1. At which school do you teach?
Dodge Nature Preschool in West St. Paul MN
2. What is your favorite thing to do each day at school?
I feel so lucky that I get to be outside every day, to explore how our environment changes throughout the seasons, and to play alongside children. It gives me so much joy to be with young children as they play and discover the natural world. I get to play in the snow, stomp in the mud, look for bugs, and so much more. What could be more fun?
3. What is the best thing you heard one of your students say?
This October, a student found a dandelion, probably one of the last of the season. He exclaimed "I found a wish!" as he picked it up and blew the seeds away. We also recently encountered a large flock of wild turkeys and a child said "I think they want to join our class!"
4. What is the best thing you saw one of your students doing?
This past week a few students were building in the block area, and they decided to build a house for our class pet Poppy the chicken. Poppy is a wonderful part of our class community and the children love to help take care of her.
5. What (if anything) gets you outdoors and teaching every day?
I love how being outside fosters children's curiosity. It's truly magical to watch them interact with the natural world, ask insightful questions, and explore their interests. I also love witnessing children build confidence and resilience by trying new and challenging things like climbing trees, balancing on logs, getting stuck in muddy creek beds, or tromping through deep snow.
6. What is your biggest gear challenge as an outdoor educator?
My biggest gear challenge has always been finding gear that's actually waterproof (not just "water resistant") I have done research and spent lots of money on rain gear that just didn't work very well.
* ODSS proudly stocks rain mittens for adults year round.