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. 4D AGO

    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 (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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. APR 13

    65. Flowers and Pollinators: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities

    April is the first full month of spring and flowers, which also means those pollinators that were missing all winter long are slowly returning. So let's take advantage of the return of our pollination partners and get your learners some quality experiences! Press play to hear descriptions for a seasonal plant study for kindergarteners and a pollinator life stage BioBlitz 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 flowers and 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: K-LS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.3-LS1-1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 63. Frogs Vs Toads And Other Herps in Spring: K-5 NGSS ActivitiesNot a Buzz to Be Found: Insects in Winter by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Jaime Zollars“Pollination for Plants: How to Use ‘Flowers Are Calling’ for Effective Teaching”Naturally 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/episode65 🗂 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. APR 6

    64. 7 Pollinator and Flower Books for Elementary-Aged Students

    April is a great time to look for flowers and early pollinators as everything awakens from its winter sleep. Adults and kids alike look forward to the return of the sprouts that signal spring and now is the time to get outside and find that early green! It's also a great time to study how flowers and pollinators interact. Books are a great way to introduce pollination and those that make it happen. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of pollinator and flower books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students. Books in this episode 📚 Fantastic Flowers by Susan StockdaleFlower Talk by Sara Levine, illustrated by Masha D’yansBefore the Seed: How Pollen Moves by Susannah Buhrman-Deever, illustrated by Gina Triplett and Matt CurtiusThe Story of Honey: It Starts with a Flower by Robin NelsonAnimal Pollinators By Jennifer BoothroydGive Bees a Chance by Bethany BartonWhat if There Were No Bees? by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Carol Schwartz (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.”9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in Spring [Ep. 43]“A Fantastic Spring Picture Book List for Elementary Teachers with 20 Titles”“11 Fantastic Animal Life Cycles Books by John Himmelman”“Pollination for Plants: How to Use ‘Flowers Are Calling’ for Effective Teaching”“How Butterflies Grow: 8 Picture Books About Life Cycles” Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode64 🗂 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

  6. MAR 30

    63. Frogs Vs Toads and Other Herps in Spring: K-5 NGSS Activities

    By listener request: frogs vs toads and other herps in spring! Spring is a fantastic time to investigate reptiles and amphibians and today I'm sharing three interactive and engaging activities to hook your learners on these early spring risers! Tune in to hear descriptions for 3 frogs vs toads activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to frogs vs toads (or other herps), 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. Frogs vs toads and other herps activities described in this episode include: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade: Salamander migration game1st and 4th Grade: A vocal sac investigation with balloons2nd and 5th Grade: A reptile and amphibian focused Bioblitz in different ecosystems Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards Michigan Herp AtlasiNaturalistFrog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini Unit for 3rd Grade (ELA and Science Activities)Frogs and Toads Together: Why Do Amphibians Group Up?Frog Life Cycle Coloring Page (FREE)Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode63 🗂 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

    19 min

  7. MAR 23

    62. Water in Weather: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities

    Water is a critical part of weather; without water, we wouldn't have most of our different weather conditions! Whether it's clouds, rain, thunderstorms, humidity, wind...it's all related to water in weather. And March and November are great times to study weather and the role water plays in it! Press play to hear descriptions for maple sugaring with 2nd graders and mapping vernal pools 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 water in weather, 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-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid5-ESS2-2: Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 61: Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesTapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary ScienceHow Maple Syrup Season Can Help You Teach Elementary StudentsMaple Syrup and Water Cycle Mini Unit for 2nd Grade (ELA, Math, and Science)Citizen Science Lab: Vernal Pools - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersEpisode 46: Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey HarrellEpisode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsEpisode 48: 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsHow Vernal Pools Can Be Used to Reach Your Curricular GoalsNaturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode62 🗂 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

  8. MAR 16

    61. Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities

    Let's continue to take advantage of the variable weather March brings and focus on weather and illumination in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have light and its role in seeing objects in common and weather can help us investigate that concept. Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders match colors to natural objects in different weather conditions and an opportunity where 4th graders take pictures of nature in different amounts of natural light, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to weather and illumination, 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-PS4-2: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated4-PS4-2: Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects entering the eye allows objects to be seen Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 60: Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideMoon Phases and Light Mini Unit for 1st Grade (ELA and Science Activities)Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode61 🗂 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
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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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