Episode 222: Vivalina Grows a Gourd! From Garden to Classroom with Graham Ottoson & Ann Kumpf
What if one tiny seed could inspire a world of creativity, curiosity, and outdoor learning?
In this episode of The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, host Victoria Hackett welcomes Graham Ottoson, artist, author, and founder of Gourdlandia in Ithaca, New York, and Ann Kumpf, outdoor educator and nature-based occupational therapist at Cambridge School in Baltimore, Maryland.
Together, we explore the fascinating world of gourds and how these unique plants can become powerful tools for hands-on learning, storytelling, art, science, and connecting children with nature.
Graham shares her unexpected journey from midwife to gourd artist and the inspiration behind her debut children's book, Vivalina Grows a Gourd! Ann brings the educator's perspective, sharing how growing and crafting with gourds can spark children's curiosity and connect outdoor experiences with classroom learning.
In This Episode, We Explore:
- What gourds are, how they grow, and what makes them so unique.
- The process of harvesting, drying, and transforming gourds into works of art.
- Creative ways to incorporate gourds into outdoor classrooms and school gardens.
- Connecting gourds to science, history, art, storytelling, and hands-on learning.
- The inspiration behind Vivalina Grows a Gourd! and its message for the next generation.
- How educators and families can start small by growing gourds with children.
- Gourdlandia's annual free seed giveaway.
Meet Our Guests:
Graham Ottoson is the artist behind Gourdlandia in Ithaca, New York, where she grows gourds and transforms them into beautiful lamps. Her work has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, and Atlas Obscura. After 25 years as a midwife, Graham followed her creativity into the wonderful world of gourds. Her debut children's book, Vivalina Grows a Gourd!, invites children and families to discover the joy of growing.
Ann Kumpf, OTR/L, is the Outdoor Education Coordinator at Cambridge School in Baltimore, Maryland. She helps educators connect classroom curriculum with meaningful outdoor experiences. As a nature-based occupational therapist, Ann is passionate about using the natural world to support children's learning, development, and well-being.
Connect with Grahm:
Connect with Ann:
Ann Kumpf, OTR/L, is the Outdoor Education Coordinator at Cambridge School in Baltimore, Maryland, where she helps educators bring curriculum to life through meaningful outdoor experiences.
A Little Inspiration
At Outdoor Classrooms, we believe meaningful change often begins with one small step. Whether you're planting your first gourd seed, exploring natural materials with children, or discovering new ways to bring learning outdoors, the possibilities are endless.
Dream Big. Start Small. Cultivate Change.
If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, share this episode with a fellow educator, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us inspire more educators to bring learning outdoors! Please rate or comment on Spotify.
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
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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 to learn more.
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