Every Kid Outside

This time on The Children’s Hour, we go outdoors to discover why learning in nature helps kids grow, think, and feel better. You’ll hear from students in New Mexico summer programs and from a fourth grade class that became birdwatchers at a wildlife refuge. Their poems and voices show how the outdoors is full of wonder. Whether you’re planting seeds or spotting feathers, there’s something new to learn just by stepping outside.

This episode comes with a free Learning Guide that meets and cites US National Education Standards.

Every Kid Outside Learning Guide Preview

Have you ever wished your classroom could be outside? On this episode of The Children’s Hour, we explore what happens when kids learn in the open air. We visit summer programs across New Mexico where children share how nature helps them feel strong, calm, and curious.

We learn how sunshine, trees, birds, and even raindrops can teach us important lessons. The organization Environmental Education of New Mexico wants to make outdoor learning part of every school day for all students.

You’ll also hear from kids in Mrs. Dawson’s fourth grade class at Valle Vista Elementary School in Albuquerque. These students went birdwatching every week at the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge. They learned how to use binoculars, identify birds by sight and sound, and then turned their experiences into creative poems. Their words show how being outside helped them see nature—and themselves—in a whole new way. They noticed birds in their neighborhoods, learned how birds build nests, and discovered their own connection to the land.

Find out about EENM’s plan Every Kid, Every Day, Every Way to get outdoor learning incorporated into New Mexico school curriculum.

The Children’s Hour was written and produced by Katie Stone, Executive Producer and Host with production support from Christina Stella, Sarah Gabrielli, Marci Krivonen, Thaniel Lentz, and Eli Henley. Chad Scheer was our recording engineer at Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our learning guide was written by Amber Shiel.

Thanks to the team at Environmental Education of New Mexico. Special thanks to Mrs. Dawson’s fourth grade class at Valle Vista Elementary, whose bird poems and reflections brought this episode to life.

The Children’s Hour is produced by The Children’s Hour Inc., distributed by Native Voice One, and supported by listeners like you. Find more at ChildrensHour.org/every-kid-outside.

© 2021 – 2025 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Playlist Every Kid Outside

titleartistalbumlabelduration
Sweet NectarineBen Tatar and the Tatar TotsSeconds2021 Ben Tatar Music02:03
School of the WildThe Missoula Coyote Choir & FriendsAsk the Planet2009 The Biomimicry Institute03:48
We KnowKetsaSingle2021 Ketsa - FMA02:40
OutsideThe BazillionsOn the Bright Side2015 Adam Marshall02:15
Life-Of-An-EmpathKetsasingle2021 Ketsa02:17
I Love the OutdoorsPalo ColoradoLet There Be Peace On Earth2009 Jan-Lee Music02:36
Be OutsideJazzy AshGood Foot - EP2020 Ashli St Armant01:05
Easy EasyCrowanderAcoustic Miniband2019 Crowander01:17
Beautiful DayLyre le TempsOutside the Box2013 French Gramm / Believe Recordings02:56
VultureArtichoke26 Animals2009 greeen02:48
Little Bird, Little BirdElizabeth MitchellYou Are My Little Bird2006 Smithsonian Folkways Recordings02:28
Mother Nature's SonAaron Nigel Smith & One World ChorusWelcome to the Village!2012 Aya World Productions02:31
BirdhouseUncle JumboGarden Groove2019 Jumbo Life01:41
Green IverAri De NiroJules Lives2016 Pete Ho00:28
Outside!Hopalong AndrewHowdy Do! Songs of the Urban Cowpoke2018 Andrew Vladeck02:06
Walk OutsideDan CrowA Friend, a Laugh, a Walk In the Woods2005 Kidztown Productions03:21
Idle WaysBlue Dot SessionsDuck Lake2018 Blue Dot Sessions02:08
Yoho (The Hiking Song)Peter Lenton and FriendsProud Like a Mountain (Deluxe Version)2010 Peter Jonathan Lenton01:58
Big Rock Candy MountainGordie Crazylegs MacKeemanFolk for Little Folk, Vol.12021 Gordie Crazylegs MacKeeman02:34

Thank you Sponsors