Mindful Turtle

Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
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Mindful Turtle

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.

  1. EPISODE 1

    1. Mindful Materials: Creating Engaging Outdoor Environments for Young Learners

    In this episode of our podcast, host Dr. Rachel A. Larimore dives into the importance of creating an outdoor play area in early childhood education settings that serves as an extension of the indoor classroom. Rather than just being a space for physical play, outdoor areas should support holistic learning experiences. Rachel challenges educators to reflect on whether the indoor interest areas and materials are mirrored outside and provides examples of play and learning domains to consider. She advocates for a consistent and intentional approach to nature-based education, urging teachers to be just as engaged with outdoor play as they are with indoor activities. Rachel emphasizes the power of small, mindful steps in enhancing outdoor spaces, encouraging listeners to observe, identify opportunities, and consider materials that could enrich children's experiences. By envisioning the outdoor space as an extension of the classroom, educators can create cohesive learning environments that support children's development. The episode wraps up with a reminder to support children to learn with nature in order to promote full, rich lives for young learners. If you’d like support in reflecting on your natural outdoor play area that truly serves as an extension of the classroom, check the Examining the Natural Play Area: An extension of the indoor classroom? workbook in the Samara Shop at www.SamaraEL.com/shop. 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, and Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade. 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

  2. EPISODE 2

    2. Reflecting on Routines for a Calm Nature-based Classroom

    In this episode of The Mindful Turtle, host Dr. Rachel A. Larimore explores the importance of establishing consistent routines in nature-based early childhood education. By creating predictable routines, stress levels are reduced for both teachers and children, fostering a sense of stability and belonging in the classroom. Rachel emphasizes the need for clear communication, and tools such as visual schedules, to help children understand the flow of the day. Remember, consistency over intensity is key to success in nature-based education. 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, and Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade. 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.

    11 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    3. Noticing Nature: Reconnecting Educators to Support Emergent Curriculum

    In this episode of the Mindful Turtle, Rachel encourages listeners to slow down and observe nature in order to better connect with the natural world and deepen their practice as educators. She invites listeners to write down five observations about nature, such as changes in plants, animals, fungi, and weather. This simple action step of observing nature helps educators to plan activities and materials that align with children's interests and connect them to the natural world, supporting children's play and emergent curriculum. Taking time to notice and write down observations of nature also allows educators to reconnect with their own personal joy and wonder in the natural world. 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, and Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade. 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

    4. High Five Time: Noticing the Successes

    The episode introduces a practice called "high five time," which occurs on the fifth Sunday of the month. The idea is to shift focus from the often overwhelming to-do list and the feelings of inadequacy, and instead, to recognize and celebrate the successes. Rachel invites listeners to take a few moments to engage in a simple exercise: grab a piece of paper or a journal, set a timer for three minutes, and create a list of everything that went well over the past month. This exercise serves as a mental reset, allowing educators to focus on the progress they've made rather than just what still needs to be accomplished. Furthermore, Rachel encourages listeners to take a moment after the exercise to reflect on how they feel and what insights they’ve gained from their lists. Recognizing patterns in accomplishments can help build awareness of the positive impact educators are having in young children’s lives and strengthens their resolve to continue this important work. 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, and Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade. 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.

    7 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    5. Listening to Young Voices: Noticing Emerging Behavior Challenges

    Challenging behaviors are children's way of voicing their unmet needs. With classrooms moving beyond the initial chaos of a new school year and finding a normal rhythm, educators may notice subtle behavioral patterns that suggest when, how, and why certain actions occur. In this episode of the Mindful Turtle, Dr. Rachel Larimore suggests that by observing and addressing these behaviors early, educators can maintain a balance of calmness and engagement. This helps promote a nurturing learning atmosphere. For this week's action, Rachel invites listeners to note any emerging behavioral patterns in their students and reflect on the necessary supports. In doing so, educators contribute to a consistent, mindful environment that nurtures children's growth throughout the school year. 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, and Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade. 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.

    9 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    6. Nurturing Relationships: Connecting with New Team Members in Outdoor Settings

    In this episode of the Mindful Turtle, host Dr. Rachel A. Larimore emphasizes the importance of supporting new team members in nature-based early childhood education settings. She highlights the unique challenges that educators face when transitioning into jobs that involve teaching and learning with nature, especially when moving from conventional educational environments. This shift often introduces new procedures, policies, and methods of teaching that can be overwhelming. The core action step for this week is to initiate informal check-ins with new colleagues, asking questions such as "hat support do you need from me?" and "do you have suggestions for improvement?" rather than than just a casual "how are you?" Ultimately, these check-ins are about building connection and demonstrating that every team member’s influence and presence are valued. By examining and supporting the social-emotional needs of educators, we contribute positively to the environment in which children learn, allowing them to thrive. 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, and Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade. 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.

    9 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    7. Growing Together: Connecting with Families in Nature-based Programs

    Consistent communication with families is vital, as it fosters relationships that enhance young children's success in and out of school. In this episode of the Mindful Turtle, Dr. Rachel Larimore emphasizes the importance of nurturing connections with families in early childhood education, particularly within nature-based programs. Rachel explains that many educators find it challenging to connect with families due to various barriers. She encourages educators to share anecdotes about children's achievements and discoveries and make intentional connections with families. Ongoing, and positive, communication not only makes families feel valued but also cultivates a supportive environment for children's growth. This reinforces the partnership between teachers and families. In this week's actionable step, Rachel urges listeners to connect with at least one family, emphasizing that even small gestures can make a significant impact. For more on engaging families in nature-based education early childhood classrooms, check out Samara Early Learning's offerings below: Reflecting on Practice: Welcoming Families 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, and Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade. 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.

    11 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    8. Tracking Free Play in Nature-Based Education

    This week's episode of the Mindful Turtle kicks off a series of episodes focused on time allotments in nature-based learning schedules. In this episodes, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore focuses on examining how much time children are engaged in free play. Free play is intrinsic to nature-based early childhood education, and is characterized by child-led activities where children choose their own activities based on their interests. In contrast, teacher-led activities impose adult goals and parameters. It's crucial to find the right balance between the two. This week, Rachel asks listeners to reflect on their schedules: how much time is allocated to free play indoors versus outdoors? What about exploration beyond the fence? Note the quality of adult interactions during play—are you stepping back, supporting, or inadvertently taking over? To encourage educator awareness this week's invitation is to record the durations and frequency of free play throughout the day. To learn more about SciEPLAY, a project dedicated to exploring how preschoolers and kindergarteners engage in science and engineering practices through play, visit the website here. This is a collaborative project between Samara Early Learning, Bowdoin College, and Maine Math and Science Alliance. 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, and Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade. 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
See All Season 1 (36)

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
    36
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Samara Early Learning All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Mindful Turtle

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