Explore every episode of the podcast Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families

Dive into the complete episode list for Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	88. Seed Games for 1st and 4th Graders This Fall	21 sept. 2026	00:15:43
September is a great time to investigate seeds while it's still warm out. The combination of an abundance of native plants seeds and warm weather make for a great opportunity to play games about seeds. Press play to hear descriptions for a mystery board game about seeds for 1st graders and a fossil matching game 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 seeds, 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-LS1-1: Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs. 4-ESS1-1: Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 87: Seed Activities for Kindergarten and 3rd Grade This Fall The Game Crafter Seed Dispersal Types: 6 Innovative Ways Seeds Travel to New Places Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode88 🗂 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
	87. Seed Activities for Kindergarten and 3rd Grade This Fall	14 sept. 2026	00:08:30
September is the beginning of fall, but it's also when native plants are showing off their seeds! During the summer, plants worked hard to attract pollinators to their flowers, and now we're seeing the fruits of their labor! Let's take advantage of seeds this fall and get them working for your curriculum. Press play to hear descriptions for being detectives while reading pictures books about plant needs for kindergarteners and growing herb seeds to investigate plant life cycles for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how they relate to seed activities for kindergarten and 3rd grade, 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-LS1-1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 86: 6 Seed Books for Teaching Elementary-Aged Learners Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching in Nature The Dandelion Seed by Joseph Anthony, illustrated by Cris Arbo Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode87 🗂 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
	86. 6 Seed Books for Teaching Elementary-Aged Learners	08 sept. 2026	00:11:55
September is the beginning of fall, but it's also a time for seeds! After spending spring and summer trying to attract pollinators, plants have successfully pollinated and made seeds. Books are a great way to introduce seeds, plant life cycles, how seeds move, and how animals help disperse seeds. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of seed books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your learners. Books in this episode 📚 A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long Seeds by Carme Lemniscates Flip, Float, Fly: Seeds on the Move by Joann Early Macken, illustrated by Pam Paparone Seeds Move! By Robin Page The Blue Jay that Grew a Forest by Lynn Street, illustrated by Anne Hunter Little Dandelion Seeds the World by Julia Richardson, illustrated by Kristen Howdeshell and Kevin Howdeshell Want to view all of these books in one place? Check them out here! (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 64: 7 Pollinator and Flower Books for Elementary-Aged Students Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode86 🗂 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
	85. Outdoor Education Job: How Mariah Waters Created Her Own Opportunity	31 août 2026	00:24:54
An outdoor education job seems to be hard to come by in this day-and-age. But would you believe me if I told you that there are people making their own jobs in the outdoor education field? In today's episode, Mariah Waters explains how she saw an opportunity and seized it. She talks about presenting, accepting, and developing the outdoor education specialist position at a private independent school in Texas for the 25'-26' school year. You'll definitely want to hit play to hear about how she proposed the idea, how she survived writing a year's curriculum for K-5 grade classes while teaching everyday, and advice she would give to others looking to do something similar. This is a must-listen interview! Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode85 Connect with Mariah Waters: www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-waters 🗂 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
	84. Beginning of the Year Activities to Set You and Your Learners Up for Success	24 août 2026	00:10:07
With school upon us, the stress levels are high for you and your learners. So let's help calm the nerves with some activities that can help you practice your outdoor learning routines and expectations. In this episode, I describe 5 beginning of the year activities that can help set you and your learners up for success this school year. I describe the activities, how they fit into practicing your outdoor learning routines and expectations, and what benefit they can give you and your learners in the first week back to school. Listen in to hear about the following activities: Practicing your routines and procedures for outdoor learning Working together to ready your outdoor space Reading a book Decorating your science notebooks Setting goals for the year Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 2: Outdoor Learning Environment: 3 Things to Plan for Back to School Episode 14: Outdoor Classroom Routines and Procedures: 5 Easy Activities for Your First Week Outside Episode 82: 6 Classroom Decoration Ideas: How Research Can Help Us Design Student-Centered Learning Spaces Episode 83: 7 Picture Books for Going Back to School Episode 5: Science Skills for Students: 10 Picture Books for Encouraging Kid Scientists Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode84 🗂 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
	83. 7 Picture Books for Going Back to School	17 août 2026	00:11:36
It's time to go back to school! Whether you've been looking forward to it or not, school is either right around the corner or you're welcoming it full force this week! So let's get you feeling prepared to take on another year. Books are a great way to ease your learners back into the swing of things and really set them up for success when going back to school. The books in this episode can help introduce your learners to outdoor education, stewardship, and new perspectives; so let's check them out! Books in this episode 📚 Let’s Go Rock Collecting by Roma Gans, illustrated by Holly Keller The Salamander Room by Anne Mazer, illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher We’re Going on a Nature Hunt by Steve Metzger, illustrated by Miki Sakamoto The Hike by Alison Farrell My Forest is Green By Darren Lebeuf, Illustrated by Ashley Barron Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds Discovering Nature’s Alphabet By Krystina Castella, Illustrated by Brian Boyl Want to view all of these books in one place? Check them out here! (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. 82: 6 Classroom Decoration Ideas: How Research Can Help Us Design Student-Centered Learning Spaces Ep. 81: 5 Strategies for Bringing Nature Into Your Classroom and Learning Spaces Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode83 🗂 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
	82. 6 Classroom Decoration Ideas: How Research Can Help Us Design Student-Centered Learning Spaces	10 août 2026	00:13:46
You may already be back in the classroom or you may be getting ready to be in the classroom shortly. What's the first thing on your mind? Your classroom or learning space! What will you decorate with this year? Will there be a theme? All these questions may be causing you to sweat, but don't worry, I'm here to help! Let's help take some of that back-to-school stress away! In this episode, we'll talk about 6 classroom decoration ideas that are backed by research including: Changing your mindset to view decorations as teaching tools. Selecting decorations that have purpose. Using color intentionally. Leaving room for students to contribute. Thinking about how you want students to use the space. Thinking about students’ needs. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 81: 5 Strategies for Bringing Nature Into Your Classroom and Learning Spaces Forest Classroom Decor GROWING Bundle Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode82 🗂 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
	81. 5 Strategies for Bringing Nature Into Your Classroom and Learning Spaces	03 août 2026	00:09:29
It's back-to-school time and some of us are stepping back into the classroom as early as today! To help you feel more prepared and excited for this year, I put together this episode to give you concrete strategies to include nature into your classroom environment. In this episode, we'll talk about 5 strategies for bringing nature into your classroom and learning spaces including: Creating a nature collection table Collecting and preparing nature manipulatives Using your windows as a bridge from inside to outside Including indoor plants Using natural colors Resources mentioned 💚 Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode81 🗂 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
	80. What Butterflies Eat: Interactive Activities for 2nd and 5th Graders	27 juil. 2026	00:09:17
It's summer and butterflies are in the air! Even though you likely don't have learners with you for a bit, I've got some interactive activities to share with you today to investigate what butterflies eat and how that relates to pollination and food chains. Press play to hear descriptions for a butterfly food snack for 2nd graders and participating in the Monarch Butterflies Journey North project with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to what butterflies eat, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: 2-LS2-2: Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants. 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun. 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 79: Are Butterflies Insects? Investigation Activities for 1st and 4th Graders Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Episode 15: 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students and Teachers Journey North registration page Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode80 🗂 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
	79. Are Butterflies Insects? Investigation Activities for 1st and 4th Graders	20 juil. 2026	00:10:42
Summer is when butterflies shine! They're out in full force, making it a great time to highlight butterflies and how they're insects. So let's get you inspired by some butterfly activity ideas this summer! Press play to hear descriptions for a thinking board about insects and butterflies for 1st graders and a set of butterfly senses centers for 4th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity answers the question "are butterflies insects?", and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: 1-LS3-1: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents. 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 78: Butterflies with Orange and Other Adaptations for Kindergarten and 3rd Graders Insect Characteristic Booklet Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode79 🗂 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
	78. Butterflies with Orange and Other Adaptations for Kindergarten and 3rd Grade	13 juil. 2026	00:14:35
July is when the North American Butterfly Count happens, making it a great time to highlight butterflies and their amazing adaptations! So let's get you some butterfly activity ideas to noodle on over the summer until you're back in the swing of things! Press play to hear descriptions for designing a host plant and caterpillar pair for kindergarteners and a research project about butterfly survival adaptations for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how they relate to activities about butterflies with orange and other adaptations for kindergarteners and 3rd graders, 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-LS3-1: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 77: 6 Butterfly Books to Introduce Characteristics, Adaptations, and Life Cycles How Butterflies Grow: 8 Picture Books About Butterfly Life Cycles What Butterfly Looks Like a Monarch and 4 Other Butterfly Survival Strategies A Raising Butterflies Kit for the Classroom: A Conservation Conversation Butterfly Life Cycle and Heredity Mini Unit for 3rd Grade (ELA & Science Activities) Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode78 🗂 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
	77. 6 Butterfly Books to Introduce Characteristics, Adaptations, and Life Cycles	06 juil. 2026	00:16:07
July is the month of butterflies thanks to the heat of the summer and the North American Butterfly Count! Butterflies are a high-interest topic that many adults and children get really engaged with. So this month I'll be focusing on butterflies and all their mystique. Books are a great way to introduce butterflies, their characteristics, adaptations, and interesting life cycles. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of butterfly books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your learners. Books in this episode 📚 Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert Are You a Butterfly? by Judy Allen, illustrated by Tudor Humphries Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, and Andy Chou Musser Butterflies Are Pretty…Gross! By Rosemary Cosco, Illustrated by Jacob Souva The Mystery of the Monarchs: How Kids, Teachers, and Butterfly Fans Helped Fred and Norah Urquhart Track the Great Monarch Migration by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Erika Meza Butterflies Belong Here: A Story of One Idea, Thirty Kids, and a World of Butterflies by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Meilo Sol Want to view all of these books in one place? Check them out here! (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.” How Butterflies Grow: 8 Picture Books About Butterfly Life Cycles Ep. 9: Exploring Invertebrates: 10 Picture Books to Introduce Animal Characteristics Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode77 🗂 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
	76. Teaching with Photographs: 6 Research-Based Benefits to Elementary Learners	29 juin 2026	00:11:22
This is a topic I've been excited to dive into for some time, and summer seemed like the perfect opportunity to introduce it. If you've never thought about how teaching with actual photographs can help your learners in science, this episode is a must-listen. I'm an avid collector of nature photos because you just never know when you'll need that random pic of a raccoon track in the mud. In this episode, we'll talk about 6 research-based benefits to teaching with photos including: Why teaching with pictures even matters. How teaching with photos helps build accurate mental models. How teaching with photographs supports inquiry. How photos can be used for scientific evidence. How teaching with photographs can build a sense of place and community. And how student-created pictures develop scientific skills in children. Resources mentioned 💚 Canva for Teachers Wikimedia Commons Unsplash Pixabay Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode76 🗂 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
	75. Summer Activities for 2nd and 5th Graders Aligned with NGSS	22 juin 2026	00:08:42
Summer has begun! And with it is a wonderful opportunity to explore water and where it can be found. Now is a great time to suggest to your learners' caregivers to enjoy the local waterways and help prevent that summer slide. Press play to hear descriptions for tracking local water visits for 2nd graders and a local waterway clean up 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 water in summer, and how you can share those activities with your learners' families. 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 liquid. 5-ESS2-2: Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth. 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 74: Outside Summer Activities for 1st and 4th Graders Aligned with NGSS Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode75 🗂 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
	74. Outside Summer Activities for 1st and 4th Graders Aligned with NGSS	15 juin 2026	00:08:35
The summer solstice is coming up next week! Which brings with it signs of summer including warmer temps and longer hours of daylight. So let's give your learners some fun games they can enjoy with their families to extend their learning as well as prevent the dreaded summer slide! Press play to hear descriptions for hours of sunlight hopscotch for 1st graders and a flashlight hide-and-seek game 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 light, 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-ESS1-2: Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year. 4-PS4-2: Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects and entering the eye allows objects to be seen. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 72: 6 Books for Summer to Help You and Your Learners’ Caregivers Introduce Seasonal Signs Episode 73: Summer Activities for Kindergarteners and 3rd Graders Aligned with NGSS Episode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode74 🗂 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
	73. Summer Activities for Kindergarteners and 3rd Graders Aligned with NGSS	08 juin 2026	00:09:29
June is the beginning of summer which brings a nice break for you the educator, and family time for your learners. So let's give your learners hands-on experiences they can enjoy with their families to extend their learning as well as prevent the dreaded summer slide! Press play to hear descriptions for a summer scavenger hunt for kindergarteners and collecting summer weather data for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how they relate to summer activities for kindergarteners and 3rd graders, and how you can share those activities with your learners' families. 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 72: 6 Books for Summer to Help You and Your Learners’ Caregivers Introduce Seasonal Signs Summer Outdoor Scavenger Hunt List Summer Book Printable Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode73 🗂 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
	72. 6 Books for Summer to Help You and Your Learners' Caregivers Introduce Seasonal Signs	01 juin 2026	00:13:47
Summer is on the horizon, so now is a good time to start scoping out books for summer to help you and your learners' caregivers teach seasonal concepts. Picture books are a great way to explore the changing of the seasons in words and pictures! In this episode I cover 6 books for summer that introduce the signs of the season, ways people can explore nature in summer, and crops that can be harvested. Press play to hear about "Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer" by Kenard Pak, "Summer is Here" by Renee Watson, "Summer Song" by Kevin Henkes, "Summer Color" by Dianna Murray, and more. Books in this episode 📚 Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer by Kenard Pak Summer is Here by Renee Watson, illustrated by Bea Jackson Summer Song By Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura Dronzek Summer Color by Dianna Murray, illustrated by Zoe Persico When Summer Comes: Exploring Nature in Our Warmest Season by Aimee M. Bissonnette, illustrated by Erin Hourigan Cheers for a Dozen Ears: A Summer Crop of Counting by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky, illustrated by Susan Swan Want to view all of these books in one place? Check them out here! (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.” “Teaching the Weather of Summer: A Helpful Guide for Elementary Teachers” Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode72 🗂 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
	71. Reptiles and Amphibians List: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities	25 mai 2026	00:13:24
Reptiles and amphibians are a high-interest topic for children (and adults) of all ages. Let's use a reptiles and amphibians list to help us engage our elementary learners! May is a fantastic time to do this since the reptiles and amphibians have come out of their winter sleep and are starting to lay eggs. Press play to hear descriptions for a turtle study for 2nd graders and an energy transfer flag tag game 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 a reptiles and amphibians list, 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-LS4-1: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 70: How Are Reptiles and Amphibians Different? 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode71 🗂 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
	70. How Are Reptiles and Amphibians Different? 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities	18 mai 2026	00:09:51
Let's continue to take advantage of the emerging reptiles and amphibians in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have animal heredity in common and looking closely at the characteristics that make reptiles and amphibians unique can help your learners distinguish them from each other and other animal groups as well. Press play to hear descriptions for a reptile and amphibian characteristic sort for 1st graders and a camouflage hide-and-seek game for 4th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity answers the question "how are reptiles and amphibians different?", and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: 1-LS3-1: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents. 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 69: Impact of Humans on Environment: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Episode 7: Animal Characteristics Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with Animals Reptile and Amphibian Characteristics Sort Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode70 🗂 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
	69. Impact of Humans on Environment: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities	11 mai 2026	00:13:49
May is a time when your learners are able to see reptiles and amphibians again before the end of the school year slips away. So let's take advantage of the return of our herps and get your learners some quality experiences! Press play to hear descriptions for a Massasauga rattlesnake wetland tag game for kindergarteners and an amphibian wetland tag game 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 the impact of humans on environment, 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-ESS3-3: Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment. 3-LS4-4: Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 68: 6 Picture Books About Characteristics of Amphibians and Reptiles Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode69 🗂 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
	68. 6 Picture Books About Characteristics of Amphibians and Reptiles	04 mai 2026	00:12:39
May is a wonderful time to get outside and look for amphibians and reptiles. Now that they are out and about, you can work with your learners to figure out what makes each group special. Books are a great way to introduce the differences of reptiles and amphibians. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about characteristics of amphibians and reptiles and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students. Books in this episode 📚 About Amphibians by Cathryn Sill, illustrated by John Sill There Are Amphibians Everywhere by Camilla de la Bedoyere, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup Sunscreen, Frogcicles, and Other Amazing Amphibian Adaptations by Laura Perdew, illustrated by Katie Mazeika About Reptiles by Cathryn Sill, illustrated by John Sill Reptiles Everywhere by Camilla de la Bedoyere, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup Water-Walking, Sidewinding, and Other Remarkable Reptiles Adaptations by Laura Perdew, illustrated by Katie Mazeika Want to view all of these in one place? Check them out here! (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you) Resources mentioned 💚 “Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.” Episode 7: Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with Animals Episode 9: Exploring Invertebrates: 10 Picture Books to Introduce Animal Characteristics Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode68 🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index 🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching 💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching 💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
	67. Pollination of Flowers: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities	27 avr. 2026	00:08:54
Pollination of flowers is a partnership worth celebrating! Flowers and animals giving each other what they need...the whole concept can lend itself well to teach many different standards in elementary school. And April is a great time to investigate it first-hand with your 2nd and 5th graders as both flowers and pollinators wake from their winter sleep! Press play to hear descriptions for an introductory pollination scavenger hunt for 2nd graders and participating in a citizen science project called the Bumblebee Watch with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to pollination of flowers, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: 2-LS2-2: Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 66: How Flowers Attract Pollinators: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Outdoor Pollination Scavenger Hunt for 2nd Grade Pollination for Plants: How to Use “Flowers Are Calling” for Effective Teaching Bumblebee Watch Bumblebee Watch - How You Can Participate Bumblebee Watch FAQs Bumblebee Watch Photo Tips Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode67 🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index 🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching 💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching 💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
	66. How Flowers Attract Pollinators: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities	20 avr. 2026	00:15:13
Let's continue to take advantage of the flowers and pollinators returning in April and focus on plant and pollinator partnerships in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have plant and animal heredity in common and pollination can help us investigate that concept. Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders visit five different pollinator and flower centers and an opportunity where 4th graders investigate flowers in the ultra violet light spectrum, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to how flowers attract pollinators, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: 1-LS3-1: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents. 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 65: Flowers and Pollinators: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Fill the Bill Flower Talk by Sara Levine, illustrated by Masha D’yans Flowers Are Calling by Rita Gray, illustrated by Kenard Pak Bjorn Rorslett Naturally Teaching Activity Index (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you) Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode66 🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index 🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching 💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching 💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
	65. Flowers and Pollinators: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities	13 avr. 2026	00:09:48
April is the first full month of spring and flowers, which also means those pollinators that were missing all winter long are slowly returning. So let's take advantage of the return of our pollination partners and get your learners some quality experiences! Press play to hear descriptions for a seasonal plant study for kindergarteners and a pollinator life stage BioBlitz for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to flowers and pollinators, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: K-LS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive. 3-LS1-1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Episode 63. Frogs Vs Toads And Other Herps in Spring: K-5 NGSS Activities Not a Buzz to Be Found: Insects in Winter by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Jaime Zollars “Pollination for Plants: How to Use ‘Flowers Are Calling’ for Effective Teaching” Naturally Teaching Activity Index (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you) Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode65 🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index 🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching 💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching 💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
	64. 7 Pollinator and Flower Books for Elementary-Aged Students	06 avr. 2026	00:12:49
April is a great time to look for flowers and early pollinators as everything awakens from its winter sleep. Adults and kids alike look forward to the return of the sprouts that signal spring and now is the time to get outside and find that early green! It's also a great time to study how flowers and pollinators interact. Books are a great way to introduce pollination and those that make it happen. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of pollinator and flower books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students. Books in this episode 📚 Fantastic Flowers by Susan Stockdale Flower Talk by Sara Levine, illustrated by Masha D’yans Before the Seed: How Pollen Moves by Susannah Buhrman-Deever, illustrated by Gina Triplett and Matt Curtius The Story of Honey: It Starts with a Flower by Robin Nelson Animal Pollinators By Jennifer Boothroyd Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton What if There Were No Bees? by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Carol Schwartz Want to view all of these books in one place? Check them out here! (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you) Resources mentioned 💚 “Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.” 9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in Spring [Ep. 43] “A Fantastic Spring Picture Book List for Elementary Teachers with 20 Titles” “11 Fantastic Animal Life Cycles Books by John Himmelman” “Pollination for Plants: How to Use ‘Flowers Are Calling’ for Effective Teaching” “How Butterflies Grow: 8 Picture Books About Life Cycles” Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode64 🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index 🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching 💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching 💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
	63. Frogs Vs Toads and Other Herps in Spring: K-5 NGSS Activities	30 mars 2026	00:18:31
By listener request: frogs vs toads and other herps in spring! Spring is a fantastic time to investigate reptiles and amphibians and today I'm sharing three interactive and engaging activities to hook your learners on these early spring risers! Tune in to hear descriptions for 3 frogs vs toads activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to frogs vs toads (or other herps), and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Frogs vs toads and other herps activities described in this episode include: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade: Salamander migration game 1st and 4th Grade: A vocal sac investigation with balloons 2nd and 5th Grade: A reptile and amphibian focused Bioblitz in different ecosystems Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards Michigan Herp Atlas iNaturalist Frog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini Unit for 3rd Grade (ELA and Science Activities) Frogs and Toads Together: Why Do Amphibians Group Up? Frog Life Cycle Coloring Page (FREE) Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode63 🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index 🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching 💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching 💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
	62. Water in Weather: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities	23 mars 2026	00:15:24
Water is a critical part of weather; without water, we wouldn't have most of our different weather conditions! Whether it's clouds, rain, thunderstorms, humidity, wind...it's all related to water in weather. And March and November are great times to study weather and the role water plays in it! Press play to hear descriptions for maple sugaring with 2nd graders and mapping vernal pools with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to water in weather, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: 2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid 5-ESS2-2: Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 61: Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities Tapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary Science How Maple Syrup Season Can Help You Teach Elementary Students Maple Syrup and Water Cycle Mini Unit for 2nd Grade (ELA, Math, and Science) Citizen Science Lab: Vernal Pools - Citizen Science Projects for 5th Graders Episode 46: Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey Harrell Episode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards Episode 48: 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents How Vernal Pools Can Be Used to Reach Your Curricular Goals Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode62 🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index 🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching 💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching 💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
	61. Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities	16 mars 2026	00:14:22
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 illuminated 4-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 Activities Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Moon 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
	60. Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities	09 mars 2026	00:10:57
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 Students Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Weather Movement Cube for Kindergarten (Ambulatory Cubes) CoCoRaHS Schools: Getting Started Need a rain gauge? Here’s the contact email for help from CoCoRaHS CoCoRaHS Basic training PDF CoCoRaHS Training slide shows CoCoRaHS Training Videos CoCoRaHS FAQ’s CoCoRaHS Gauge installation tips CoCoRaHS How to Read Your Gauge guide CoCoRaHS Data entry tips CoCoRaHS Station identification sign CoCoRaHS Apple App store CoCoRaHS Google Play store Weather Scavenger Hunt PDF FREE 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
	59. 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged Students	02 mars 2026	00:11:11
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 Sayre Dew and Frost by Elizabeth Miles Puff: All About Air by Emily Kate Moon Sunshine by Cassie Mayer Hello, Rain! By Kyo Maclear and Chris Turnham Wacky Weather: All About Odd Weather Events by Todd Tarpley Staying 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 Spring Episode 16: 10 Fall Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in Autumn 12 Children’s Story Books About Weather for Elementary Students 12 Snow Books to Support Your Elementary Curriculum Episode 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
	58. Winter Animals and Water: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities	23 févr. 2026	00:09:47
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 liquid 5-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 Activities Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Snowy 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
	57. Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities	16 févr. 2026	00:11:57
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 survive 4-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 Activities Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Episode 29: Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups. Animal Hibernation Asleep or Awake Sort Hibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st Grade (Ambulatory Cube) Animal Migration Sort Winter 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
	56. Signs of Animals in Winter: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities	09 févr. 2026	00:12:08
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 Goals Episode 55: 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged Students Episode 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
	55. 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged Students	02 févr. 2026	00:11:22
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 George Big Tracks, Little Tracks by Millicent E. Selsam, illustrated by Marlene Hill Donnelly Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal Track That Scat! by Lisa Morlock, illustrated by Carrie Ann Bradshaw Whose Track is That? by Stan Tekiela Animal 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 Winter 16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal Adaptations Over 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
	54. Urban Schools: 3 Nature Spots to Take Your Students for Learning	26 janv. 2026	00:09:29
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 Success A Raising Butterflies Kit for the Classroom: A Conservation Conversation Episode 20: 6 Animal Migration Activities for Elementary Classrooms Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Episode 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
	53. 5 Strategies for Classroom Management: Embracing Nature Moments	19 janv. 2026	00:08:02
Are you hesitant to take your students outside for learning because of possible distractions? Do you worry about how you'll give your students the opportunity to pursue their interests while also giving your lesson the time it needs? Tune in to hear descriptions for 5 strategies for classroom management to use when nature grabs your students' attention. These "nature moments" are valuable and can be a part of your outdoor learning time, you just have to know how to embrace them for your success as well as your students'. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 18: Nature Based Preschools and Elementary Classrooms: Talking Teacher Roles with Dr. Rachel Larimore Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you) Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode53 🗂 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
	52. No Snow Books About Winter for Preschool and Elementary Classrooms	12 janv. 2026	00:10:53
If you're in a region where winter doesn't include snow, you've probably noticed that there aren't very many books about winter for preschool and elementary classrooms that represent your local weather well. This is probably really confusing for your early childhood students. Sure, you make it work, but wouldn't it be great if there were picture books that represented your mild winters? That's why I've scoured the internet to find 5 no snow books to help you out this winter. In this episode, I give you a brief summary about these books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students. Books in this episode 📚 City Moon by Rachael Cole, illustrated by Blanca Gomez It Never, Ever Snows in Florida by Amy Sweezey, illustrated by Ricardo J. Rodriguez In a Mississippi Winter by Kathy Chase Young, by Kelly Arcarese Stanford Ocean Seasons by Ron Hirschi, illustrated by Kirsten Carlson Seasons by Hannah Pang, illustrated by Clover Robin (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” 16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers Episode 34: 9 Winter Picture Books to Help Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode52 🗂 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
	51. Adapting - Naturally Teaching Elementary Updates and Goals	05 janv. 2026	00:06:40
After 9 long months - the Naturally Teaching Elementary podcast is back in action! I'm so happy to be behind the mic again to share ideas for bringing science into your classrooms, integrating science and literacy, and taking your teaching outside. Tune in to hear what I've been up to for the last 9 months and my plans for this podcast going forward. Get ahold of me on Instagram or via email (victoria@naturallyteaching.com) to let me know what topics you'd be interested in hearing about in the New Year. Thanks for tuning in again! Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode51 🗂 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
	50. Picture Books for 4th Graders and Beyond: Using Picture Books to Enhance Your Science Teaching with Dan Kriesberg	28 avr. 2025	00:27:15
Picture books are a fantastic tool for teaching learners, and they're not just for early childhood learners. Children of all ages can benefit from hearing picture books and seeing their illustrations, and they can be especially beneficial for teaching science with your elementary-aged learners. In today's episode, Dan Kriesberg talks about picture books for 4th graders and beyond and how he used picture books to teach even into middle school. He talks about what he looks for in quality picture books for older students and how he's used them to enhance his teaching. You'll definitely want to hit play to hear these intriguing ideas and picture book suggestions! Also, make sure to listen to the end of the episode to hear an update about the show. Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode50 Email Dan Kriesberg: kriesbergdan@gmail.com Links to resources mentioned in the episode: Earth Wisdom - Dan Kriesberg A Sense of Place: Teaching Children About the Environment with Picture Books Think Green, Take Action: Books and Activities for Kids Diversity Education In Nature Teach Outdoors - Teaching for All: Making Outdoor Learning Accessible and Inclusive Papa Bear Hikes - Diversity Education In Nature Talaterra - Ep116 Dan Kriesberg and Camille Simone Edwards, Diversity Education in Nature Keepers of the Earth by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac Night Letters by Palmyra LoMonaco, illustrated by Normand Chartier Climbing Kansas Mountains by George Shannon, illustrated by Thomas B. Allen The Floating House by Scott Russell Sanders, illustrated by Helen Cogancherry Byrd Baylor books The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor, illustrated by Peter Parnall Secret Place by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Ted Rand My Father’s Hands by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Mark Graham Who Came Down That Road by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Peter Catalanotto 🗂 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
	49. 9 Fine Arts Examples of Vernal Pool and Frog Projects for Elementary-aged Learners	21 avr. 2025	00:19:31
Fine arts are a creative way to let your learners share their understanding of your curriculum. By providing opportunities for painting, sculpting, music, poetry, theatre, cinematography, photography, and more, you're providing your learners the opportunity to build their confidence, work on collaboration skills, and allow all learners to shine. Tune in to hear descriptions for 9 fine arts examples of vernal pool and frog projects to use this spring. During the episode I share a description for each project, materials you'll need to make each project happen, preparation suggestions, and how to present the project to your learners. Fine arts projects described in this episode include: Creating a frog call instrument Developing a skit to retell a story Creating props and costumes to go along with the skit Recording the skit and adding cinematic elements Sculpting a frog life cycle Writing a vernal pool or frog poem Taking photographs of vernal pools or animals Painting a watercolor painting next to a vernal pool Drawing an organism collected from a vernal pool Resources mentioned 💚 46. Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey Harrell 47. 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards 48. 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents iMovie for Mac iMovie for Windows Stop Motion Studio Vernal Pools by MassDCR Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode49 🗂 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
	48. 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents	14 avr. 2025	00:18:09
Spring is breeding season for frogs and many species use vernal pools to lay their eggs. To get your learners excited about this special time of the year, consider reading them vernal pool or frog books. In this episode I cover 9 picture books that introduce vernal pools, how frogs use them, and frog life cycles. Press play to hear about "The Secret Pool" by Kimberly Ridley, "A Wood Frog's Life" by John Himmelman, "Salamander Sky" by Katy Farber, and more. Books in this episode 📚 The Secret Pool by Kimberly Ridley, illustrated by Rebekah Raye The Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool Through the Seasons by Linda Booth Sweeney, illustrated by Miki Sato Vernal Pool Visitors by Heidi Clemmer, illustrated by Marisa Picariello A Wood Frog’s Life by John Himmelman Tadpoles by Matt James Noisy Frog Sing-Along by John Himmelman A Salamander’s Life by John Himmelman Salamander Sky by Katy Farber, illustrated by Meg Sodano Salamander Season by Jennifer Keats Curtis and J. Adam Frederick, illustrated by Shennen Bersani (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 Vernal Pool Visitors read aloud by Cape Cod Author Heidi Clemmer for the Brewster Ponds Coalition 11 Fantastic Animal Life Cycles Books By John Himmelman Frog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini Unit for 3rd Grade Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode48 🗂 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
	47. 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards	07 avr. 2025	00:23:22
Spring is a fantastic time to explore concepts like sound waves, life cycles, biodiversity, and more. Frogs in the Northern Hemisphere take advantage of spring warmth to call for mates and move through their life cycles...and many of them do this in vernal pools. Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 vernal pools and frog activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to vernal pools and frogs, 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. Vernal pools and frog activities described in this episode include: Kindergarten: Creating a vernal pool protection plan 1st Grade: Watching videos of frogs calling 2nd Grade: Conducting an ecosystem survey 3rd Grade: Dipping for animal life stages 4th Grade: Playing a frog call game 5th Grade: Designing a scientific collection tool Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Episode 32: 6 Fun Winter Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards Wood Frog Calling Western Chorus Frog Calling Toad vibrations create amazing ripples on water (a short, but sooo good) Episode 45: 6 Earth Day Projects for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents Episode 46: Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey Harrell Citizen Science Lab: Vernal Pools - Citizen Science Projects for 5th Graders Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode47 🗂 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
	46. Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey Harrell	31 mars 2025	00:23:07
Vernal pools are a little-known secret, but are an amazing spring phenomenon. These unique wetlands are made from snow melt and spring rains and are only around for short time. But in their short time, they are home to special organisms and are crucial for the survival of many species. In today's episode, Lindsey Harrell explains the Vernal Pool Patrol, a community science opportunity in Michigan. She starts with an explanation of what vernal pools are, how they benefit nature, where to find vernal pools near you, what kind of equipment you might want, and more. If you're interested in taking part in this community science project, but you're not sure what to expect, make sure to listen to the end of the episode. Today's nature note is my firsthand experience surveying a pool with the Vernal Pool Patrol. Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode46 Email Lindsey Harrell: lharrell@chippewanaturecenter.org Links to Vernal Pool Patrol resources: Vernal Pool Patrol Landing Page Vernal Pool Patrol Training Page Identification Resources Vernal Pool Michigan Map Michigan Vernal Pool Partnership Michigan Vernal Pools Research Fund 🗂 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
	45. 6 Earth Day Projects for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents	24 mars 2025	00:24:30
Earth Day is coming up in just under a month and it's a great holiday to incorporate science activities into your celebrations! Many Earth Day activity lists suggest the same ideas over and over, so I'm here to give you some unique projects to do with your learners this year. Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 Earth Day projects aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the project, how the project relates to Earth Day, and a description of how to implement the project in your classroom or at home. Make sure you listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these projects or use one for a different grade level. Earth Day projects describe in this episode include: Kindergarten: Designing trash picker-uppers 1st Grade: Solving the problem of staying warm in a car 2nd Grade: Designing a way to clean water 3rd Grade: Creating a wetland mitigation model 4th Grade: Developing non-renewable and renewable resource saving punch cards 5th Grade: Participating in the iNaturalist citizen science project Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside The Day the Trash Came Out to Play by David M. Beadle, illustrated by Laurie A. Faust The Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord, illustrated by Julia Blattman Earth Day Engineers Water Mini Unit for 2nd Grade (STEM and ELA Activities) Earth Day Engineers Habitat Mini Unit for 3rd Grade (STEM and ELA Activities) Episode 15: 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students 18 Kids Earth Day Books to Inspire Elementary Students This Year A List of Earth Day Activities Elementary Students Will Love This Year Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode45 🗂 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
	44. 6 Elementary Math Activities for Spring Aligned with K-5 Common Core State Standards	17 mars 2025	00:20:15
If you're looking for a way to practice your math concepts in a real-world context this spring, this is the podcast episode for you! Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 elementary math activities for spring aligned with Common Core State Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to the spring season, 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. Elementary math activities described in this episode include: Kindergarten: Counting flower petals 1st Grade: Measuring spring sprouts 2nd Grade: Telling sunrise and sunset times on clocks 3rd Grade: Finding the volume of objects using displacement 4th Grade: Counting sap drips and multiplying by 2 digit numbers 5th Grade: Mystery patterns with partners Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Science Activity Index Episode 41: Teaching Elementary Math Outside with Lauren MacLean Episode 42: 6 Fun Spring Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards Episode 43: 9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals Time and Date The Old Farmer’s Almanac Maple Tree Tapping - Sap Dripping video Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode44 🗂 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
	43. 9 Spring Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in Spring	10 mars 2025	00:16:06
Spring is about to begin, so now is a good time to start scoping out spring picture books to help you teach seasonal concepts. Picture books are a great way to explore the changing of the seasons in words and pictures. In this episode I cover 9 picture books that introduce the signs of the season, plants, and animals in spring. Press play to hear about "Spring Thaw" by Steven Schnur, "Abracadabra, It’s Spring" by Anne Sibley O’Brien, "Worm Weather" by Jean Taft, "Bloom Boom!" by April Pulley Sayre, and more. Books in this episode 📚 Spring Thaw by Steven Schnur, illustrated by Stacey Schuett Spring for Sophie by Yael Werber, illustrated by Jen Hill Mud by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Lauren Stringer Abracadabra, It’s Spring by Anne Sibley O’Brien, illustrated by Susan Gal Snowman – Cold = Puddle by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Micha Archer Worm Weather by Jean Taft, illustrated by Matt Hunt It’s Spring! by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Susan Swan Sixteen Miles to Spring by Andrew Pelletier, illustrated by Katya Krenina
	42. 6 Fun Spring Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards	03 mars 2025	00:26:11
Spring is a season of growth, rebirth, and rejuvenation. The plants and animals feel energized, and so do we. We all missed that sun and the warmer temperatures. So let's make the season work for you by including fun spring activities in your schedule! Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun spring activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to the spring season, and a description of how to implement the activity in your classroom. 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. Fun spring activities described in this episode include: Kindergarten: A Hummingbird’s Needs Survey 1st Grade: Engineering a Solution to Stay Dry in Rain 2nd Grade: Phenology Study with Ephemeral Flowers 3rd Grade: Dimorphism Flag Tag 4th Grade: Flooding Solution Models 5th Grade: Maple Sap to Maple Syrup Relay Race Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside Episode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards Episode 20: 6 Animal Migration Activities for the Elementary Classroom Hummingbird Migration Project Miss Maple’s Seeds Book Companion for 2nd Grade Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode42 🗂 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
	41. Teaching Elementary Math Outside with Lauren MacLean	24 févr. 2025	00:36:08
If you've been wanting to take your elementary math outside but you're not sure where to start, then this is the podcast episode for you! In today's episode, Lauren MacLean explains a typical day in nature with learners, the benefits of learning math outside, activity types for teaching math in nature, a realistic view of using math manipulatives outside, documenting learner progress, SO MANY examples, and more. Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode because today's Teaching Tip is a list of 11 nature-based picture books that are all about mathematical concepts. Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode41 Connect with Lauren MacLean Email Lauren: lauren@teachoutdoors.ca Teach Outdoors website Teach Outdoors podcast Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks Sitting With Nature: An Educator's Guide to Sit Spots Me and My Sit Spot Me and My Sit Spot for Early Learners Me and My Sit Spot - French Translation Sit Spot Classroom Kit 🗂 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
	40. 10 Ice and Snow Art Ideas for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents	17 févr. 2025	00:18:50
Snow and ice are unique weather phenomena that children absolutely love. So let's take advantage of that excitement and give them fun ice and snow art projects to dive into this winter! Tune in to hear about the difference between product and process art as well as 10 project ideas all about snow and ice. During the episode, I share a description for each project, materials you'll need to make each project happen, preparation suggestions, and how to present the projects to your learners. Ice and snow projects described in the episode include: Painting with colored ice cubes Geoboard snowflakes Snowflake symmetry Watercolor revealing snowflakes Puffy snow paint Toothpick and marshmallow snowflakes Over and under the snow and ice landscapes Snow and ice scultpures Painting snow with watercolors Making rainbow icicles Resources mentioned 💚 38. 6 Activities for Learning About Water in Winter for Teachers and Homeschool Parents 39. 11 Children’s Water Cycle Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents Snow and Winter Weather Mini Unit for Kindergarten Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode40 🗂 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
	39. 11 Children's Water Cycle Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents	10 févr. 2025	00:22:28
Winter is the perfect season to explore the water cycle with your learners since freezing temperatures give way to some lesser seen steps in the process. In winter, water can naturally be found in all three states, providing experiences that are unattainable the rest of the year. In this episode I cover 11 children’s water cycle books that introduce the water cycle, where water can be found, and that it comes in different states. Press play to hear about "Water is Water" by Miranda Paul, "Once Upon a Raindrop" by James Carter, "From River to Raindrop: The Water Cycle" by Emma Carlson Berne, "Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse" by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton, and more. Books in this episode 📚 The Drop Goes Plop: A First Look at the Water Cycle by Sam Godwin Water is Water by Miranda Paul Water Dance by Thomas Locker Drop: An Adventure Through the Water Cycle by Emily Kate Moon Once Upon a Raindrop by James Carter When Cloud Became a Cloud by Rob Hodgson The Great Big Water Cycle Adventure by Kay Barnham From River to Raindrop: The Water Cycle by Emma Carlson Berne Rivers of Sunlight: How the Sun Moves Water Around the Earth by Molly Bang and Penny Chisholm The Snowflake: A Water Cycle Story by Neil Waldman Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton (Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you) Resources mentioned 💚 “How Maple Syrup Season Can Help You Teach Elementary Students” “Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.” Maple Syrup and Water Cycle Mini Unit for 2nd Grade Tapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary Science “The Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary Teachers” Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode39 🗂 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

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