Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families

Epizody

• 77. 6 Butterfly Books to Introduce Characteristics, Adaptations, and Life Cycles 06.07.2026 16min

  July is the month of butterflies thanks to the heat of the summer and the North American Butterfly Count! Butterflies are a high-interest topic that many adults and children get really engaged with. So this month I'll be focusing on butterflies and all their mystique.Books are a great way to introduce butterflies, their characteristics, adaptations, and interesting life cycles. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of butterfly books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your learners.Books in this episode 📚Waiting for Wings by Lois EhlertAre You a Butterfly? by Judy Allen, illustrated by Tudor HumphriesPapilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, and Andy Chou MusserButterflies Are Pretty…Gross! By Rosemary Cosco, Illustrated by Jacob SouvaThe Mystery of the Monarchs: How Kids, Teachers, and Butterfly Fans Helped Fred and Norah Urquhart Track the Great Monarch Migration by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Erika MezaButterflies Belong Here: A Story of One Idea, Thirty Kids, and a World of Butterflies by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Meilo SolWant to view all of these books in one place? Check them out here!(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”How Butterflies Grow: 8 Picture Books About Butterfly Life CyclesEp. 9: Exploring Invertebrates: 10 Picture Books to Introduce Animal CharacteristicsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode77🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 76. Teaching with Photographs: 6 Research-Based Benefits to Elementary Learners 29.06.2026 11min

  This is a topic I've been excited to dive into for some time, and summer seemed like the perfect opportunity to introduce it. If you've never thought about how teaching with actual photographs can help your learners in science, this episode is a must-listen. I'm an avid collector of nature photos because you just never know when you'll need that random pic of a raccoon track in the mud. In this episode, we'll talk about 6 research-based benefits to teaching with photos including:Why teaching with pictures even matters.How teaching with photos helps build accurate mental models.How teaching with photographs supports inquiry.How photos can be used for scientific evidence.How teaching with photographs can build a sense of place and community.And how student-created pictures develop scientific skills in children.Resources mentioned 💚Canva for TeachersWikimedia CommonsUnsplashPixabayNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode76🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 75. Summer Activities for 2nd and 5th Graders Aligned with NGSS 22.06.2026 8min

  Summer has begun! And with it is a wonderful opportunity to explore water and where it can be found. Now is a great time to suggest to your learners' caregivers to enjoy the local waterways and help prevent that summer slide.Press play to hear descriptions for tracking local water visits for 2nd graders and a local waterway clean up for 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to water in summer, and how you can share those activities with your learners' families. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid.5-ESS2-2: Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth.5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 74: Outside Summer Activities for 1st and 4th Graders Aligned with NGSSEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode75🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 74. Outside Summer Activities for 1st and 4th Graders Aligned with NGSS 15.06.2026 8min

  The summer solstice is coming up next week! Which brings with it signs of summer including warmer temps and longer hours of daylight. So let's give your learners some fun games they can enjoy with their families to extend their learning as well as prevent the dreaded summer slide!Press play to hear descriptions for hours of sunlight hopscotch for 1st graders and a flashlight hide-and-seek game for 4th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to light, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:1-ESS1-2: Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year.4-PS4-2: Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects and entering the eye allows objects to be seen.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 72: 6 Books for Summer to Help You and Your Learners’ Caregivers Introduce Seasonal SignsEpisode 73: Summer Activities for Kindergarteners and 3rd Graders Aligned with NGSSEpisode 17: 6 Fun Fall Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode74🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 73. Summer Activities for Kindergarteners and 3rd Graders Aligned with NGSS 08.06.2026 9min

  June is the beginning of summer which brings a nice break for you the educator, and family time for your learners. So let's give your learners hands-on experiences they can enjoy with their families to extend their learning as well as prevent the dreaded summer slide!Press play to hear descriptions for a summer scavenger hunt for kindergarteners and collecting summer weather data for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how they relate to summer activities for kindergarteners and 3rd graders, and how you can share those activities with your learners' families. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:K-ESS2-1: Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.3-ESS2-1: Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 72: 6 Books for Summer to Help You and Your Learners’ Caregivers Introduce Seasonal SignsSummer Outdoor Scavenger Hunt ListSummer Book PrintableNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode73🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 72. 6 Books for Summer to Help You and Your Learners' Caregivers Introduce Seasonal Signs 01.06.2026 13min

  Summer is on the horizon, so now is a good time to start scoping out books for summer to help you and your learners' caregivers teach seasonal concepts. Picture books are a great way to explore the changing of the seasons in words and pictures!In this episode I cover 6 books for summer that introduce the signs of the season, ways people can explore nature in summer, and crops that can be harvested. Press play to hear about "Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer" by Kenard Pak, "Summer is Here" by Renee Watson, "Summer Song" by Kevin Henkes, "Summer Color" by Dianna Murray, and more.Books in this episode 📚Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer by Kenard PakSummer is Here by Renee Watson, illustrated by Bea JacksonSummer Song By Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura DronzekSummer Color by Dianna Murray, illustrated by Zoe PersicoWhen Summer Comes: Exploring Nature in Our Warmest Season by Aimee M. Bissonnette, illustrated by Erin HouriganCheers for a Dozen Ears: A Summer Crop of Counting by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky, illustrated by Susan SwanWant to view all of these books in one place? Check them out here!(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”“Teaching the Weather of Summer: A Helpful Guide for Elementary Teachers”Naturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode72🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 71. Reptiles and Amphibians List: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities 25.05.2026 13min

  Reptiles and amphibians are a high-interest topic for children (and adults) of all ages. Let's use a reptiles and amphibians list to help us engage our elementary learners! May is a fantastic time to do this since the reptiles and amphibians have come out of their winter sleep and are starting to lay eggs.Press play to hear descriptions for a turtle study for 2nd graders and an energy transfer flag tag game for 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to a reptiles and amphibians list, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:2-LS4-1: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sunResources mentioned 💚Episode 70: How Are Reptiles and Amphibians Different? 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode71🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 70. How Are Reptiles and Amphibians Different? 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities 18.05.2026 9min

  Let's continue to take advantage of the emerging reptiles and amphibians in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have animal heredity in common and looking closely at the characteristics that make reptiles and amphibians unique can help your learners distinguish them from each other and other animal groups as well.Press play to hear descriptions for a reptile and amphibian characteristic sort for 1st graders and a camouflage hide-and-seek game for 4th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity answers the question "how are reptiles and amphibians different?", and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:1-LS3-1: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 69: Impact of Humans on Environment: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 7: Animal Characteristics Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with AnimalsReptile and Amphibian Characteristics SortNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode70🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 69. Impact of Humans on Environment: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities 11.05.2026 13min

  May is a time when your learners are able to see reptiles and amphibians again before the end of the school year slips away. So let's take advantage of the return of our herps and get your learners some quality experiences!Press play to hear descriptions for a Massasauga rattlesnake wetland tag game for kindergarteners and an amphibian wetland tag game for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to the impact of humans on environment, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:K-ESS3-3: Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.3-LS4-4: Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 68: 6 Picture Books About Characteristics of Amphibians and ReptilesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode69🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 68. 6 Picture Books About Characteristics of Amphibians and Reptiles 04.05.2026 12min

  May is a wonderful time to get outside and look for amphibians and reptiles. Now that they are out and about, you can work with your learners to figure out what makes each group special.Books are a great way to introduce the differences of reptiles and amphibians. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about characteristics of amphibians and reptiles and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.Books in this episode 📚About Amphibians by Cathryn Sill, illustrated by John SillThere Are Amphibians Everywhere by Camilla de la Bedoyere, illustrated by Britta TeckentrupSunscreen, Frogcicles, and Other Amazing Amphibian Adaptations by Laura Perdew, illustrated by Katie MazeikaAbout Reptiles by Cathryn Sill, illustrated by John SillReptiles Everywhere by Camilla de la Bedoyere, illustrated by Britta TeckentrupWater-Walking, Sidewinding, and Other Remarkable Reptiles Adaptations by Laura Perdew, illustrated by Katie MazeikaWant to view all of these in one place? Check them out here!(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”Episode 7: Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals by Teaching with AnimalsEpisode 9: Exploring Invertebrates: 10 Picture Books to Introduce Animal CharacteristicsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode68🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 67. Pollination of Flowers: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities 27.04.2026 8min

  Pollination of flowers is a partnership worth celebrating! Flowers and animals giving each other what they need...the whole concept can lend itself well to teach many different standards in elementary school. And April is a great time to investigate it first-hand with your 2nd and 5th graders as both flowers and pollinators wake from their winter sleep!Press play to hear descriptions for an introductory pollination scavenger hunt for 2nd graders and participating in a citizen science project called the Bumblebee Watch with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to pollination of flowers, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:2-LS2-2: Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environmentResources mentioned 💚Episode 66: How Flowers Attract Pollinators: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideOutdoor Pollination Scavenger Hunt for 2nd GradePollination for Plants: How to Use “Flowers Are Calling” for Effective TeachingBumblebee WatchBumblebee Watch - How You Can ParticipateBumblebee Watch FAQsBumblebee Watch Photo TipsNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode67🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 66. How Flowers Attract Pollinators: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities 20.04.2026 15min

  Let's continue to take advantage of the flowers and pollinators returning in April and focus on plant and pollinator partnerships in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have plant and animal heredity in common and pollination can help us investigate that concept.Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders visit five different pollinator and flower centers and an opportunity where 4th graders investigate flowers in the ultra violet light spectrum, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to how flowers attract pollinators, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:1-LS3-1: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 65: Flowers and Pollinators: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideFill the BillFlower Talk by Sara Levine, illustrated by Masha D’yansFlowers Are Calling by Rita Gray, illustrated by Kenard PakBjorn RorslettNaturally Teaching Activity Index(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode66🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 65. Flowers and Pollinators: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities 13.04.2026 9min

  April is the first full month of spring and flowers, which also means those pollinators that were missing all winter long are slowly returning. So let's take advantage of the return of our pollination partners and get your learners some quality experiences!Press play to hear descriptions for a seasonal plant study for kindergarteners and a pollinator life stage BioBlitz for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to flowers and pollinators, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:K-LS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.3-LS1-1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 63. Frogs Vs Toads And Other Herps in Spring: K-5 NGSS ActivitiesNot a Buzz to Be Found: Insects in Winter by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Jaime Zollars“Pollination for Plants: How to Use ‘Flowers Are Calling’ for Effective Teaching”Naturally Teaching Activity Index(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode65🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 64. 7 Pollinator and Flower Books for Elementary-Aged Students 06.04.2026 12min

  April is a great time to look for flowers and early pollinators as everything awakens from its winter sleep. Adults and kids alike look forward to the return of the sprouts that signal spring and now is the time to get outside and find that early green! It's also a great time to study how flowers and pollinators interact.Books are a great way to introduce pollination and those that make it happen. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of pollinator and flower books and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.Books in this episode 📚Fantastic Flowers by Susan StockdaleFlower Talk by Sara Levine, illustrated by Masha D’yansBefore the Seed: How Pollen Moves by Susannah Buhrman-Deever, illustrated by Gina Triplett and Matt CurtiusThe Story of Honey: It Starts with a Flower by Robin NelsonAnimal Pollinators By Jennifer BoothroydGive Bees a Chance by Bethany BartonWhat if There Were No Bees? by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Carol SchwartzWant to view all of these books in one place? Check them out here!(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in Spring [Ep. 43]“A Fantastic Spring Picture Book List for Elementary Teachers with 20 Titles”“11 Fantastic Animal Life Cycles Books by John Himmelman”“Pollination for Plants: How to Use ‘Flowers Are Calling’ for Effective Teaching”“How Butterflies Grow: 8 Picture Books About Life Cycles”Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode64🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 63. Frogs Vs Toads and Other Herps in Spring: K-5 NGSS Activities 30.03.2026 18min

  By listener request: frogs vs toads and other herps in spring! Spring is a fantastic time to investigate reptiles and amphibians and today I'm sharing three interactive and engaging activities to hook your learners on these early spring risers!Tune in to hear descriptions for 3 frogs vs toads activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to frogs vs toads (or other herps), and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Frogs vs toads and other herps activities described in this episode include:Kindergarten and 3rd Grade: Salamander migration game1st and 4th Grade: A vocal sac investigation with balloons2nd and 5th Grade: A reptile and amphibian focused Bioblitz in different ecosystemsResources mentioned 💚Episode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards Michigan Herp AtlasiNaturalistFrog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini Unit for 3rd Grade (ELA and Science Activities)Frogs and Toads Together: Why Do Amphibians Group Up?Frog Life Cycle Coloring Page (FREE)Naturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode63🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 62. Water in Weather: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities 23.03.2026 15min

  Water is a critical part of weather; without water, we wouldn't have most of our different weather conditions! Whether it's clouds, rain, thunderstorms, humidity, wind...it's all related to water in weather. And March and November are great times to study weather and the role water plays in it!Press play to hear descriptions for maple sugaring with 2nd graders and mapping vernal pools with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to water in weather, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid5-ESS2-2: Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on EarthResources mentioned 💚Episode 61: Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesTapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary ScienceHow Maple Syrup Season Can Help You Teach Elementary StudentsMaple Syrup and Water Cycle Mini Unit for 2nd Grade (ELA, Math, and Science)Citizen Science Lab: Vernal Pools - Citizen Science Projects for 5th GradersEpisode 46: Vernal Pool Patrol: A Citizen Science Project for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Parents with Lindsey HarrellEpisode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science StandardsEpisode 48: 9 Vernal Pool and Frog Books for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool ParentsHow Vernal Pools Can Be Used to Reach Your Curricular GoalsNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode62🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 61. Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities 16.03.2026 14min

  Let's continue to take advantage of the variable weather March brings and focus on weather and illumination in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have light and its role in seeing objects in common and weather can help us investigate that concept.Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders match colors to natural objects in different weather conditions and an opportunity where 4th graders take pictures of nature in different amounts of natural light, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to weather and illumination, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:1-PS4-2: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated4-PS4-2: Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects entering the eye allows objects to be seenResources mentioned 💚Episode 60: Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideMoon Phases and Light Mini Unit for 1st Grade (ELA and Science Activities)Naturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode61🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 60. Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities 09.03.2026 10min

  Weather is an inherently interesting concept to elementary-aged learners and March is one of the best times to experience a variety of weather conditions in a short time. Fog, rain, snow, frost, dew, sun, clouds...March has it all. So let's take advantage of this weather-rich month and get your learners some quality experiences.Press play to hear descriptions for a weather movement cube for kindergarteners and the citizen science project CoCoRaHS for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to weather, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:K-ESS2-1: Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.3-ESS2-1: Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 59: 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged StudentsEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideWeather Movement Cube for Kindergarten (Ambulatory Cubes)CoCoRaHS Schools: Getting StartedNeed a rain gauge? Here’s the contact email for help from CoCoRaHSCoCoRaHS Basic training PDFCoCoRaHS Training slide showsCoCoRaHS Training VideosCoCoRaHS FAQ’sCoCoRaHS Gauge installation tipsCoCoRaHS How to Read Your Gauge guideCoCoRaHS Data entry tipsCoCoRaHS Station identification signCoCoRaHS Apple App storeCoCoRaHS Google Play storeWeather Scavenger Hunt PDFFREE Printable Weather WheelShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode60🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 59. 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged Students 02.03.2026 11min

  March is a time of varied weather which gives you the chance to explore lots of weather conditions in a short amount of time. Snow, fog, frost, dew, rain, clouds, sunshine...it all comes together in the month of March. Your learners will be so happy to see winter give way to spring, so let's celebrate with weather-related opportunities.Books are a great way to introduce weather conditions. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about weather and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.Books in this episode 📚Feel the Fog by April Pulley SayreDew and Frost by Elizabeth MilesPuff: All About Air by Emily Kate MoonSunshine by Cassie MayerHello, Rain! By Kyo Maclear and Chris TurnhamWacky Weather: All About Odd Weather Events by Todd TarpleyStaying Safe - Weather Safety by Melissa Catena(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)Resources mentioned 💚“Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”Episode 43: 9 Spring Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Plants, and Animals in SpringEpisode 16: 10 Fall Picture Books to Introduce Seasonal Signs, Falling Leaves, and Animals in Autumn12 Children’s Story Books About Weather for Elementary Students12 Snow Books to Support Your Elementary CurriculumEpisode 52: 5 No Snow Books About Winter for Preschool and Elementary ClassroomsShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode59🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
• 58. Winter Animals and Water: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities 23.02.2026 9min

  Water is a critical part of animal survival, yet it's so scarce during the winter! With freezing temperatures, water is trapped as snow or ice and it makes winter a really hard time for animals to fulfill all of their needs. Now is a great time to study winter animals and the role water plays in their survival!Press play to hear descriptions for a states of matter water experiment for 2nd graders and an observational study for 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to winter animals and water, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid5-ESS2-1: Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interactResources mentioned 💚Episode 57: Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideSnowy Science: A Guide to Teaching About Matter in WinterShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode58🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching