Tales From Wildwood Podcast | Podcast on RSS.com

Tales From Wildwood Podcast

Tales From Wildwood Podcast

by Wildwood Forest and Nature Program Educators Team

Education Nature

Season 1

Creating a Backyard for Adventure

In this episode of Tales from Wildwood, we say a bittersweet goodbye to our friend Jenna as she leaves EarlyON to begin an exciting new adventure—opening her own licensed home childcare! As Jenna prepares her backyard, we brainstorm how to create an outdoor space where children can play, explore, move, imagine, create, and simply be. From mud kitchens and gross motor play to quiet spaces, loose parts, and nature exploration, we share ideas for turning any backyard into a place for adventure and learning. Whether you're a home childcare provider, licensed centre educator, or parent, come along as we explore how thoughtful outdoor spaces can help children thrive. 🌿✨ And of course, we send Jenna off with lots of love and a little Wildwood magic for her next chapter!

Understanding Schema Play

Why Do They Keep Doing That? Understanding Schema Play Have you ever wondered why children seem to do the same things over and over again? There’s often more to it than meets the eye! In this episode, we explore schema play and how these repeated patterns help children make sense of the world around them. We share real-life examples from our Wildwood experiences and connect them to different schemas, helping educators and families recognize what children may be exploring, learning, and communicating through their play. 🌿✨

The Loose Parts Game Show

What exactly are loose parts, and why are they such a powerful addition to children's play? In this episode of Tales from Wildwood, we explore how everyday natural and recycled materials can spark creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and endless possibilities for child-led learning. We share practical ideas for incorporating loose parts into your program, whether you're in a forest, a classroom, or your own backyard, and discuss how these open-ended materials support rich, meaningful play. Then, at the end of the episode, it's time for a challenge! 🎧 Listen carefully as we play a series of mystery sounds made with different loose parts. Can you identify them all? Once you've listened, head over to our social media and find our Loose Parts Sound Challenge post. Comment your guesses, and the listener with the most correct answers will win a special prize! Tune in, test your ears, and discover how the simplest materials can create the richest play experiences. 🌿

The 7 Relationships With the Land

What does it really mean to build a relationship with the Land? In this episode of Tales from Wildwood, we explore the 7 Relationships with the Land framework and how it can transform the way we approach outdoor education. We unpack each relationship and share practical ways to weave them into everyday practice, creating meaningful experiences that foster connection, curiosity, and respect for the natural world. Whether you're an educator, caregiver, or simply passionate about connecting children with nature, this conversation offers thoughtful reflections and simple ideas you can begin using right away. Join us as we discover how deepening our own relationship with the Land helps children build lifelong connections too.

Repurposed Materials & Sustainability

What do pots, pans, colanders, muffin tins, wooden spoons, and spatulas have in common? They all make incredible loose parts for outdoor play! In this episode of Tales from Wildwood, we're sharing why repurposed materials have become some of our favorite resources at our Wildwood Forest and Nature EarlyON program. We talk about finding these hidden gems at local thrift stores, choosing materials that are safe and durable, and transforming everyday kitchen items into engaging invitations for play. We'll also share how we intentionally set up invitations that spark curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, encouraging both children and caregivers to explore, create, and learn together. Plus, we discuss how reusing everyday materials is a simple, affordable way to support sustainability while creating meaningful outdoor learning experiences. Whether you're an educator, parent, or caregiver, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you see the potential in everyday kitchen treasures and bring new life to your outdoor adventures.

Weather Ready, Adventure Ready

What’s the secret to a successful outdoor adventure? Being prepared! In this episode of Tales from Wildwood, we dive into practical tips for enjoying the outdoors during spring and summer. We chat about dressing for changing weather, choosing appropriate clothing, using sunscreen effectively, and protecting yourself from ticks and bugs. We also share our favorite packing tips and the essential items that help make outdoor adventures comfortable, fun, and stress-free for the whole family. Whether you're heading to Forest School, the playground, or a family hike, this episode will help you feel confident and ready for whatever the day brings. Because when you're weather ready, you're adventure ready! 🌿☀️🦟🎒

Risky Play & Wildwood Agreements

In Episode 3 of Tales from Wildwood, we dive deeper into the topic of risky play and why it is such an important part of children's growth and development. We explore how we support children in taking healthy risks while creating a culture of safety through our Wildwood Agreements. Throughout the episode, we share real-life stories and scenarios from our programs, discussing how we assess situations, support children's decision-making, and help them build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. From climbing trees to using tools, we talk about what risky play looks like in practice and how we work alongside children rather than simply saying "yes" or "no." Join us as we unpack the balance between risk and safety, challenge common misconceptions about risky play, and share how the Wildwood Agreements help guide our approach in the outdoors.

Risky Play & Tool Use

Risky play can feel scary to adults, but it is an important part of childhood. When children are given opportunities to climb, balance, build, explore, and safely use real tools, they build confidence, problem solving skills, resilience, and body awareness. This episode can explore why risky play matters, what “safe risk” actually means, and how we support children through these experiences instead of removing every challenge.

Benefits of Being Outside

What happens when children are given the time, space, and freedom to be outside? In our very first episode of Tales From Wildwood, we explore the many benefits of outdoor play and nature connection for children, families, and educators. From muddy puddles and climbing trees to creativity, confidence, regulation, and wonder, we share stories, reflections, and real-life experiences from the wild spaces we love most. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or caregiver looking for inspiration to bring children outdoors more often, this episode is your invitation to step outside with us.

Tales From Wildwood Intro

Introduction to Tales from Wildwood: Outdoor Play, Child Development, and Nature-Based Learning for educators and parents