Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families

Victoria Zablocki, Elementary Teacher turned Outdoor Educator
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Are you an elementary teacher or homeschool parent that wants to add more value to your lessons? Do you know the value of cultivating science skills in your students but feel like you don’t know the best way to incorporate them in your classroom? Then this is the perfect show for you! Naturally Teaching Elementary is a podcast designed for the elementary teacher and homeschool parent with too much on their plate but a desire to best serve their children. Each week Victoria Zablocki and her guests will cover ways to integrate science into your ELA studies, demystify scientific concepts, and share tips and tricks to take learning outside. Victoria Zablocki is a former elementary educator with 10 years of experience integrating outdoor education into science learning. You can follow her on Instagram @naturally.teaching. To get more access to great content, head to https://www.naturallyteaching.com/

  1. 2d ago

    73. Summer Activities for Kindergarteners and 3rd Graders Aligned with NGSS

    June is the beginning of summer which brings a nice break for you the educator, and family time for your learners. So let's give your learners hands-on experiences they can enjoy with their families to extend their learning as well as prevent the dreaded summer slide! Press play to hear descriptions for a summer scavenger hunt for kindergarteners and collecting summer weather data for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how they relate to summer activities for kindergarteners and 3rd graders, and how you can share those activities with your learners' families. 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 72: 6 Books for Summer to Help You and Your Learners’ Caregivers Introduce Seasonal SignsSummer Outdoor Scavenger Hunt ListSummer Book PrintableNaturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode73 🗂 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

    9 min

  2. Jun 1

    72. 6 Books for Summer to Help You and Your Learners' Caregivers Introduce Seasonal Signs

    Summer is on the horizon, so now is a good time to start scoping out books for summer to help you and your learners' caregivers 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 6 books for summer that introduce the signs of the season, ways people can explore nature in summer, and crops that can be harvested. Press play to hear about "Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer" by Kenard Pak, "Summer is Here" by Renee Watson, "Summer Song" by Kevin Henkes, "Summer Color" by Dianna Murray, and more. Books in this episode 📚 Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer by Kenard PakSummer is Here by Renee Watson, illustrated by Bea JacksonSummer Song By Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura DronzekSummer Color by Dianna Murray, illustrated by Zoe PersicoWhen Summer Comes: Exploring Nature in Our Warmest Season by Aimee M. Bissonnette, illustrated by Erin HouriganCheers for a Dozen Ears: A Summer Crop of Counting by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky, illustrated by Susan Swan Want to view all of these books in one place? Check them out here! (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.”“Teaching the Weather of Summer: A Helpful Guide for Elementary Teachers”Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode72 🗂 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

    14 min

  3. May 25

    71. Reptiles and Amphibians List: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities

    Reptiles and amphibians are a high-interest topic for children (and adults) of all ages. Let's use a reptiles and amphibians list to help us engage our elementary learners! May is a fantastic time to do this since the reptiles and amphibians have come out of their winter sleep and are starting to lay eggs. Press play to hear descriptions for a turtle study for 2nd graders and an energy transfer flag tag game 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 a reptiles and amphibians list, 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-LS4-1: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 70: How Are Reptiles and Amphibians Different? 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideNaturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode71 🗂 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

    13 min

  4. May 18

    70. How Are Reptiles and Amphibians Different? 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities

    Let's continue to take advantage of the emerging reptiles and amphibians in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have animal heredity in common and looking closely at the characteristics that make reptiles and amphibians unique can help your learners distinguish them from each other and other animal groups as well. Press play to hear descriptions for a reptile and amphibian characteristic sort for 1st graders and a camouflage hide-and-seek game for 4th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity answers the question "how are reptiles and amphibians different?", and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: 1-LS3-1: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 69: Impact of Humans on Environment: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 7: Animal Characteristics Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with AnimalsReptile and Amphibian Characteristics SortNaturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode70 🗂 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

    10 min

  5. May 11

    69. Impact of Humans on Environment: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities

    May is a time when your learners are able to see reptiles and amphibians again before the end of the school year slips away. So let's take advantage of the return of our herps and get your learners some quality experiences! Press play to hear descriptions for a Massasauga rattlesnake wetland tag game for kindergarteners and an amphibian wetland tag game 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 the impact of humans on environment, 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-ESS3-3: Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.3-LS4-4: Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 68: 6 Picture Books About Characteristics of Amphibians and ReptilesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideNaturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode69 🗂 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

    14 min

  6. May 4

    68. 6 Picture Books About Characteristics of Amphibians and Reptiles

    May is a wonderful time to get outside and look for amphibians and reptiles. Now that they are out and about, you can work with your learners to figure out what makes each group special. Books are a great way to introduce the differences of reptiles and amphibians. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about characteristics of amphibians and reptiles and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students. Books in this episode 📚 About Amphibians by Cathryn Sill, illustrated by John SillThere Are Amphibians Everywhere by Camilla de la Bedoyere, illustrated by Britta TeckentrupSunscreen, Frogcicles, and Other Amazing Amphibian Adaptations by Laura Perdew, illustrated by Katie MazeikaAbout Reptiles by Cathryn Sill, illustrated by John SillReptiles Everywhere by Camilla de la Bedoyere, illustrated by Britta TeckentrupWater-Walking, Sidewinding, and Other Remarkable Reptiles Adaptations by Laura Perdew, illustrated by Katie Mazeika Want to view all of these in one place? Check them out here! (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 7: Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with AnimalsEpisode 9: Exploring Invertebrates: 10 Picture Books to Introduce Animal Characteristics Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode68 🗂 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

    13 min

  7. Apr 27

    67. Pollination of Flowers: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities

    Pollination of flowers is a partnership worth celebrating! Flowers and animals giving each other what they need...the whole concept can lend itself well to teach many different standards in elementary school. And April is a great time to investigate it first-hand with your 2nd and 5th graders as both flowers and pollinators wake from their winter sleep! Press play to hear descriptions for an introductory pollination scavenger hunt for 2nd graders and participating in a citizen science project called the Bumblebee Watch with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to pollination of flowers, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: 2-LS2-2: Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 66: How Flowers Attract Pollinators: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideOutdoor Pollination Scavenger Hunt for 2nd GradePollination for Plants: How to Use “Flowers Are Calling” for Effective TeachingBumblebee WatchBumblebee Watch - How You Can ParticipateBumblebee Watch FAQsBumblebee Watch Photo TipsNaturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode67 🗂 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

    9 min

  8. Apr 20

    66. How Flowers Attract Pollinators: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities

    Let's continue to take advantage of the flowers and pollinators returning in April and focus on plant and pollinator partnerships in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have plant and animal heredity in common and pollination can help us investigate that concept. Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders visit five different pollinator and flower centers and an opportunity where 4th graders investigate flowers in the ultra violet light spectrum, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to how flowers attract pollinators, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: 1-LS3-1: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 65: Flowers and Pollinators: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideFill the BillFlower Talk by Sara Levine, illustrated by Masha D’yansFlowers Are Calling by Rita Gray, illustrated by Kenard PakBjorn RorslettNaturally Teaching Activity Index (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you) Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode66 🗂 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

    15 min
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Are you an elementary teacher or homeschool parent that wants to add more value to your lessons? Do you know the value of cultivating science skills in your students but feel like you don’t know the best way to incorporate them in your classroom? Then this is the perfect show for you! Naturally Teaching Elementary is a podcast designed for the elementary teacher and homeschool parent with too much on their plate but a desire to best serve their children. Each week Victoria Zablocki and her guests will cover ways to integrate science into your ELA studies, demystify scientific concepts, and share tips and tricks to take learning outside. Victoria Zablocki is a former elementary educator with 10 years of experience integrating outdoor education into science learning. You can follow her on Instagram @naturally.teaching. To get more access to great content, head to https://www.naturallyteaching.com/

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