192: Behind the Pages: The Making of My Book, Outdoor Classrooms Unlocked

Victoria Hackett, founder of OutdoorClassrooms.com, reveals the deeply personal and research-driven journey behind her upcoming book, *Outdoor Classrooms Unlocked*, a transformative guide that maps the emotional and practical evolution of outdoor teaching through five distinct phases. What began as a response to teacher hesitation during the pandemic—sparked by her observation of educators' diverse comfort levels with nature-based learning—evolved into a framework that blends pedagogy with garden design. The book isn’t just a manual; it’s a living, evolving journey, structured like walking through a garden gate, complete with 'Podcast Pathways' that invite readers to pause and explore deeper topics via her own podcast episodes. Hackett shares how she overcame writer’s block by building a ritual: writing for just 20 minutes every morning, before screens or distractions, which unlocked a flow state that turned rough drafts into a cohesive, soulful narrative. Her advice? Create small, consistent habits—especially in the morning—to build momentum. The book also introduces four types of teaching gardens—those that feed, serve as learning stations, attract wildlife, and inspire art—each a portal to deeper engagement with nature and curriculum. Above all, Hackett emphasizes that outdoor education is not a destination but a continuous cycle of curiosity, patience, and play, and that no educator is alone in this journey.