210: Inside Nature Forward Nature Preschool: Carlos Duque on Curiosity, Confidence & Belonging

### **Episode 210: Inside Nature Forward Nature Preschool:** ### **Carlos Duque on Curiosity, Confidence & Belonging** What happens when we give children the time, space, and freedom to follow their curiosity? In this episode of the **Outdoor Classrooms Podcast**, Victoria Hackett sits down with **Carlos Duque**, Preschool Director at **Nature Forward**, to explore how nature-based education helps children develop confidence, empathy, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. Drawing on his experience as a teacher, librarian, camp counselor, and school leader, Carlos shares how child-led learning comes to life in a nature preschool. Together, they discuss balancing freedom with safety, building strong relationships with families, mentoring educators, and creating learning environments where children can truly thrive. Whether you're an educator, parent, or school leader, this conversation offers practical insights and a hopeful vision for what early childhood education can become when nature is at its heart. ### In This Episode: - Why nature-based education matters now more than ever - The power of curiosity and child-led learning - Supporting healthy risk-taking and resilience - Building confidence and belonging outdoors - Partnering with families in nature-based education - Leading a thriving nature preschool - What the future of outdoor learning could look like ### Key Takeaway When children are trusted to explore, wonder, and learn in nature, they develop far more than academic skills—they grow into confident, compassionate, and resilient human beings who feel deeply connected to the world around them. ### Connect with Nature Forward: https://natureforward.org ### 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](mailto:Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com) Instagram Facebook ### Sponsorship Opportunities: If you believe in the power of outdoor learning and nature-based education, we'd love to partner with you. Sponsoring the *Outdoor Classrooms Podcast* helps support educators while connecting your organization with a passionate community of teachers, school leaders, and families. Contact Victoria at [**victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com**](mailto:victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com) to learn more. ### Subscribe to the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and share this conversation with a fellow educator or parent. Your support helps more people discover the transformative power of nature-based education. 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!