The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast is the podcast for teachers and parents and anyone interested in cultivating learning gardens and nature-based curricula for children. It’s a show that will help you transform your outdoor space and will offer “seeds of inspiration” for playful learning outdoors. Each week, Victoria Hackett and her guests will share tips and actionable strategies that you will need in order to set in motion, manage and grow your Outdoor Classroom. You’ll learn how to implement the 5 Phases of Teaching Outdoors, all while providing a new way of learning for your children!
Studies have shown that children who learn outdoors in all seasons “develop a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline, and initiative.”
Victoria Hackett is the founder of Outdoor-Classrooms.com, The CIRCLE Membership community, and The Secret Gardens Demonstration Outdoor Classroom. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more, head on over to our virtual playground at outdoor-classrooms.com.
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Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, a podcast by Victoria Hackett, M.Ed: Learning Gardens and Nature Based Curriculum - Stats, Episodes and Rankings - My Podcast Data
201: Turn Back Time with Lisa Burris: Reclaiming Childhood Through Outdoor Learning
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 • Duration 53:45
Episode #201: Turn Back Time with Lisa Burris: Reclaiming Childhood Through Outdoor Learning
What happens when children are given time, space, and freedom to connect deeply with nature?
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Lisa Burris, founder of Turn Back Time, to explore the transformative power of outdoor learning, connection, and childhood wonder.
Lisa shares the story behind Turn Back Time and how her work has created meaningful experiences for children and families through nature-based education, farm experiences, and relationship-centered learning. Together, we discuss what children truly need to thrive, the importance of unstructured outdoor play, and how nature helps children build confidence, resilience, and belonging.
This conversation is a beautiful reminder that childhood was never meant to happen only indoors.
In This Episode, We Explore:
The story behind Turn Back Time
Why nature-based learning matters now more than ever
Supporting children through connection and outdoor experiences
The role of risk, wonder, and freedom in childhood
How outdoor learning transforms both children and educators
The healing power of slowing down and reconnecting with nature
What gives Lisa hope for the future of education
Whether you are a parent, educator, or advocate for children, this episode will leave you inspired to see outdoor learning in a whole new way.
Follow, rate, and review to help others discover outdoor learning. Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and rate or comment on Spotify. Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators!
200. Aging Well Through Nature: Lessons from My 93-Year-Old Mother’s Garden
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 • Duration 32:49
Episode #200: Aging Well Through Nature: Lessons from My 93-Year-Old Mother’s Garden
This Mother’s Day, I visited my 93-year-old mother and spent time in her garden—a living, breathing oasis filled with flowers, birds, sunlight, and the quiet rhythm of seasonal change.
As I watched her move through this familiar space, I found myself reflecting on something we often overlook: nature is not just for children.
In this episode, I share a personal story alongside research and reflection on how nature supports healthy aging, emotional wellbeing, memory, purpose, and quality of life in older adults. From gardening to sunlight to sensory connection, we explore why outdoor spaces matter deeply across the entire lifespan.
We also consider what it means to age in place surrounded by nature—and why beauty, rhythm, and connection remain essential at every age.
In This Episode
A visit to my 93-year-old mother’s garden
What nature offers in aging and elderhood
Research on nature and healthy aging
Emotional and cognitive benefits of gardens
Why nature matters across the lifespan
Key Takeaway
Nature is not optional in later life—it is essential to wellbeing, connection, and how we continue to feel alive.
199: The Legacy You’re Already Living: Nature-Based Education, Outdoor Learning & the Power of Attention
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • Duration 28:06
The Legacy You’re Already Living: Nature-Based Education, Outdoor Learning & the Power of Attention
What if legacy isn’t something we leave behind—but something we build every day?
In this episode, we explore how nature-based education shapes children through attention, connection, and repeated experiences outdoors. Through a story from the Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom, a simple puddle becomes a powerful example of how curiosity, observation, and place-based learning create lasting impact.
This episode is for educators and parents who want to deepen children’s relationship with the natural world—and understand how those small moments become meaningful over time.
In This Episode:
Rethinking legacy in education
The role of attention in outdoor learning
How nature-based education builds connection and care
Why returning to the same place matters
How identity forms through experiences in nature
Key Takeaway:
What children learn to notice, they learn to value.
Reflection:
What are you teaching children to notice?
Closing:
Small moments outdoors can shape how children see—and care for—the world.
198: Beyond the Front Door with José Bergeron: Small Shifts That Transform Family & Classroom Life Outdoors
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 • Duration 40:18
🎧 Beyond the Front Door with José Bergeron: Small Shifts That Transform Family & Classroom Life Outdoors
What if the most meaningful learning—for both families and classrooms—begins just beyond the front door?
In this episode, I’m joined by José Bergeron, author of Beyond the Front Door: Embracing Nature for a Happier and Healthier Family, to explore how simple, everyday moments in nature can transform the way children live, learn, and connect—at home and in school.
We talk about why so many children are disconnected from the outdoors—and how small, intentional shifts can bring nature back into daily rhythms. José shares insights on child development, the power of unstructured play, and how outdoor experiences support focus, creativity, and emotional well-being.
This conversation is for parents, caregivers, and educators who want to create meaningful, low-pressure ways for children to learn and thrive outside.
👋 Meet José
Meet José Bergeron, author of Beyond the Front Door: Embracing Nature for a Happier and Healthier Family. He is passionate about helping families and educators reconnect children with the natural world through simple, meaningful everyday experiences. His work centers on the idea that small shifts—stepping outside, slowing down, and making space for unstructured play—can have a powerful impact on children’s well-being, learning, and connection.
🌿 In This Episode, We Explore:
Why nature is essential for children’s growth—at home and in school
Simple, doable ways to bring outdoor learning into everyday routines
The role of unstructured play in both family life and education
How time outside supports focus, creativity, and emotional regulation
Practical ideas for educators to extend learning beyond classroom walls
🔗 Connect with José
Want to learn more from José Bergeron?
197: Playful Personalities: Designing Outdoor Classrooms that Invite Every Child In
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • Duration 23:23
Episode #197: Playful Personalities: Designing Outdoor Classrooms that Invite Every Child In
What if engagement in your outdoor classroom isn’t about better activities—but better design?
In this episode, we explore playful personalities—the natural ways children engage with the world—and how they can become powerful on-ramps to learning. From builders and explorers to observers and storytellers, you’ll learn how to design spaces that invite every child in.
With real stories and simple shifts, you’ll begin to see your outdoor classroom as a place of belonging, curiosity, and meaningful learning.
🌿 In This Episode
What playful personalities are
Why children engage differently outdoors
How to design with multiple entry points
Simple ways to make your space more inclusive
💭 ReflectionWho is your space inviting in… and who might still be waiting at the edge?🔗 Connect
196: Growing Outside with Ellen Grudzien: Trusting Children, Nature, and the Process
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 • Duration 48:55
Episode 196: Growing Outside with Ellen Grudzien: Trusting Children, Nature, and the Process
What if the most meaningful learning doesn’t happen inside a classroom—but outside?
In this episode, I’m joined by Ellen Grudzien, founder of Let’s Grow Outside NH, to explore the power of child-led learning in nature. With decades of experience in early childhood education, Ellen shares how outdoor classrooms can transform the way children learn, grow, and connect.
We talk about what it really looks like to trust children, embrace all-weather learning, and create space for curiosity to lead.
✨ In This Episode:
The story behind Let’s Grow Outside NH
What child-led learning looks like in practice
The impact of outdoor education on confidence and independence
Navigating concerns around safety, weather, and academics
Simple ways to bring more nature-based learning into your day
🌱 Takeaway
You don’t need a forest to get started—just a shift in mindset, a willingness to slow down, and trust in the process.
195: How Outdoor Classrooms Are Rewiring the Way We Think | The Nature Embedded Mind with Julie Brams
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 • Duration 48:27
🌿 How Outdoor Classrooms Are Rewiring the Way We Think: The Nature Embedded Mind with Julie Brams
What if the way we think—and teach—could actually heal both ourselves and the planet?
In this episode, I sit down with Julie Brams, author of The Nature Embedded Mind, to explore how a “nature embedded mind” can transform education, outdoor classrooms, and the way children—and adults—relate to the world around them.
We dive into why outdoor classrooms aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re a powerful tool for reshaping thinking, fostering connection, and inspiring curiosity. Julie shares insights on how reconnecting with nature influences how we learn, play, and solve problems, and why this matters now more than ever.
✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:
What a “nature embedded mind” really means and why it matters
How outdoor classrooms can shape not just learning, but thinking itself
How children naturally understand connection—and how educators can nurture it
Simple ways teachers can bring this mindset into daily practice
Why reconnecting with nature is key to healing ourselves and our planet
This conversation is an invitation to step outside—literally and metaphorically—and see how thinking differently can open up new possibilities for teaching, learning, and living.
🌱 Julie Brams Resources & Links
Learn more about Julie Brams and The Nature Embedded Mind HERE
194: The Outdoor Classroom Is Already Beautiful: Noticing & Using What’s Around You
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 • Duration 14:10
🎙️ The Outdoor Classroom Is Already Beautiful: Noticing & Using What’s Around You🌿 After a trip to Ithaca, New York and its stunning waterfalls, I found myself reflecting on why nature feels so powerful when we travel—but so easy to overlook at home.
In this episode, I explore how to bring that same sense of awe into our outdoor classrooms, no matter where we are. Because meaningful outdoor learning isn’t about the location—it’s about how we help students notice, slow down, and connect.
✨ In This Episode:
Why awe matters in learning
How to reframe everyday outdoor spaces
Simple ways to build noticing and wonder with students
💭 Key Takeaway
The magic isn’t in the place—it’s in the noticing.
⭐ Enjoyed This Episode?
Follow, rate, and share to help more educators bring learning outside.
Join the Outdoor Classrooms Community:
Want to continue the conversation, access our workshop library, or collaborate with like-minded educators?
👉 Join the CIRCLE Membership and grow into a more confident, connected outdoor classroom leader.
193: What If? Reimagining Education Through Play, Nature, and Outdoor Classrooms
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 • Duration 25:29
🎙️ What If? Reimagining Education Through Play, Nature, and Possibility🌿 Episode Description
What if we let children be children… a little longer?
After returning from a guest speaking experience at Endicott College, this episode reflects on the power of play—not just in early childhood, but across all ages.
Through storytelling, real classroom experiences, and thought-provoking questions, we explore what might be possible if we reimagined education through play, nature, and trust in development.
What if reading instruction didn’t begin so early?
What if every child had access to an outdoor classroom?
What if future teachers were trained to teach beyond four walls?
This is an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider a different path forward—one rooted in curiosity, connection, and the simple, powerful act of play.
🌱 In This Episode, We Explore:
The experience of bringing play into a college classroom
Why play matters for older elementary students, adolescents, and adults
The hesitation—and transformation—when adults are invited to play
What we can learn from education systems in Norway and Finland
The connection between outdoor learning, mental health, and engagement
How small shifts in teaching can create meaningful change
Why play is not a break from learning—but the learning itself
🌍 Key Takeaways
Play does not have an age limit—it is a lifelong human need
Outdoor learning supports focus, resilience, and well-being
Delaying formal academics does not mean delaying success
Educators don’t need to change everything—small moments matter
Reconnecting with play can transform both teaching and learning
🌼 Reflection Questions
Take a moment to pause and reflect:
What is one memory you have of playing outdoors as a child?
When was the last time you experienced unstructured play?
🌿 Try ThisSubscribe & Share
192: Behind the Pages: The Making of My Book, Outdoor Classrooms Unlocked
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • Duration 22:28
Episode 192: Behind the Pages: The Making of Outdoor Classrooms Unlocked
Ever wonder what it takes to bring a book to life? In this episode, I take you behind the pages of my upcoming book, Outdoor Classrooms Unlocked: The 5 Phases of Confident Outdoor Teaching Across 4 Types of Teaching Gardens.
I share the full journey—from the first spark of an idea, to writing and editing the manuscript, gathering feedback from early readers, and even selecting a cover that captures the heart of teaching outdoors. Along the way, you’ll hear stories, surprises, and reflections from my experience as an outdoor educator and author.
We also explore how the 5 Phases of outdoor teaching and 4 types of teaching gardens shaped the structure and vision of the book, giving insight into not just what the book is, but how it grew and evolved over time.
Whether you’re an educator, aspiring author, or just curious about the creative process, this episode offers a story-driven look at the making of a book, with lessons, reflections, and inspiration for anyone bringing an idea to life.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
How the book concept came to life and evolved over time
Reflections on the manuscript editing process
Stories and feedback from early readers
The journey of designing the book cover and illustrations
Insights from the 5 Phases and 4 Teaching Gardens framework
Lessons learned as a teacher and author
Links & Resources:
Join the Outdoor Classrooms Community:
Want to continue the conversation, access our workshop library, or collaborate with like-minded educators?
👉 Join the and grow into a more confident, connected outdoor classroom leader.
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Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and rate or comment on Spotify. Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators!
Follow, rate, and review to help others discover outdoor learning. Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and rate or comment on Spotify. Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators!
You can also explore more of José’s writing and seasonal nature inspiration on her website, where she shares practical ideas for helping families reconnect with the outdoors year-round.
Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and rate or comment on Spotify. Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators!
Follow, rate, and review to help others discover outdoor learning. Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and rate or comment on Spotify. Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators!
Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and rate or comment on Spotify. Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators!
Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and rate or comment on Spotify. Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators!
Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and rate or comment on Spotify. Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators!
What might shift if you brought one small moment of play into your day?
What is one “What if?” question you are holding about education?
If you enjoyed this episode of Outdoor Classroom Podcast, be sure to subscribe and share it with a fellow educator, parent, or nature-loving friend.
Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and rate or comment on Spotify. Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators!
Join the Outdoor Classrooms Community:
Want to continue the conversation, access our workshop library, or collaborate with like-minded educators?
👉 Join the CIRCLE Membership and grow into a more confident, connected outdoor classroom leader.
