220: Winter Friends: Cultivating Wonder Through Nature with Peter Dargatz

### **Episode 220: Winter Friends: Cultivating Wonder Through Nature with Peter Dargatz** What happens when we slow down, step outside, and give children time to truly notice the natural world around them? In this episode of **The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast**, I’m joined by educator, nature kindergarten teacher, and author **Peter Dargatz** to celebrate his new children’s book, ***Winter Friends***. Peter is also the author of ***Teaching Off Trail*** and has spent years helping children learn through play, exploration, curiosity, and connection with nature. We talk about how those experiences inspired *Winter Friends* and what it means for Peter to fulfill a longtime dream of becoming a children’s book author. We also explore the power of **slowing down and noticing**, the unique opportunities winter offers for outdoor learning, and how children’s literature can become a bridge between reading about nature and actually experiencing it. ### **In this episode, we explore:** • The inspiration behind *Winter Friends* • Peter’s journey from nature kindergarten teacher to children’s book author • Helping children notice, wonder, and connect with nature • Why winter is rich with opportunities for outdoor learning • Using children’s books as a springboard for outdoor exploration • Giving educators permission to start small This conversation is a beautiful reminder that cultivating wonder doesn’t require a perfect outdoor space or an elaborate lesson. Sometimes it simply begins when we **open the door, step outside, and notice what’s already there.** **Dream Big. Start Small. Cultivate Change.** ### **Meet Peter:** Peter Dargatz is a nature-loving kindergarten teacher and retired racing sausage. In 2016, he created an outdoor classroom at his public school in Wisconsins and has since further developed it into a school-wide collaboration with a local nature center and a district-wide family nature club. He has written two books so far. TEACHING OFF TRAIL focuses on his unique teaching style and his debut picture book, WINTER FRIENDS, will be released Tuesday, October 27th. When he's not writing, he is enjoying time on his family farm with his wife, kids, cats, and chickens. Learn more about Peter Dargatz at PeterDargatz.com and look for ***Winter Friends*** wherever books are sold. ### **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!