Mindful Turtle (Dr. Rachel A. Larimore )
Explore every episode of Mindful Turtle
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Nov 2024 | Moving Away from "Be Careful!" | 00:11:00 | |
"Be careful" is a common and impactful phrase in nature-based early childhood education. But it may not be having the impact we desire. In this episode of The Mindful Turtle, Dr. Rachel Larimore invites listeners to draw their awareness to the use of "be careful" or similar phrases. She notes that this common phrase, along with similar expressions, can create unnecessary fear and distraction in children during play. Risky play, when supported by well-prepared spaces, allows children to assess their surroundings and evaluate benefits and risks, but vague cautionary phrases like "be careful," "watch out," or "that looks scary" can disrupt children's focus and cognitive processing, making them less capable of navigating challenges. This week’s invitation is to monitor the use of these phrases, not for self-criticism, but to increase awareness of how language affects children's engagement. For an affordable professional development workshop on risky play, check out Risky Play 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. | |||
| 22 Dec 2024 | What bird is THAT?!: Expanding our nature knowledge to support young children | 00:13:16 | |
How can studying a local bird ignite both our personal passions and children's curiosity and connection to nature? In this episode of the Mindful Turtle, Dr. Rachel Larimore explains how what may seem like a simple task--expanding our knowledge of a local bird--can actually enrich children's learning and spark their curiosity for the wildlife around them. She reminds listeners that being a nature-based educator not only requires knowledge of children and pedagogy, but also of nature itself. You can download the Merlin ID app created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology 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, 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. | |||
| 26 Oct 2024 | 8. Tracking Free Play in Nature-Based Education | 00:12:26 | |
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. | |||
| 05 Jan 2025 | "Why do we do THAT?" | 00:16:41 | |
This week's episode encourages educators to embrace their inner toddler by asking "Why?!" related to our teaching practices. By examining the intentions behind program structures, physical environments, and teacher-child interactions, nature-based educators can better understand what's working and what might need adjustment--ultimately leading to more meaningful experiences for children to learn with nature. For more on why we do what we do, check out: Why do we do THAT!?: Making Intentional Decisions in the Nature-Based Classroom. This on-demand webinar is perfect for early childhood educators looking for team development, as a teaching tool in pre-service education, or for individual professional learning. 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. | |||
| 13 Oct 2024 | 6. Nurturing Relationships: Connecting with New Team Members in Outdoor Settings | 00:09:28 | |
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. | |||
| 08 Jan 2025 | Rhythms & Rituals: A Conversation with Amy Butler | 00:14:55 | |
For this bonus episode of the Mindful Turtle, Dr. Rachel Larimore is joined by Amy Butler, educator and author of "Educating Children Outdoors." Drawing from nature's own rhythms, Amy discusses how structured practices like the "sit spot" create the predictability and security that enable deeper learning experiences both indoors and outdoors. Amy Butler is an author, a nature-based teacher and mentor who has been working with public school teachers and children for more than 25 years. Her book, Educating Children Outdoors: Lessons in Nature- Based Learning, was just recently published by Cornell University Press. In her book, along with 20 other educators, Amy tells the story of how learning in and with nature is possible in a public school setting. And how the benefits of creating a nature immersion program can ultimately heal and transform a school community. You can hear the entire conversation between Rachel and Amy inside The Grove membership hosted by Dr. Rachel Larimore and Samara Early Learning. The Grove is professional development, consulting, and a resource library all in one. Join today at: https://www.samarael.com/grove 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. | |||
| 29 Dec 2024 | High Five Time: Celebrating our Team Successes | 00:08:00 | |
It's High Five time again, which means it's the fifth week of the month and time to relfect on our recent successes. This month Dr. Rachel Larimore invites listeners to reflect and celebrate successes within our teaching teams. It's easy to get bogged down by the remaining to-do list, but there's value in taking time to notice and celebrate the collaborative achievements we've had with our co-workers. After all, we're all in this together! For more on creating a collaborative teaching environment check out: Implementing a Team Teaching Approach, an on demand webinar for professional development. 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. | |||
| 19 Jan 2025 | Picturing Nature Play: Making Learning Visible to Families | 00:13:56 | |
This week, Dr. Rachel Larimore discusses practical strategies for documenting children's outdoor play to help families understand the rich learning opportunities present in seemingly simple activities. Communicating this learning via well-annotated images helps educators manage family expectations and foster an appreciation for nature-based early learning. Children aren't "just" playing, but are playing as a means for deep learning. For more on family engagement, check out, Samara Early Learning's Family Flyer Bundle: Shareable Family Education Flyers and Family Engagement: A guided audit for nature-based programs. 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 Jan 2025 | Informational Texts in Nature-Based Classrooms | 00:17:45 | |
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle, Dr. Rachel Larimore encourages nature-based educators to examine their classroom's informational texts, questioning whether they truly reflect the natural world, the local environment young children encounter daily, and authentic imagery... among other things! By thoughtfully selecting nature-based texts, educators can create more impactful learning experiences connected to the natural world. Rachel's book, Preschool Beyond Walls, covers the principles for material selection and can be purcahsed on her website. 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. | |||
| 26 Jan 2025 | Edges of Comfort: Reflecting on our Hesitations | 00:12:49 | |
As nature-based educators, our own comfort levels with different outdoor activities directly impacts our teaching practices. In this episode of the Mindful Turtle, Dr. Rachel Larimore explores the importance of identifying our personal boundaries in nature-based education so that we can better understand our "no way" moments. This self-awareness helps us be better teachers and co-workers. For more on understanding your personal boundaries, check out Reflecting on Practice: Exploring Our Own Comfort. Take this 90-second quiz to discover the opportunities you have to implement nature-based early childhood education. You’ll receive a custom toolkit based on your strengths so your children can thrive learning with nature. 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. | |||
| 13 Nov 2024 | Bonus: Another Perspective on the Inside, Outside, & Beyond | 00:16:06 | |
The Inside, Outside, and Beyond are learning spaces, but also a metaphor for how people relate to co-workers, children, families, and nature. This focus call explores different character traits we bring to our work, how we can do the inner work ourselves, and how we can support our teams to dig more deeply to show up more fully as educators and teammates. 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. | |||
| 15 Sep 2024 | 2. Reflecting on Routines for a Calm Nature-based Classroom | 00:10:40 | |
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. | |||
| 16 Oct 2024 | Bonus: Fostering Curiosity, Confidence & Care--The Role of Adults in Nature-Based Pedagogy | 00:19:41 | |
In this special bonus episode, we’re excited to feature Dr. Claire Warden of Mindstretchers Academy in Scotland, a leader in nature-based pedagogy renowned for her work globally. The discussion explores vital adult roles in nature-based education, focusing on how educators can enhance children’s learning with nature. Claire and Rachel explore the critical role of providing space, time, and resources in outdoor learning. They also discuss the significance of using both natural elements and human-made materials to enrich children’s experiences and allow for creative exploration, diving into the diverse experiences that nature-based education can offer. This conversation is a taste of the themes discussed further in the upcoming book, "Reimagining the Roles of Teachers in Nature-Based Learning" written by Drs. Larimore and Warden. You can hear the entire conversation between Rachel and Claire inside The Grove membership hosted by Dr. Rachel Larimore and Samara Early Learning. The Grove is professional development, consulting, and a resource library all in one. Join today at: https://www.samarael.com/grove Pre-order the book Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring By Rachel A. Larimore and Claire Warden today! About Dr. Claire Warden Dr. Claire Warden is an internationally renowned educator, consultant, and advocate for nature-based learning. As the creator of the Floorbook® Approach and founder of Mindstretchers Academy, she has transformed early years education by promoting inquiry-led, child-centered learning in outdoor environments. With over 30 years of experience, Claire works with educators worldwide to implement nature pedagogy, offering practical tools for documentation, planning, and curriculum development. Her passion for reconnecting children with nature and empowering educators through innovative teaching strategies has made her a leading voice in early childhood 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. | |||
| 24 Nov 2024 | Something More Meaningful Than "Be Careful" | 00:12:34 | |
This episode of the Mindful Turtle, explores how educators can replace the phrase "be careful" with more supportive alternatives when interacting with children during play. Dr. Rachel A. Larimore explains how phrases like "be careful" can give a false sense of security and distract children from developing their own risk assessment and management skills. Instead, she suggests using various types of constructive language to draw attention to the environment, engage children's thinking, promote self-awareness, and gauge their intentions. 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. | |||
| 08 Dec 2024 | Getting in Gear: Classroom Organization as a Means of Calm | 00:09:26 | |
This week's episode of the Mindful Turtle suggests that a simple 10-minute organization task can significantly impact both teacher and student well-being during this hectic season. During this time of year, it's easy to become overwhelmed and Dr. Rachel Larimore explores the connection between organized environments and emotional regulation, offering practical tips for maintaining calm and efficiency during outdoor activities. She invites you to tackle the often chaotic space in any nature-based classroom--the outdoor gear storage! 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. | |||
| 20 Oct 2024 | 7. Growing Together: Connecting with Families in Nature-based Programs | 00:10:34 | |
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. | |||
| 10 Nov 2024 | Philosophy Versus Practice: Finding Balance in the Daily Schedule | 00:12:18 | |
In this final episode of our mini-series around time allotments in our daily schedules, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore builds upon previous discussions of whole group activities (Episode 9) and free play (Episode 8). She asks listeners to analyze their notes to determine if time spent aligns with their program's goals and philosophy. Teaching isn't about perfect balance, but intentional choices. And so if your schedule doesn’t currently reflect your philosophy, consider barriers to outdoor time, such as scheduled meals or transitions, and explore alternative solutions. Even small changes—like increasing free play by 10 minutes—can lead to meaningful improvements. The goal is aligning teaching practices with program philosophy to foster children's nature exploration, by taking small, intentional steps. To reflect on your "why" for doing what you do, check out Defining Your Why for 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. | |||
| 22 Sep 2024 | 3. Noticing Nature: Reconnecting Educators to Support Emergent Curriculum | 00:11:36 | |
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. | |||
| 06 Oct 2024 | 5. Listening to Young Voices: Noticing Emerging Behavior Challenges | 00:09:21 | |
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. | |||
| 08 Sep 2024 | 1. Mindful Materials: Creating Engaging Outdoor Environments for Young Learners | 00:09:38 | |
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. | |||
| 02 Feb 2025 | Groundhog Day Reflections: When Challenges Keep Coming Back | 00:12:37 | |
In this Groundhog Day-inspired episode of the Mindful Turtle, Dr. Rachel Larimore explores those recurring challenges in nature-based early childhood education that keep popping up like a persistent groundhog. Drawing parallels between nature's cycles and professional growth, she offers insights on transforming stubborn team dynamics and classroom challenges into opportunities for positive change. 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. | |||
| 18 Dec 2024 | Bonus: Trail Map for Leading NbECE Change | 00:16:07 | |
This special bonus episode is a short clip from a webinar--Trail Map for Leading Change in Nature-Based Education--that Dr. Rachel Larimore presented inside The Grove. In the full webinar, she outlines practical approaches for implementing nature-based education, from extending outdoor time to redesigning curriculum planning, while emphasizing the role of ongoing professional development. From this clip, you'll learn the power of small adjustments, ways to reimagine current practices, and the importance of learning from other programs' experiences. You can hear Rachel's entire webinar presentation inside The Grove membership hosted by Dr. Rachel Larimore and Samara Early Learning. The Grove is professional development, consulting, and a resource library all in one. Join today at: https://www.samarael.com/grove 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. | |||
| 29 Sep 2024 | 4. High Five Time: Noticing the Successes | 00:06:32 | |
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. | |||
| 03 Nov 2024 | Tracking Whole-Group Time in Nature-based Classrooms | 00:13:25 | |
This week's episode is the second in our series focused on time allotments in nature-based learning schedules. In this episode Dr. Rachel A. Larimore invites you to observe and record daily time spent in whole-group activities, much like we did last week with time in free play. Whole-group activities differ from teacher-led ones (which can include small groups). Whole-group activities, such as story readings or group meetings, are valuable for developing social skills, fostering community, and creating belonging. Understanding the distinction between whole group activities and teacher-led activities helps you structure your day effectively, articulate your practices to evaluators, strengthen advocacy for nature-based education, and support both communal and individual exploration. 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. | |||
| 30 Aug 2024 | Welcome to Mindful Turtle: A Journey into Nature-Based Early Childhood Education | 00:04:07 | |
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel Larimore, Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning, sets the stage for a transformational journey in nature-based education. With a focus on providing simple actionable tips each week, Larimore aims to support educators in creating thriving classroom and school communities. Emphasizing consistency over intensity, episodes under 20 minutes released on Sundays offer a manageable and achievable way to incorporate mindfulness into teaching and leading practices. By protecting boundaries and engaging with the podcast at a pace that works for them, listeners can take intentional small actions to make a big impact. Larimore's gratitude for her listeners and excitement for the journey ahead shines through, as she invites educators to join her in moving forward mindfully like turtles. Get ready to embrace a new approach to education and empower your classroom with the Mindful Turtle podcast. 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. | |||
| 15 Dec 2024 | Love Notes for Educators: Building a Reservoir of Energy | 00:09:30 | |
On the Mindful Turtle this week, Dr. Rachel Larimore encourages educators to collect and create an archive of positive feedback and recognition. Then, on those harder days, we can find the encouragement we need to keep going. Nature-based early childhood education is hard work and also important--we all need to remember on occasion the meaningful impact we're having on children's lives. 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. | |||
| 01 Dec 2024 | Playful Art: Unexpected Tools Spark Creativity | 00:12:06 | |
This episode of the Mindful Turtle focuses on expanding the boundaries of traditional art materials in nature-based settings. Dr. Rachel Larimore discusses the value of introducing unexpected items - both natural and manufactured - into creative spaces, and how this approach can enhance children's exploratory learning experiences. She offers practical suggestions for educators looking to enrich their art areas without additional expense, while emphasizing the importance of child-led discovery and process-based creativity. For more on creative expression in nature-based education check out the Nature and Creative Expression: An on-demand workshop! 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. | |||