Nature-Based Educator

Ade Hofmann
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Courses
  • Updated Monthly

Welcome to, The Outside the Box Podcast Where nature, play, and vision reshape what education can be. Together, we explore what it means to build a hand-crafted education shaped by place, purpose, and play. Through real conversations and grounded support, we hold space for the wild-hearted work of reimagining learning—into spaces that are unboxed, unrushed, and deeply connected to nature and children’s rhythms. We share stories and strategies from the wild edges of education, where play leads and joy is the compass. If you're building a joy-centered space for children and craving a path that's rooted, relational, and real—you’re in the right place. Because joy isn’t fluff—it’s the most rigorous standard we’ve got. This is a podcast for those building bold, beautiful programs—and for those still finding the courage to begin. So take a deep breath, step outside, and settle in—because the work we’re doing matters, and it starts right here.

  1. Jun 1

    EP36: You Made It Through The Year... Now What?

    The end of the school year often leads straight into summer planning—but if you’re a nature-based director, forest school leader, or outdoor educator, skipping reflection can lead to burnout. In this episode, Ade shares why it’s essential to pause, process, and close your program year before jumping into what’s next. You’ll walk away with simple reflection prompts and a clearer, more grounded approach to sustainable leadership in outdoor learning environments. If you’re feeling the pressure to keep going, this is your reminder: you don’t need a plan yet—you need space.

    22 min

  2. May 4

    EP 35: 5 Ways to Reignite If You're Burning Out in the Classroom

    Feeling burned out in the classroom—even though you still love the work? In this episode, Ade shares five practical ways to reignite joy, connection, and creativity when teaching starts to feel heavy. From putting the phone down and stepping back into play, to taking your cohort beyond the fence line and introducing collaborative storytelling, these simple shifts can breathe fresh life into your days without overhauling your whole program. Whether you’re a founder, director, or teacher wearing all the hats, this episode is a reminder that burnout does not always mean it’s time to quit—sometimes it means something needs to shift. In this episode, we cover: How constant documentation may be draining your presence Why collaborative projects can reset group energy The power of changing your environment when routines feel stale How modeling restful connection impacts children and educators alike Why storytelling can transform confidence, creativity, and cohort dynamics What burnout may actually be trying to tell you as a leader If you’re in a season of depletion, this one is for you.

    17 min

  3. Apr 6

    EP 34: Hard Decisions in Nature-Based Programs: Policies, Families, and Leadership Boundaries

    Running a nature- and play-based program comes with beautiful, meaningful work—but also incredibly hard, often invisible decisions. In this episode, we talk about what it really looks like to lead when things feel uncertain, emotional, and high-stakes. From questioning whether a family is the right fit mid-year, to navigating weather cancellations and running out of snow days, to holding firm to policies when your heart wants to bend—this is the side of leadership no one prepares you for. If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing decisions, people-pleasing, or quietly holding the weight of your program alone, this episode will remind you that you’re not doing it wrong—you’re doing the real work of leadership.

    25 min

  4. Mar 2

    33. Why Play Is the Most Rigorous Standard in Education

    Is play really rigorous? In this episode, Ade unpacks why play is not a break from learning—but the deepest, most demanding form of it. If you’re leading a nature- and play-based program and ever feel pressure to prove that “real learning” is happening, this conversation will reframe everything. We explore what rigor actually means, why adults struggle to trust play, and how protecting play transforms your leadership, confidence, and daily rhythms outdoors.

    17 min

  5. Feb 2

    EP 31: 3 Things Every Nature-Based Program Needs to Thrive

    Show Notes & Links: Referenced in this episode: Episode 25: Three Steps to Launching Your Nature-Based Program from Scratch The Nature Play Blueprint: 4-Week Intensive Mentorship 1:1 Mentorship with Ade — individualized support for directors, founders, and facilitators Topics covered: Defining and refining your vision Creating systems that support your energy and growth The importance of mentorship and community Why sustainability is more than just funding Ideal for: Nature-based educators, directors, and founders looking to strengthen their foundation and prevent burnout.

    20 min

  6. Jan 5

    EP 30: The Top 5 Misconceptions About Nature and Play-Based Programs (and the Truth Behind Them)

    🪶 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: The 5 biggest misconceptions about nature and play-based programs How to respond when someone says, “It’s just play” Why academics thrive outdoors (and how to show parents that) The real difference between risk and danger How to make nature-based education more accessible and inclusive Why this approach isn’t a trend—it’s a return to how children have always learned Mentioned in this episode: The Nature Play Blueprint Intensive — 4 weeks of guided mentorship, 2 live calls, and unlimited voice/text support to help you lead your program with confidence. Mentorship Programs — personalized support for directors, founders, and educators growing their vision. 🔍 SEO Keywords: nature and play-based education, forest school myths, outdoor classroom, risky play, nature play programs, outdoor learning misconceptions, child-led learning, emergent curriculum, nature play pedagogy, play-based learning outdoors, nature education benefits, early childhood outdoor education Would you like me to make a short social media caption (Instag

    22 min

  7. Jan 5

    EP 32 How to Handle Big Emotions Outdoors (Without Losing Your Mind)

    🌿 Episode Overview In today’s episode, Ade breaks down a challenge every outdoor educator faces: big emotions in big spaces. While nature is calming, children still bring their full nervous systems outside—and dysregulation can feel even louder in the woods. Ade shares simple, research-backed strategies to help you support children with confidence while also protecting your own peace. You’ll learn why emotions often feel bigger outdoors, what mistakes even seasoned educators make, and the three-step rhythm that helps bring kids (and adults) back to center in wild, unstructured spaces. 🌲 What You’ll Learn Why outdoor environments can amplify big emotions The difference between harsh boundaries and clear boundaries in forest settings Three grounding strategies that work every time How to shrink the learning environment when a child is overwhelmed The power of narrating—not fixing—during emotional moments Common pitfalls that drain educators Why rhythms and routines matter more outdoors than anywhere else ✨ Key Takeaways You can’t co-regulate from a dysregulated nervous system—you go first. Freedom can be beautiful and overwhelming; shrinking the environment helps. Short, simple language reaches dysregulated kids best. Outdoor behavior challenges are normal—and often a sign children finally feel safe enough to release. You deserve systems and support that make this work sustainable. 🎧 Listen If You Are… A nature-based educator or forest school leader A classroom teacher transitioning to outdoor learning A founder of (or dreaming of building) your own nature- or play-based program Someone who wants clearer, calmer days with children outside 🧭 Mentioned in This Episode The Nature Play Blueprint — Ade’s signature mentorship for educators who want to build a sustainable, joy-filled outdoor program with strong rhythms, emotional support tools, and systems that actually work. A supportive path for teachers, assistants, directors, and program founders who don’t want to build their dream alone. 💛 Stay Connected If this episode encouraged you or gave you a strategy you can use this week, please share it with another outdoor educator. It helps more nature programs thrive—and helps others feel less alone in this work.

    27 min

  8. 12/01/2025

    EP 29: How to Use Nature as Your Curriculum (Without a Script or Canned Curriculum)

    In this episode, Ade shares how to use nature itself as your curriculum—without rigid lesson plans or a canned program. You’ll learn why observation is the most powerful teaching tool, how child-led learning brings academic standards to life outdoors, and why trusting the seasons can give you a ready-made structure for your outdoor classroom. From the “living, breathing, larger-than-life water table” to storytelling and play around the fire circle, Ade unpacks practical ways to weave emergent curriculum, joy-centered education, and play-based learning into your daily rhythm. Whether you’re new to nature-based education or looking for fresh outdoor teaching strategies, this episode will help you feel more confident in creating unstructured play opportunities, connecting children to the natural world, and building a program shaped by place, purpose, and play. LINK: Become A Great Observer Course https://www.natureplayallday.org/offers/AJDmejJv/checkout

    16 min
See All (39)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to, The Outside the Box Podcast Where nature, play, and vision reshape what education can be. Together, we explore what it means to build a hand-crafted education shaped by place, purpose, and play. Through real conversations and grounded support, we hold space for the wild-hearted work of reimagining learning—into spaces that are unboxed, unrushed, and deeply connected to nature and children’s rhythms. We share stories and strategies from the wild edges of education, where play leads and joy is the compass. If you're building a joy-centered space for children and craving a path that's rooted, relational, and real—you’re in the right place. Because joy isn’t fluff—it’s the most rigorous standard we’ve got. This is a podcast for those building bold, beautiful programs—and for those still finding the courage to begin. So take a deep breath, step outside, and settle in—because the work we’re doing matters, and it starts right here.

Information

  • Creator
    Ade Hofmann
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ade Hofmann
  • Show Website
    Nature-Based Educator