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. 23H AGO

    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

  2. MAR 9

    60. Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities

    Weather is an inherently interesting concept to elementary-aged learners and March is one of the best times to experience a variety of weather conditions in a short time. Fog, rain, snow, frost, dew, sun, clouds...March has it all. So let's take advantage of this weather-rich month and get your learners some quality experiences. Press play to hear descriptions for a weather movement cube for kindergarteners and the citizen science project CoCoRaHS 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 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: K-ESS2-1: Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.3-ESS2-1: Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 59: 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged StudentsEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideWeather Movement Cube for Kindergarten (Ambulatory Cubes)CoCoRaHS Schools: Getting StartedNeed a rain gauge? Here’s the contact email for help from CoCoRaHSCoCoRaHS Basic training PDFCoCoRaHS Training slide showsCoCoRaHS Training VideosCoCoRaHS FAQ’sCoCoRaHS Gauge installation tipsCoCoRaHS How to Read Your Gauge guideCoCoRaHS Data entry tipsCoCoRaHS Station identification signCoCoRaHS Apple App storeCoCoRaHS Google Play storeWeather Scavenger Hunt PDFFREE Printable Weather Wheel Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode60 🗂 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

    11 min

  3. MAR 2

    59. 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged Students

    March is a time of varied weather which gives you the chance to explore lots of weather conditions in a short amount of time. Snow, fog, frost, dew, rain, clouds, sunshine...it all comes together in the month of March. Your learners will be so happy to see winter give way to spring, so let's celebrate with weather-related opportunities. Books are a great way to introduce weather conditions. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about weather and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students. Books in this episode 📚 Feel the Fog by April Pulley SayreDew and Frost by Elizabeth MilesPuff: All About Air by Emily Kate MoonSunshine by Cassie MayerHello, Rain! By Kyo Maclear and Chris TurnhamWacky Weather: All About Odd Weather Events by Todd TarpleyStaying Safe - Weather Safety by Melissa Catena (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 43: 9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in SpringEpisode 16: 10 Fall Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in Autumn12 Children’s Story Books About Weather for Elementary Students12 Snow Books to Support Your Elementary CurriculumEpisode 52: 5 No Snow Books About Winter for Preschool and Elementary Classrooms Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode59 🗂 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

    11 min

  4. FEB 23

    58. Winter Animals and Water: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities

    Water is a critical part of animal survival, yet it's so scarce during the winter! With freezing temperatures, water is trapped as snow or ice and it makes winter a really hard time for animals to fulfill all of their needs. Now is a great time to study winter animals and the role water plays in their survival! Press play to hear descriptions for a states of matter water experiment for 2nd graders and an observational study for 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 winter animals and water, 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-ESS2-1: Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 57: Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideSnowy Science: A Guide to Teaching About Matter in Winter Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode58 🗂 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. FEB 16

    57. Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities

    Winter is a time of scarcity for both animals as well as teachers and homeschool parents trying to find engaging and experiential activities for their learners. Let me help you out with these two activities for 1st and 4th graders inspired by winter animals and hibernation! Press play to hear descriptions for a hibernation animal sort and hike for 1st graders and a predator role playing experience for 4th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to winter animals and hibernation, 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-LS1-2: Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 56: Signs of Animals in Winter: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 29: Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups.Animal Hibernation Asleep or Awake SortHibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st Grade (Ambulatory Cube)Animal Migration SortWinter Animal Adaptations Sort | Hibernation, Migration, Adaptation Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode57 🗂 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

    12 min

  6. FEB 9

    56. Signs of Animals in Winter: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities

    Sometimes winter seems so lifeless and dull. However, it can actually be a really beneficial time of the year to study animal needs and the components of habitats. Think about it: during a time of scarcity, there are still animals that are active and surviving. Why not investigate what they're finding that keeps them alive? Press play to hear descriptions for an animal signs hike for kindergarteners and a habitat safari 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 animal needs and habitats, 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-ESS3-1: Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 51: Adapting - Naturally Teaching Elementary Updates and GoalsEpisode 55: 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged StudentsEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside“Over and Under the Snow” Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade“Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal Adaptations Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode56 🗂 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

    12 min

  7. FEB 2

    55. 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged Students

    The extreme weather of winter makes you wonder what animals are crazy enough to endure and survive it. Animals are active in winter, whether we see them or not, and the animals that are awake leave behind traces and clues that can be found. These little gems can be just the hook your learners need to pursue amazing inquiry driven studies. Books are a great way to introduce animal signs in winter and to encourage the development of observational skills. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about animals in winter and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students. Books in this episode 📚 In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? By Lindsay Barrett GeorgeBig Tracks, Little Tracks by Millicent E. Selsam, illustrated by Marlene Hill DonnellyOver and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas NealTrack That Scat! by Lisa Morlock, illustrated by Carrie Ann BradshawWhose Track is That? by Stan TekielaAnimal Tracks Activity Book by Brett Ortler, illustrated by Shane Nitzsche, Anna Christenson, Julie Martinez, and Bruce Wilson (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.”Ep. 34: 9 Winter Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers“Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal AdaptationsOver and Under the Snow Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade (ELA and Science)Storytime with AdventureKEEN - “Whose Track is That?” read by Stan Tekiela Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode55 🗂 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

    11 min

  8. JAN 26

    54. Urban Schools: 3 Nature Spots to Take Your Students for Learning

    Urban schools and outdoor education don't seem to go hand-in-hand, but outdoor education has its place in every.single.school! If you teach in an urban school and you don't think you have what you need to take your kids outside for learning, this is the episode for you! Press play to hear about three different ways you can access nature in urban settings near you. Give your students the gift of less stress, more focus, better health, better academic performance, and more by learning how you can incorporate nature into your urban classroom. Resources mentioned 💚 Garden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Prepare for SuccessA Raising Butterflies Kit for the Classroom: A Conservation ConversationEpisode 20: 6 Animal Migration Activities for Elementary ClassroomsEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 23: Planning a Field Trip made Easier with Education Director James Dake Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode54 🗂 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
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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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