Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families

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 & 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 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:  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 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! 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

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 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside“Garden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Prepare for Success.”Butterflies Belong Here: A Story of One Idea, Thirty Kids, and a World of Butterflies by Deborah HopkinsonBirdcastHow Animals Follow the Stars by the Royal Society of Great BritainShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode20🗂 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 officially fall and Halloween is right around the corner! As you begin planning your classroom Halloween activities, consider taking your party outside. Nature has a lot to offer your Halloween party including open space, natural decorations, and the ability to tolerate loud noises! In this episode, I describe different ways that you can successfully take your party outside including outdoor games, low key activities, party food, and communication with parents and administration.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards5 Senses of Fall Scavenger Hunts12 Instructive Picture Books On Pumpkins for Elementary StudentsPumpkins in November: How to Use Halloween Pumpkins to Teach StudentsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode19🗂 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

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 memoriesProvider of spaceProvider of timeProvider of materialsConversationalistConnect with Dr. Rachel Larimore:Take the quiz and get your custom toolkit!Website: https://www.samarael.com/Buy her books: https://www.samarael.com/shopInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaraearlylearning/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SamaraEarlyLearning/Podcast: https://www.samarael.com/mindful-turtleResources mentioned 💚Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life by Dacher KeltnerShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode18🗂 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

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 Tag1st Grade: Day and Night Hopscotch2nd Grade: Squirrel Cache Capture the Flag3rd Grade: Migration Tag4th Grade: Fall 20 Questions5th Grade: Photosynthesis RelayResources mentioned 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode17🗂 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

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 📚Fall is for School by Robert NeubeckerIt’s Fall by Renee KurillaMushroom Rain by Laura K. ZimmermanMiss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza WheelerSummer Green to Autumn Gold by Mia PosadaFall Leaves Fall! by Zoe HallFull of Fall by April Pulley SayreMigration by Gail GibbonsHow Do Birds Find Their Way? by Roma GansAnimals 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 💚Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary ClassroomsA Free Fall Picture Books List for Teachers with 16 RecommendationsEpisode 10: 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary ClassroomEpisode 14: Outdoor Classroom Routines and Procedures: 5 Easy Activities for Your First Week OutsideMiss Maple’s Seeds Book Companion for 2nd GradeShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode16🗂 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

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 precipitation1st Grade: eBird - submitting sound wave data2nd Grade: The Great Sunflower Project - observing pollination3rd Grade: Journey North Monarch Butterflies - observing life cycles of Monarch butterflies and Milkweed plants4th Grade: S'COOL - observing clouds5th Grade: The Great Backyard Bird Count - submitting bird sightingsResources mentioned 💚The Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary TeachersEpisode 10: 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary ClassroomThe Great Backyard Bird Count - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode15🗂 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 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:Read a book Go for a nature hikeDo a scavenger huntExplore the spacePlay a simple gameResources mentioned 💚Episode 3: Outdoor Learning Environment: 3 Things to Plan for Back to SchoolEpisode 11: Teaching with Phenology: How to Plan Your Science Standards Around the SeasonsA Helpful Guide to Teaching the Season Transition to WinterThe Four Seasons Scavenger Hunt Bundle for Fall, Winter, Spring, and SummerNaturally Teaching Scavenger HuntsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode14🗂 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 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:Email: [email protected]: naomimeredith.comInstagram, TikTok & Twitter: @naomimeredith_Podcasts: The Elementary STEM Coach & The STEM Career Quest PodcastYouTube: Naomi MeredithTeachersPayTeachers Shop: Naomi MeredithFacebook Page: Naomi Meredith- The Elementary STEM CoachResources mentioned 💚After the Fall by Dan SantatFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersWonder WorkshopShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode13🗂 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

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 📚The Reason for the Seasons by Ellie PetersonThe Reasons for Seasons by Gail GibbonsThe Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree by Gail GibbonsTap the Magic Tree by Christie MathesonA Bunny for All Seasons by Janet SchulmanA Stroll Through the Seasons by Kay BarnhamThe Squirrels’ Busy Year by Martin JenkinsGreen on Green by Dianne White(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚Episode 11: Teaching with Phenology: How to Plan Your Science Standards Around the SeasonsA Helpful Introduction for Teachers Teaching the Four Seasons in SchoolFour Seasons Sorting Activity Bundle for Fall, Winter, Spring, and SummerShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode12🗂 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

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 💚A Helpful Introduction for Teachers Teaching the Four Seasons in SchoolEpisode 7: Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with AnimalsTen Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy CamperShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode11🗂 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

We've reached the 10th episode of the podcast! 🥳 To celebrate, I'm sharing the 10 best nature apps to use in the elementary classroom.Aside from being *FREE* and available on Apple and Android products, listen in as I explain why I LOVE these 10 apps:The Weather Channel (or another weather app)My Lightning TrackerMerlin Bird IDiNaturalistSeekAudubon BirdsPlantNeteBirdSkyView LitePlantaResources mentioned 💚National Weather ServiceThe Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary TeachersThe Great Backyard Bird Count - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode10🗂 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

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 📚About Insects by Cathryn SillAn Earthworm’s Life by John HimmelmanDo Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? How Animals Keep Warm by Etta KanerI’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany BartonA Daddy Longlegs Isn’t a Spider by Melissa StewartThe Snail’s Spell by Joanne RyderAre You a Centipede? By Judy AllenA Beetle is Shy by Dianna Hutts AstonHow to Hide a Butterfly and Other Insects by Ruth HellerGood 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 💚Episode 7: Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with Animals11 Fantastic Life Cycle Books by John HimmelmanShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode9🗂 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

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:Website: www.outdoor-classrooms.comNext Masterclass: Exploring Nature in SummerThe Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipOutdoor Classrooms Podcast: On your favorite platform or on my websiteLooking 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🗂 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 are inherently interesting to students, so let's take advantage of their characteristics to help you reach your curricular goals! In this episode I introduce different Next Generation Science Standards that can be enhanced by teaching animal characteristics.I also conduct an animal characteristic breakdown where I explain what makes mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects similar and different from each other. I do this by touching on 6 different categories of characteristics including:Animal coveringHow they breatheHow they have youngIf they are warm-blooded or cold-bloodedIf they are a vertebrate or an invertebrateA unique characteristic to that animal groupTune in to learn about the unique traits of these animal groups and get inspired to teach animal characteristics in your classroom!Resources mentioned 💚Amphibians Vs Reptiles: How to Teach the Difference in Your Elementary ClassroomAnimal Characteristic Booklet BundleShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode7🗂 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 considered teaching outside but you're worried about safety, make sure to listen to this episode. I cover 5 outdoor education safety tips to help ease your mind and get you prepared for the upcoming school year.After 8 years of teaching outside, it all boils down to these 5 things. Listen in as we talk about:Preparing your outdoor spaceUsing natural boundariesSetting up safety expectations and rulesInstructing your students to use the bathroom before going outsideUsing a trail bagResources mentioned 💚Outdoor Education: How to Use Nature to Improve Your Science StudiesEpisode 2 - Outdoor Learning Environment: 3 Things to Plan for Back to SchoolShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode6🗂 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

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 📚What is Science? by Rebecca Kai DotlichWhat Do You Do with an Idea? By Kobi YamadaAda Twist, Scientist by Andrea BeatyNotable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writing by Jessica Fries-GaitherThe Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires Going Places by Peter Reynolds and Paul ReynoldsTy’s Travels: Lab Magic by Kelly Starling Lyons (Easy Reader)Crow Not Crow by Jane YolenBird Count by Susan Edwards RichmondGeorgia’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 💚Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary ClassroomsEpisode 1: 10 Science Activities for Elementary Students That Aren't ExperimentsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode5🗂 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

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!💚 Resources mentioned:Episode 1: 10 Science Activities for Elementary Students That Aren't ExperimentsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode4🗂 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 interested in science activities that will better reach your elementary students? Do you feel like finding experiments is challenging and not very rewarding? I'm here to help lift the weight off your shoulders.In this episode, I'm introducing 10 science activities for elementary students that aren't experiments. Examples and actionable steps are provided for each activity type, making them easy for teachers to implement immediately.💚 Resources Mentioned:Reusing Recyclables: 10 Science Tools to Make for StudentsThe Great Backyard Bird Count citizen science projectMonarch Waystation informationNGSX Talk Moves PDFTeaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy📚 Books Mentioned:Worm Weather by Jean TaftA Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts AstonA Wood Frog's Life by John HimmelmanThe Secret Pool by Kimberly RidleyShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode1🗂 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

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! 📚 Books Mentioned:Pond Life: A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press by George K. ReidFlower Talk: How Plants Use Color to Communicate by Sara LevineA Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia LongNoisy Bird Sing-Along by John HimmelmanNoisy Bug Sing-Along by John HimmelmanNoisy Frog Sing-Along by John HimmelmanRobyn Boid: Architect by Maree CooteAn Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia LongA Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia LongThe Salamander Room by Anne MazerWhere the Wild Things Are by Maurice SendakSome Smug Slug by Pamela Duncan EdwardsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode3🗂 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

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.💚 Resources Mentioned:Outdoor Education: How to Use Nature to Improve Your Science StudiesShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode2🗂 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 an elementary teacher who understands the importance of science education but struggles to find the time and resources to include it into your curriculum? Do you dream of incorporating outdoor education experiences and integrating science and literacy, but feel overwhelmed by where to begin? Then this podcast is for you!Join me each week as we tackle common challenges, share innovative ideas, and make teaching science to young learners easier, approachable, and enjoyable.🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching