Episode 15: Chatting about Nature School with Natasha Grogan

It’s time to get down and dirty, Teacher's of Littles! 

Even as the world slowly begins to open back up, most of us are still living a very different life than we were before. We have all had to learn (or re-learn) how to play and learn without our usual tools in the classroom and in the world. No libraries, no schools, no playgrounds, no zoos -- it’s no wonder so many of us have turned our attention to the great outdoors! 

For this week’s podcast, I turned back to nature with Natasha Grogan, who, alongside her mother, Sandy, runs a nature school called Roots + Wings in South Carolina. We are chatting about what feels like everything under the sun, from free play to how to bring play into your home, whether it's the city or country.

Mentions: 

• How to go about incorporating the joy of the great outdoors (and getting dirty) into your life and learning, whether you are in the city or the country (06:29)

• And thankfully, it’s never too late to start bringing nature play into your home or classroom, and no one is ever too old to reap its benefits (17:44)

• We also discuss how to find a balance with screentime -- because, let’s be real, many of us have turned to screens as well in these tough times, especially with all the amazing virtual opportunities popping up everywhere (20:15)

• Even with nervous Littles or sensory issues, there are always ways to make nature a part of the learning experience, and we go into some ways you can work around or push through these kinds of obstacles." (31:14)

• For this week’s challenge, I would love for you to pick a famous person with a learning disability (or yourself, if you have one) and share the story! Post on Instagram and let us know what diversity means to you in this space, and don’t forget to tag me @themagicoflittles, and Erica @voicesofdyslexia! And if you want to dig deeper into dyslexia, be sure to check out the link in Erica’s Instagram bio for a virtual learning guide! 

• And as for my fellow literature & research geeks, as promised, the books* I mentioned:

  • Tiny, Perfect Things

  • Finding Wild

  • Simplicity Parenting

  • Last Child in The Woods

• We want to see YOUR favorite outdoor place or activity! Post on Instagram, and don’t forget to tag us @themagicoflittles, and Natasha @rootsandwingssc!

• If you see *, that means it's an affiliate link, and I do receive a small fee from Indie Books that helps support my work (podcast, social media content)

So brew yourself a cup of tea and listen in on the full podcast here:

Tag me on Instagram @themagicoflittles, and let me know what you thought of today’s episode! You can also join in the conversation at the Magic of Littles Club on Facebook. 

Send me your thoughts, questions, and feedback at hello@themagicoflittles.com!

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