Freebies!
Free resources related to nature-based early childhood education
Rhythms & Rituals: A Conversation with Amy Butler
In this special bonus episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is joined by Amy Butler, educator and author of "Educating Children Outdoors” as they explore the importance of classroom routines.
Informational Texts in Nature-Based Classrooms
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore invites listeners to examine their classroom's informational texts. Quality informational texts do more than simply convey facts—they help children understand that books are gateways to knowledge about the world around them.
"Why do we do THAT?"
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore invites listeners to embrace their inner toddler by asking "Why?!" By examining the intentions behind program structures, physical environments, and teacher-child interactions, nature-based educators can better understand what's working and what’s not.
High Five Time: Celebrating our Team Successes
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore invites listeners to reflect and celebrate successes within our teaching teams.
What bird is THAT?!: Expanding our nature knowledge to support young children
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore points out that expanding our knowledge of the natural world models the curiosity in children that we hope to inspire.
Bonus: Trail Map for Leading NbECE Change
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore shares a brief clip from her full webinar: Trail Map for Leading NbECE Change.
Love Notes for Educators: Building a Reservoir of Energy
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore encourages educators to create an archive of positive feedback in order to find encouragement on harder days.
Getting in Gear: Classroom Organization as a Means of Calm
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore suggests that a simple 10-minute organization task can significantly impact both teacher and student well-being during this hectic season.
The Outdoor Classrooms podcast: Interview with Dr. Rachel Larimore & Dr. Claire Warden
In this podcast, the host of Outdoor Classrooms speaks with Dr. Rachel A. Larimore & Dr. Claire Warden to explore their groundbreaking perspectives on weaving nature into educational practices to spark curiosity and engagement.
Playful Art: Unexpected Tools Spark Creativity
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore focuses on expanding the boundaries of traditional art materials in nature-based settings.
Something More Meaningful Than "Be Careful"
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Moving Away from "Be Careful!"
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore invites listeners to draw their awareness to the use of "be careful" or similar phrases.
Another Perspective on Inside, Outside & Beyond
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore explores the Inside, Outside, and Beyond. These are more than learning spaces. They are also a metaphor for how people relate to co-workers, children, families, and nature.
Philosophy Versus Practice: Finding Balance in the Daily Schedule
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore asks listeners to analyze their notes from the two previous weeks to determine if time spent aligns with their program's goals and philosophy.
Tracking Whole-Group Time in Nature-based Classrooms
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore invites you to observe and record daily time spent in whole-group activities, much like we did last week with time in free play.
Tracking Free Play in Nature-based Education
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore encourages educators to reflect on how much time children are engaged in free play, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Growing Together: Connecting with Families in Nature-based Programs
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore discusses the importance of nurturing connections with families in early childhood nature-based education, which ultimately reinforces the partnership between teachers and families.
Nurturing Relationships: Connecting with New Team Members in Outdoor Settings
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore emphasizes the importance of supporting new team members in nature-based early childhood education settings.
Listening to Young Voices: Noticing Emerging Behavior Challenges
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore suggests that by observing and addressing challenging behaviors early, educators can maintain a balance of calmness and engagement.