Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families

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 game1st and 4th Grade: A vocal sac investigation with balloons2nd and 5th Grade: A reptile and amphibian focused Bioblitz in different ecosystemsResources mentioned 💚Episode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards Michigan Herp AtlasiNaturalistFrog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini Unit for 3rd Grade (ELA and Science Activities)Frogs and Toads Together: Why Do Amphibians Group Up?Frog Life Cycle Coloring Page (FREE)Naturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode63🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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:2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid5-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 EarthResources mentioned 💚Episode 61: Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesTapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary ScienceHow Maple Syrup Season Can Help You Teach Elementary StudentsMaple Syrup and Water Cycle Mini Unit for 2nd Grade (ELA, Math, and Science)Citizen Science Lab: Vernal Pools - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersEpisode 46: Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey HarrellEpisode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsEpisode 48: 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsHow Vernal Pools Can Be Used to Reach Your Curricular GoalsNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode62🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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-PS4-2: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated4-PS4-2: Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects entering the eye allows objects to be seenResources mentioned 💚Episode 60: Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideMoon Phases and Light Mini Unit for 1st Grade (ELA and Science Activities)Naturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode61🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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:K-ESS2-1: Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.3-ESS2-1: Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 59: 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged StudentsEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideWeather Movement Cube for Kindergarten (Ambulatory Cubes)CoCoRaHS Schools: Getting StartedNeed a rain gauge? Here’s the contact email for help from CoCoRaHSCoCoRaHS Basic training PDFCoCoRaHS Training slide showsCoCoRaHS Training VideosCoCoRaHS FAQ’sCoCoRaHS Gauge installation tipsCoCoRaHS How to Read Your Gauge guideCoCoRaHS Data entry tipsCoCoRaHS Station identification signCoCoRaHS Apple App storeCoCoRaHS Google Play storeWeather Scavenger Hunt PDFFREE Printable Weather WheelShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode60🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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 📚Feel the Fog by April Pulley SayreDew and Frost by Elizabeth MilesPuff: All About Air by Emily Kate MoonSunshine by Cassie MayerHello, Rain! By Kyo Maclear and Chris TurnhamWacky Weather: All About Odd Weather Events by Todd TarpleyStaying 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 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”Episode 43: 9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in SpringEpisode 16: 10 Fall Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in Autumn12 Children’s Story Books About Weather for Elementary Students12 Snow Books to Support Your Elementary CurriculumEpisode 52: 5 No Snow Books About Winter for Preschool and Elementary ClassroomsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode59🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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:2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid5-ESS2-1: Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interactResources mentioned 💚Episode 57: Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideSnowy Science: A Guide to Teaching About Matter in WinterShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode58🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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-LS1-2: Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproductionResources mentioned 💚Episode 56: Signs of Animals in Winter: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 29: Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups.Animal Hibernation Asleep or Awake SortHibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st Grade (Ambulatory Cube)Animal Migration SortWinter Animal Adaptations Sort | Hibernation, Migration, AdaptationShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode57🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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: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.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 💚Episode 51: Adapting - Naturally Teaching Elementary Updates and GoalsEpisode 55: 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged StudentsEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside“Over and Under the Snow” Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade“Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal AdaptationsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode56🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 📚In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? By Lindsay Barrett GeorgeBig Tracks, Little Tracks by Millicent E. Selsam, illustrated by Marlene Hill DonnellyOver and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas NealTrack That Scat! by Lisa Morlock, illustrated by Carrie Ann BradshawWhose Track is That? by Stan TekielaAnimal 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 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”Ep. 34: 9 Winter Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers“Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal AdaptationsOver and Under the Snow Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade (ELA and Science)Storytime with AdventureKEEN - “Whose Track is That?” read by Stan TekielaShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode55🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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 💚Garden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Prepare for SuccessA Raising Butterflies Kit for the Classroom: A Conservation ConversationEpisode 20: 6 Animal Migration Activities for Elementary ClassroomsEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 23: Planning a Field Trip made Easier with Education Director James DakeShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode54🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 💚Episode 18: Nature Based Preschools and Elementary Classrooms: Talking Teacher Roles with Dr. Rachel LarimoreAwe: 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🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 📚City Moon by Rachael Cole, illustrated by Blanca GomezIt Never, Ever Snows in Florida by Amy Sweezey, illustrated by Ricardo J. RodriguezIn a Mississippi Winter by Kathy Chase Young, by Kelly Arcarese StanfordOcean Seasons by Ron Hirschi, illustrated by Kirsten CarlsonSeasons 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 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms”16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary TeachersEpisode 34: 9 Winter Picture Books to Help Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in WinterShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode52🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 ([email protected]) 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🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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/episode50Email Dan Kriesberg: [email protected] to resources mentioned in the episode:Earth Wisdom - Dan KriesbergA Sense of Place: Teaching Children About the Environment with Picture BooksThink Green, Take Action: Books and Activities for KidsDiversity Education In NatureTeach Outdoors - Teaching for All: Making Outdoor Learning Accessible and InclusivePapa Bear Hikes - Diversity Education In NatureTalaterra - Ep116 Dan Kriesberg and Camille Simone Edwards, Diversity Education in NatureKeepers of the Earth by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph BruchacNight Letters by Palmyra LoMonaco, illustrated by Normand ChartierClimbing Kansas Mountains by George Shannon, illustrated by Thomas B. AllenThe Floating House by Scott Russell Sanders, illustrated by Helen CogancherryByrd Baylor booksThe Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor, illustrated by Peter ParnallSecret Place by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Ted RandMy Father’s Hands by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Mark GrahamWho Came Down That Road by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Peter Catalanotto🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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 instrumentDeveloping a skit to retell a storyCreating props and costumes to go along with the skitRecording the skit and adding cinematic elementsSculpting a frog life cycleWriting a vernal pool or frog poemTaking photographs of vernal pools or animalsPainting a watercolor painting next to a vernal poolDrawing an organism collected from a vernal poolResources mentioned 💚46. Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey Harrell47. 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards48. 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsiMovie for MaciMovie for WindowsStop Motion StudioVernal Pools by MassDCRShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode49🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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 📚The Secret Pool by Kimberly Ridley, illustrated by Rebekah RayeThe Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool Through the Seasons by Linda Booth Sweeney, illustrated by Miki SatoVernal Pool Visitors by Heidi Clemmer, illustrated by Marisa PicarielloA Wood Frog’s Life by John HimmelmanTadpoles by Matt JamesNoisy Frog Sing-Along by John HimmelmanA Salamander’s Life by John HimmelmanSalamander Sky by Katy Farber, illustrated by Meg SodanoSalamander 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 💚Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary ClassroomsVernal Pool Visitors read aloud by Cape Cod Author Heidi Clemmer for the Brewster Ponds Coalition11 Fantastic Animal Life Cycles Books By John HimmelmanFrog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini Unit for 3rd GradeShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode48🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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 plan1st Grade: Watching videos of frogs calling2nd Grade: Conducting an ecosystem survey3rd Grade: Dipping for animal life stages4th Grade: Playing a frog call game5th Grade: Designing a scientific collection toolResources mentioned 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 32: 6 Fun Winter Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsWood Frog CallingWestern Chorus Frog CallingToad vibrations create amazing ripples on water (a short, but sooo good)Episode 45: 6 Earth Day Projects for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsEpisode 46: Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey HarrellCitizen Science Lab: Vernal Pools - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode47🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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/episode46Email Lindsey Harrell: [email protected] to Vernal Pool Patrol resources:Vernal Pool Patrol Landing PageVernal Pool Patrol Training PageIdentification ResourcesVernal Pool Michigan MapMichigan Vernal Pool PartnershipMichigan Vernal Pools Research Fund🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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-uppers1st Grade: Solving the problem of staying warm in a car2nd Grade: Designing a way to clean water3rd Grade: Creating a wetland mitigation model4th Grade: Developing non-renewable and renewable resource saving punch cards5th Grade: Participating in the iNaturalist citizen science projectResources mentioned 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideThe Day the Trash Came Out to Play by David M. Beadle, illustrated by Laurie A. FaustThe Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord, illustrated by Julia BlattmanEarth Day Engineers Water Mini Unit for 2nd Grade (STEM and ELA Activities)Earth Day Engineers Habitat Mini Unit for 3rd Grade (STEM and ELA Activities)Episode 15: 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students18 Kids Earth Day Books to Inspire Elementary Students This YearA List of Earth Day Activities Elementary Students Will Love This YearShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode45🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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 petals1st Grade: Measuring spring sprouts2nd Grade: Telling sunrise and sunset times on clocks3rd Grade: Finding the volume of objects using displacement4th Grade: Counting sap drips and multiplying by 2 digit numbers5th Grade: Mystery patterns with partnersResources mentioned 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideScience Activity IndexEpisode 41: Teaching Elementary Math Outside with Lauren MacLeanEpisode 42: 6 Fun Spring Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsEpisode 43: 9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals Time and DateThe Old Farmer’s AlmanacMaple Tree Tapping - Sap Dripping videoShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode44🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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 📚Spring Thaw by Steven Schnur, illustrated by Stacey SchuettSpring for Sophie by Yael Werber, illustrated by Jen HillMud by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Lauren StringerAbracadabra, It’s Spring by Anne Sibley O’Brien, illustrated by Susan GalSnowman – Cold = Puddle by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Micha ArcherWorm Weather by Jean Taft, illustrated by Matt HuntIt’s Spring! by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Susan SwanSixteen Miles to Spring by Andrew Pelletier, illustrated by Katya Krenina<a...

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 Survey1st Grade: Engineering a Solution to Stay Dry in Rain2nd Grade: Phenology Study with Ephemeral Flowers3rd Grade: Dimorphism Flag Tag4th Grade: Flooding Solution Models5th Grade: Maple Sap to Maple Syrup Relay RaceResources mentioned 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsEpisode 20: 6 Animal Migration Activities for the Elementary ClassroomHummingbird Migration ProjectMiss Maple’s Seeds Book Companion for 2nd GradeNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode42🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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/episode41Connect with Lauren MacLeanEmail Lauren: [email protected] Outdoors websiteTeach Outdoors podcastNature's Path: A Year of Monthly SparksSitting With Nature: An Educator's Guide to Sit Spots Me and My Sit SpotMe and My Sit Spot for Early LearnersMe and My Sit Spot - French TranslationSit Spot Classroom Kit🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 cubesGeoboard snowflakesSnowflake symmetryWatercolor revealing snowflakesPuffy snow paintToothpick and marshmallow snowflakesOver and under the snow and ice landscapesSnow and ice scultpuresPainting snow with watercolorsMaking rainbow iciclesResources mentioned 💚38. 6 Activities for Learning About Water in Winter for Teachers and Homeschool Parents39. 11 Children’s Water Cycle Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsSnow and Winter Weather Mini Unit for KindergartenShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode40🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 📚The Drop Goes Plop: A First Look at the Water Cycle by Sam GodwinWater is Water by Miranda PaulWater Dance by Thomas LockerDrop: An Adventure Through the Water Cycle by Emily Kate MoonOnce Upon a Raindrop by James CarterWhen Cloud Became a Cloud by Rob HodgsonThe Great Big Water Cycle Adventure by Kay BarnhamFrom River to Raindrop: The Water Cycle by Emma Carlson BerneRivers of Sunlight: How the Sun Moves Water Around the Earth by Molly Bang and Penny ChisholmThe Snowflake: A Water Cycle Story by Neil WaldmanMaple 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 💚“How Maple Syrup Season Can Help You Teach Elementary Students”“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”Maple Syrup and Water Cycle Mini Unit for 2nd GradeTapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary Science“The Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary Teachers”Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode39🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 depths1st Grade: Using icicles to block light2nd Grade: Going for a states of water hike3rd Grade: Engineering a solution for snow removal4th Grade: Taking crack rubbings to investigate erosion5th Grade: Investigating dirt in melted snowResources mentioned 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideSnow and Winter Weather Mini Unit for Kindergarten35. 6 Groundhog’s Day Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups36. Gamifying Learning for Elementary-Aged Children with Allie ElliottSnowy Science: A Guide to Teaching About Matter in WinterShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode38🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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 💚Slow to Fast Heartbeat Sound EffectThe Compass SlideFlower Talk: How Plants Use Color to Communicate by Sara LevineHow Plants Talk by Helena HarastovaFlowers Are Calling by Rita GrayOutdoor Pollination Scavenger Hunt for 2nd GradeBeyond Hearts and Cupids: A Guide to Alternative Valentine’s Day Parties for Elementary TeachersVertebrate Hearts - Comparative Clip ArtShow notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode37🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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/episode36Email Allie Elliott: [email protected]'s Linked-in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-elliott-85a05010a/Related resources 💚Episode 28: Outdoor Learning Equipment for Schools and Homeschool GroupsEpisode 22: Different Kinds of Children’s Outdoor Activities and Games for Teaching ScienceNaturally Teaching Scavenger Hunts🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 collection1st Grade: Creating shadows with recyclables2nd Grade: Making a squirrel field guide3rd Grade: Using climates to make Groundhog forecasts4th Grade: Groundhog hibernation obstacle course5th Grade: Shadow tracing throughout the dayResources mentioned 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside16 Activities for Groundhog Day Inspired by the Book “Groundhog Weather School”Free Printable Weather Wheel and Lesson Plan for TeachersHibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool GroupsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode35🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 📚Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren StringerGrandmother Winter by Phyllis RootWinter: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven SchnurSnow Dance by Lezlie EvansThe Jacket I Wear in the Snow by Shirley NeitzelAnimals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. VanGelderUnder the Snow by Melissa StewartSizing Up Winter by Lizann FlattWait, 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 💚16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary TeachersTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary ClassroomsWinter Picture Book Companion for KindergartenEp. 29: Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool GroupsEp. 30: 10 Books on Hibernation and Other Forms of Dormancy for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool GroupsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode34🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 💚Podcasting for Educators Prep SchoolShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode33🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 &amp; Pull Stations1st Grade: Walk in the Dark2nd Grade: Mapping States of Water3rd Grade: Animals Grouping for Survival Simon Says4th Grade: Erosion Stations5th Grade: Water Cycle Obstacle CourseResources mentioned 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 26: Celebrating the Winter Solstice with an Outdoor Party for Your Elementary StudentsA Helpful Guide to Teaching the Season Transition to WinterA Helpful Introduction for Teachers Teaching the Four Seasons in SchoolShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode32🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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&nbsp;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/episode31Email Beth Christiansen: [email protected] of the resources mentioned 💚The wonder of science:&nbsp; https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenalNGSS Phenomena Ideas: http://www.ngssphenomena.com/Next Generation Science Standards Interactive Resource: https://nextgenscience.org/Nine talk moves from TERC https://inquiryproject.terc.edu/prof_dev/Goals_and_Moves.cfm.htmlPhenomenal Science (free K-5 curriculum): https://phenomscience.weebly.com/Visit show notes for lots more!🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 📚Hibernation Station by Michelle MeadowsSnuggle Down Deep By Diane OhanesianTime to Sleep by Denise FlemingOver and Under the Snow by Kate Messner Winter Sleep by Sean Taylor and Alex MorssChipmunk at Hollow Tree Lane by Victoria SherrowI Don’t Want to Go To Sleep by Dev PettyA Salamander’s Life by John HimmelmanNot a Buzz to Be Found by Linda GlaserSummertime Sleepers by Melissa Stewart(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool GroupsHibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st GradeTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary ClassroomsOver and Under the Snow Picture Book Companion for 3rd GradeShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode30🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 💚Hibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st GradeSuny College ESF - WoodchuckSmall reusable shopping bags"Not a Buzz to Be Found" by Linda GlaserShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode29🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 feedersWhat types of feeders and feed are best for bird diversityIf you should include a heated bird bath or notHow long it takes for birds to find new bird feedersAnd how to use native plants to enhance your bird feeding stationMake 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/episode27Connect with Martha Holzheuer:Email Martha: [email protected]: www.nature-niche.comStore phone number: 1-989-423-1477Store address: 2004 W. Wackerly St, Midland, Mi 48640Resources mentioned 💚Nature Niche: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCduEqQ3WMv8bnlKU8xwIl2g/videos&nbsp;Visit https://naturallyteaching.com/episode27 for more specific Mondays with MarthaBird Feeding Stations: How to Design the Perfect Backyard HabitatMartha's Midland Songbird Seed MixSeed Cylinder FeedersPole KitsHeated Bird BathsFor the Birds! WCMU Public MediaBird Feeder Tactics: An Education Partner GrantThe Great Backyard Bird Count - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersThe Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary Teachers🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 💚How Do You Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Elementary Students?A Helpful Guide to Teaching the Season Transition to WinterEpisode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers5 Senses of Winter Scavenger HuntsBird Feeder Garland - RHS Campaign for School GardeningShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode26🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 📚Gobble, Gobble by Cathryn FalwellHow to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace and Andy ElkertonI’m a Turkey by Jim ArnoskyHow 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 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching in NatureTurkey Needs Outdoor Scavenger HuntTalking About Turkey Facts: 10 Things to Know Before ThanksgivingShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode25🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 💚How Does the Moon Affect the Tides and Weather?Episode 113: Roots of Learning: Nature in Elementary Science EducationMoon Phases and Light Mini Unit for 1st Grade12 Stellar Books About the Moon, Sun, and EclipsesTides and Water LevelsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode24🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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:Email: [email protected] Resources mentioned 💚https://www.michigannature.org/menus/education.htmlShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode23🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 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 meetingsGuided hikes or walksTrail or sidewalk activitiesExplorationData collectionObservational studiesRunning gamesRole playing gamesConcept reinforcement gamesMake sure to stick around until the end of the show where I give you ideas of how to get your hands on study skins, or taxidermied animals, to bring your students’ learning to life!&nbsp;Resources mentioned 💚Episode 3: Teaching with Books: Thinking Outside the Box with Steve FrisbeeEpisode 15: 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students and TeachersEpisode 20: 6 Animal Migration Activities for the Elementary ClassroomEpisode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsEpisode 4: 6 Invasive Species Activities to Use in the Elementary ClassroomNaturally Teaching scavenger huntsSeasonal Senses Scavenger Hunts for Fall, Winter, and SpringOutdoor Pollination Scavenger HuntLiving and Non LivingScavenger HuntWorm Weather Picture Book CompanionBorrow CMU Zoology SpecimenAcorn NaturalistsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode22🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching

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 📚Little Owl’s Night by Divya SrinivasanForest Bright, Forest Night by Jennifer WardDaylight Starlight Wildlife by Wendell MinorNight Creepers by Linda StanekWhere Are the Night Animals? by Mary Ann FraserA Luna Moth’s Life by John HimmelmanWhoo Goes There? by Jennifer EricssonBat Love the Night by Nicola DaviesNoisy Bug Sing-Along by John HimmelmanNoisy 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 💚Sound Investigation Mini Unit for 1st Grade (ELA and Science Activities)Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode21🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching