Episode
191: Finding the Openings: What Sudoku Taught Me About Teaching Outdoors
- Podcast
- Outdoor Classrooms Podcast
- Published
- Mar 24, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1462
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://outdoor-classrooms.captivate.fm
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Summary
Over the past few months, I’ve been playing a lot of Sudoku. What began as a simple puzzle quickly became something much more meaningful. As I struggled through Easy puzzles and eventually unlocked the Master level, I began to notice something fascinating: the mindset needed to solve Sudoku is remarkably similar to the mindset needed to teach outdoors. Episode 191: Finding the Openings: What Sudoku Taught Me About Teaching Outdoors In this episode of Outdoor Classroom News , I explore the surprising parallels between solving puzzles and guiding children in nature. Both require patience, curiosity, experimentation, and the willingness to keep trying even when things don’t immediately make sense. Drawing from real moments in our Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom Nature Classes, I share how children naturally approach learning the same way we approach puzzles—by noticing openings, testing ideas, and persisting through challenges. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to bring more outdoor learning into your work with children, this episode offers a refreshing reminder: sometimes the solution appears when we shift our perspective and take the next small step. In This Episode How a simple Sudoku puzzle became a lesson in mindset and persistence Why “looking for openings” is a powerful strategy in outdoor education Stories from Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom Nature Classes How experimentation and curiosity fuel children’s learning in nature Why persistence is one of the most valuable skills children develop outdoors How shifting perspective can unlock new possibilities in teaching and learning Reflection Questions As you listen, consider these questions: Where are the “openings” in your classroom or outdoor space right now? What small experiment could you try with children this…