~Your students struggle with self-regulation, focus, or resilience
~You're tired of SEL feeling like "one more thing" to add to your day
~You want to take your class outside, but don't know how to make it meaningful
~You need practical strategies that work with real kids in real classrooms
~You're ready to build a classroom culture where students feel safe, seen, and capable
No fluff! No theory without practice! Just proven, classroom-tested strategies from an educator who's been teaching outside for 15+ years - and who knows exactly what works with primary students (and beyond).
By the end of this course, social-emotional learning and outdoor learning won't feel like an add-on. It will feel like the heart of your SEL practice - and the part of your teaching week your students (and you) look forward to most.
(fun fact: my favourite plant is the sword fern!)
Hi, I'm Lauren MacLean, a primary teacher passionate about helping educators bring learning outdoors. I've worked with schools across North America to build thriving outdoor classrooms, and I love supporting teachers in making outdoor learning approachable, sustainable, and fun. I can't wait to share everything I know with you and help you achieve your outdoor teaching goals.
This is an online course that shows K-5 educators how to use outdoor learning to naturally develop the social-emotional skills students desperately need - without adding another curriculum, another worksheet, or another thing to your overwhelmed schedule.
Because here's the truth: Nature is the BEST SEL curriculum there is.
When students are outside, something shifts. The child who can't sit still in circle time becomes focused and purposeful when given space to move. The anxious student who struggles with transitions finds calm in the rhythm of a nature walk. The isolated student who avoids group work collaborates beautifully when building a fort with sticks.
Outdoor learning doesn't just support SEL. It IS SEL - woven naturally into every moment students spend in nature.
Because teachers are busy!
Why take learning outside? (The case for outdoor SEL)
Setting intentions for your outdoor practice
Logistics: What you actually need (spoiler: not much!)
Your first nature walk (step-by-step)
Establishing core outdoor routines (circle, walks, sit spots, journaling)
Outdoor learning for every student (neurodivergent, anxious, sensory needs, multilingual learners)
Building choice, voice, and agency into outdoor time
Supporting the quiet ones and the loud ones
Culturall responsive outdoor learning
Reflections: What routines fit your practice?
How to start (even if you've never taken your class outside), establish agreements, set up simple daily routines, and create a classroom culture where outdoor learning feels safe and sustainable for everyone.
How nature helps students name their emotions, regulate their nervous systems, develop impulse control, and build resilience through manageable challenges - without a single worksheet.
How outdoor time naturally builds empathy, collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution - and why students who struggle inside often thrive, when given space, freedom, and authentic tasks outdoors.
How to help students develop agency, take ownership of their learning, practice ethical decision-making through land stewardship - and how to keep your outdoor SEL practice going all year long (even in winter, even when it's hard).
You've got questions. We've got answers.
No! This course is designed for beginners and experienced educators alike.
For 90 days. If you need more time, just ask!
The strategies can be adapted for K-5 classrooms.
“As a classroom teacher, I really appreciated how quick and simple the modules were to get through. The ideas are practical and easy to bring into the classroom right away.”
“As a new teacher, this course gave me so many helpful ideas and gentle nudges to think differently about supporting students’ social and emotional learning.”
“This course offers thoughtful, practical strategies for supporting students and classrooms. I’ve already encouraged many of our staff members to sign up.”
~ Outdoor learning won't feel like an extra. It will feel like the BEST part of your teaching week.
~ Your students will have the tools to regulate their emotions, navigate conflict, and build meaningful relationships - skills that will serve them for life.
~ You'll have a sustainable, year-round practice that supports every student, honours their humanity, and brings joy back to your teaching.
Get Ready to Explore Outside to Explore Inside!