Inquiry Based Learning with Dr. Claire Warden

In this episode we examine the issue of speech and language development in young people from the perspective of the parent. Over the last two years we as practitioners have been troubled by what we have witness of social interactions to speech language and communication in early years. The upcoming cohort 4 of the Virtual Nature School is designed to tackle these issues through the lens of nature-based outdoor learning and Floorbooks. To find out more details and register your interest in cohort 4 please visit https://virtualnatureschool.org/cohort4 (www.virtualnatureschool.org/cohort4)

In this episode we introduce Cohort 4 of the Virtual Nature School and discuss the need for speech and language development. To find out more details and register your interest in cohort 4 please visit https://virtualnatureschool.org/cohort4 (www.virtualnatureschool.org/cohort4)

In this episode I have a conversation with my friend and colleague Jane Wilson, about collaborating on the upcoming Virtual Nature School Cohort 4. Jane Wilson is an award winning, independent Speech and Language Therapist and founder of Little Orchard Children, Speech & Language Therapy (LOCSALT). Jane has proudly developed award winning training, masterclasses and an online Speech and Language Academy (Team LOCSALT) specifically designed to support the Early Years Sector. Jane also provides independent online therapy, support, and consultation services to families. Jane has created the UK's first environmentally conscious, sustainable Speech Therapy resources which are used worldwide by parents and Early Years settings. www.littleorchardchildren.co.uk www.facebook.com/littleorchardchildren jane@littleorchardchildren.co.uk You can find out more and register for cohort 4 on our website www.virtualnatureschool.org Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter).

In this episode the team and I continue taking a deep dive into my new "Fascinations" book series. This week we look at the newest book in the series which is all about wind. These books are a planning and curriculum journal written to support practitioners. I hope that you enjoy the conversation. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09VX9GNVR/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3 (Order the new book here) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter).

In this episode we tackle the difficult topic of how to communicate with children who have questions about the situation in Ukraine. This is both a tough subject and yet an important one to address sensitively. To help give you confidence in dealing with any questions the children in your care may have, I am inviting you to a webinar on the 7th of April at 6pm GMT. https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckdOGgqj0sHNHA-4fMrLtzLBe3FGtLHpBN (To register for the webinar, please click HERE). Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter).

In this episode the team and I continue taking a deep dive into my new book "Fascinations" book series. This week we look at the newest book in the series which is all about charcoal. These books are a planning and curriculum journal written to support practitioners. I hope that you enjoy the conversation. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fascination-Fire-Charcoal-Nature-Based-Inquiries/dp/190611661X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= (Order the new book here) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter).

This week I wanted the team to take a look in depth at my new book "Fascination of Water". This book is a planning and curriculum journal. I write these books to support practitioners so I hope that you enjoy the conversation. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fascination-Water-Nature-Based-Inquiries-Children/dp/1906116598/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QO001WH7PLJ4&keywords=claire+warden+puddles&qid=1645111524&sprefix=claire+warden%2Caps%2C2789&sr=8-1 (Order the new book here) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter).

We're taking a look at another of my books in the Fascinations series this week and thinking about the wind. What is it about the wind that can take control of children's moods on a windy day? https://mindstretchers.academy/shop/fascination-series-set-of-4-books-1st-ed.-a5-paperback (View the book series here) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter).

Due to popular request we are returning to another of my books by revisiting "Fascination of Water". We take a closer look at some of the sections of the book that explore puddles. We discuss the idea of using poetry and experiences to share the wealth of knowledge we have as professionals. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter).

In this episode we look at the very important issue of self-care. How can we make sure that we look after ourselves sustainable if we don't prioritise our self-care, yet it's often one of the first things to slide when the pressure is on. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter).

This week we turn our eyes to sustainability. While we think that sustainability is all about the environment, there are many facets to consider. In this episode we discuss social, economic and environmental sustainability. We can all do something, every day to be more sustainable. It may be looking after yourself to become more socially and emotionally sustainable; it may be looking after your family's needs in an economically sustainable way or it could be redoubling our efforts we all go to to be more environmentally sustainable. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter).

Join us as we carry on our journey looking at the words we use. This week we break down the word '"respect". We question why we all feel like it should be part of our day to day lives but struggle so often to put it into practice. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter).

This week we continue our investigation into jargon by discussing the work "autonomy". We debate the level of autonomy we actually want to have in our early years environment. We take away that although we want freedom, we must balance that with respect for the natural world and the people around them. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter).

In this episode we follow on in our exploration of our understanding of some of the jargon we encounter in the world of education. The word this week is "holistic" We have a fantastic conversation where we share our understanding and opinions on the idea of holism and exactly what that means for us in early years. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This is the first episode of a new series of podcasts where we drilling down into jargon. Helping each other come to terms with some of the words we hear in education. This week we look at the work "Pedagogy". We have a great discussion around what drives our pedagogy - is it the image we think our setting should have or is it truly driven by a deep understanding of the lines of inquiry that drive our work? Join us next time when we unpick the work "Holistic". Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

We are embracing the idea of jargon and discussing whether or not we should use it. It fascinates me how ever profession develops a vocabulary about their world and we in early years are no different. I want to know some of the words that have stumped our team and discuss the impact that removing complexity of language would have on our settings. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

Fire is often met with fear and hesitance but this week we sit down to explore the element of fire in order to understand it from the widest perspective. We hope that you'll join us in building your own confidence and understanding as we share memories from our childhoods in order to see the beauty of fire and how important it is that we make sustainable choices in everything that we do. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

Dr Claire Warden shares her thoughts on how we, in early years, can have an impact on climate change and sustainability in relation to the COP 26 conference in Glasgow.

Dr Claire Warden shares her thoughts on how we, in early years, can have an impact on climate change and sustainability in relation to the COP 26 conference in Glasgow.

This week we're flipping the show on its head by interviewing Dr Claire Warden. The group pose a number of questions Claire has never been asked before! Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

In the show this week we discuss the language we use, or no longer use, in our practice. We start off by challenging the use of the word "naughty". Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

On the podcast this week we look at the balance of technology and the natural world. We exploring whether or not it is a conflict, a tension or a positive way forward. Our discussion looks at the communities of practice we have created using technology in the Virtual Nature School, and how they have inspired children, families and practitioners to create a global community who are passionate about being outside with children. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

In this episode, we tackle the difficult issue of racism. We discuss the possibility of the impact that your racial identity or cultural beliefs have on your access to the natural world. We have an amazing conversation in which we put ourselves in the position of practitioners who want to look at conscious or unconscious bias in the form of racism, sexism or ageism and it makes us understand that we have a long way to go. It's so important that we are honest and can have these conversations. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

Today we're discussing summertime! It's often thought that spending summer outside is easy, but it can throw up its own challenges and that's what we're exploring tonight. We look particularly at the impact the sun can have on us as we work outside. The rating of sunscreen, the importance of working in collaboration with families to make sure children are protected as well as trees and how they absorb harmful rays and create beautiful calm and cool places to work in during the day are also topics of discussion Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/ (NHS Advice on sun saftey.)

This week, we discuss social justice, particularly surrounding gender. We discuss what that even means when we're working with very young children, and whether or not we should even have a thought process that explores these issues at such an age. We dig deeper into gender identity, think about social justice as well as how poverty has an effect on children's ability to enjoy the outdoors. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

In this episode, we think about the creative environment and how it moves beyond just the arts-based environment to that of creative thinking. We want to unpick the characteristics of an adult who can support that style of working in the early years. We discuss the capacities we have within us as practitioners, whether it be listening, celebration, calmness or enthusiasm, all of these things make us people who can respond to and create an ethos of creative thinking. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This week we continue our conversation looking at our favourite children's books that have a connection to the natural world. This time we discuss books about sustainability, diversity and the joy about the way we interpret the natural world. In this episode we're treated to"Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack" by Lynley Dodd, "Diary of a worm" by Doreen Cronin, "The Last Tree" by Emily Haworth-Booth and finally "The Smeds and the Smoos" by Julia Donaldson. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This week our conversation centres around our favourite children's books that have a connection to the natural world. We really want to look at books that have been published in multiple languages and dialects including those in Scots and Gaelic. We've been able to understand the power of story and how we forget as adults to listen to stories and how we need to make sure that we take time to enjoy that experience. In this episode we hear the stories of "The house of wee Mirren Mouse" by Caroline Kennedy, "There was a wee lassie who swallowed a midgie" by Rebecca Colby and Kate McLelland, "The Little Raindrop" by Joanna Gray and finish off with "The little mole who knew it was none of his business" by Werner Holzwarth in both English and Scots translation. Tune in next week for more of our favourite stories. Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (HERE.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

Today we're exploring the issue of communicating with parents and families of the children we work with. We discuss the balance that needs to be found between digital and hardcopy communication with families and debate whether the world will become a visual communication system. We begin to understand the power or words, relationships and the times we spend with speaking with parents at the gate and how those moments give us so much more than can go in an email. Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (HERE.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

We're going to explore the idea of balance of ritual, routine and freedom by thinking about the place they have in the lives of children. We question of role of structure and routine in early years. There's often the opinion that outdoor nurseries just run a muck in the forest and that children can do whatever they like. So we ask, what is the place of intent and structure in children's lives and should we give them up? We discuss everything from group time, meal times and practical life experiences like simply putting on a coat. Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (HERE.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

In this episode we start exploring maths in the moment. How can we put aside our apprehension around maths and embrace the moments we engage with when we're outside? We start of by sharing our own memories, experiences and in some cases fears of mathematics when we were younger. We go on to discuss how the teaching of maths has changed over the years, especially in primary school environments. Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (HERE.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This week we are going to be exploring the idea of mathematics and the relationship it has with the world of inquiry based learning. We start off by discussing an article aimed at involving STEM in our environment. https://drive.google.com/file/d/19AZtVrK4U5Ph8uWVNWt3yq3s_AKa6Jr0/view?usp=sharing (A Number Line in the Nursery Classroom: A Vehicle for Understanding Children's Number Knowledge)In this discussion we only manage to cover a very small section of mathematics; the idea of counting and number lines. What's really important in this is children's agency and understanding that children are mathematical thinkers. We need to learn to slow down in our process of working with children to listen to their ideas of how the world works, it would be a joy. Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (HERE.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This week we're looking at how we can explore language in nature. I'm often asked how you can teach language and nature outside in the natural world. My friends and I are going to break it down and look into the lost arts of storytelling and book reading. We start off with some research by Robert MacFarlane in his book The Lost Words: A Spell Book. We discuss the balance of story reading and the importance of book in the lives of children and the joy of storytelling and how it can be a very flexible approach to literacy in nature. REF. Jessica A. R. Logan, Laura M. Justice, Melike Yumuş, Leydi Johana Chaparro-Moreno. When Children Are Not Read to at Home. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 2019; 1 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000000657 (10.1097/DBP.00000000000006)You can download a free provocation document on this subject https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hwzIDLsR5vE66cKr2EZO8P3HvGYyxn7g/view?usp=sharing (HERE.) Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (HERE.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This we have a great discussion for you in which we explore the adult sense of wonder We kick things off with a quote from Rachel Carson's book The Sense of Wonder. "A child's world is fresh and new and beautiful. Full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us that clear eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring is dimmed, and even lost before we reach adulthood. If I had influence with the good fairy, I would ask her that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life."We look at how awe is a mixture of terror and amazement, think carefully about how we present the natural world and how we embrace the fact that it's a place of beauty but also of harsh reality. It's important that we really hold on to our own awe and wonder and how we can support and nourish those experiences of children around us to maintain their sense of wonderment through to adulthood. You can download a free provocation document on this subject https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yiQJ1XZXv6Eokhp4f8k3rzJ3TzxKycu7/view?usp=sharing (HERE.) Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (HERE.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A/videos (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This week we're taking a look at the impact of culture on our love of outdoor play. This is a sensitive subject, and one that some people find difficult to explore but really it's all about one human being reaching out to another and embracing the diversity of people on the planet and really relish the different forms of culture and experiences that we bring to the learning moments when we engage with children. We can only say that we are reaching a point of true equality when we can all look at situations from another persons perspective. Through that diversity and equality we will get to a point where everyone feels welcome to play out. You can download a free provocation document on this subject https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cNEiZTan2MFC2Kt2Fntyi1z3NIu6l9dm/view?usp=sharing (here.) Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

Creating a culture of inclusion is what we're talking about this week. We dissect the difference between the idea of a need and a right and look at how we can support children and their parents when they're experiencing the need for special rights. We consider time in a new way. As something that goes at the at the pace of children's thinking and enjoyment and how we can adapt the way we work with children to make sure we embrace the natural world as part of our therapy, so that we can support children to feel the benefits of being outside. The important thing for me is that we think more about the inclusion. More about the idea that one person is going to embrace another to make all people feel welcome when they come in to a community. You can download a free provocation document on this subject https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KN1EEl49OFQyedTke60JTqg1YldYPEsy/view?usp=sharing (here.) Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

Thinking about our own health and wellbeing is the topic of discussion today! We consider how we can help ourselves through some of the stresses we're feeling at the moment about business, professional growth or the stresses of a global lockdown. We talk about finding moments of joy, building ourselves and ways we can reconcile, affirm and be forward thinking together in our practices as a professional group, not only in scotland but all over the world. Join us as we help and support each other to get through these times of crisis. Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

Join us as this week we take a look at behaviour. We think about how we can support our children to self regulate and hear practitioners and their experiences of the needs of 2 year olds. We address behaviour management both inside building and out in the natural word. It's important to remember to remain calm and offer consistency by putting in positive boundaries. Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here) and download a free practitioner provocation guide on the subject of behaviour https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cP4ioFYDRUzJoPNetWcASpzmcvPEHxBk/view?usp=sharing (here). Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

Interaction or interference - that's what we're debating tonight. We discuss the effect that words like dominate, reflexivity and reflection have in our work as practitioners. We want to be warm and caring practitioners and to understand the power balance that can take over in an early years environment. We also talk about the place that silence has in our role and gentle moments we have everyday that we're with children. Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This time on Conversations with Dr Claire Warden we're talking all about the things we might fear about going and working outside. As a group we've had to face fears of mice, being bitten by midges, encountering a worm and even having to face the cold. Join us as we tackle our fears and the things that offer us challenges and together we can come to a point that we can overcome them with tenacity and joy! Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This week we continue our discussion from the previous episode about leadership for change. We focus on how we can really make a difference to our setting by creating a narrative that engages everyone in understanding our vision and value. We continue by discussing the difference between a growth and fixed mindset and what we can do when we work with people who display those two characteristics. And finally we end our discussion by talking about creating persistent change. How we leave a legacy of what we believe, that can be used by practitioners in the future. Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This week we discuss taking photographs and whether or not it's worth having hundreds of photos just stored on a phone. We ask, "is there a purpose to taking photographs of the things your children do or make?" Join us as we share memories of old fashioned ways of collecting memorabilia and explore whether we are being respectful as we share photographs of our children. The questions and topics in our Parent Podcasts have been sent to us by parents, carers and educators. If you have a subject you would like to bring up in conversation email us outdoors@virtualnatureschool.org Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

In our first of two episodes looking at Leadership for change, we focus on creating a shared vision for learning. We discuss the challenges we face as leaders around getting a strategic plan into operation. We then turn our conversation to the things that concern us most and talk about how we can put our energy to most effect in the small moments, day to day that we can control in order to impact on the issues that concern us all. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This time on Conversations with Dr Claire Warden we're discussing our favourite things to take pack in a rucksack when going on an adventure outside. Our conversation steers towards how much we appreciate, and how special the moments we have outside really are. Follow our discussion as we blow these myths out of the water! The questions and topics in our Parent Podcasts have been sent to us by parents, carers and educators. If you have a subject you would like to bring up in conversation email us outdoors@virtualnatureschool.org Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

Join us this week as we explore ideas around gender neutrality and question if the natural world a place for both boys and girls? We come to understand how the natural world equalises us all and how being in it can be great for everyone. The questions and topics in our Parent Podcasts have been sent to us by parents, carers and educators. If you have a subject you would like to bring up in conversation email us outdoors@virtualnatureschool.org Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This week we're taking on some of the common myths that surround taking children outside during early years. We tackle some of the things that we often say to each other such as "don't go outside with wet hair or you'll catch a cold" and "don't go outside, there's too many germs!" Follow our discussion as we blow these myths out of the water! The questions and topics in our Parent Podcasts have been sent to us by parents, carers and educators. If you have a subject you would like to bring up in conversation email us outdoors@virtualnatureschool.org Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

Next up in our series of episodes aimed at helping parents, we discuss the balance between learning from worksheets and "real world learning". Real world learning is the day to day moments that we have as a family that are full of exciting opportunities. Things like setting the table, baking a cake or just going for a walk can offer valuable learning and help children to see the context of some of the experiences they're expected to explore. We chat about how we can help children love learning. The questions and topics in our Parent Podcasts have been sent to us by parents, carers and educators. If you have a subject you would like to bring up in conversation email us outdoors@virtualnatureschool.org Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

In this episode, the second of a special series of episodes created specifically to help parents we discuss how we can look after ourselves in these challenging times so we care for the children in our homes. We explore how the natural world can help us as adults to develop a sense of well being and think about things we can easily do that help us embrace this unique time with our children. The questions and topics in our Parent Podcasts have been sent to us by parents, carers and educators. If you have a subject you would like to bring up in conversation email us outdoors@virtualnatureschool.org Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

This is the first of a series of episodes that we have made with parents in mind. Now that we are back in lockdown, we hope parents who are at home with children will find encouragement and support to take their children outside for play even in the cold and often challenging weather conditions. This week we unpack the old adage that there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing by talking about how we get dressed to go out to play in the winter time. We talk about what items of clothing help us to stay warm, which materials work the best and other ways to stay warm when it's cold outside. The likelihood is that if your child is warm they're going to enjoy spending time outside. The questions and topics in our Parent Podcasts have been sent to us by parents, carers and educators. If you have a subject you would like to bring up in conversation email us outdoors@virtualnatureschool.org Follow our conversations further and download our free practical guides by subscribing to our newsletter https://www.virtualnatureschool.org/products/newsletter (here.) Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

We've been thinking this week about the place that rituals and routines have in our educational environment. We discuss how it's the little things in these situations that matter. Things like setting a table and gathering round together to eat a meal, gentle lighting, the idea that someone cares about you and welcomes you each day. These small rituals can easily go unnoticed but all add up to give a sense of belonging and inclusion. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.

Join us for a special BONUS episode of as Claire discusses all things Floorbooks! We take a look at where the idea of Floorbooks originated and how they can be used as a tool for change. We also look at the idea of being an education entrepreneur and discuss how all children, whether they have special rights, are from different cultures or curricular environments, all have the right to be heard. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/vnatureschool (Facebook), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y3Dl6I_rfTvjLTDvCHv4A (YouTube) and https://twitter.com/VNatureSchool (Twitter) by searching for Virtual Nature School.