The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Have you ever heard of Forest Schools, but weren't really sure how they worked? Join me and Forest Kindergarten teacher, Lida Lawrence, as we explore how The Waldorf School of Baltimore transitioned nearly two years ago to full day, outdoor Forest Kindergarten. We discuss how primarily 'indoor' activities like art and reading, and even eating lunch, translate out-of-doors, and you'll get a glimpse of a typical day for Lida and her students.  The extra year of play-based learning in a setting like this, coupled with the delay in formal academics is truly a gift for these children.  You can learn more about the school at www.waldorfschoolofbaltimore.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stories, and storytelling, are such wonderful and even magical components of our lives - and especially the lives of our children. With the pressures to purchase toys to enhance development, we want to use the toys that nature provides us as well as toys that preserve the creativity of the child.  Drew Vernon, Marketing Director of Tonies, joins us to talk about how the stories we fall in love with in the early days and years of our lives transcend simple entertainment - they teach us about the world and about each other.  Join us as we talk about Drew's work with another iconic toy brand, and learn how his recent work at Tonies, with their tactile, screen-free Toniebox, is helping introduce pre-readers and developing readers to the wonders of narrative story telling.  When children can just 'listen' to a story versus 'seeing' it played out in front of them, it sparks the creativity in their brain and challenges them to bring the story to life all on their own, using their imagination.  You can get 15% off certain Tonies products with the code "toniepodcast" - certain restrictions do apply.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Depending on where you live, gardening season is either already here or it's right around the corner. Of all the gardening books I've come across and read, Sharon Lovejoy's stand alone as my all-time favorite - and especially Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots which is a beloved book by so many all around the world. Sharon joins us for a second time to help us kick off the gardening season with ideas of things to grow, practical tips, and the reminder that even a small victory like one pumpkin will bring more joy and delight than you can imagine. Use gardening as a tool to help your mental health and your physical health. You can garden in the city like Sharon does or in the country - it doesn't matter where you live. The things that you plant will create mini worlds and you'll experience so much reward!  My sincere gratitude to Sharon for joining us not one, but twice on the 1000 Hours Outside podcast. In our earlier episode (season 2, episode 15) we take an in-depth look at all the fantastic books Lovejoy has written over the years.  Purchase your copy of Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots here: https://amzn.to/2Rqm1sg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Run Wild My Child is your online destination for all things kid-friendly and outdoorsy and they have so many fun things coming up this spring and summer like a photography challenge, a camping challenge and even a nationwide treasure hunt! Learn about the fabulous resources that Run Wild My Child provides, hear about the team that founder Sara McCarty has built, and discover practical advice for all your family outdoor adventures.  Find more about Run Wild My Child Here: https://runwildmychild.com/ Register for the Treasure Hunt Here: https://runwildmychild.com/treasurehunt/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrea Davis shares her journey to creating a tech-healthy family, discussing safe tech use for kids and meal options. She outlines a phased approach to introducing technology to children and emphasizes meaningful conversations over strict rules. The impact of technology on outdoor adventures, coping mechanisms, and family tech plans is explored, highlighting the importance of connecting with nature for personal well-being.

Leslie is captivating from the moment you meet her. She offers incredible resources that teach you how to thrive at home... she even offers a four-week coaching program called "Thrive at Home." This podcast episode is filled with ideas about intentionality, connection, and learning how to ensure children feel seen and visible in the home. Find more about Leslie Martino here: https://lesliemartino.com/ Sign up for coaching with Leslie here: https://lesliemartino.com/coaching/ Find freebies, workshops, and other resources here: https://lesliemartino.com/shop/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simplicity Parenting is a book that has touched hundreds of thousands of families around the globe. It certainly up-ended many of my thoughts on parenting and changed the course of our family in so many ways for the better. I consider it a must read for any parent.  Simplicity Parenting is just one of eight books written by Kim John Payne. In this episode, he goes above and beyond is written words and clarifies, explains, validates, inspires, and reminds us of what is truly important. And then he points us to the future. Play is what will best prepare our children for it. Discover the extraordinary power of the ordinary with Kim John Payne. Purchase your copy of Simplicity Parenting here: https://amzn.to/3gRJ0tS Pre-order Emotionally Resilient Teens & Tweens here: https://amzn.to/3JBWp5E   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clare Fieseler and Gabby Salazar met in the first class of National Geographic's Young Explorers. Over the past ten years, they have built a strong friendship and recently launched a new middle grades book together called No Boundaries: 25 Women Explorers and Scientists Share Adventures, Inspiration and Advice Clare and Gabby spotlight 25 women from all walks of life and from all around the world that are on the front lines of science and exploration today. These women may not look like what you'd think of when you think of science, but they are each changing the world in their own ways. In No Boundaries, Clare and Gabby highlight a mountain climber, a mammalogist, a volcanologist, a long distance hiker, an archeologist, a paleontologist, a Florida springs diver, two photographers, and many more inspiring women. Each woman gives practical advice to anyone who is pushing boundaries!!  This is a great one for your young scientist to listen to! Purchase your copy of No Boundaries here: https://amzn.to/3sJ1fHs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greta Eskridge, @maandpamodern on Instagram, is back on the podcast to discuss pornography! The average age of a child's first exposure to pornography is 11 years old. Tune in to hear helpful tips on how to discuss this topic with your kids now or in the future at the appropriate time. Learn more about Greta at https://www.gretaeskridge.com/ Order her first book, "Adventuring Together", here: https://amzn.to/3gDhv7c And check out her newest book, "100 Days of Adventure", which is available for pre-order here: https://amzn.to/3Llc9eN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amber Johnston, aka "Heritage Mom" (@heritagemomblog on Instagram) is an expert when it comes to Charlotte Mason and providing a life-giving home. Her website, Heritagemom.com, is a treasure trove of information. In this episode we discuss the tried and true tenets of the Charlotte Mason philosophy on education that have withstood the test of time over the last century. Who knew educational philosophy could be so interesting? :)  Find out more about Amber at www.heritagemom.com Pre-order her brand new book, A Place to Belong, here: https://amzn.to/3rn00Op Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices