SparkleCast Episode 12 - The Gifts of Outdoor Education with Meghan Fitzgerald
In this episode, Meghan, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Winter Wonder,” from the Martin & Sylvia Collection, Goose-eye Wilderness School.
More About the Story
In the story, at Goose-eye Wilderness Camp our main character Martin notices that his friend Sam is feeling tired of winter and missing her home in Arizona. He hesitates to tell her that there are still several weeks of winter left, but luckily Helmut, the apprentice from Germany, knows exactly how to show Sam the way to appreciate the gifts of Winter In this particular story, Helmut talks about how “wondering” can be an effective teacher in the natural world. Meghan, David, and Rebecca continue the conversation in this episode of SparkleCast!
Story: “Winter Wonder" from the Martin & Sylvia's Nature School Series.
More About Meghan and Tinkergarten
Meghan Fitzgerald is an outdoor education expert and co-founder, along with her husband, Brian, of Tinkergarten®. Tinkergarten. Tinkergarten provides engaging, early-childhood education in the healthiest classroom of all – the outdoors. They match families with leaders in their local community who offer activity-based kids classes that help kids develop the skills that matter most – all while having fun!
More About the Benefits of Outdoor Education
Bringing education into the natural world has many benefits! Spending time outside and connecting with nature positively impacts children’s emotional, social, and physical wellness. Nature is both calming and stimulating, which provides the perfect setting for learning. You can read more about the benefits of outdoor education on the Tinkergarten website.
In this episode you will discover:
Ways to inspire children to get outside, no matter the weather
How to develop your own "nature school" and incorporate experiential education at home
Understanding the difference between wonder, marvel, and surprise
How to find the balance between guiding your child and allowing them to explore independently
SparkleCast Episode 12 – The Gifts of Outdoor Education with Meghan Fitzgerald
Find all SparkleCast episodes on iTunes.
More about Meghan Fitzgerald!
After 16 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig – an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Prior to Tinkergarten, Meghan worked as an Elementary School Principal, a Math/Science Specialist & and a teacher in public and private schools in NY, MA and CA. She earned a BA with majors in English and Psychology at Amherst College, an MS in Educational Leadership at Bank Street College, and was trained as a Forest School leader at Bridgwater College, UK. When she is with her kids, Meghan is that unapologetic mom who plays along with them in mud, dances in the pouring rain, and builds a darn good snow igloo with her bare hands.
About the Author
Rebecca Beegle
Rebecca is Sparkle Stories' former production manager and co-host (along with David) of the SparkleCast podcast. She is also a writer, producer, and storyteller who performs in theaters, films, and living rooms. Find out more at rebeccabeegle.com.
