S3 Ep 107: Katie Pschorr | Nature-Based Learning for Kids: Confidence & Creativity Outdoors
- Jessica Lamb
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Building Roots: How Nature-Based Learning is Changing Childhood with Katie Pschorr
When it comes to early childhood education, most of us picture colorful classrooms, structured schedules, and the nonstop buzz of activity. But what if learning could be something entirely different—something slower, more grounded, and centered around the natural world? That’s exactly what Katie Pschorr, founder of Littles Creative and Connected, is creating with her nature-based, child-led learning programs.
In a recent conversation on The Mama Making Podcast, Katie and I explored how outdoor learning isn't just about playing in the dirt — it's about fostering resilience, emotional growth, and a deeper connection to the world around us. It's about letting kids lead the way, building a strong foundation for all future learning.
Katie's Journey to Creating Littles
Katie’s story started much like many educators’: she went to college planning to be a kindergarten teacher. But during her studies and early work in mental health programs for young children, she noticed something troubling.
"I loved the aspect of brain and body health and how kids develop," Katie shared. "But working in those traditional spaces, everything just felt stressful — for the kids and for the teachers."
After years of witnessing the pressures of standard early childhood environments, Katie knew there had to be a better way. When the pandemic hit, a family asked her to run outdoor classes in their backyard, and the shift she saw was immediate.
"Being outside changed everything. Kids were calmer. I was calmer," she said. It sparked the beginning of Littles Creative and Connected — a nature-based program built on child-led exploration.
A New Kind of Learning Environment
Now, instead of fluorescent lights and crowded classrooms, Katie’s students gather under the oak trees. They start each session with a community circle and storytime, and then the real magic happens: kids are free to choose their own adventure.
"When kids have space to move and explore, their brains and bodies just work differently," Katie explained.
There’s a mud kitchen for sensory play, logs to climb, trails to hike, and endless opportunities to get messy and creative. It's about setting the stage for learning — and then stepping back.
As a parent who has attended these classes with my son, I can honestly say it’s a breath of fresh air. Kids are given the freedom to explore and test their boundaries, while parents stay nearby as a safe, supportive presence. It’s a far cry from the highly structured classrooms so many of us are used to.
Katie emphasized that emotional development is the real foundation of her programs.
"If a teacher is stressed, the kids are stressed. If the kids are stressed, the teacher is stressed. It goes both ways," she said.
By creating an environment that’s calm and responsive to children's needs, Katie is helping kids build critical life skills like problem-solving, emotional regulation, and resilience.
Nature Play, One Small Step at a Time
One of the things I loved most about my conversation with Katie was her encouragement to start small. You don't have to be an outdoorsy family or plan grand adventures to start embracing nature-based learning.
"You don't have to hike through the woods for hours," Katie said. "It can be as simple as sitting on your driveway, or putting pinecones in a bucket of water."
The important thing is giving children the chance to move, explore, and connect with the world around them — even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Through every season, Littles Creative and Connected adapts to keep kids outside, whether they're splashing in the creek during summer or bundling up for winter hikes.
Programs Offered at Littles Creative and Connected
Tots Classes for ages 12 months to 4 years (caregiver and child together)
Drop-Off Classes for ages 4 to 7
New Co-Op Program where parents and children collaborate together
Each class is rooted in the idea that early childhood should be about exploration, connection, and honoring each child's natural curiosity.
Final Thoughts
Talking with Katie reminded me that some of the most important lessons don't come from a worksheet or a planned activity. They come from letting kids lead — from trusting them to climb, dig, wonder, and sometimes get a little muddy along the way.
I’m so grateful to have found Littles Creative and Connected for my family, and even more grateful to share Katie’s story with all of you.
TL;DR
In this episode of The Mama Making Podcast, host Jessica Lamb chats with Katie Pschorr, founder of Littles Creative and Connected, about the power of nature-based learning for young children. Katie shares her career journey from mental health to early childhood education and how she built a program rooted in child-led exploration and outdoor play.
They dive into the benefits of seasonal learning, ways to foster curiosity outside, and how Katie’s classes build both community and confidence. Whether you're new to nature-based education or already embracing the outdoors with your kids, this conversation is full of inspiration and practical ideas.
How to connect with Katie:
Website: www.littlescreativeconnected.com
The Mama Making Podcast Mom podcast, Motherhood Podcast, Motherhood Journey, Postpartum Mental Health, Pregnancy, New Mom Support, nature-based learning, early childhood education, outdoor play, child-led learning, community building, parenting tips, sensory development, educational philosophy, mental health, family engagement
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