to learn.Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun winter activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to the winter season, and a description of how to implement the activity in your classroom. And make sure to listen...
2024-12-2326 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families31. Next Generation Science Standards Explained with Beth ChristiansenIf you've been struggling to understand the Next Generation Science Standards and how to use them in your elementary classroom, then this is the podcast episode for you! In today's episode Beth Christiansen explains the Next Generation Science Standards, how they differ from traditional science standards, how they utilize three dimensional learning for student success, and more. She also shares a TON of resources to help you find phenomena to investigate, how to effectively facilitate class discussions, and much, much more. Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode because t...
2024-12-1626 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families30. 10 Books on Hibernation and Other Forms of Dormancy for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool GroupsAnimals have spent the last few months preparing for this moment, the moment when fall fades and winter arrives. Many animals have found a place to sleep for the winter and will remain there until spring comes. This fascinating concept may be foreign to your students, but it's an amazing phenomena that could captivate them. Studying animal dormancy could lead to understanding of animal needs, behaviors passed from adult to young, and internal structures that help animals survive.This episode is all about 10 books on hibernation and other forms of dormancy to help you introduce...
2024-12-0916 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families29. Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool GroupsHibernation in animals is a much talked about topic in elementary science, but it’s misunderstood. Listen in to hear about hibernation and the different forms of animal dormancy including torpor, brumation, and diapause.After covering the basics of animal dormancy, we’ll talk through 6 different activities inspired by sleeping animals for grades K-5. I share the Next Generation Science Standard that inspired the activity, how the activity connects to animal dormancy, and how to use the activity with your class or homeschool group.Press play to hear about:Role playing animals looking for thei...
2024-12-0227 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families28. Outdoor Learning Equipment for Schools and Homeschool GroupsDid you know that you already have all the tools that you need to take your teaching outside? All the skills that you use to teach inside will transfer swimmingly outside and will serve you and your students well.However, if you're looking for some equipment and props to help make that transition easier, make sure to take a listen to this episode. I cover tried and true equipment that I used most days that I taught outside during elementary school science lessons.Listen in to hear about: Poker chips, Ropes, Cones, Poly spots, Bug...
2024-11-2513 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families27. The Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Put Together a Bird Feeding Station with Martha HolzheuerIf you're looking to get involved in the citizen science project the Great Backyard Bird Count with your students but you don't know where to start, then this is the episode for you! There are two ways to participate in the count; you can either count birds while you walk outside or you can count birds while watching bird feeders. This episode is here to help you set up a bird feeding station so you and your students can collect data from inside or outside your school. Martha Holzheuer is on the show to describe:Where...
2024-11-1732 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families26. Celebrating the Winter Solstice with an Outdoor Party for Your Elementary StudentsWinter break is right around the corner! And even though Thanksgiving is still on the horizon, your winter party is creeping up faster than you want to admit. If you're looking for a way to be more inclusive with your party theme and activities this year, consider celebrating the winter solstice instead of Christmas or Hanukkah. The winter solstice is a worldwide phenomenon that everyone has in common, making it a great theme for all. Nature has a lot to offer your winter solstice celebration including open space, natural decorations, and the ability to tolerate...
2024-11-1119 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families25. 4 Turkey Day Activities and Books for Energetic Elementary StudentsWith Thanksgiving on the horizon, you know the pre-holiday energy is on its way. It may not be on the same level as winter break energy, but it's still energy on a whole other level from the regular 5-day-week energy.In this episode, I'm bringing you 4 different books with activities to celebrate turkeys the week leading up to Thanksgiving break. When the energy is high, getting your students outside can help harness said energy in productive ways and these books and activities will do just that.Books featured in the episode 📚"Gobble, Gobble" by Cat...
2024-11-0414 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families24. 6 Moon Phase Activities for Elementary ClassroomsIt's the last little bit of October, a month associated with spookiness and darkness. And in this darkness, we can look to the moon to help us reach our curricular goals. Although it sounds like a limited subject, the phases of the moon can actually help us teach physics, life science, Earth science, and space science!In this episode, I share a moon phase activity for each grade, K-5, paired with a Next Generation Science Standard and an explanation of how it relates to the phases of the moon. Tune in to hear about:Collecting weather...
2024-10-2826 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families23. Planning a Field Trip Made Easier with Education Director James DakeIf planning a field trip is stressful for you, this episode could be just what you need to hear! James Dake, Education Director of Grass River Natural Area, is on the show today to talk about field trips and he shares his unique perspective as a certified teacher with classroom experience who now writes, organizes, and implements nature field trips for children of all ages.Click play if you're interested in hearing about the benefits of field trips for students, types of activities to look for when booking a field trip for your students, 3 things to look...
2024-10-2118 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families22. Different Kinds of Children's Outdoor Activities and Games for Teaching ScienceIf you’ve decided to take your students outside for learning but you’re not sure where to start lesson planning, this is the episode for you! There are a variety of children’s outdoor activities and games to enhance your science studies, and I cover 9 of them in this episode.Tune in for descriptions and examples of:Group meetings or whole group meetingsGuided hikes or walksTrail or sidewalk activitiesExplorationData collectionObservational studiesRunning gamesRole playing gamesConcept reinforcement gamesMake sure to stick around until the end of the show where I give you ideas of how to...
2024-10-1424 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families21. 10 Nocturnal Animal Books: Introducing Animal Adaptations That Help Animals Survive the NightOctober is a month for dark, spooky, and mysterious things. Nocturnal animals check those boxes for sure! And what better way is there to introduce your students to creatures of the night other than picture books?To keep with the spirit of the month, this episode is all about 10 nocturnal animal books that can help you introduce animal diversity, animal adaptations, and sound waves to your students. Press play to hear about Forest Bright, Forest Night by Jennifer Ward, Where Are the Night Animals by Mary Ann Fraser, Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies, and more!
2024-10-0721 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families20. 6 Animal Migration Activities for the Elementary ClassroomFall animal migration is in full swing and is a natural phenomenon that your students will love to study! And guess what?! It's a very dynamic concept that can actually apply to physics, life science, Earth science, and space science!In the episode, I share an animal migration activity for each grade, K-5, paired with a Next Generation Science Standard and an explanation of how it relates to migration. Tune in to hear about:Participating in a migration obstacle course (Kindergarten)Collecting migration data (1st Grade)Planting a Monarch Waystation (2nd Grade)Creating a Reindeer migration...
2024-09-3026 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families19. Classroom Halloween Activities for An Outdoor CelebrationIt's officially fall and Halloween is right around the corner! As you begin planning your classroom Halloween activities, consider taking your party outside. Nature has a lot to offer your Halloween party including open space, natural decorations, and the ability to tolerate loud noises! In this episode, I describe different ways that you can successfully take your party outside including outdoor games, low key activities, party food, and communication with parents and administration.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards5 Senses of Fall Scavenger Hunts12 Instructive Picture Books On...
2024-09-2313 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families18. Nature Based Preschools and Elementary Classrooms: Talking Teacher Roles with Dr. Rachel LarimoreQuality teachers are the most important part of nature based preschools and elementary classrooms. But what roles do teachers need to embody in order to make these programs so successful?Tune in to hear Dr. Rachel Larimore explain effective teacher roles in early childhood classrooms. She shares her experience as a former preschool director, consultant, and educator along with research to support the significance of these roles in nature based preschools and elementary classrooms. Her passion, wit, and years of experience really bring to light how important teachers are in the success of these amazing programs.
2024-09-1637 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families17. 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsFall is a season of mystery and intrigue. So let's make the season work for you by including fun fall activities in your schedule! Combining the mystique of fall with the power of learning through play can get your students motivated to learn.Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun fall activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to the fall season, and a description of how to implement the activity in your classroom. And make sure to listen...
2024-09-0924 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families16. 10 Fall Picture Books to Help Your Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in AutumnFall is coming, so now is a good time to start scoping out fall picture books to help you teach seasonal concepts. Picture books are a great way to explore the changing of the seasons in words and pictures.In this episode I cover 10 picture books that introduce the signs of the seasons, falling leaves, and animals in autumn. Press play to hear about It's Fall by Renee Kurilla, Miss Maple's Seeds by Eliza Wheeler, Summer Green to Autumn Gold by Mia Posada, Migration by Gail Gibbons, and more.Resources mentioned 💚Teaching with Books: How...
2024-09-0218 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families15. 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students and TeachersCitizen science projects are amazing, real-world opportunities to develop your students' science skills, get them involved in the community, have them contribute to the scientific community, and to nurture future stewards of the Earth. But what are citizen science projects?Citizen science projects are opportunities for non-scientists to collect and report data to scientists who then analyze the data, find patterns and discoveries, and use their findings to correct misinformation, inform conservation decisions, and more.In this episode, I describe 6 different citizen science projects paired to Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. Listen in...
2024-08-2623 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families14. Outdoor Classroom Routines and Procedures: 5 Easy Activities for Your First Week OutsideIt's that time of year again, where you're getting ready to practice your classroom routines and procedures with your students. You practice everyday, multiple times a day, in the hopes that your students will catch on and be set up for the school year. Your efforts are not in vain; the time you spend practicing your classroom routines and procedures will pay off and will make the rest of the year easier.The same can be said of practicing your outdoor classroom routines and procedures. By taking the time at the beginning of the year, your students...
2024-08-1920 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families13. Integrating STEM Into Your Classroom: How to Get Started with Naomi MeredithAre you interested in integrating STEM into your elementary classroom but you're not sure where to start? Naomi Meredith, former classroom teacher, current STEM coach, and host of the Elementary STEM Coach podcast, joined me to share her tips and tricks for getting started with STEM.Naomi spent 6 years in 2nd and 3rd grade and 5 years as a STEM teacher so she really knows her stuff! During our conversation, she talks through what STEM education looks like, what the engineering design process is, how that process can aid your teaching, benefits to teaching with STEM, suggestions for...
2024-08-1225 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families12. 8 Different Seasons Books: Introducing the Four Seasons with Picture BooksHelping young learners understand the way that seasons are made can be a challenge! Investigating this abstract concept can be made easier with different seasons books.In this episode, I cover 8 picture books that introduce the changing seasons, how they come to be, and their seasonal signs that can clue your students into their differences. Press play to hear about The Reason for the Seasons by Ellie Peterson, Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson, A Bunny for All Seasons by Janet Schulman, and more.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 11: Teaching with Phenology: How to Plan You...
2024-08-0514 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families11. Teaching with Phenology: How to Plan Your Science Standards Around the SeasonsOrganizing science curriculum can be a challenging task, but I'm here to help. Using phenology, the study of nature throughout the year, you can organize your science standards into a beneficial plan for your students.In this episode, I break down how to plan your year's worth of science standards around the seasons. Tune in to hear about the benefits of teaching with phenology, a 3-step process for developing a scope and sequence, and how to use the workshop model to develop lessons for your new scope and sequence.Resources mentioned 💚A Helpful Introduction for...
2024-07-2921 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families10. 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary ClassroomWe've reached the 10th episode of the podcast! 🥳 To celebrate, I'm sharing the 10 best nature apps to use in the elementary classroom.Aside from being *FREE* and available on Apple and Android products, listen in as I explain why I LOVE these 10 apps:The Weather Channel (or another weather app)My Lightning TrackerMerlin Bird IDiNaturalistSeekAudubon BirdsPlantNeteBirdSkyView LitePlantaResources mentioned 💚National Weather ServiceThe Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary TeachersThe Great Backyard Bird Count - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode10🗂 Fi...
2024-07-2223 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families9. Exploring Invertebrates: 10 Picture Books to Introduce Animal CharacteristicsIntroducing invertebrates in your classroom can give your students a more complete picture of animals and their unique characteristics. However, it can be challenging to distinguish the differences between some groups, so consider using picture books to help you illustrate those differences!In this episode, I review 10 picture books (actually 43 books!) that introduce a variety of invertebrates, or animals without backbones. Animals such as snails, earthworms, spiders, daddy longlegs, and more are explored through these fantastic titles and series. Press play to hear about I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton, The Snail’s Spell by J...
2024-07-1517 min
Outdoor Classrooms Podcast113: Roots of Learning: Nature in Elementary Science Education with Victoria Zablocki from Naturally TeachingIn this episode of "Roots of Learning," we explore the innovative ways that elementary school teachers can integrate nature into their science education curriculum. Our discussion delves into the importance of connecting young learners with the natural world and how this connection can enhance their understanding of scientific concepts.Key Points Discussed:The Benefits of Nature-Based Learning:Â We discuss the myriad benefits of incorporating nature into classroom lessons, including increased student engagement, improved academic performance, and enhanced emotional well-being.Strategies for Teachers:Â Practical tips and strategies for teachers looking to bring the outdoors into their science te...
2024-07-0938 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families8. Learning Gardens: Creating Dynamic Outdoor Classrooms with Victoria HackettLearning gardens benefit children of all ages, including elementary students. Victoria Hackett from Outdoor Classrooms is on the podcast today to share her experience with developing and using learning gardens to teach children in the hopes of inspiring more elementary teachers to use them in their own teaching.Victoria has experience touring and researching teaching gardens across the United States and has broken them down into four different garden types that she explains in this episode. She shares how using elements from each garden type enhances student experience and development with real-life examples.Tune in...
2024-07-0831 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families7. Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals By Teaching with AnimalsAnimals are inherently interesting to students, so let's take advantage of their characteristics to help you reach your curricular goals! In this episode I introduce different Next Generation Science Standards that can be enhanced by teaching animal characteristics.I also conduct an animal characteristic breakdown where I explain what makes mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects similar and different from each other. I do this by touching on 6 different categories of characteristics including:Animal coveringHow they breatheHow they have youngIf they are warm-blooded or cold-bloodedIf they are a vertebrate or an invertebrateA unique characteristic to...
2024-07-0122 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families6. 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching in NatureIf you've considered teaching outside but you're worried about safety, make sure to listen to this episode. I cover 5 outdoor education safety tips to help ease your mind and get you prepared for the upcoming school year.After 8 years of teaching outside, it all boils down to these 5 things. Listen in as we talk about:Preparing your outdoor spaceUsing natural boundariesSetting up safety expectations and rulesInstructing your students to use the bathroom before going outsideUsing a trail bagResources mentioned 💚Outdoor Education: How to Use Nature to Improve Your Science StudiesEpisode 2 - Outdoor Lea...
2024-06-2413 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families5. Science Skills for Students: 10 Picture Books for Encouraging Kid ScientistsScience skills are abstract and can be challenging for students to understand. However, picture books are a great way to make science skills more concrete because they show skills in action. They can also show the results of those skills, illustrating why they are important in science.In this episode, I cover 10 picture books that introduce science skills for kid scientists. Skills such as questioning, observing, notebooking, and more are explored through these wonderful titles. Press play to hear about What is Science? by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writing by Jessica Fries-Gaither, Crow...
2024-06-1721 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families4. 6 Invasive Species Activities to Use in the Elementary ClassroomProviding hands-on experiences with plants while teaching science can be challenging when we want to preserve the integrity of our school yard ecosystem. But I have a hack for you...invasive species activities! Tune in to find out why invasive species are perfect for up-close investigations, harvesting, and being the subject of fascinating research. During the episode I share an invasive species activity for each grade, K-5, that are linked to a coordinating Next Generation Science Standard and a little natural history to give the concept context. Get inspired by some of the activities for...
2024-06-1021 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families1. 10 Science Activities for Elementary Students That Aren't ExperimentsAre you interested in science activities that will better reach your elementary students? Do you feel like finding experiments is challenging and not very rewarding? I'm here to help lift the weight off your shoulders.In this episode, I'm introducing 10 science activities for elementary students that aren't experiments. Examples and actionable steps are provided for each activity type, making them easy for teachers to implement immediately.💚 Resources Mentioned:Reusing Recyclables: 10 Science Tools to Make for StudentsThe Great Backyard Bird Count citizen science projectMonarch Waystation informationNGSX Talk Moves PDFTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and...
2024-06-0320 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families2. Outdoor Learning Environment - 3 Things to Plan for Back to SchoolOutdoor education has many benefits for teaching science but can seem daunting, especially when your plate as a teacher is already so full. Listen in as I break down how to set up your outdoor learning environment to make outdoor education more attainable.We'll talk through planning your routines and expectations and how to practice them your first week of school. I'll also introduce the differences between man-made and natural outdoor learning spaces and how they can benefit your science lessons. We'll also touch on viewing nature as an outdoor lab and how it can enrich your...
2024-06-0317 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families3. Teaching with Books: Thinking Outside the Box with Steve FrisbeeTeaching with books is a great way to make science more approachable and enjoyable for your students. But it's not just about reading books, it's about making them engaging and integrating them into your science lessons.That's why I'm excited to have Steve Frisbee on the show today. He shares my obsession with children's books and he has a lot of experience weaving literature into his science teachings in unique, authentic, and engaging ways. Make sure to listen in on this fun conversation! 📚 Books Mentioned:Pond Life: A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press by...
2024-06-0329 minNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool FamiliesTrailer - Naturally Teaching Elementary ScienceAre you an elementary teacher who understands the importance of science education but struggles to find the time and resources to include it into your curriculum? Do you dream of incorporating outdoor education experiences and integrating science and literacy, but feel overwhelmed by where to begin? Then this podcast is for you!Join me each week as we tackle common challenges, share innovative ideas, and make teaching science to young learners easier, approachable, and enjoyable.🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching
2024-05-1402 min