Tracking Whole-Group Time in Nature-based Classrooms

This episode of the Mindful Turtle Podcast originally aired November 3, 2024. To receive podcast updates and other nature-based early childhood education news, subscribe to Samara Early Learning’s weekly newsletter written by Dr. Rachel A. Larimore.

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This week's episode is the second in our series focused on time allotments in nature-based learning schedules. This week we will focus on time spent in whole-group activities which are valuable for developing social skills, fostering community, and creating belonging.

Rachel invites you to observe and record daily time spent in whole-group activities this week.

Whole-group activities are different than teacher-led activities in general. Whole-group activities mean when EVERYONE is together (the children & the teachers).

Why do we do large & whole group activities: For children to experience…

  • Active involvement & interactions in a group setting

  • A sense of community

  • A sense of belonging

Considerations when reflecting on whole group activities:

  • Activities lasting more than 10-15 minutes can be excessive, especially for young children.

  • Observing how much time you genuinely spend in whole group settings can illuminate areas needing attention.

  • Nature-based programs often include hikes or excursions that may be mistaken for free play but actually qualify as whole-group activities since they require all participants to engage in the experience collectively. A hike becomes a whole-group activity because movement is guided by adults, and children can't choose to stop or play independently.

Embracing the distinctions between whole-group activities and free play can enhance teaching practices, deepen relationships amongst classroom families, and strengthen your conviction in the nature-based pedagogy you provide. Understanding the distinction helps you structure your day effectively, articulate your practices to evaluators, strengthen advocacy for nature-based education, and support both communal and individual exploration.

Meet the Host of Mindful Turtle

Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, speaker, consultant, author, and former nature-based preschool director. As the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning her work focuses on helping early childhood educators start nature-based schools or add nature-based approaches into their existing program. Learn more about Rachel here.

She has authored several books, including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls, Evaluating Natureness, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning.

The Mindful Turtle podcast focuses on steady and purposeful forward movement to create thriving classrooms and school communities. Each episode offers simple, actionable guidance for educators on their nature-based journey, emphasizing consistency over intensity.

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Tracking Free Play in Nature-based Education