Best Victoria Zablocki Elementary Teacher Turned Outdoor Educator Podcasts (2025)

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50. Picture Books for 4th Graders and Beyond: Using Picture Books to Enhance Your Science Teaching with Dan Kriesberg 27:15

3M ago27:15

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 …

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49. 9 Fine Arts Examples of Vernal Pool and Frog Projects for Elementary-aged Learners 19:31

3M ago19:31

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. Tu…

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48. 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents 18:09

4M ago18:09

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 Secre…

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47. 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards 23:22

4M ago23:22

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 …

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46. Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey Harrell 23:07

4M ago23:07

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 Pa…

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45. 6 Earth Day Projects for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents 24:30

4M ago24:30

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 G…

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44. 6 Elementary Math Activities for Spring Aligned with K-5 Common Core State Standards 20:15

5M ago20:15

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 re…

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43. 9 Spring Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in Spring 16:06

5M ago16:06

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 a…

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42. 6 Fun Spring Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards 26:11

5M ago26:11

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 Sta…

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41. Teaching Elementary Math Outside with Lauren MacLean 36:08

5M ago36:08

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 o…

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40. 10 Ice and Snow Art Ideas for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents 18:50

6M ago18:50

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 f…

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39. 11 Children's Water Cycle Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents 22:28

6M ago22:28

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 introduc…

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38. 6 Activities for Learning About Water in Winter for Teachers and Homeschool Parents 19:24

6M ago19:24

19:24

Winter temperatures may not be everyone's favorite, but those temperatures provide the opportunity for learning about water in a rich and engaging way. The winter season gives your learners the chance to experience water in its three states, sometimes even on the same day! Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 activities for learning about water that …

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37. 6 Valentine's Day Class Party Ideas Enhanced with Science 23:50

6M ago23:50

23:50

Valentine's Day is fluttering our way and will be here very soon! For those of you already preparing for your class party, listen to this episode to discover ways to enhance your class party with a science twist (for those you not ready to plan, listen now and then revisit when you're in the planning mood). In this episode, I share Next Generation …

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36. Gamifying Learning for Elementary-Aged Children with Allie Elliott 27:35

6M ago27:35

27:35

If you've been considering gamifying learning but you're not sure where to start, then this is the podcast episode for you! In today's episode, Allie Elliott explains what gamification is, she gives SO MANY examples of games to use with elementary-aged children, classroom management tips, how gamifying learning creates community within your group, …

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35. 6 Groundhog's Day Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups 20:08

7M ago20:08

20:08

Groundhog's Day is coming up in just a few weeks and it's a great holiday to incorporate science activities in your celebrations! Many people think it's just a time to talk about weather, but you can also enjoy activities about shadows, hibernation, and squirrels. Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun Groundhog's Day activities aligned with Next G…

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34. 9 Winter Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter 16:55

7M ago16:55

16:55

Winter has just begun, so now is a good time to start scoping out winter 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, snow, and animals in winter. Press play to hear about …

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33. Ch-Ch-Changes: New Year Newness 10:00

7M ago10:00

10:00

It's almost the New Year which means it's time for reflection, gratitude, and new beginnings. Listen in as I share my reflections on this podcast, all the things I am thankful for, and exciting things to look forward to in 2025 including a new name for the podcast and an activity index coming in March. Resources mentioned 💚 Podcasting for Educators…

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32. 6 Fun Winter Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards 26:26

7M ago26:26

26:26

Winter is a season of mystery and intrigue. So let's make the season work for you by including fun winter activities in your schedule! Combining the mystique of winter with the power of learning through play can get your students motivated to learn. Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun winter activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standa…

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31. Next Generation Science Standards Explained with Beth Christiansen 26:31

8M ago26:31

26:31

If you've been struggling to understand the Next Generation Science Standards and how to use them in your elementary classroom, then this is the podcast episode for you! In today's episode Beth Christiansen explains the Next Generation Science Standards, how they differ from traditional science standards, how they utilize three dimensional learning…

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30. 10 Books on Hibernation and Other Forms of Dormancy for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups 16:49

8M ago16:49

16:49

Animals have spent the last few months preparing for this moment, the moment when fall fades and winter arrives. Many animals have found a place to sleep for the winter and will remain there until spring comes. This fascinating concept may be foreign to your students, but it's an amazing phenomena that could captivate them. Studying animal dormancy…

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29. Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups 27:57

8M ago27:57

27:57

Hibernation in animals is a much talked about topic in elementary science, but it’s misunderstood. Listen in to hear about hibernation and the different forms of animal dormancy including torpor, brumation, and diapause. After covering the basics of animal dormancy, we’ll talk through 6 different activities inspired by sleeping animals for grades K…

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28. Outdoor Learning Equipment for Schools and Homeschool Groups 13:53

8M ago13:53

13:53

Did you know that you already have all the tools that you need to take your teaching outside? All the skills that you use to teach inside will transfer swimmingly outside and will serve you and your students well. However, if you're looking for some equipment and props to help make that transition easier, make sure to take a listen to this episode.…

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27. The Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Put Together a Bird Feeding Station with Martha Holzheuer 32:22

9M ago32:22

32:22

If you're looking to get involved in the citizen science project the Great Backyard Bird Count with your students but you don't know where to start, then this is the episode for you! There are two ways to participate in the count; you can either count birds while you walk outside or you can count birds while watching bird feeders. This episode is h…

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26. Celebrating the Winter Solstice with an Outdoor Party for Your Elementary Students 19:47

9M ago19:47

19:47

Winter break is right around the corner! And even though Thanksgiving is still on the horizon, your winter party is creeping up faster than you want to admit. If you're looking for a way to be more inclusive with your party theme and activities this year, consider celebrating the winter solstice instead of Christmas or Hanukkah. The winter solstice…

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25. 4 Turkey Day Activities and Books for Energetic Elementary Students 14:51

9M ago14:51

14:51

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, you know the pre-holiday energy is on its way. It may not be on the same level as winter break energy, but it's still energy on a whole other level from the regular 5-day-week energy. In this episode, I'm bringing you 4 different books with activities to celebrate turkeys the week leading up to Thanksgiving break. …

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24. 6 Moon Phase Activities for Elementary Classrooms 26:21

9M ago26:21

26:21

It's the last little bit of October, a month associated with spookiness and darkness. And in this darkness, we can look to the moon to help us reach our curricular goals. Although it sounds like a limited subject, the phases of the moon can actually help us teach physics, life science, Earth science, and space science! In this episode, I share a mo…

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23. Planning a Field Trip Made Easier with Education Director James Dake 18:35

10M ago18:35

18:35

If planning a field trip is stressful for you, this episode could be just what you need to hear! James Dake, Education Director of Grass River Natural Area, is on the show today to talk about field trips and he shares his unique perspective as a certified teacher with classroom experience who now writes, organizes, and implements nature field trips…

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22. Different Kinds of Children's Outdoor Activities and Games for Teaching Science 24:43

10M ago24:43

24:43

If you’ve decided to take your students outside for learning but you’re not sure where to start lesson planning, this is the episode for you! There are a variety of children’s outdoor activities and games to enhance your science studies, and I cover 9 of them in this episode. Tune in for descriptions and examples of: Group meetings or whole group m…

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21. 10 Nocturnal Animal Books: Introducing Animal Adaptations That Help Animals Survive the Night 21:29

10M ago21:29

21:29

October is a month for dark, spooky, and mysterious things. Nocturnal animals check those boxes for sure! And what better way is there to introduce your students to creatures of the night other than picture books? To keep with the spirit of the month, this episode is all about 10 nocturnal animal books that can help you introduce animal diversity, …

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20. 6 Animal Migration Activities for the Elementary Classroom 26:25

10M ago26:25

26:25

Fall animal migration is in full swing and is a natural phenomenon that your students will love to study! And guess what?! It's a very dynamic concept that can actually apply to physics, life science, Earth science, and space science! In the episode, I share an animal migration activity for each grade, K-5, paired with a Next Generation Science Sta…

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19. Classroom Halloween Activities for An Outdoor Celebration 13:56

10M ago13:56

13:56

It's officially fall and Halloween is right around the corner! As you begin planning your classroom Halloween activities, consider taking your party outside. Nature has a lot to offer your Halloween party including open space, natural decorations, and the ability to tolerate loud noises! In this episode, I describe different ways that you can succe…

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18. Nature Based Preschools and Elementary Classrooms: Talking Teacher Roles with Dr. Rachel Larimore 37:12

11M ago37:12

37:12

Quality teachers are the most important part of nature based preschools and elementary classrooms. But what roles do teachers need to embody in order to make these programs so successful? Tune in to hear Dr. Rachel Larimore explain effective teacher roles in early childhood classrooms. She shares her experience as a former preschool director, consu…

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17. 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards 24:59

11M ago24:59

24:59

Fall is a season of mystery and intrigue. So let's make the season work for you by including fun fall activities in your schedule! Combining the mystique of fall with the power of learning through play can get your students motivated to learn. Tune in to hear descriptions for 6 fun fall activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for …

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16. 10 Fall Picture Books to Help Your Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in Autumn 18:59

11M ago18:59

18:59

Fall is coming, so now is a good time to start scoping out fall 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 10 picture books that introduce the signs of the seasons, falling leaves, and animals in autumn. Press play to hear abo…

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15. 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students and Teachers 23:47

11M ago23:47

23:47

Citizen science projects are amazing, real-world opportunities to develop your students' science skills, get them involved in the community, have them contribute to the scientific community, and to nurture future stewards of the Earth. But what are citizen science projects? Citizen science projects are opportunities for non-scientists to collect an…

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14. Outdoor Classroom Routines and Procedures: 5 Easy Activities for Your First Week Outside 20:39

12M ago20:39

20:39

It's that time of year again, where you're getting ready to practice your classroom routines and procedures with your students. You practice everyday, multiple times a day, in the hopes that your students will catch on and be set up for the school year. Your efforts are not in vain; the time you spend practicing your classroom routines and procedur…

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13. Integrating STEM Into Your Classroom: How to Get Started with Naomi Meredith 25:03

12M ago25:03

25:03

Are you interested in integrating STEM into your elementary classroom but you're not sure where to start? Naomi Meredith, former classroom teacher, current STEM coach, and host of the Elementary STEM Coach podcast, joined me to share her tips and tricks for getting started with STEM. Naomi spent 6 years in 2nd and 3rd grade and 5 years as a STEM te…

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12. 8 Different Seasons Books: Introducing the Four Seasons with Picture Books 14:47

12M ago14:47

14:47

Helping young learners understand the way that seasons are made can be a challenge! Investigating this abstract concept can be made easier with different seasons books. In this episode, I cover 8 picture books that introduce the changing seasons, how they come to be, and their seasonal signs that can clue your students into their differences. Press…

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11. Teaching with Phenology: How to Plan Your Science Standards Around the Seasons 21:24

1y ago21:24

21:24

Organizing science curriculum can be a challenging task, but I'm here to help. Using phenology, the study of nature throughout the year, you can organize your science standards into a beneficial plan for your students. In this episode, I break down how to plan your year's worth of science standards around the seasons. Tune in to hear about the bene…

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10. 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary Classroom 23:02

1y ago23:02

23:02

We've reached the 10th episode of the podcast! 🥳 To celebrate, I'm sharing the 10 best nature apps to use in the elementary classroom. Aside from being *FREE* and available on Apple and Android products, listen in as I explain why I LOVE these 10 apps: The Weather Channel (or another weather app) My Lightning Tracker Merlin Bird ID iNaturalist Seek…

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9. Exploring Invertebrates: 10 Picture Books to Introduce Animal Characteristics 17:18

1y ago17:18

17:18

Introducing invertebrates in your classroom can give your students a more complete picture of animals and their unique characteristics. However, it can be challenging to distinguish the differences between some groups, so consider using picture books to help you illustrate those differences! In this episode, I review 10 picture books (actually 43 b…

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8. Learning Gardens: Creating Dynamic Outdoor Classrooms with Victoria Hackett 31:23

1y ago31:23

31:23

Learning gardens benefit children of all ages, including elementary students. Victoria Hackett from Outdoor Classrooms is on the podcast today to share her experience with developing and using learning gardens to teach children in the hopes of inspiring more elementary teachers to use them in their own teaching. Victoria has experience touring and …

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7. Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals By Teaching with Animals 22:25

1y ago22:25

22:25

Animals are inherently interesting to students, so let's take advantage of their characteristics to help you reach your curricular goals! In this episode I introduce different Next Generation Science Standards that can be enhanced by teaching animal characteristics. I also conduct an animal characteristic breakdown where I explain what makes mammal…

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6. 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching in Nature 13:53

1y ago13:53

13:53

If you've considered teaching outside but you're worried about safety, make sure to listen to this episode. I cover 5 outdoor education safety tips to help ease your mind and get you prepared for the upcoming school year. After 8 years of teaching outside, it all boils down to these 5 things. Listen in as we talk about: Preparing your outdoor space…

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5. Science Skills for Students: 10 Picture Books for Encouraging Kid Scientists 21:28

1y ago21:28

21:28

Science skills are abstract and can be challenging for students to understand. However, picture books are a great way to make science skills more concrete because they show skills in action. They can also show the results of those skills, illustrating why they are important in science. In this episode, I cover 10 picture books that introduce scienc…

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4. 6 Invasive Species Activities to Use in the Elementary Classroom 21:34

1y ago21:34

21:34

Providing hands-on experiences with plants while teaching science can be challenging when we want to preserve the integrity of our school yard ecosystem. But I have a hack for you...invasive species activities! Tune in to find out why invasive species are perfect for up-close investigations, harvesting, and being the subject of fascinating research…

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1. 10 Science Activities for Elementary Students That Aren't Experiments 20:26

1y ago20:26

20:26

Are you interested in science activities that will better reach your elementary students? Do you feel like finding experiments is challenging and not very rewarding? I'm here to help lift the weight off your shoulders. In this episode, I'm introducing 10 science activities for elementary students that aren't experiments. Examples and actionable ste…

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2. Outdoor Learning Environment - 3 Things to Plan for Back to School 17:10

1y ago17:10

17:10

Outdoor education has many benefits for teaching science but can seem daunting, especially when your plate as a teacher is already so full. Listen in as I break down how to set up your outdoor learning environment to make outdoor education more attainable. We'll talk through planning your routines and expectations and how to practice them your firs…

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3. Teaching with Books: Thinking Outside the Box with Steve Frisbee 29:27

1y ago29:27

29:27

Teaching with books is a great way to make science more approachable and enjoyable for your students. But it's not just about reading books, it's about making them engaging and integrating them into your science lessons. That's why I'm excited to have Steve Frisbee on the show today. He shares my obsession with children's books and he has a lot of …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Victoria Zablocki Elementary Teacher Turned Outdoor Educator Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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