Mindful Turtle

Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
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The Mindful Turtle Podcast provides small, actionable tips to help nature-based early childhood educators to transform their nature-based teaching one intentional step at a time. Hosted by Dr. Rachel A. Larimore of Samara Early Learning, the show is designed to move away from the hustle and more in alignment with the slow and steady approach. Through intentional, small actions we can create classroom and school communities that thrive–calmly and steadily–and support young children in learning with nature.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Trailer for Season 2

    Mindful Turtle returns September 7 for Season 2! About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States. About Samara Early Learning Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more! Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

    5 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Mindful Beginnings: Setting Clear Intentions

    The first episode of Season 2 of the Mindful Turtle, hosted by Dr. Rachel Larimore, focuses on intentionality and reflection for the new school year. In this episode, Rachel emphasizes the importance of adopting a mindset of consistency rather than intensity, mirroring the steady journey of a turtle moving towards its destination. In this episode she invites you to get clear on how you want the year to feel and when it's all over--how will you describe the year when you look back? About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States. About Samara Early Learning Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more! Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

    10 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Loose Parts in the Natural Play Area

    In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative concept of loose parts in outdoor play settings. Join host Dr. Rachel Larimore as she shares invaluable insights into how loose parts—both natural (e.g., rocks, sticks, leaves) and manufactured (e.g., blocks, shovels)—can unlock children’s creativity and enhance their play experiences. Resources mentioned: Examining the Natural Play Area: An extension of the indoor classroom? downloadable workbook available in the Samara Shop  “Bad” (Hard?) weather really does exist blog post by Dr. Rachel Larimore Gull, C., Bogunovich, J., Goldstein, S. L., & Rosengarten, T. (2019). Definitions of Loose Parts in Early Childhood Outdoor Classrooms: A Scoping Review. The International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, 6(3), 37.   About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States. About Samara Early Learning Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more! Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

    12 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Seasons of Change: Phenology in Nature-Based Learning

    This episode focuses on phenology--the seasonal changes in plants, animals, and weather throughout the year--and how it relates to nature-based early childhood education. Host Dr. Rachel Larimore will discuss why it's important and how you can get started integrating phenology into your work.  The Grove is professional development, a resource library, and consulting all in one. Inside The Grove are resources for starting a phenology journal or other documentation. Click here to learn more about The Grove &/or join today. About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States. About Samara Early Learning Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more! Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

    14 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Establishing a Baseline for Growth in Nature-based Education

    As September comes to a close, now is a perfect moment to reflect on your current nature-based teaching practices, helping you identify growth opportunities and align changes with your actual needs. This reflection is not just about creating a checklist; it’s about fostering a clearer understanding of your current practices and setting the stage for continuous improvement. Nature-Based Education Rating Scales (NABERS) for Pre-K and K–3 The book Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-Based Classrooms in Pre-K through 3rd Grade includes the Nature-Based Education Rating Scales (NABERS) for determining the “natureness” of early childhood programs. The books includes guidance and support for practitioners, researchers, and policy makers. Get your copy here! About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States. About Samara Early Learning Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more! Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

    13 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Presence Over Punctuality: Rethinking Our Relationship with Time

    In this episode, Dr. Rachel Larimore invites listeners to reflect on how our relationship with time shapes our nature-based education programs and influences the way children learn and grow. Time isn’t just measured by clocks; it’s also influenced by our feelings and perceptions, particularly when immersed in nature.  Wander, Wonder, Wait: The Power of Time in Nature-Based Teaching & Learning Webinar In the fast-paced world of early childhood education, time often feels like the one thing we never have enough of. In this webinar we’ll pause, breathe, and consider the deep impact of time on teaching and learning outdoors. Together, we'll examine essential questions: Are we giving children the time they need to play, notice, fail and try again, build relationships, be still, and just be? How does our own relationship to time—whether we’re clock watchers or flow followers—influence our work and our children’s experiences? Click here to learn more about the webinar. Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring book by Drs. Rachel A. Larimore and Claire H. Warden. About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States. About Samara Early Learning Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more! Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

    14 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Navigating Animal Handling in the Nature-based Classroom

    Handling animals can be a nuanced topic in nature-based early childhood education. It's essential that as a team educators what is and isn't okay when it comes to handling animals in nautre-based programs. Whether it's insects, frogs, worms, or other creatures it's important to be clear on how we keep children and animals safe during these interactions.  David Sobel’s article titled "Look, Don't Touch" Benefit-Risk Assessment Template Join us for the upcoming Wander, Wonder, Wait: The Power of Time in Nature-Based Teaching & Learning webinar on October 16, 2025. About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States. About Samara Early Learning Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more! Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

    18 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Mindful Communication with Families

    As we find ourselves midway through October, many of us may feel more at ease with the school year. However, it's also a time to reassess our interactions with families in our programs. Are we effectively connecting with all families? This week, Dr. Rachel Larimore invites you to reflect on your communication strategies—examining content, channels, timing, and frequency—to enhance family engagement and partnerships in nature-based programs.  Family Engagement: A Guided Audit for Nature-Based Programs Family Flyers Bundle: Shareable Family Education Flyers About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States. About Samara Early Learning Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more! Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

    14 min
See All Season 2 (18)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Mindful Turtle Podcast provides small, actionable tips to help nature-based early childhood educators to transform their nature-based teaching one intentional step at a time. Hosted by Dr. Rachel A. Larimore of Samara Early Learning, the show is designed to move away from the hustle and more in alignment with the slow and steady approach. Through intentional, small actions we can create classroom and school communities that thrive–calmly and steadily–and support young children in learning with nature.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
  • Episodes
    69
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Samara Early Learning All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Mindful Turtle

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