# 196: Growing Outside with Ellen Grudzien: Trusting Children, Nature, and the Process Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/outdoor-classrooms-podcast-6002268/196-growing-outside-with-ellen-grudzien-trusting-children-nature-and-the-process Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/outdoor-classrooms-podcast-6002268/196-growing-outside-with-ellen-grudzien-trusting-children-nature-and-the-process.md Podcast: [Outdoor Classrooms Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/outdoor-classrooms-podcast-6002268) Published: 2026-04-28T08:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://outdoor-classrooms.captivate.fm Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/bf72d1ce-16cf-4bc1-ba24-b8964885e7a5.mp3 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/outdoor-classrooms-podcast-6002268/episodes/196-growing-outside-with-ellen-grudzien-trusting-children-nature-and-the-process Duration seconds: 2935 ## Resource Episode 196: Growing Outside with Ellen Grudzien: Trusting Children, Nature, and the Process What if the most meaningful learning doesn’t happen inside a classroom—but outside? In this episode, I’m joined by Ellen Grudzien , founder of Let’s Grow Outside NH, to explore the power of child-led learning in nature. With decades of experience in early childhood education, Ellen shares how outdoor classrooms can transform the way children learn, grow, and connect. We talk about what it really looks like to trust children, embrace all-weather learning, and create space for curiosity to lead. ✨ In This Episode: The story behind Let’s Grow Outside NH What child-led learning looks like in practice The impact of outdoor education on confidence and independence Navigating concerns around safety, weather, and academics Simple ways to bring more nature-based learning into your day 🌱 Takeaway You don’t need a forest to get started—just a shift in mindset, a willingness to slow down, and trust in the process. 🔗 Learn More from Let's Grow Outside https://www.letsgrowoutsidenh.com/ email to ellen@letsgrowoutsidenh.com 🌼 Share If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with an educator or parent who believes in the power of learning beyond the classroom. Outdoor Classroom Resources & Links: 🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page) 🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program 🌸 CIRCLE Membership Community Connect with Victoria: WEBSITE www.outdoor-classrooms.com EMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com Instagram Facebook Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts , and rate or comment on Spotify . Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators! ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/outdoor-classrooms-podcast-6002268/episodes/196-growing-outside-with-ellen-grudzien-trusting-children-nature-and-the-process/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/outdoor-classrooms-podcast-6002268/196-growing-outside-with-ellen-grudzien-trusting-children-nature-and-the-process.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.