School Gardens with Ease

21: Empowering Educators to Reconnect with Nature Through Outdoor Classrooms with Victoria Hackett, M.Ed.

• Leila

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In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, host Leila Mireskandari welcomes her first-ever guest, Victoria Hackett, M.Ed., an award-winning nature-based educator and advocate. Victoria shares her journey from being a parent envisioning a better outdoor space for her children’s school to becoming a leader in the creation of outdoor classrooms. Together, Leila and Victoria discuss the transformative power of outdoor learning and how it impacts both children and educators.

Key Discussion Points:

  • Victoria's Journey: Learn how Victoria’s experience as a parent led her to create her first outdoor classroom, and how this inspired her to help educators integrate nature into their teaching practices.
  • The 5 Phases of Outdoor Teaching: Victoria breaks down her approach to outdoor education, which includes creating the infrastructure, getting kids outdoors, teaching and learning in nature, embracing weather challenges, and ensuring sustainability in outdoor spaces.
  • The 4 Types of Gardens: Explore the different types of gardens that can be created in an outdoor classroom: Gardens that Feed, Gardens that Attract Wildlife, Gardens for Art and Beauty, and Gardens as Outdoor Learning Stations.
  • Overcoming Barriers: Victoria and Leila discuss the common challenges teachers face, such as lack of time and discomfort with outdoor spaces, and offer practical solutions to help teachers feel more confident about teaching outside.
  • The Benefits of Outdoor Learning: Discover the numerous developmental and emotional benefits children experience when they spend time outdoors, from reduced stress to improved behavior and deeper connections with nature.

About Victoria Hackett, M.Ed.

Victoria Hackett is a passionate leader in outdoor education with over 30 years of experience in various educational settings. Through her work with educators and parents, she provides tailored support to help cultivate outdoor classrooms that enrich children's learning and well-being. She is the creator of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, CIRCLE membership community, and the upcoming Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program. Victoria is dedicated to combating nature-deficit disorder and fostering environments where children can thrive outdoors.

Connect with Victoria:

Victoria will be launching her new Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program in late December 2024/January 2025. Stay tuned for details!