179: Setting Goals for the New Year in Your Outdoor Classroom Using the Four Types of Teaching Gardens
Outdoor Classrooms Podcast · Victoria Hackett, M.Ed: Learning Gardens and Nature Based Curriculum
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Show Notes
In this episode, Victoria guides educators through an inspiring and actionable journey of setting meaningful New Year goals for their Outdoor Classroom using the Four Types of Teaching Gardens:
- Gardens that Feed
- Gardens that Attract Wildlife
- Gardens for Art and Beauty
- Gardens as Outdoor Learning Stations
Building on the reflective questions shared in the latest Seedling News PDF, this episode brings those prompts to life—helping you turn reflection into a clear, garden-centered plan for the year ahead.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
🌱 Why goal-setting matters
- How intention, not perfection, shapes a thriving Outdoor Classroom.
🥕 How to develop goals for Gardens that Feed
- Ideas for edible planting, cultural foods, composting, and hands-on culinary rituals for kids.
🦋 Ways to invite more wildlife into your space
- Tips for creating habitat, expanding native plantings, and supporting children as citizen scientists.
🎨 How to cultivate beauty, creativity, and art outdoors
- From color gardens to nature looms, this segment explores aesthetic and sensory-rich garden features that nurture imagination.
🔍 How to strengthen your Outdoor Learning Stations
- Practical strategies for evolving your mud kitchen, literacy areas, STEM zones, and sensory spaces.
🗂 How to build a simple, seasonal action plan
- Victoria walks you through choosing ONE goal for each garden type—and spreading those steps across winter and spring.
Reflection Questions Featured:
- What do you want your outdoor classroom to become this year?
- Which plants, wildlife, art elements, or learning stations most engaged children last season?
- What do you want children to feel, experience, and discover in each garden area?
- What support or structure will help you bring your goals to life?
Resources Mentioned:
Seedling News Reflective PDF – Use it alongside this episode to map out your year
The Four Types of Teaching Gardens Framework: Learn more in our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program
CIRCLE Membership Community – For educators ready to grow deeper and connect with others on the same journey
Join the Community:
Want to continue the conversation, access our workshop library, or collaborate with like-minded educators?
👉 Join the CIRCLE Membership and grow into a more confident, connected outdoor classroom leader.
FREE Resource:
🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page)
Resources & Links:
🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program
🎓 Seasonal Masterclass Bundle (includes Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass)
🎓 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course
🌸 CIRCLE Membership for Educators
🌿 30-Day Gratitude in Nature Challenge
🌸 1-hour Online Workshop Library
Connect with Victoria:
WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.com
EMAIL: [email protected]
Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/
Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1
Mentioned in this episode:
Exploring Nature in Spring Masterclass
Exploring Nature in Spring Masterclass (receive all 4 seasonal courses when you enroll!): https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/exploring-nature-in-spring-masterclass/