Outdoor Classrooms Podcast

Victoria Hackett, M.Ed: Learning Gardens and Nature Based Curriculum
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The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast is the podcast for teachers and parents and anyone interested in cultivating learning gardens and nature-based curricula for children. It’s a show that will help you transform your outdoor space and will offer “seeds of inspiration” for playful learning outdoors. Each week, Victoria Hackett and her guests will share tips and actionable strategies that you will need in order to set in motion, manage and grow your Outdoor Classroom. You’ll learn how to implement the 5 Phases of Teaching Outdoors, all while providing a new way of learning for your children! Studies have shown that children who learn outdoors in all seasons “develop a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline, and initiative.” Victoria Hackett is the founder of Outdoor-Classrooms.com, The CIRCLE Membership community, and The Secret Gardens Demonstration Outdoor Classroom. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more, head on over to our virtual playground at outdoor-classrooms.com.

  1. 11 HRS AGO

    188: Follow the Water: Story, Survival & Science in the Outdoor Classroom with Ellen Cochrane

    Episode 188: Follow the Water: Story, Survival & Science in the Outdoor Classroom with Ellen Cochrane What happens when a true survival story becomes a doorway into science, resilience, and deep connection to the natural world? In this episode, I’m joined by Ellen Cochrane, author of Follow the Water—the gripping true story of Juliane Koepcke, a 17-year-old who survived alone in the Amazon rainforest by following the river. Ellen writes immersive nonfiction that trusts young readers—their intelligence and their emotions. Together, we explore how powerful storytelling can live inside outdoor classrooms, how science becomes real through narrative, and how stories of survival invite children to see weather, rivers, and forests as teachers. This conversation weaves literacy, nature, and courage into one beautiful thread. 🌱 A portion of proceeds supports the Panguana Foundation. Meet Ellen: Ellen Cochrane writes immersive nonfiction for young readers that trusts their intelligence and their emotions. Her debut, “Follow the Water,” tells the true story of 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke’s survival in the Amazon. It’s an adventure that reads like a thriller and teaches how science lives in the world: weather, rivers, canopy, and the choices that keep us alive. A longtime middle school teacher of English, English learners, Spanish, and Russian, Ellen brings classroom clarity and compassion to complex topics. She studied science writing at Johns Hopkins, is a certified California Naturalist, and previously wrote a syndicated column exploring the natural world. As a teen exchange student she lived in Lima, Peru, and traveled the same route into the jungle that frames Juliane’s story. Contact Ellen: www.ellencochrane.com | Facebook: @CochraneEllen | Instagram: @EllenMCochrane | TikTok: @AuthorTalk Join the Outdoor Classrooms 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 Outdoor Classroom Resource: 🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page) Outdoor Classroom Resources & Links: 🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program 🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp 🎓 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: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/ Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

    30 min

  2. FEB 24

    187: From Seed to Sanctuary: Cultivating Garden-Centered Classrooms with Sara Rubens

    From Seed to Sanctuary: Cultivating Garden-Centered Classrooms with Sara Rubens What if your classroom didn’t just have a garden… but was shaped by one? In this episode of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, Victoria sits down with Sara Rubens, author of A Love Letter for a Garden-Centered Life, to explore how gardens can become living, breathing learning environments for children. Together, they discuss: What it truly means to live — and teach — a garden-centered lifeHow gardens support inquiry, literacy, science, and social-emotional growthCreating rhythms and rituals that connect children to the landTurning any outdoor space into a sanctuary for learning Sarah shares how tending a garden mirrors the work of educators: planting seeds, nurturing growth, trusting seasons, and believing in what is not yet visible. Whether you’re building a school garden, reimagining your outdoor classroom, or simply longing to deepen children’s connection to nature, this conversation will inspire you to see your teaching space differently. 🌱 Because when we cultivate gardens, we cultivate belonging. Join the Outdoor Classrooms 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 Outdoor Classroom Resource: 🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page) Outdoor Classroom Resources & Links: 🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program 🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp 🎓 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: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/ Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

    51 min

  3. FEB 17

    186: Growing a Greener Future with CitySprouts: Pubic School Gardens for Teaching & Learning

    🌱 Episode 186: Growing a Greener Future with CitySprouts: Pubic School Gardens for Teaching & Learning In this episode, Victoria talks with Alex Frank of CitySprouts about how school gardens function as both science labs and creative spaces. Together, they explore how urban school gardens cultivate curiosity, connection, and meaningful learning experiences for students and educators alike—while growing a greener future from the ground up. 🌿 In This Episode, We Explore: Why school gardens are both a science and an art How hands-on garden learning sparks curiosity and wonder in students What makes urban school gardens powerful spaces for learning and community The role of after-school and summer programs in deepening garden-based learning How educators and gardeners build momentum together through shared practice and collaboration 🌼 Meet Alex: Alex Frank is the Senior Program Manager at CitySprouts, an urban gardening nonprofit based in Cambridge and Boston. CitySprouts’ mission is to cultivate curiosity and wonder in students through hands-on science learning in their own schoolyard gardens. Alex oversees CitySprouts’ Green Team program, a tuition-free afterschool and summer initiative that provides teens with opportunities to work learn outdoors in their own communities—building skills and experience that support future green education and career pathways. He also coordinates the Boston-Area School Gardens Conference, a professional development gathering that brings educators, gardeners, and community partners together to share best practices and strengthen the urban school garden movement. 🌼 Contact Alex: You can follow our Facebook, Instagram (@citysproutsma), and LinkedIn pages, as well as explore our website (citysprouts.org) for information, curriculum, blogposts, and more! 🌿🌿🌿 Join the Outdoor Classrooms 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 Outdoor Classroom Resource: 🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page) Outdoor Classroom Resources & Links: 🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program 🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp 🎓 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: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/ Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

    38 min

  4. FEB 10

    185: In Sync with Nature: Lessons in Rhythm, Pause, and Presence

    In Sync with Nature: Lessons in Rhythm, Pause, and Presence In this reflective episode, we explore what the natural world can teach us about staying in sync—especially for educators and caregivers who spend their days responding to the needs of others. Nature is not balanced because it avoids disruption, but because it integrates it. Through seasons, storms, rest, and regeneration, the natural world offers powerful lessons about rhythm, timing, and presence—lessons that are often easy to forget in professions built around constant giving. Recorded during a season of personal vulnerability, this episode invites listeners to look to nature as a teacher rather than a backdrop. It’s a reminder that pauses are not interruptions, and slowing down is not a failure—it’s part of how balance is restored. This conversation is for educators and caregivers who feel stretched, tender, or out of sync, and are longing to return to a rhythm that feels sustainable and true. In this episode, we explore: What nature teaches us about rhythm, seasons, and timing Why pause is an essential part of balance, not a disruption How presence helps educators and caregivers stay aligned while holding so much Living in response rather than resistance Learning to listen—when life slows us down Reflection for listeners: What might change if we trusted rhythm instead of rushing it? In this reflective episode, we explore what the natural world can teach us about staying in sync—especially for educators and caregivers who spend their days responding to the needs of others. Nature is not balanced because it avoids disruption, but because it integrates it. Through seasons, storms, rest, and regeneration, the natural world offers powerful lessons about rhythm, timing, and presence—lessons that are often easy to forget in professions built around constant giving. Recorded during a season of personal vulnerability, this episode invites listeners to look to nature as a teacher rather than a backdrop. It’s a reminder that pauses are not interruptions, and slowing down is not a failure—it’s part of how balance is restored. This conversation is for educators and caregivers who feel stretched, tender, or out of sync, and are longing to return to a rhythm that feels sustainable and true. In this episode, we explore: What nature teaches us about rhythm, seasons, and timing Why pause is an essential part of balance, not a disruption How presence helps educators and caregivers stay aligned while holding so much Living in response rather than resistance Learning to listen—when life slows us down Reflection for listeners: What might change if we trusted rhythm instead of rushing it? Join the Outdoor Classrooms 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 Outdoor Classroom Resource: 🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page) Outdoor Classroom Resources & Links: 🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program 🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp 🎓 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: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/ Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

    14 min

  5. FEB 3

    184: Imperfect Sustainability: Building Environmental Literacy in the Outdoor Classroom with Alexa Pavan

    184: Imperfect Sustainability: Building Environmental Literacy in the Outdoor Classroom with Alexa Pavan What does sustainability look like in the outdoor classroom—without the pressure to be perfect? In this episode, Victoria talks with sustainability advocate and content creator Alexa Pavan about weaving environmental and sustainability literacy into outdoor classrooms in meaningful, accessible ways. Together, they explore how outdoor learning can help children understand their connection to the planet while modeling curiosity, care, and progress over perfection. 🌿 Meet Alexa: Alexa Pavan is an imperfect sustainability advocate, eco content creator, and writer for sustainable businesses and environmental organizations. With a background in Biomedical Science and Public Health, she makes climate and environmental topics more approachable for everyday Americans through fun, light, and practical content. Alexa is especially passionate about composting, ocean conservation, and protecting both the planet and the people who inhabit it. 🌿 Contact Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/gogreenwithalexa https://www.youtube.com/@gogreenwithalexa www.gogreenwithalexa.com hello@gogreenwithalexa.com Join the Outdoor Classrooms 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 Outdoor Classroom Resource: 🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page) Outdoor Classroom Resources & Links: 🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program 🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp 🎓 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: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/ Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

    37 min

  6. JAN 27

    183: When Directors Call in January: What Nature-Based Educators Really Need Right Now

    January is a hard month in education—and winter often takes the blame. When directors call asking for ideas, strategies, or professional development, what they’re often really asking is: How do we support educators through this season? In this episode, we explore what sits beneath those January phone calls and why winter isn’t the problem it’s made out to be. Rather than offering quick fixes, this conversation focuses on what nature-based educators truly need right now: permission to slow down, validation, strong pedagogy, and reconnection to purpose. This episode is for directors, coaches, and educators navigating the long stretch of winter. In This Episode: Why January feels especially heavy in schools What schools think educators need vs. what they actually need How winter reveals cracks rather than creating them Why resistance is information, not failure The shift from activities to pedagogy in winter Winter isn’t asking educators to try harder. It’s asking us to root deeper. 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. Workshop Mentioned: Rooted in Nature: Foundations of Nature-Based Pedagogy (included in CIRCLE Membership) FREE Resource: 🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page) Resources & Links: 🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program 🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp 🎓 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: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/ Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1 Related Episodes: Episode 4: What is Nature Pedagogy? Episode 17. Rethinking Nature Pedagogy in Higher Education with April Zakjo Episode 124: Nature's Playlist: Weaving Frameworks, Pedagogy and Schemas into Outdoor Play

    13 min

  7. JAN 20

    182: "Oh, The Places You Will Go" – Ocean State Kids with Marial Leisge

    Episode 182: "Oh, The Places You Will Go" – Ocean State Kids with Marial Leisge Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour with Marial Leisge, founder of Ocean State Kids, a nonprofit supporting parents as their child’s most influential teacher. In this Circle Member Tour & Talk, we explore the many programs Ocean State Kids offers across Rhode Island, from outdoor learning spaces to hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and connection in children. 💡 Circle Members get exclusive access to the full photo tour! Become a member today to go behind the scenes and see how Ocean State Kids empowers families to support their children’s growth. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: Stories and photos from Ocean State Kids’ programs across Rhode Island. How Marial fosters exploration, independence, and playful learning. Inspiration for parents, educators, and caregivers to create meaningful, nature-based experiences for children. About Marial Leisge: Marial Leisge is the founder of Ocean State Kids, a thriving community that helps parents become their child’s most influential teacher. A former branding and marketing professional, she shifted her career to education after her own journey into motherhood inspired a passion for supporting children and families in new, intentional ways. Marial is a CIRCLE Member and part of the Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification program, deepening her expertise in nature-based learning, child development, and inclusive education. Her experiences as a mother to her son Otto, a Gestalt Language Processor, have shaped her approach to creating programs that honor children’s unique learning styles, foster confidence, and encourage curiosity. Whether she’s leading outdoor programs, crafting parent-centered workshops, or simply enjoying a moment of wonder with her own family, Marial is dedicated to building communities where children can explore, grow, and thrive—and where parents are empowered to guide them every step of the way. 🎧 Tune in and see the places young learners—and their guides—can go! 🌱 A Note for Potential Sponsors As we head into 2026, Outdoor Classrooms is seeking values-aligned sponsors who believe in nature-based education, community-centered learning, and teaching beyond walls. If that sounds like you—or someone you know—we’d love to connect. 🔗 Learn More & Stay Connected: FREE Resource: www.outdoor-classrooms.com 🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page) Resources & Links: 🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program 🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp 🎓 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: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/ Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

    44 min

  8. JAN 13

    181: Dirty, Messy, and Full of Wonder: Remembering Juliet Robertson

    In this heartfelt episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Juliet Robertson, a passionate advocate for outdoor learning and play. Juliet inspired countless educators to embrace messy, hands-on experiences and to see the natural world as a classroom full of wonder. We reflect on her approach to teaching outdoors, her dedication to supporting teachers, and the joy she brought to children and adults alike. This episode is a tribute to her vision: that learning is richest when it’s playful, engaging, and a little bit messy. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Stories that capture Juliet’s infectious curiosity and joy for learning.Reflections on the impact she had on the outdoor education community.Insights into why embracing mess, exploration, and wonder matters in teaching. Whether you knew Juliet personally or are discovering her work for the first time, this episode is a celebration of her spirit and the enduring mark she leaves on educators and learners everywhere. Resources & Links: Juliet Robertson’s Resources – Explore her thoughts on outdoor learning and play.CREATIVE STAR LEARNING Reflection Prompt Where might you loosen your grip and allow learning to unfold more freely? Quote “Learning is not something we control—it is something we make space for.” — Inspired by Juliet Robertson 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 🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp 🎓 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 🎧 Episode 36, Messy Maths with Juliet Robertson Connect with Victoria: WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.com EMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/ Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

    14 min
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About

The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast is the podcast for teachers and parents and anyone interested in cultivating learning gardens and nature-based curricula for children. It’s a show that will help you transform your outdoor space and will offer “seeds of inspiration” for playful learning outdoors. Each week, Victoria Hackett and her guests will share tips and actionable strategies that you will need in order to set in motion, manage and grow your Outdoor Classroom. You’ll learn how to implement the 5 Phases of Teaching Outdoors, all while providing a new way of learning for your children! Studies have shown that children who learn outdoors in all seasons “develop a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline, and initiative.” Victoria Hackett is the founder of Outdoor-Classrooms.com, The CIRCLE Membership community, and The Secret Gardens Demonstration Outdoor Classroom. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more, head on over to our virtual playground at outdoor-classrooms.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Victoria Hackett, M.Ed: Learning Gardens and Nature Based Curriculum
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    189
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Victoria Hackett, M.Ed: Learning Gardens and Nature Based Curriculum
  • Show Website
    Outdoor Classrooms Podcast

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