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.