Thimbleberry Learning

Thanks for inviting me on to your podcast today .ca! It was lovely to connect some dots together and talk about the power of sit spots!

You can find the Teach Outdoors Podcast wherever you podcast. Here's the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1702648/episodes/17216263

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Show notes:
In this episode, we dive deep into the power of sit spots, mindfulness, and place-based learning—not just for students, but especially for educators navigating burnout and busy classrooms. Stephanie shares her journey of launching Thimbleberry Learning, her passion for urban biodiversity, and why supporting teacher well-being through nature connection is essential for long-term sustainability in education.
We explore:
The origins of Thimbleberry Learning and how it supports teachers outdoors
Why sit spots are powerful tools for adult educators, not just kids
Simple practices to help teachers begin their own nature connection journey
How mindfulness and SEL intersect with outdoor learning
Ways to notice and teach biodiversity even in urban, concrete-heavy spaces
The role of nature in building motivation, creativity, and resilience
If you’re a teacher looking for realistic, grounded strategies to reconnect with nature, support your students more holistically, or simply catch your breath outdoors, this conversation is for you. Stephanie’s perspective is both calming and energizing—just like a sit spot in spring sunshine.

It was a deep privilege to attend the second annual Outdoor Learning Conference in Banff over the last few days. 🙏

Learning from the land. Learning from Elders. And learning from a diverse range of presenters who each shared their lived experience of learning and teaching outside. 🏔️

This work matters. And we can take what we learned to support all learners to benefit from being outside. 🌞

.me.outside .canada

Magical PD session in the snow today with an incredible group of teachers. Is your outdoor classroom getting any use lately? Need some inspiration for getting kids outside in winter? Book a PD Session with us!
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Now that the shock of the snow has subsided, we're ready to celebrate.

Find this activity and other goodies in our newsletter - coming out tomorrow.

Haven't subscribed yet? You can sign up here: https://bit.ly/3FRXaHZ

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Did you know? Each month in our newsletter we share one of our favourite picture books.
Books that inspire a connection to land and place.
We've got a great one coming up in our next issue. Haven't signed up yet? We've got you covered!
https://mailchi.mp/eda8fddb611b/untitled-page

It always seems to be this one brave stand of aspens - first to unfurl their catkins. A hopeful sign that spring can’t be far off at all!
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Looking for & finding intersections where

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The new K-6 PE & Wellness meet.

Hats off to teachers who are doing this good work already, and came to ready to dance, play, and sit in circle together. Now - weekend!

Come join us at next week! We'll be exploring the new PE & Wellness Curriculum through the lens of mindfulness and nature connection.

Just checked - only 4 spots left. Get them while you can!

There's nothing like a sky at sunrise, .

Bring your students out to watch the sun rise, then stay out for the whole day!

If you're teaching Grade 6 this year, we’ve got a free, full-day lesson plan to help make it happen. Download it here!: https://bit.ly/3F9TGks

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As if what exists, exists
so that it can be lost
and become precious
- Lisel Mueller

Find a link to the entire poem, as well as ways to stay balanced as we sink into the darkest days of the year... 🌗
in our November Newsletter. 💌
http://bit.ly/3GX4UKe

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Thanks for the shout-out! 🙌


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This week we are introducing...

In case you missed it, Thimbleberry Learning has launched! Their innovative nature programs help students from K-4 become better acquainted with the natural world – right in your schoolyard. Through engaging stories, lots of active movement, and a respectful honouring of Indigenous connections to the land, their programs aim to cultivate curiosity, build resilience, and foster well-being - all while connecting to the current Alberta curriculum.

Learn more: www.thimbleberrylearning.org