Mindful Turtle – Details, episodes & analysis

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, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

About Samara Early Learning

Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

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, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

About Samara Early Learning

Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

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, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

About Samara Early Learning

Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

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, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

About Samara Early Learning

Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

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, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

About Samara Early Learning

Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

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, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

About Samara Early Learning

Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

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, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

About Samara Early Learning

Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

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, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

About Samara Early Learning

Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

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, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

About Samara Early Learning

Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.

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, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

About Samara Early Learning

Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.