<![CDATA[Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families]]>5645e865-d039-554e-bb68-c9a99b708b22Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:47 +0000Captivate.fmVictoria Zablocki, Elementary Teacher turned Outdoor Educatorhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/08aae9e6-390e-48db-a4f1-4fd6e83f95fa/-9DaL5GhltgUklePjTU0UDX6.jpgNaturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool FamiliesVictoria Zablocki, Elementary Teacher turned Outdoor EducatorVictoria Zablocki, Elementary Teacher turned Outdoor EducatorAre you an elementary teacher or homeschool parent that wants to add more value to your lessons? Do you know the value of cultivating science skills in your students but feel like you don’t know the best way to incorporate them in your classroom? Then this is the perfect show for you! Naturally Teaching Elementary is a podcast designed for the elementary teacher and homeschool parent with too much on their plate but a desire to best serve their children. Each week Victoria Zablocki and her guests will cover ways to integrate science into your ELA studies, demystify scientific concepts, and share tips and tricks to take learning outside. Victoria Zablocki is a former elementary educator with 10 years of experience integrating outdoor education into science learning. You can follow her on Instagram @naturally.teaching. To get more access to great content, head to https://www.naturallyteaching.com/https://www.naturallyteachingpodcast.com/falseepisodicnopodcast67. Pollination of Flowers: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities67. Pollination of Flowers: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS ActivitiesPollination of flowers is a partnership worth celebrating! Flowers and animals giving each other what they need...the whole concept can lend itself well to teach many different standards in elementary school. And April is a great time to investigate it first-hand with your 2nd and 5th graders as both flowers and pollinators wake from their winter sleep!

Press play to hear descriptions for an introductory pollination scavenger hunt for 2nd graders and participating in a citizen science project called the Bumblebee Watch with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to pollination of flowers, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  • 2-LS2-2: Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants
  • 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun
  • 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode67

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>Pollination of flowers is a partnership worth celebrating! Flowers and animals giving each other what they need...the whole concept can lend itself well to teach many different standards in elementary school. And April is a great time to investigate it first-hand with your 2nd and 5th graders as both flowers and pollinators wake from their winter sleep!

Press play to hear descriptions for an introductory pollination scavenger hunt for 2nd graders and participating in a citizen science project called the Bumblebee Watch with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to pollination of flowers, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  • 2-LS2-2: Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants
  • 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun
  • 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode67

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>f76dcccf-223b-43e6-b203-f777baed49a2Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -040008:54falsefull676766. How Flowers Attract Pollinators: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities66. How Flowers Attract Pollinators: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesLet's continue to take advantage of the flowers and pollinators returning in April and focus on plant and pollinator partnerships in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have plant and animal heredity in common and pollination can help us investigate that concept.

Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders visit five different pollinator and flower centers and an opportunity where 4th graders investigate flowers in the ultra violet light spectrum, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to how flowers attract pollinators, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  • 1-LS3-1: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.
  • 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode66

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>Let's continue to take advantage of the flowers and pollinators returning in April and focus on plant and pollinator partnerships in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have plant and animal heredity in common and pollination can help us investigate that concept.

Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders visit five different pollinator and flower centers and an opportunity where 4th graders investigate flowers in the ultra violet light spectrum, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to how flowers attract pollinators, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  • 1-LS3-1: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.
  • 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode66

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>1f1697e9-98e3-484c-9cc8-4568706e8e89Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -040015:13falsefull666665. Flowers and Pollinators: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities65. Flowers and Pollinators: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesApril is the first full month of spring and flowers, which also means those pollinators that were missing all winter long are slowly returning. So let's take advantage of the return of our pollination partners and get your learners some quality experiences!

Press play to hear descriptions for a seasonal plant study for kindergarteners and a pollinator life stage BioBlitz for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to flowers and pollinators, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  • K-LS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
  • 3-LS1-1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode65

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>April is the first full month of spring and flowers, which also means those pollinators that were missing all winter long are slowly returning. So let's take advantage of the return of our pollination partners and get your learners some quality experiences!

Press play to hear descriptions for a seasonal plant study for kindergarteners and a pollinator life stage BioBlitz for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to flowers and pollinators, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  • K-LS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
  • 3-LS1-1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode65

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>69e4e262-96f6-4799-8758-1f3d3832db2fMon, 13 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -040009:48falsefull656564. 7 Pollinator and Flower Books for Elementary-Aged Students64. 7 Pollinator and Flower Books for Elementary-Aged StudentsApril is a great time to look for flowers and early pollinators as everything awakens from its winter sleep. Adults and kids alike look forward to the return of the sprouts that signal spring and now is the time to get outside and find that early green! It's also a great time to study how flowers and pollinators interact.

Books are a great way to introduce pollination and those that make it happen. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of pollinator and flower books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.

Books in this episode πŸ“š

  1. Fantastic Flowers by Susan Stockdale
  2. Flower Talk by Sara Levine, illustrated by Masha D’yans
  3. Before the Seed: How Pollen Moves by Susannah Buhrman-Deever, illustrated by Gina Triplett and Matt Curtius
  4. The Story of Honey: It Starts with a Flower by Robin Nelson
  5. Animal Pollinators By Jennifer Boothroyd
  6. Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton
  7. What if There Were No Bees? by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Carol Schwartz

(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode64

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>April is a great time to look for flowers and early pollinators as everything awakens from its winter sleep. Adults and kids alike look forward to the return of the sprouts that signal spring and now is the time to get outside and find that early green! It's also a great time to study how flowers and pollinators interact.

Books are a great way to introduce pollination and those that make it happen. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of pollinator and flower books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.

Books in this episode πŸ“š

  1. Fantastic Flowers by Susan Stockdale
  2. Flower Talk by Sara Levine, illustrated by Masha D’yans
  3. Before the Seed: How Pollen Moves by Susannah Buhrman-Deever, illustrated by Gina Triplett and Matt Curtius
  4. The Story of Honey: It Starts with a Flower by Robin Nelson
  5. Animal Pollinators By Jennifer Boothroyd
  6. Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton
  7. What if There Were No Bees? by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Carol Schwartz

(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode64

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>aab5951c-ff6b-4bd7-a9b1-5260683f1a7cMon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -040012:49falsefull646463. Frogs Vs Toads and Other Herps in Spring: K-5 NGSS Activities63. Frogs Vs Toads and Other Herps in Spring: K-5 NGSS ActivitiesBy listener request: frogs vs toads and other herps in spring! Spring is a fantastic time to investigate reptiles and amphibians and today I'm sharing three interactive and engaging activities to hook your learners on these early spring risers!

Tune in to hear descriptions for 3 frogs vs toads 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 frogs vs toads (or other herps), 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Frogs vs toads and other herps activities described in this episode include:

  • Kindergarten and 3rd Grade: Salamander migration game
  • 1st and 4th Grade: A vocal sac investigation with balloons
  • 2nd and 5th Grade: A reptile and amphibian focused Bioblitz in different ecosystems

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode63

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>By listener request: frogs vs toads and other herps in spring! Spring is a fantastic time to investigate reptiles and amphibians and today I'm sharing three interactive and engaging activities to hook your learners on these early spring risers!

Tune in to hear descriptions for 3 frogs vs toads 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 frogs vs toads (or other herps), 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Frogs vs toads and other herps activities described in this episode include:

  • Kindergarten and 3rd Grade: Salamander migration game
  • 1st and 4th Grade: A vocal sac investigation with balloons
  • 2nd and 5th Grade: A reptile and amphibian focused Bioblitz in different ecosystems

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode63

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>1a48164e-3dce-419e-93df-c1c3010e3845Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -040018:31falsefull636362. Water in Weather: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities62. Water in Weather: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS ActivitiesWater is a critical part of weather; without water, we wouldn't have most of our different weather conditions! Whether it's clouds, rain, thunderstorms, humidity, wind...it's all related to water in weather. And March and November are great times to study weather and the role water plays in it!

Press play to hear descriptions for maple sugaring with 2nd graders and mapping vernal pools with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to water in weather, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. 2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid
  2. 5-ESS2-2: Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 61: Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities
  2. Tapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary Science
  3. How Maple Syrup Season Can Help You Teach Elementary Students
  4. Maple Syrup and Water Cycle Mini Unit for 2nd Grade (ELA, Math, and Science)
  5. Citizen Science Lab: Vernal Pools - Citizen Science Projects for 5th Graders
  6. Episode 46: Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey Harrell
  7. Episode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards
  8. Episode 48: 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents
  9. How Vernal Pools Can Be Used to Reach Your Curricular Goals
  10. Naturally Teaching Activity Index

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode62

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>Water is a critical part of weather; without water, we wouldn't have most of our different weather conditions! Whether it's clouds, rain, thunderstorms, humidity, wind...it's all related to water in weather. And March and November are great times to study weather and the role water plays in it!

Press play to hear descriptions for maple sugaring with 2nd graders and mapping vernal pools with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to water in weather, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. 2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid
  2. 5-ESS2-2: Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 61: Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities
  2. Tapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary Science
  3. How Maple Syrup Season Can Help You Teach Elementary Students
  4. Maple Syrup and Water Cycle Mini Unit for 2nd Grade (ELA, Math, and Science)
  5. Citizen Science Lab: Vernal Pools - Citizen Science Projects for 5th Graders
  6. Episode 46: Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey Harrell
  7. Episode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards
  8. Episode 48: 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents
  9. How Vernal Pools Can Be Used to Reach Your Curricular Goals
  10. Naturally Teaching Activity Index

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode62

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>ad9af16d-a786-42af-9e20-eb00ba5fff6fMon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -040015:24falsefull626261. Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities61. Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesLet's continue to take advantage of the variable weather March brings and focus on weather and illumination in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have light and its role in seeing objects in common and weather can help us investigate that concept.

Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders match colors to natural objects in different weather conditions and an opportunity where 4th graders take pictures of nature in different amounts of natural light, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to weather and illumination, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. 1-PS4-2: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated
  2. 4-PS4-2: Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects entering the eye allows objects to be seen

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 60: Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities
  2. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  3. Moon Phases and Light Mini Unit for 1st Grade (ELA and Science Activities)
  4. Naturally Teaching Activity Index

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode61

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>Let's continue to take advantage of the variable weather March brings and focus on weather and illumination in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have light and its role in seeing objects in common and weather can help us investigate that concept.

Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders match colors to natural objects in different weather conditions and an opportunity where 4th graders take pictures of nature in different amounts of natural light, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to weather and illumination, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. 1-PS4-2: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated
  2. 4-PS4-2: Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects entering the eye allows objects to be seen

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 60: Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities
  2. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  3. Moon Phases and Light Mini Unit for 1st Grade (ELA and Science Activities)
  4. Naturally Teaching Activity Index

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode61

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>175a3eb3-3803-42c7-acdb-17903f42c106Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -040014:22falsefull616160. Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities60. Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesWeather is an inherently interesting concept to elementary-aged learners and March is one of the best times to experience a variety of weather conditions in a short time. Fog, rain, snow, frost, dew, sun, clouds...March has it all. So let's take advantage of this weather-rich month and get your learners some quality experiences.

Press play to hear descriptions for a weather movement cube for kindergarteners and the citizen science project CoCoRaHS for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to weather, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. K-ESS2-1: Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
  2. 3-ESS2-1: Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 59: 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged Students
  2. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  3. Weather Movement Cube for Kindergarten (Ambulatory Cubes)
  4. CoCoRaHS Schools: Getting Started
  5. Need a rain gauge? Here’s the contact email for help from CoCoRaHS
  6. CoCoRaHS Basic training PDF
  7. CoCoRaHS Training slide shows
  8. CoCoRaHS Training Videos
  9. CoCoRaHS FAQ’s
  10. CoCoRaHS Gauge installation tips
  11. CoCoRaHS How to Read Your Gauge guide
  12. CoCoRaHS Data entry tips
  13. CoCoRaHS Station identification sign
  14. CoCoRaHS Apple App store
  15. CoCoRaHS Google Play store
  16. Weather Scavenger Hunt PDF
  17. FREE Printable Weather Wheel

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode60

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>Weather is an inherently interesting concept to elementary-aged learners and March is one of the best times to experience a variety of weather conditions in a short time. Fog, rain, snow, frost, dew, sun, clouds...March has it all. So let's take advantage of this weather-rich month and get your learners some quality experiences.

Press play to hear descriptions for a weather movement cube for kindergarteners and the citizen science project CoCoRaHS for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to weather, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. K-ESS2-1: Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
  2. 3-ESS2-1: Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 59: 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged Students
  2. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  3. Weather Movement Cube for Kindergarten (Ambulatory Cubes)
  4. CoCoRaHS Schools: Getting Started
  5. Need a rain gauge? Here’s the contact email for help from CoCoRaHS
  6. CoCoRaHS Basic training PDF
  7. CoCoRaHS Training slide shows
  8. CoCoRaHS Training Videos
  9. CoCoRaHS FAQ’s
  10. CoCoRaHS Gauge installation tips
  11. CoCoRaHS How to Read Your Gauge guide
  12. CoCoRaHS Data entry tips
  13. CoCoRaHS Station identification sign
  14. CoCoRaHS Apple App store
  15. CoCoRaHS Google Play store
  16. Weather Scavenger Hunt PDF
  17. FREE Printable Weather Wheel

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode60

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>1ac0136c-f176-4980-a92e-183a2b14e89aMon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -040010:57falsefull606059. 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged Students59. 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged StudentsMarch is a time of varied weather which gives you the chance to explore lots of weather conditions in a short amount of time. Snow, fog, frost, dew, rain, clouds, sunshine...it all comes together in the month of March. Your learners will be so happy to see winter give way to spring, so let's celebrate with weather-related opportunities.

Books are a great way to introduce weather conditions. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about weather and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.

Books in this episode πŸ“š

  1. Feel the Fog by April Pulley Sayre
  2. Dew and Frost by Elizabeth Miles
  3. Puff: All About Air by Emily Kate Moon
  4. Sunshine by Cassie Mayer
  5. Hello, Rain! By Kyo Maclear and Chris Turnham
  6. Wacky Weather: All About Odd Weather Events by Todd Tarpley
  7. Staying Safe - Weather Safety by Melissa Catena

(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. β€œTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”
  2. Episode 43: 9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in Spring
  3. Episode 16: 10 Fall Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in Autumn
  4. 12 Children’s Story Books About Weather for Elementary Students
  5. 12 Snow Books to Support Your Elementary Curriculum
  6. Episode 52: 5 No Snow Books About Winter for Preschool and Elementary Classrooms

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode59

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


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πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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]]>March is a time of varied weather which gives you the chance to explore lots of weather conditions in a short amount of time. Snow, fog, frost, dew, rain, clouds, sunshine...it all comes together in the month of March. Your learners will be so happy to see winter give way to spring, so let's celebrate with weather-related opportunities.

Books are a great way to introduce weather conditions. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about weather and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.

Books in this episode πŸ“š

  1. Feel the Fog by April Pulley Sayre
  2. Dew and Frost by Elizabeth Miles
  3. Puff: All About Air by Emily Kate Moon
  4. Sunshine by Cassie Mayer
  5. Hello, Rain! By Kyo Maclear and Chris Turnham
  6. Wacky Weather: All About Odd Weather Events by Todd Tarpley
  7. Staying Safe - Weather Safety by Melissa Catena

(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. β€œTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”
  2. Episode 43: 9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in Spring
  3. Episode 16: 10 Fall Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in Autumn
  4. 12 Children’s Story Books About Weather for Elementary Students
  5. 12 Snow Books to Support Your Elementary Curriculum
  6. Episode 52: 5 No Snow Books About Winter for Preschool and Elementary Classrooms

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode59

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


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πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>33b82bc5-bca7-4831-8f48-24fe1433c81fMon, 02 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -040011:11falsefull595958. Winter Animals and Water: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities58. Winter Animals and Water: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS ActivitiesWater is a critical part of animal survival, yet it's so scarce during the winter! With freezing temperatures, water is trapped as snow or ice and it makes winter a really hard time for animals to fulfill all of their needs. Now is a great time to study winter animals and the role water plays in their survival!

Press play to hear descriptions for a states of matter water experiment for 2nd graders and an observational study for 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to winter animals and water, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. 2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid
  2. 5-ESS2-1: Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 57: Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities
  2. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  3. Snowy Science: A Guide to Teaching About Matter in Winter

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode58

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


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]]>Water is a critical part of animal survival, yet it's so scarce during the winter! With freezing temperatures, water is trapped as snow or ice and it makes winter a really hard time for animals to fulfill all of their needs. Now is a great time to study winter animals and the role water plays in their survival!

Press play to hear descriptions for a states of matter water experiment for 2nd graders and an observational study for 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to winter animals and water, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. 2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid
  2. 5-ESS2-1: Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 57: Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities
  2. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  3. Snowy Science: A Guide to Teaching About Matter in Winter

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode58

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


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]]>6237686e-7580-4e9a-bc9c-4c2b3dc4044eMon, 23 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -040009:47falsefull585857. Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities57. Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesWinter is a time of scarcity for both animals as well as teachers and homeschool parents trying to find engaging and experiential activities for their learners. Let me help you out with these two activities for 1st and 4th graders inspired by winter animals and hibernation!

Press play to hear descriptions for a hibernation animal sort and hike for 1st graders and a predator role playing experience for 4th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to winter animals and hibernation, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. 1-LS1-2: Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive
  2. 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 56: Signs of Animals in Winter: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities
  2. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  3. Episode 29: Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups.
  4. Animal Hibernation Asleep or Awake Sort
  5. Hibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st Grade (Ambulatory Cube)
  6. Animal Migration Sort
  7. Winter Animal Adaptations Sort | Hibernation, Migration, Adaptation

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode57

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πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>Winter is a time of scarcity for both animals as well as teachers and homeschool parents trying to find engaging and experiential activities for their learners. Let me help you out with these two activities for 1st and 4th graders inspired by winter animals and hibernation!

Press play to hear descriptions for a hibernation animal sort and hike for 1st graders and a predator role playing experience for 4th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to winter animals and hibernation, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. 1-LS1-2: Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive
  2. 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 56: Signs of Animals in Winter: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities
  2. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  3. Episode 29: Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups.
  4. Animal Hibernation Asleep or Awake Sort
  5. Hibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st Grade (Ambulatory Cube)
  6. Animal Migration Sort
  7. Winter Animal Adaptations Sort | Hibernation, Migration, Adaptation

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode57

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


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πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>45ef58d7-c706-475b-aa9d-459af3866a01Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -040011:57falsefull575756. Signs of Animals in Winter: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities56. Signs of Animals in Winter: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesSometimes winter seems so lifeless and dull. However, it can actually be a really beneficial time of the year to study animal needs and the components of habitats. Think about it: during a time of scarcity, there are still animals that are active and surviving. Why not investigate what they're finding that keeps them alive?

Press play to hear descriptions for an animal signs hike for kindergarteners and a habitat safari for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to animal needs and habitats, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. K-ESS3-1: Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
  2. 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 51: Adapting - Naturally Teaching Elementary Updates and Goals
  2. Episode 55: 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged Students
  3. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  4. β€œOver and Under the Snow” Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade
  5. β€œOver and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal Adaptations

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode56

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>Sometimes winter seems so lifeless and dull. However, it can actually be a really beneficial time of the year to study animal needs and the components of habitats. Think about it: during a time of scarcity, there are still animals that are active and surviving. Why not investigate what they're finding that keeps them alive?

Press play to hear descriptions for an animal signs hike for kindergarteners and a habitat safari for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to animal needs and habitats, 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

  1. K-ESS3-1: Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
  2. 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 51: Adapting - Naturally Teaching Elementary Updates and Goals
  2. Episode 55: 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged Students
  3. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  4. β€œOver and Under the Snow” Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade
  5. β€œOver and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal Adaptations

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode56

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>95925469-82a1-4a48-bb5f-4e134aac268bMon, 09 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -040012:08falsefull565655. 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged Students55. 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged StudentsThe extreme weather of winter makes you wonder what animals are crazy enough to endure and survive it. Animals are active in winter, whether we see them or not, and the animals that are awake leave behind traces and clues that can be found. These little gems can be just the hook your learners need to pursue amazing inquiry driven studies.

Books are a great way to introduce animal signs in winter and to encourage the development of observational skills. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about animals in winter and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.

Books in this episode πŸ“š

  1. In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? By Lindsay Barrett George
  2. Big Tracks, Little Tracks by Millicent E. Selsam, illustrated by Marlene Hill Donnelly
  3. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
  4. Track That Scat! by Lisa Morlock, illustrated by Carrie Ann Bradshaw
  5. Whose Track is That? by Stan Tekiela
  6. Animal Tracks Activity Book by Brett Ortler, illustrated by Shane Nitzsche, Anna Christenson, Julie Martinez, and Bruce Wilson

(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. β€œTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”
  2. Ep. 34: 9 Winter Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter
  3. 16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers
  4. β€œOver and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal Adaptations
  5. Over and Under the Snow Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade (ELA and Science)
  6. Storytime with AdventureKEEN - β€œWhose Track is That?” read by Stan Tekiela

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode55

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>The extreme weather of winter makes you wonder what animals are crazy enough to endure and survive it. Animals are active in winter, whether we see them or not, and the animals that are awake leave behind traces and clues that can be found. These little gems can be just the hook your learners need to pursue amazing inquiry driven studies.

Books are a great way to introduce animal signs in winter and to encourage the development of observational skills. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about animals in winter and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.

Books in this episode πŸ“š

  1. In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? By Lindsay Barrett George
  2. Big Tracks, Little Tracks by Millicent E. Selsam, illustrated by Marlene Hill Donnelly
  3. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
  4. Track That Scat! by Lisa Morlock, illustrated by Carrie Ann Bradshaw
  5. Whose Track is That? by Stan Tekiela
  6. Animal Tracks Activity Book by Brett Ortler, illustrated by Shane Nitzsche, Anna Christenson, Julie Martinez, and Bruce Wilson

(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. β€œTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”
  2. Ep. 34: 9 Winter Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter
  3. 16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers
  4. β€œOver and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal Adaptations
  5. Over and Under the Snow Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade (ELA and Science)
  6. Storytime with AdventureKEEN - β€œWhose Track is That?” read by Stan Tekiela

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode55

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>0fa0d4f2-3993-4ffb-a4bf-bcbb0fa628bfMon, 02 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -040011:22falsefull555554. Urban Schools: 3 Nature Spots to Take Your Students for Learning54. Urban Schools: 3 Nature Spots to Take Your Students for LearningUrban schools and outdoor education don't seem to go hand-in-hand, but outdoor education has its place in every.single.school! If you teach in an urban school and you don't think you have what you need to take your kids outside for learning, this is the episode for you!

Press play to hear about three different ways you can access nature in urban settings near you. Give your students the gift of less stress, more focus, better health, better academic performance, and more by learning how you can incorporate nature into your urban classroom.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Garden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Prepare for Success
  2. A Raising Butterflies Kit for the Classroom: A Conservation Conversation
  3. Episode 20: 6 Animal Migration Activities for Elementary Classrooms
  4. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  5. Episode 23: Planning a Field Trip made Easier with Education Director James Dake

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode54

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


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]]>Urban schools and outdoor education don't seem to go hand-in-hand, but outdoor education has its place in every.single.school! If you teach in an urban school and you don't think you have what you need to take your kids outside for learning, this is the episode for you!

Press play to hear about three different ways you can access nature in urban settings near you. Give your students the gift of less stress, more focus, better health, better academic performance, and more by learning how you can incorporate nature into your urban classroom.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Garden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Prepare for Success
  2. A Raising Butterflies Kit for the Classroom: A Conservation Conversation
  3. Episode 20: 6 Animal Migration Activities for Elementary Classrooms
  4. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
  5. Episode 23: Planning a Field Trip made Easier with Education Director James Dake

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode54

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>d0495bc7-5794-420c-a6f9-4fc3437be3bfMon, 26 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -040009:29falsefull545453. 5 Strategies for Classroom Management: Embracing Nature Moments53. 5 Strategies for Classroom Management: Embracing Nature MomentsAre you hesitant to take your students outside for learning because of possible distractions? Do you worry about how you'll give your students the opportunity to pursue their interests while also giving your lesson the time it needs?

Tune in to hear descriptions for 5 strategies for classroom management to use when nature grabs your students' attention. These "nature moments" are valuable and can be a part of your outdoor learning time, you just have to know how to embrace them for your success as well as your students'.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 18: Nature Based Preschools and Elementary Classrooms: Talking Teacher Roles with Dr. Rachel Larimore
  2. Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode53

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


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πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>Are you hesitant to take your students outside for learning because of possible distractions? Do you worry about how you'll give your students the opportunity to pursue their interests while also giving your lesson the time it needs?

Tune in to hear descriptions for 5 strategies for classroom management to use when nature grabs your students' attention. These "nature moments" are valuable and can be a part of your outdoor learning time, you just have to know how to embrace them for your success as well as your students'.

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Episode 18: Nature Based Preschools and Elementary Classrooms: Talking Teacher Roles with Dr. Rachel Larimore
  2. Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode53

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πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>826148fd-e65f-4ae4-aab1-50ba35664089Mon, 19 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -040008:02falsefull535352. No Snow Books About Winter for Preschool and Elementary Classrooms52. No Snow Books About Winter for Preschool and Elementary ClassroomsIf you're in a region where winter doesn't include snow, you've probably noticed that there aren't very many books about winter for preschool and elementary classrooms that represent your local weather well. This is probably really confusing for your early childhood students. Sure, you make it work, but wouldn't it be great if there were picture books that represented your mild winters?

That's why I've scoured the internet to find 5 no snow books to help you out this winter. In this episode, I give you a brief summary about these books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.

Books in this episode πŸ“š

  1. City Moon by Rachael Cole, illustrated by Blanca Gomez
  2. It Never, Ever Snows in Florida by Amy Sweezey, illustrated by Ricardo J. Rodriguez
  3. In a Mississippi Winter by Kathy Chase Young, by Kelly Arcarese Stanford
  4. Ocean Seasons by Ron Hirschi, illustrated by Kirsten Carlson
  5. Seasons by Hannah Pang, illustrated by Clover Robin

(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. β€œTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms”
  2. 16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers
  3. Episode 34: 9 Winter Picture Books to Help Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode52

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>If you're in a region where winter doesn't include snow, you've probably noticed that there aren't very many books about winter for preschool and elementary classrooms that represent your local weather well. This is probably really confusing for your early childhood students. Sure, you make it work, but wouldn't it be great if there were picture books that represented your mild winters?

That's why I've scoured the internet to find 5 no snow books to help you out this winter. In this episode, I give you a brief summary about these books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.

Books in this episode πŸ“š

  1. City Moon by Rachael Cole, illustrated by Blanca Gomez
  2. It Never, Ever Snows in Florida by Amy Sweezey, illustrated by Ricardo J. Rodriguez
  3. In a Mississippi Winter by Kathy Chase Young, by Kelly Arcarese Stanford
  4. Ocean Seasons by Ron Hirschi, illustrated by Kirsten Carlson
  5. Seasons by Hannah Pang, illustrated by Clover Robin

(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. β€œTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms”
  2. 16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers
  3. Episode 34: 9 Winter Picture Books to Help Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode52

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>7fa185a7-f36a-4ce4-8dcc-3a5c88d3efeaMon, 12 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -040010:53falsefull525251. Adapting - Naturally Teaching Elementary Updates and Goals51. Adapting - Naturally Teaching Elementary Updates and GoalsAfter 9 long months - the Naturally Teaching Elementary podcast is back in action! I'm so happy to be behind the mic again to share ideas for bringing science into your classrooms, integrating science and literacy, and taking your teaching outside.

Tune in to hear what I've been up to for the last 9 months and my plans for this podcast going forward. Get ahold of me on Instagram or via email (victoria@naturallyteaching.com) to let me know what topics you'd be interested in hearing about in the New Year. Thanks for tuning in again!

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode51

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πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>After 9 long months - the Naturally Teaching Elementary podcast is back in action! I'm so happy to be behind the mic again to share ideas for bringing science into your classrooms, integrating science and literacy, and taking your teaching outside.

Tune in to hear what I've been up to for the last 9 months and my plans for this podcast going forward. Get ahold of me on Instagram or via email (victoria@naturallyteaching.com) to let me know what topics you'd be interested in hearing about in the New Year. Thanks for tuning in again!

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode51

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]]>c970aed5-62e0-40b2-85a4-485a5de4f9cbMon, 05 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -040006:40falsefull515150. Picture Books for 4th Graders and Beyond: Using Picture Books to Enhance Your Science Teaching with Dan Kriesberg50. 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 want to hit play to hear these intriguing ideas and picture book suggestions! Also, make sure to listen to the end of the episode to hear an update about the show.

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode50

Email Dan Kriesberg: kriesbergdan@gmail.com

Links to resources mentioned in the episode:


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]]>Picture 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 want to hit play to hear these intriguing ideas and picture book suggestions! Also, make sure to listen to the end of the episode to hear an update about the show.

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode50

Email Dan Kriesberg: kriesbergdan@gmail.com

Links to resources mentioned in the episode:


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]]>8e464173-429f-4d4d-9f5a-c26e462a0106Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -040027:15falsefull505049. 9 Fine Arts Examples of Vernal Pool and Frog Projects for Elementary-aged Learners49. 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.

Fine arts projects described in this episode include:

  • Creating a frog call instrument
  • Developing a skit to retell a story
  • Creating props and costumes to go along with the skit
  • Recording the skit and adding cinematic elements
  • Sculpting a frog life cycle
  • Writing a vernal pool or frog poem
  • Taking photographs of vernal pools or animals
  • Painting a watercolor painting next to a vernal pool
  • Drawing an organism collected from a vernal pool

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode49

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]]>Fine 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.

Fine arts projects described in this episode include:

  • Creating a frog call instrument
  • Developing a skit to retell a story
  • Creating props and costumes to go along with the skit
  • Recording the skit and adding cinematic elements
  • Sculpting a frog life cycle
  • Writing a vernal pool or frog poem
  • Taking photographs of vernal pools or animals
  • Painting a watercolor painting next to a vernal pool
  • Drawing an organism collected from a vernal pool

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode49

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>1b937249-0ece-4329-8c58-fee68b5fd784Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -040019:31falsefull494948. 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents48. 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.

Books in this episode πŸ“š

  1. The Secret Pool by Kimberly Ridley, illustrated by Rebekah Raye
  2. The Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool Through the Seasons by Linda Booth Sweeney, illustrated by Miki Sato
  3. Vernal Pool Visitors by Heidi Clemmer, illustrated by Marisa Picariello
  4. A Wood Frog’s Life by John Himmelman
  5. Tadpoles by Matt James
  6. Noisy Frog Sing-Along by John Himmelman
  7. A Salamander’s Life by John Himmelman
  8. Salamander Sky by Katy Farber, illustrated by Meg Sodano
  9. Salamander Season by Jennifer Keats Curtis and J. Adam Frederick, illustrated by Shennen Bersani

(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
  2. Vernal Pool Visitors read aloud by Cape Cod Author Heidi Clemmer for the Brewster Ponds Coalition
  3. 11 Fantastic Animal Life Cycles Books By John Himmelman
  4. Frog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini Unit for 3rd Grade

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode48

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]]>Spring 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.

Books in this episode πŸ“š

  1. The Secret Pool by Kimberly Ridley, illustrated by Rebekah Raye
  2. The Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool Through the Seasons by Linda Booth Sweeney, illustrated by Miki Sato
  3. Vernal Pool Visitors by Heidi Clemmer, illustrated by Marisa Picariello
  4. A Wood Frog’s Life by John Himmelman
  5. Tadpoles by Matt James
  6. Noisy Frog Sing-Along by John Himmelman
  7. A Salamander’s Life by John Himmelman
  8. Salamander Sky by Katy Farber, illustrated by Meg Sodano
  9. Salamander Season by Jennifer Keats Curtis and J. Adam Frederick, illustrated by Shennen Bersani

(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Resources mentioned πŸ’š

  1. Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
  2. Vernal Pool Visitors read aloud by Cape Cod Author Heidi Clemmer for the Brewster Ponds Coalition
  3. 11 Fantastic Animal Life Cycles Books By John Himmelman
  4. Frog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini Unit for 3rd Grade

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode48

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

]]>6ed17dd6-8b89-49b5-9011-d3043decfe10Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -040018:09falsefull484847. 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards47. 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. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Vernal pools and frog activities described in this episode include:

  • Kindergarten: Creating a vernal pool protection plan
  • 1st Grade: Watching videos of frogs calling
  • 2nd Grade: Conducting an ecosystem survey
  • 3rd Grade: Dipping for animal life stages
  • 4th Grade: Playing a frog call game
  • 5th Grade: Designing a scientific collection tool

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode47

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


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]]>Spring 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. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Vernal pools and frog activities described in this episode include:

  • Kindergarten: Creating a vernal pool protection plan
  • 1st Grade: Watching videos of frogs calling
  • 2nd Grade: Conducting an ecosystem survey
  • 3rd Grade: Dipping for animal life stages
  • 4th Grade: Playing a frog call game
  • 5th Grade: Designing a scientific collection tool

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode47

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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]]>f764ebfb-e9ff-402a-affc-b7471a2e6cedMon, 07 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -040023:22falsefull474746. Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey Harrell46. 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.

If you're interested in taking part in this community science project, but you're not sure what to expect, make sure to listen to the end of the episode. Today's nature note is my firsthand experience surveying a pool with the Vernal Pool Patrol.

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode46

Email Lindsey Harrell: lharrell@chippewanaturecenter.org

Links to Vernal Pool Patrol resources:


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]]>Vernal 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.

If you're interested in taking part in this community science project, but you're not sure what to expect, make sure to listen to the end of the episode. Today's nature note is my firsthand experience surveying a pool with the Vernal Pool Patrol.

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode46

Email Lindsey Harrell: lharrell@chippewanaturecenter.org

Links to Vernal Pool Patrol resources:


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]]>0a5d0b4d-3571-411a-9886-c9f18a575220Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -040023:07falsefull464645. 6 Earth Day Projects for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents45. 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 classroom or at home.

Make sure you listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these projects or use one for a different grade level.

Earth Day projects describe in this episode include:

  • Kindergarten: Designing trash picker-uppers
  • 1st Grade: Solving the problem of staying warm in a car
  • 2nd Grade: Designing a way to clean water
  • 3rd Grade: Creating a wetland mitigation model
  • 4th Grade: Developing non-renewable and renewable resource saving punch cards
  • 5th Grade: Participating in the iNaturalist citizen science project

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode45

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]]>Earth 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 classroom or at home.

Make sure you listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these projects or use one for a different grade level.

Earth Day projects describe in this episode include:

  • Kindergarten: Designing trash picker-uppers
  • 1st Grade: Solving the problem of staying warm in a car
  • 2nd Grade: Designing a way to clean water
  • 3rd Grade: Creating a wetland mitigation model
  • 4th Grade: Developing non-renewable and renewable resource saving punch cards
  • 5th Grade: Participating in the iNaturalist citizen science project

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode45

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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]]>7765a83b-57eb-410c-ad22-822dfcd0cbcbMon, 24 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -040024:30falsefull454544. 6 Elementary Math Activities for Spring Aligned with K-5 Common Core State Standards44. 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Elementary math activities described in this episode include:

  • Kindergarten: Counting flower petals
  • 1st Grade: Measuring spring sprouts
  • 2nd Grade: Telling sunrise and sunset times on clocks
  • 3rd Grade: Finding the volume of objects using displacement
  • 4th Grade: Counting sap drips and multiplying by 2 digit numbers
  • 5th Grade: Mystery patterns with partners

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode44

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


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]]>If 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 these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Elementary math activities described in this episode include:

  • Kindergarten: Counting flower petals
  • 1st Grade: Measuring spring sprouts
  • 2nd Grade: Telling sunrise and sunset times on clocks
  • 3rd Grade: Finding the volume of objects using displacement
  • 4th Grade: Counting sap drips and multiplying by 2 digit numbers
  • 5th Grade: Mystery patterns with partners

Resources mentioned πŸ’š


Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode44

πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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]]>d9f002b0-a275-4257-b699-0c1e05de3e61Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -040020:15falsefull444443. 9 Spring Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in Spring43. 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.

Books in this episode πŸ“š

  1. Spring Thaw by Steven Schnur, illustrated by Stacey Schuett
  2. Spring for Sophie by Yael Werber, illustrated by Jen Hill
  3. Mud by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Lauren Stringer
  4. Abracadabra, It’s Spring by Anne Sibley O’Brien, illustrated by Susan Gal
  5. Snowman – Cold = Puddle by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Micha Archer
  6. Worm Weather by Jean Taft, illustrated by Matt Hunt
  7. It’s Spring! by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Susan Swan
  8. Sixteen Miles to Spring by Andrew Pelletier, illustrated by Katya Krenina
  9. Spring 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.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. Spring Thaw by Steven Schnur, illustrated by Stacey Schuett
    2. Spring for Sophie by Yael Werber, illustrated by Jen Hill
    3. Mud by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Lauren Stringer
    4. Abracadabra, It’s Spring by Anne Sibley O’Brien, illustrated by Susan Gal
    5. Snowman – Cold = Puddle by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Micha Archer
    6. Worm Weather by Jean Taft, illustrated by Matt Hunt
    7. It’s Spring! by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Susan Swan
    8. Sixteen Miles to Spring by Andrew Pelletier, illustrated by Katya Krenina
    9. Bloom Boom! Words and pictures by April Pulley Sayre

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Spring Picture Book Companion for Kindergarten
    2. A Fantastic Spring Picture Book List for Elementary Teachers with 20 Titles
    3. Tapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary Science
    4. Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
    5. Worm Weather Picture Book Companion for Kindergarten
    6. Episode 16: 10 Fall Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in Autumn

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode43

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    90d5ffc3-b895-44b2-ad6f-fd917e7621a8Mon, 10 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -040016:06falsefull434342. 6 Fun Spring Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards42. 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 listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

    Fun spring activities described in this episode include:

    • Kindergarten: A Hummingbird’s Needs Survey
    • 1st Grade: Engineering a Solution to Stay Dry in Rain
    • 2nd Grade: Phenology Study with Ephemeral Flowers
    • 3rd Grade: Dimorphism Flag Tag
    • 4th Grade: Flooding Solution Models
    • 5th Grade: Maple Sap to Maple Syrup Relay Race

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode42

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Spring 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 listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

    Fun spring activities described in this episode include:

    • Kindergarten: A Hummingbird’s Needs Survey
    • 1st Grade: Engineering a Solution to Stay Dry in Rain
    • 2nd Grade: Phenology Study with Ephemeral Flowers
    • 3rd Grade: Dimorphism Flag Tag
    • 4th Grade: Flooding Solution Models
    • 5th Grade: Maple Sap to Maple Syrup Relay Race

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode42

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    87138a96-e97f-4571-aea5-b1a83eaf318dMon, 03 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -040026:11falsefull4242    41. Teaching Elementary Math Outside with Lauren MacLean41. 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 mathematical concepts.

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode41

    Connect with Lauren MacLean


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    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    If 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 mathematical concepts.

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode41

    Connect with Lauren MacLean


    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


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    ]]>    b752553e-0812-44c3-a219-1d15eca1d2a4Mon, 24 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -040036:08falsefull4141    40. 10 Ice and Snow Art Ideas for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents40. 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 colored ice cubes
    • Geoboard snowflakes
    • Snowflake symmetry
    • Watercolor revealing snowflakes
    • Puffy snow paint
    • Toothpick and marshmallow snowflakes
    • Over and under the snow and ice landscapes
    • Snow and ice scultpures
    • Painting snow with watercolors
    • Making rainbow icicles

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode40

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


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    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Snow 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 colored ice cubes
    • Geoboard snowflakes
    • Snowflake symmetry
    • Watercolor revealing snowflakes
    • Puffy snow paint
    • Toothpick and marshmallow snowflakes
    • Over and under the snow and ice landscapes
    • Snow and ice scultpures
    • Painting snow with watercolors
    • Making rainbow icicles

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode40

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    bd6befac-053a-4d4b-8c44-6938b1d2b038Mon, 17 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -040018:50falsefull4040    39. 11 Children's Water Cycle Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents39. 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 Water Cycle" by Emma Carlson Berne, "Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse" by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton, and more.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. The Drop Goes Plop: A First Look at the Water Cycle by Sam Godwin
    2. Water is Water by Miranda Paul
    3. Water Dance by Thomas Locker
    4. Drop: An Adventure Through the Water Cycle by Emily Kate Moon
    5. Once Upon a Raindrop by James Carter
    6. When Cloud Became a Cloud by Rob Hodgson
    7. The Great Big Water Cycle Adventure by Kay Barnham
    8. From River to Raindrop: The Water Cycle by Emma Carlson Berne
    9. Rivers of Sunlight: How the Sun Moves Water Around the Earth by Molly Bang and Penny Chisholm
    10. The Snowflake: A Water Cycle Story by Neil Waldman
    11. Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. β€œHow Maple Syrup Season Can Help You Teach Elementary Students”
    2. β€œTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”
    3. Maple Syrup and Water Cycle Mini Unit for 2nd Grade
    4. Tapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary Science
    5. β€œThe Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary Teachers”

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode39

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Winter 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 Water Cycle" by Emma Carlson Berne, "Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse" by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton, and more.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. The Drop Goes Plop: A First Look at the Water Cycle by Sam Godwin
    2. Water is Water by Miranda Paul
    3. Water Dance by Thomas Locker
    4. Drop: An Adventure Through the Water Cycle by Emily Kate Moon
    5. Once Upon a Raindrop by James Carter
    6. When Cloud Became a Cloud by Rob Hodgson
    7. The Great Big Water Cycle Adventure by Kay Barnham
    8. From River to Raindrop: The Water Cycle by Emma Carlson Berne
    9. Rivers of Sunlight: How the Sun Moves Water Around the Earth by Molly Bang and Penny Chisholm
    10. The Snowflake: A Water Cycle Story by Neil Waldman
    11. Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. β€œHow Maple Syrup Season Can Help You Teach Elementary Students”
    2. β€œTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”
    3. Maple Syrup and Water Cycle Mini Unit for 2nd Grade
    4. Tapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary Science
    5. β€œThe Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary Teachers”

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode39

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    f8f23f1d-e856-4433-b175-d075fad84630Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -040022:28falsefull3939    38. 6 Activities for Learning About Water in Winter for Teachers and Homeschool Parents38. 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.

    And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

    Activities described in this episode include:

    • Kindergarten: Measuring snow depths
    • 1st Grade: Using icicles to block light
    • 2nd Grade: Going for a states of water hike
    • 3rd Grade: Engineering a solution for snow removal
    • 4th Grade: Taking crack rubbings to investigate erosion
    • 5th Grade: Investigating dirt in melted snow

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode38

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Winter 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.

    And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

    Activities described in this episode include:

    • Kindergarten: Measuring snow depths
    • 1st Grade: Using icicles to block light
    • 2nd Grade: Going for a states of water hike
    • 3rd Grade: Engineering a solution for snow removal
    • 4th Grade: Taking crack rubbings to investigate erosion
    • 5th Grade: Investigating dirt in melted snow

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode38

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    7e54091a-298e-44a9-aa1c-708610b77af3Mon, 03 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -040019:24falsefull3838    37. 6 Valentine's Day Class Party Ideas Enhanced with Science37. 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 with each theme including an individual or group activity, a game, and a craft.

    Listen in to hear ideas for these themes:

    • We love nature (Kindergarten)
    • Hearts beat (1st Grade)
    • The perfect pair: insects and their host plants (2nd Grade)
    • Magnets attract (3rd Grade)
    • Animal hearts (4th Grade)
    • Attracted to the Earth (5th Grade)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode37

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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    ]]>    Valentine'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 with each theme including an individual or group activity, a game, and a craft.

    Listen in to hear ideas for these themes:

    • We love nature (Kindergarten)
    • Hearts beat (1st Grade)
    • The perfect pair: insects and their host plants (2nd Grade)
    • Magnets attract (3rd Grade)
    • Animal hearts (4th Grade)
    • Attracted to the Earth (5th Grade)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode37

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    8576449f-fdd4-49b0-9cab-1af09151389dMon, 27 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -040023:50falsefull3737    36. Gamifying Learning for Elementary-Aged Children with Allie Elliott36. 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

    Email Allie Elliott: aelliott@chippewanaturecenter.org

    Allie's Linked-in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-elliott-85a05010a/

    Related resources πŸ’š


    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    If 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

    Email Allie Elliott: aelliott@chippewanaturecenter.org

    Allie's Linked-in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-elliott-85a05010a/

    Related resources πŸ’š


    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    0b1c593f-6795-428f-a4ea-e8e929dbd680Mon, 20 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -040027:35falsefull3636    35. 6 Groundhog's Day Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups35. 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.

    Make sure you listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

    Groundhog's Day activities describe in this episode include:

    • Kindergarten: Weather data collection
    • 1st Grade: Creating shadows with recyclables
    • 2nd Grade: Making a squirrel field guide
    • 3rd Grade: Using climates to make Groundhog forecasts
    • 4th Grade: Groundhog hibernation obstacle course
    • 5th Grade: Shadow tracing throughout the day

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode35

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Groundhog'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.

    Make sure you listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

    Groundhog's Day activities describe in this episode include:

    • Kindergarten: Weather data collection
    • 1st Grade: Creating shadows with recyclables
    • 2nd Grade: Making a squirrel field guide
    • 3rd Grade: Using climates to make Groundhog forecasts
    • 4th Grade: Groundhog hibernation obstacle course
    • 5th Grade: Shadow tracing throughout the day

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode35

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    1d28c185-68c9-4098-b103-8d45d8a4bcb9Mon, 13 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -040020:08falsefull3535    34. 9 Winter Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter34. 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 Flatt, and more.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer
    2. Grandmother Winter by Phyllis Root
    3. Winter: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur
    4. Snow Dance by Lezlie Evans
    5. The Jacket I Wear in the Snow by Shirley Neitzel
    6. Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. VanGelder
    7. Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart
    8. Sizing Up Winter by Lizann Flatt
    9. Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature by Marcie Flinchum Atkins

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. 16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers
    2. Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
    3. Winter Picture Book Companion for Kindergarten
    4. Ep. 29: Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups
    5. Ep. 30: 10 Books on Hibernation and Other Forms of Dormancy for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode34

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Winter 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 Flatt, and more.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer
    2. Grandmother Winter by Phyllis Root
    3. Winter: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur
    4. Snow Dance by Lezlie Evans
    5. The Jacket I Wear in the Snow by Shirley Neitzel
    6. Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. VanGelder
    7. Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart
    8. Sizing Up Winter by Lizann Flatt
    9. Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature by Marcie Flinchum Atkins

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. 16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers
    2. Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
    3. Winter Picture Book Companion for Kindergarten
    4. Ep. 29: Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups
    5. Ep. 30: 10 Books on Hibernation and Other Forms of Dormancy for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode34

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    57b08e4a-486b-4984-9c0d-68223cd0ea0aMon, 06 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -040016:55falsefull3434    33. Ch-Ch-Changes: New Year Newness33. 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 πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode33

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    It'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 πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode33

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    b239b316-3d19-45ae-b50e-714430d34b24Mon, 30 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -040010:00falsefull3333    32. 6 Fun Winter Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards32. 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 all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

    Fun winter activities described in this episode include:

    • Kindergarten: Push & Pull Stations
    • 1st Grade: Walk in the Dark
    • 2nd Grade: Mapping States of Water
    • 3rd Grade: Animals Grouping for Survival Simon Says
    • 4th Grade: Erosion Stations
    • 5th Grade: Water Cycle Obstacle Course

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode32

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Winter 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 all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

    Fun winter activities described in this episode include:

    • Kindergarten: Push & Pull Stations
    • 1st Grade: Walk in the Dark
    • 2nd Grade: Mapping States of Water
    • 3rd Grade: Animals Grouping for Survival Simon Says
    • 4th Grade: Erosion Stations
    • 5th Grade: Water Cycle Obstacle Course

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode32

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    bf56308a-2b4e-4b77-a8ec-913d1f808114Mon, 23 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -040026:26falsefull3232    31. Next Generation Science Standards Explained with Beth Christiansen31. 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 today's Teaching Tip is about using informal questioning and class discussion to assess your students' understanding of your curriculum.

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode31

    Email Beth Christiansen: eacconsulting1@gmail.com

    Some of the resources mentioned πŸ’š


    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    If 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 today's Teaching Tip is about using informal questioning and class discussion to assess your students' understanding of your curriculum.

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode31

    Email Beth Christiansen: eacconsulting1@gmail.com

    Some of the resources mentioned πŸ’š


    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    c416d143-5b37-43ee-a2f8-59213473154bMon, 16 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -040026:31falsefull3131    30. 10 Books on Hibernation and Other Forms of Dormancy for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups30. 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 sleeping through the winter to your students. Press play to hear about "Time to Sleep" by Denise Fleming, "Over and Under the Snow" by Kate Messner, "Not a Buzz to Be Found" by Linda Glaser, and more!

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. Hibernation Station by Michelle Meadows
    2. Snuggle Down Deep By Diane Ohanesian
    3. Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming
    4. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
    5. Winter Sleep by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss
    6. Chipmunk at Hollow Tree Lane by Victoria Sherrow
    7. I Don’t Want to Go To Sleep by Dev Petty
    8. A Salamander’s Life by John Himmelman
    9. Not a Buzz to Be Found by Linda Glaser
    10. Summertime Sleepers by Melissa Stewart

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups
    2. Hibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st Grade
    3. Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
    4. Over and Under the Snow Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode30

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Animals 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 sleeping through the winter to your students. Press play to hear about "Time to Sleep" by Denise Fleming, "Over and Under the Snow" by Kate Messner, "Not a Buzz to Be Found" by Linda Glaser, and more!

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. Hibernation Station by Michelle Meadows
    2. Snuggle Down Deep By Diane Ohanesian
    3. Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming
    4. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
    5. Winter Sleep by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss
    6. Chipmunk at Hollow Tree Lane by Victoria Sherrow
    7. I Don’t Want to Go To Sleep by Dev Petty
    8. A Salamander’s Life by John Himmelman
    9. Not a Buzz to Be Found by Linda Glaser
    10. Summertime Sleepers by Melissa Stewart

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups
    2. Hibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st Grade
    3. Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
    4. Over and Under the Snow Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode30

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    3c6119e3-9872-4b27-92a3-7d65d682d776Mon, 09 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -040016:49falsefull3030    29. Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups29. 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 their needs in preparation for winter (Kindergarten)
    • Using a movement cube to experience ways animals prepare for their winter sleep (1st Grade)
    • Completing a chipmunk inspired relay race (2nd Grade)
    • Creating models of insects entering diapause in different life stages (3rd Grade)
    • Developing centers to match animals with their internal structures that support survival by sleeping through the winter (4th Grade)
    • Collecting data of sunrise and sunset time along with animal sightings to determine how hours of daylight affect animal dormancy (5th Grade)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode29

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Hibernation 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 their needs in preparation for winter (Kindergarten)
    • Using a movement cube to experience ways animals prepare for their winter sleep (1st Grade)
    • Completing a chipmunk inspired relay race (2nd Grade)
    • Creating models of insects entering diapause in different life stages (3rd Grade)
    • Developing centers to match animals with their internal structures that support survival by sleeping through the winter (4th Grade)
    • Collecting data of sunrise and sunset time along with animal sightings to determine how hours of daylight affect animal dormancy (5th Grade)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode29

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    0152e6e6-8157-4d16-b46f-fdafce58c1edMon, 02 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -040027:57falsefull2929    28. Outdoor Learning Equipment for Schools and Homeschool Groups28. 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 boxes, Butterfly pavilions, and Field guides

    (Follow the links for examples of equipment that could be helpful with your outdoor education efforts).

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode28

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Did 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 boxes, Butterfly pavilions, and Field guides

    (Follow the links for examples of equipment that could be helpful with your outdoor education efforts).

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode28

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    d1f94529-4eda-40a0-bd7e-a5af9db9f2cbMon, 25 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -040013:53falsefull2828    27. The Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Put Together a Bird Feeding Station with Martha Holzheuer27. 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 to place your feeders
    • What types of feeders and feed are best for bird diversity
    • If you should include a heated bird bath or not
    • How long it takes for birds to find new bird feeders
    • And how to use native plants to enhance your bird feeding station

    Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode because today's Teaching Tip is about ideas for acquiring the materials to put together a bird feeding station.

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode27

    Connect with Martha Holzheuer:

    • Email Martha: naturenichemi@gmail.com
    • Website: www.nature-niche.com
    • Store phone number: 1-989-423-1477
    • Store address: 2004 W. Wackerly St, Midland, Mi 48640

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    If 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 to place your feeders
    • What types of feeders and feed are best for bird diversity
    • If you should include a heated bird bath or not
    • How long it takes for birds to find new bird feeders
    • And how to use native plants to enhance your bird feeding station

    Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode because today's Teaching Tip is about ideas for acquiring the materials to put together a bird feeding station.

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode27

    Connect with Martha Holzheuer:

    • Email Martha: naturenichemi@gmail.com
    • Website: www.nature-niche.com
    • Store phone number: 1-989-423-1477
    • Store address: 2004 W. Wackerly St, Midland, Mi 48640

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    2f9a4ee5-4b76-4b5c-8d6c-5da0a0732100Sun, 17 Nov 2024 17:00:00 -040032:22falsefull2727    26. Celebrating the Winter Solstice with an Outdoor Party for Your Elementary Students26. 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 loud noises, so consider taking your party outside! In this episode, I describe outdoor winter games, low key activities, party food, and communication with parents and administration to make your party as successful as possible.

    Resources Mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode26

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Winter 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 loud noises, so consider taking your party outside! In this episode, I describe outdoor winter games, low key activities, party food, and communication with parents and administration to make your party as successful as possible.

    Resources Mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode26

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    658fd520-d7c3-44f1-b6b1-91d548d3a055Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -040019:47falsefull2626    25. 4 Turkey Day Activities and Books for Energetic Elementary Students25. 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 in this episode πŸ“š

    1. Gobble, Gobble by Cathryn Falwell
    2. How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton
    3. I’m a Turkey by Jim Arnosky
    4. How to Hide a Turkey by Hope Aicher

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching in Nature
    2. Turkey Needs Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
    3. Talking About Turkey Facts: 10 Things to Know Before Thanksgiving

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode25

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    With 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 in this episode πŸ“š

    1. Gobble, Gobble by Cathryn Falwell
    2. How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton
    3. I’m a Turkey by Jim Arnosky
    4. How to Hide a Turkey by Hope Aicher

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching in Nature
    2. Turkey Needs Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
    3. Talking About Turkey Facts: 10 Things to Know Before Thanksgiving

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode25

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    bbde59ab-e263-40af-9461-532fce49817dMon, 04 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -040014:51falsefull2525    24. 6 Moon Phase Activities for Elementary Classrooms24. 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 data and phases of the moon (Kindergarten)
    • Keeping a moon journal (1st Grade)
    • Playing moon phase tidal tug of war (2nd Grade)
    • Completing a blindfolded migration obstacle course (3rd Grade)
    • Creating a moon phase mobile model (4th Grade)
    • Playing predator prey moonlit tag (5th Grade)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode24

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    It'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 data and phases of the moon (Kindergarten)
    • Keeping a moon journal (1st Grade)
    • Playing moon phase tidal tug of war (2nd Grade)
    • Completing a blindfolded migration obstacle course (3rd Grade)
    • Creating a moon phase mobile model (4th Grade)
    • Playing predator prey moonlit tag (5th Grade)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode24

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    ee1790d9-8a08-4105-9b42-77515a4b4988Mon, 28 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -040026:21falsefull2424    23. Planning a Field Trip Made Easier with Education Director James Dake23. 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 for in field trips to ensure a quality experience, and advice to make your experience as the teacher less stressful and more enjoyable.

    Make sure to listen until the end because today's Teaching Tip is about getting funding for your field trip through nature grants.

    Connect with James Dake:


    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode23

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    If 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 for in field trips to ensure a quality experience, and advice to make your experience as the teacher less stressful and more enjoyable.

    Make sure to listen until the end because today's Teaching Tip is about getting funding for your field trip through nature grants.

    Connect with James Dake:


    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode23

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    2e05fc24-09fc-4355-a318-39064f93faa7Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -040018:35falsefull2323    22. Different Kinds of Children's Outdoor Activities and Games for Teaching Science22. 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 meetings
    • Guided hikes or walks
    • Trail or sidewalk activities
    • Exploration
    • Data collection
    • Observational studies
    • Running games
    • Role playing games
    • Concept reinforcement games

    Make sure to stick around until the end of the show where I give you ideas of how to get your hands on study skins, or taxidermied animals, to bring your students’ learning to life!

     Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode22

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    If 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 meetings
    • Guided hikes or walks
    • Trail or sidewalk activities
    • Exploration
    • Data collection
    • Observational studies
    • Running games
    • Role playing games
    • Concept reinforcement games

    Make sure to stick around until the end of the show where I give you ideas of how to get your hands on study skins, or taxidermied animals, to bring your students’ learning to life!

     Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode22

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    1c2c620a-ff19-408f-ab9d-823c936c5faeMon, 14 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -040024:43falsefull2222    21. 10 Nocturnal Animal Books: Introducing Animal Adaptations That Help Animals Survive the Night21. 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!

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan
    2. Forest Bright, Forest Night by Jennifer Ward
    3. Daylight Starlight Wildlife by Wendell Minor
    4. Night Creepers by Linda Stanek
    5. Where Are the Night Animals? by Mary Ann Fraser
    6. A Luna Moth’s Life by John Himmelman
    7. Whoo Goes There? by Jennifer Ericsson
    8. Bat Love the Night by Nicola Davies
    9. Noisy Bug Sing-Along by John Himmelman
    10. Noisy Frog Sing-Along by John Himmelman

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Sound Investigation Mini Unit for 1st Grade (ELA and Science Activities)

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode21

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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    ]]>    October 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!

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan
    2. Forest Bright, Forest Night by Jennifer Ward
    3. Daylight Starlight Wildlife by Wendell Minor
    4. Night Creepers by Linda Stanek
    5. Where Are the Night Animals? by Mary Ann Fraser
    6. A Luna Moth’s Life by John Himmelman
    7. Whoo Goes There? by Jennifer Ericsson
    8. Bat Love the Night by Nicola Davies
    9. Noisy Bug Sing-Along by John Himmelman
    10. Noisy Frog Sing-Along by John Himmelman

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Sound Investigation Mini Unit for 1st Grade (ELA and Science Activities)

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode21

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    5fad4195-8f94-4730-88a7-b262998960ecMon, 07 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -040021:29falsefull2121    20. 6 Animal Migration Activities for the Elementary Classroom20. 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 magnetic map (3rd Grade)
    • Comparing migration maps to topographical maps (4th Grade)
    • Completing a star navigation course (5th Grade)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode20

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Fall 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 magnetic map (3rd Grade)
    • Comparing migration maps to topographical maps (4th Grade)
    • Completing a star navigation course (5th Grade)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode20

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    95daeee2-241f-4612-bacb-03b63c98b108Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -040026:25falsefull2020    19. Classroom Halloween Activities for An Outdoor Celebration19. 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 πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode19

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    It'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 πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode19

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    642bcdef-6aa9-422b-b7ed-b6de4db68953Mon, 23 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -040013:56falsefull1919    18. Nature Based Preschools and Elementary Classrooms: Talking Teacher Roles with Dr. Rachel Larimore18. 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.

    Teacher roles she describes include:

    • Holder of memories
    • Provider of space
    • Provider of time
    • Provider of materials
    • Conversationalist

    Connect with Dr. Rachel Larimore:


    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode18

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Quality 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.

    Teacher roles she describes include:

    • Holder of memories
    • Provider of space
    • Provider of time
    • Provider of materials
    • Conversationalist

    Connect with Dr. Rachel Larimore:


    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode18

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


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    ]]>    74f53aff-198a-4414-aafa-599fce9a8682Mon, 16 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -040037:12falsefull1818    17. 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards17. 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 all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

    Fun fall activities described in this episode include:

    • Kindergarten: Season Tag
    • 1st Grade: Day and Night Hopscotch
    • 2nd Grade: Squirrel Cache Capture the Flag
    • 3rd Grade: Migration Tag
    • 4th Grade: Fall 20 Questions
    • 5th Grade: Photosynthesis Relay

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode17

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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    ]]>    Fall 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 all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

    Fun fall activities described in this episode include:

    • Kindergarten: Season Tag
    • 1st Grade: Day and Night Hopscotch
    • 2nd Grade: Squirrel Cache Capture the Flag
    • 3rd Grade: Migration Tag
    • 4th Grade: Fall 20 Questions
    • 5th Grade: Photosynthesis Relay

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode17

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    c226b06e-0151-4693-8434-6cb0834bab6bMon, 09 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -040024:59falsefull1717    16. 10 Fall Picture Books to Help Your Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in Autumn16. 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.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. Fall is for School by Robert Neubecker
    2. It’s Fall by Renee Kurilla
    3. Mushroom Rain by Laura K. Zimmerman
    4. Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler
    5. Summer Green to Autumn Gold by Mia Posada
    6. Fall Leaves Fall! by Zoe Hall
    7. Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre
    8. Migration by Gail Gibbons
    9. How Do Birds Find Their Way? by Roma Gans
    10. Animals in Fall: Preparing for Winter by Martha E. H. Rustad

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
    2. A Free Fall Picture Books List for Teachers with 16 Recommendations
    3. Episode 10: 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary Classroom
    4. Episode 14: Outdoor Classroom Routines and Procedures: 5 Easy Activities for Your First Week Outside
    5. Miss Maple’s Seeds Book Companion for 2nd Grade

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode16

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


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    ]]>    Fall 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.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. Fall is for School by Robert Neubecker
    2. It’s Fall by Renee Kurilla
    3. Mushroom Rain by Laura K. Zimmerman
    4. Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler
    5. Summer Green to Autumn Gold by Mia Posada
    6. Fall Leaves Fall! by Zoe Hall
    7. Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre
    8. Migration by Gail Gibbons
    9. How Do Birds Find Their Way? by Roma Gans
    10. Animals in Fall: Preparing for Winter by Martha E. H. Rustad

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
    2. A Free Fall Picture Books List for Teachers with 16 Recommendations
    3. Episode 10: 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary Classroom
    4. Episode 14: Outdoor Classroom Routines and Procedures: 5 Easy Activities for Your First Week Outside
    5. Miss Maple’s Seeds Book Companion for 2nd Grade

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode16

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    ec152cb1-0868-4685-bc32-6ac4736695dbMon, 02 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -040018:59falsefull1616    15. 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students and Teachers15. 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 to find out the nitty gritties including who sponsors the projects, how to submit data, how the project is related to the standard, and more.

    Kindergarten: mPing - observing precipitation

    1st Grade: eBird - submitting sound wave data

    2nd Grade: The Great Sunflower Project - observing pollination

    3rd Grade: Journey North Monarch Butterflies - observing life cycles of Monarch butterflies and Milkweed plants

    4th Grade: S'COOL - observing clouds

    5th Grade: The Great Backyard Bird Count - submitting bird sightings

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode15

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Citizen 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 to find out the nitty gritties including who sponsors the projects, how to submit data, how the project is related to the standard, and more.

    Kindergarten: mPing - observing precipitation

    1st Grade: eBird - submitting sound wave data

    2nd Grade: The Great Sunflower Project - observing pollination

    3rd Grade: Journey North Monarch Butterflies - observing life cycles of Monarch butterflies and Milkweed plants

    4th Grade: S'COOL - observing clouds

    5th Grade: The Great Backyard Bird Count - submitting bird sightings

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode15

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    51b90891-03ea-4a94-8116-8aae5952c997Mon, 26 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -040023:47falsefull1515    14. Outdoor Classroom Routines and Procedures: 5 Easy Activities for Your First Week Outside14. 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 will learn your expectations and will transition from the indoor classroom to the outdoor classroom with ease.

    In this episode, I describe 5 easy activities that you can use the first week you go outside to practice your outdoor classroom routines and procedures. I describe a week's schedule starting with structured activities moving to unstructured activities as the week goes on. Listen in to hear about the following activities and the routines and procedures they help your students practice:

    1. Read a book
    2. Go for a nature hike
    3. Do a scavenger hunt
    4. Explore the space
    5. Play a simple game

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode14

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    It'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 will learn your expectations and will transition from the indoor classroom to the outdoor classroom with ease.

    In this episode, I describe 5 easy activities that you can use the first week you go outside to practice your outdoor classroom routines and procedures. I describe a week's schedule starting with structured activities moving to unstructured activities as the week goes on. Listen in to hear about the following activities and the routines and procedures they help your students practice:

    1. Read a book
    2. Go for a nature hike
    3. Do a scavenger hunt
    4. Explore the space
    5. Play a simple game

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode14

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    ce283bd5-3e29-45ca-806e-09e6d1c38959Mon, 19 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -040020:39falsefull1414    13. Integrating STEM Into Your Classroom: How to Get Started with Naomi Meredith13. 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 integrating STEM into your elementary classroom, and more.

    Tune in to this awesome conversation and get inspired to integrate STEM into your classroom!

    Connect with Naomi Meredith:


    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode13

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Are 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 integrating STEM into your elementary classroom, and more.

    Tune in to this awesome conversation and get inspired to integrate STEM into your classroom!

    Connect with Naomi Meredith:


    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode13

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    76b72eb1-ebde-40df-b7bb-add460d52b71Mon, 12 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -040025:03falsefull1313    12. 8 Different Seasons Books: Introducing the Four Seasons with Picture Books12. 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.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. The Reason for the Seasons by Ellie Peterson
    2. The Reasons for Seasons by Gail Gibbons
    3. The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons
    4. Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
    5. A Bunny for All Seasons by Janet Schulman
    6. A Stroll Through the Seasons by Kay Barnham
    7. The Squirrels’ Busy Year by Martin Jenkins
    8. Green on Green by Dianne White

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Episode 11: Teaching with Phenology: How to Plan Your Science Standards Around the Seasons
    2. A Helpful Introduction for Teachers Teaching the Four Seasons in School
    3. Four Seasons Sorting Activity Bundle for Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode12

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Helping 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.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. The Reason for the Seasons by Ellie Peterson
    2. The Reasons for Seasons by Gail Gibbons
    3. The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons
    4. Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
    5. A Bunny for All Seasons by Janet Schulman
    6. A Stroll Through the Seasons by Kay Barnham
    7. The Squirrels’ Busy Year by Martin Jenkins
    8. Green on Green by Dianne White

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Episode 11: Teaching with Phenology: How to Plan Your Science Standards Around the Seasons
    2. A Helpful Introduction for Teachers Teaching the Four Seasons in School
    3. Four Seasons Sorting Activity Bundle for Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode12

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    dea59c9c-5d7c-4eb3-b032-5f30261aadddMon, 05 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -040014:47falsefull1212    11. Teaching with Phenology: How to Plan Your Science Standards Around the Seasons11. 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 πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode11

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Organizing 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 πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode11

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    0bb3f083-e1fd-4b03-a55e-d94ce26c2f5aMon, 29 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -040021:24falsefull1111    10. 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary Classroom10. 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary ClassroomWe've reached the 10th episode of the podcast! πŸ₯³ 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:

    1. The Weather Channel (or another weather app)
    2. My Lightning Tracker
    3. Merlin Bird ID
    4. iNaturalist
    5. Seek
    6. Audubon Birds
    7. PlantNet
    8. eBird
    9. SkyView Lite
    10. Planta

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode10

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    We've reached the 10th episode of the podcast! πŸ₯³ 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:

    1. The Weather Channel (or another weather app)
    2. My Lightning Tracker
    3. Merlin Bird ID
    4. iNaturalist
    5. Seek
    6. Audubon Birds
    7. PlantNet
    8. eBird
    9. SkyView Lite
    10. Planta

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode10

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    7f6e4a59-067a-4b13-9c1c-662540726a38Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -040023:02falsefull1010    9. Exploring Invertebrates: 10 Picture Books to Introduce Animal Characteristics9. 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 Joanne Ryder, Are You a Centipede? by Judy Allen, and more.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. About Insects by Cathryn Sill
    2. An Earthworm’s Life by John Himmelman
    3. Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? How Animals Keep Warm by Etta Kaner
    4. I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton
    5. A Daddy Longlegs Isn’t a Spider by Melissa Stewart
    6. The Snail’s Spell by Joanne Ryder
    7. Are You a Centipede? By Judy Allen
    8. A Beetle is Shy by Dianna Hutts Aston
    9. How to Hide a Butterfly and Other Insects by Ruth Heller
    10. Good Trick, Walking Stick! by Sheri Mabry Bestor

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Episode 7: Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with Animals
    2. 11 Fantastic Life Cycle Books by John Himmelman

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode9

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Introducing 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 Joanne Ryder, Are You a Centipede? by Judy Allen, and more.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. About Insects by Cathryn Sill
    2. An Earthworm’s Life by John Himmelman
    3. Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? How Animals Keep Warm by Etta Kaner
    4. I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton
    5. A Daddy Longlegs Isn’t a Spider by Melissa Stewart
    6. The Snail’s Spell by Joanne Ryder
    7. Are You a Centipede? By Judy Allen
    8. A Beetle is Shy by Dianna Hutts Aston
    9. How to Hide a Butterfly and Other Insects by Ruth Heller
    10. Good Trick, Walking Stick! by Sheri Mabry Bestor

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Episode 7: Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with Animals
    2. 11 Fantastic Life Cycle Books by John Himmelman

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode9

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    de922276-b370-4968-82b9-8f96b07d4423Mon, 15 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -040017:18falsefull99    8. Learning Gardens: Creating Dynamic Outdoor Classrooms with Victoria Hackett8. 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 to find out how learning gardens could benefit your curricular goals plus 3 action steps to get started developing a learning garden in your own space. Her excitement, passion, and experience is contagious; I can't wait for you to hear this wonderful conversation!

    Connect with Victoria Hackett of Outdoor Classrooms:


    Looking for ideas to find funding for your learning gardens? Check out my article, "Garden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Plan for Success"!

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode8

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Learning 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 to find out how learning gardens could benefit your curricular goals plus 3 action steps to get started developing a learning garden in your own space. Her excitement, passion, and experience is contagious; I can't wait for you to hear this wonderful conversation!

    Connect with Victoria Hackett of Outdoor Classrooms:


    Looking for ideas to find funding for your learning gardens? Check out my article, "Garden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Plan for Success"!

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode8

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    9259658f-511c-49d5-a005-3673b0224585Mon, 08 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -040031:23falsefull88    7. Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals By Teaching with Animals7. 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 covering
    • How they breathe
    • How they have young
    • If they are warm-blooded or cold-blooded
    • If they are a vertebrate or an invertebrate
    • A unique characteristic to that animal group

    Tune in to learn about the unique traits of these animal groups and get inspired to teach animal characteristics in your classroom!

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode7

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Animals 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 covering
    • How they breathe
    • How they have young
    • If they are warm-blooded or cold-blooded
    • If they are a vertebrate or an invertebrate
    • A unique characteristic to that animal group

    Tune in to learn about the unique traits of these animal groups and get inspired to teach animal characteristics in your classroom!

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode7

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    430ca003-317c-4cb1-be57-7707330c7584Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -040022:25falsefull77    6. 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching in Nature6. 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:

    1. Preparing your outdoor space
    2. Using natural boundaries
    3. Setting up safety expectations and rules
    4. Instructing your students to use the bathroom before going outside
    5. Using a trail bag

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode6

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    If 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:

    1. Preparing your outdoor space
    2. Using natural boundaries
    3. Setting up safety expectations and rules
    4. Instructing your students to use the bathroom before going outside
    5. Using a trail bag

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode6

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    231f7072-f13a-402d-a8bd-bf9d9cc1ee50Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -040013:53falsefull66    5. Science Skills for Students: 10 Picture Books for Encouraging Kid Scientists5. 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 Not Crow by Jane Yolen, and more.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. What is Science? by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
    2. What Do You Do with an Idea? By Kobi Yamada
    3. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
    4. Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writing by Jessica Fries-Gaither
    5. The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
    6. Going Places by Peter Reynolds and Paul Reynolds
    7. Ty’s Travels: Lab Magic by Kelly Starling Lyons (Easy Reader)
    8. Crow Not Crow by Jane Yolen
    9. Bird Count by Susan Edwards Richmond
    10. Georgia’s Terrific, Colorific Experiment By Zoe Persico

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
    2. Episode 1: 10 Science Activities for Elementary Students That Aren't Experiments

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode5

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Science 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 Not Crow by Jane Yolen, and more.

    Books in this episode πŸ“š

    1. What is Science? by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
    2. What Do You Do with an Idea? By Kobi Yamada
    3. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
    4. Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writing by Jessica Fries-Gaither
    5. The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
    6. Going Places by Peter Reynolds and Paul Reynolds
    7. Ty’s Travels: Lab Magic by Kelly Starling Lyons (Easy Reader)
    8. Crow Not Crow by Jane Yolen
    9. Bird Count by Susan Edwards Richmond
    10. Georgia’s Terrific, Colorific Experiment By Zoe Persico

    (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

    Resources mentioned πŸ’š

    1. Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms
    2. Episode 1: 10 Science Activities for Elementary Students That Aren't Experiments

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode5

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    fcce01b8-e87c-4bcb-8155-f76b7ee73878Mon, 17 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -040021:28falsefull55    4. 6 Invasive Species Activities to Use in the Elementary Classroom4. 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 a grade other than yours and make it work for your curricular needs; these activities are easy to adapt and could work for many different age groups!

    πŸ’š Resources mentioned:


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode4

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Providing 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 a grade other than yours and make it work for your curricular needs; these activities are easy to adapt and could work for many different age groups!

    πŸ’š Resources mentioned:


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode4

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    40eb17d2-8598-4fc0-80b6-054497412087Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -040021:34falsefull44    3. Teaching with Books: Thinking Outside the Box with Steve Frisbee3. 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!

    πŸ“š Books Mentioned:

    • Pond Life: A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press by George K. Reid
    • Flower Talk: How Plants Use Color to Communicate by Sara Levine
    • A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long
    • Noisy Bird Sing-Along by John Himmelman
    • Noisy Bug Sing-Along by John Himmelman
    • Noisy Frog Sing-Along by John Himmelman
    • Robyn Boid: Architect by Maree Coote
    • An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long
    • A Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long
    • The Salamander Room by Anne Mazer
    • Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
    • Some Smug Slug by Pamela Duncan Edwards

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode3

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Teaching 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!

    πŸ“š Books Mentioned:

    • Pond Life: A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press by George K. Reid
    • Flower Talk: How Plants Use Color to Communicate by Sara Levine
    • A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long
    • Noisy Bird Sing-Along by John Himmelman
    • Noisy Bug Sing-Along by John Himmelman
    • Noisy Frog Sing-Along by John Himmelman
    • Robyn Boid: Architect by Maree Coote
    • An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long
    • A Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long
    • The Salamander Room by Anne Mazer
    • Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
    • Some Smug Slug by Pamela Duncan Edwards

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode3

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    8cb4b9bd-8f2e-47a8-9679-0e9ff7ae344aMon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -040029:27falsefull33    2. Outdoor Learning Environment - 3 Things to Plan for Back to School2. 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 science education.

    πŸ’š Resources Mentioned:


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode2

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Outdoor 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 science education.

    πŸ’š Resources Mentioned:


    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode2

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    237a303a-dbef-4f25-8744-8c37b4208bbdMon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -040017:10falsefull22    1. 10 Science Activities for Elementary Students That Aren't Experiments1. 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.

    πŸ’š Resources Mentioned:


    πŸ“š Books Mentioned:

    • Worm Weather by Jean Taft
    • A Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston
    • A Wood Frog's Life by John Himmelman
    • The Secret Pool by Kimberly Ridley

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode1

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Are 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.

    πŸ’š Resources Mentioned:


    πŸ“š Books Mentioned:

    • Worm Weather by Jean Taft
    • A Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston
    • A Wood Frog's Life by John Himmelman
    • The Secret Pool by Kimberly Ridley

    Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode1

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    3b9bdca5-277f-4dac-86a7-2a4492d92b3bMon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -040020:26falsefull11    Trailer - Naturally Teaching Elementary ScienceTrailer - 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.

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    Are 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.

    πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index


    πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching


    πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com


    πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching


    πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

    ]]>    8b20f2b2-d322-4d1d-9043-320af0a2d70cTue, 14 May 2024 04:00:00 -040002:07falsetrailer