What Does It Mean to Care About Nature? With Kelly Shuto

In this episode of the Teach Outdoors podcast, I’m joined by Kelly Shuto—childhood friend, educator, and author of the What Does It Mean to… book series. We sit down to talk about our journey of co-writing the fourth book in her series, What Does It Mean to Care About Nature?, and how our shared history and deep connections to the natural world shaped this collaboration.

Our conversation weaves together stories from our own childhoods, the role nature and play played in our lives, and why those early experiences matter so much for children today. We talk about care not as something we teach through rules or lectures, but as something that grows through time, relationship, curiosity, and joyful play outdoors.

We also dig into how this book can be used in real, practical ways—with students in classrooms, during outdoor learning experiences, and at home with families. From inquiry-rich conversations to playful noticing and wondering, we explore how the book invites children (and adults) to slow down, ask questions, and build a genuine relationship with the natural world.

This episode is a heartfelt reflection on friendship, creativity, play, and the belief that when children are given space to love nature, caring naturally follows.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Kelly and I wanted to write What Does It Mean to Care About Nature? together
• How our childhood experiences with nature influenced our work as educators and authors
• The role of play in building care, connection, and stewardship
• Ways to use this book with students in classrooms and outdoor settings
• How families can use the book to spark meaningful conversations and experiences outdoors

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or anyone who cares about helping children build a relationship with nature, this conversation is an invitation to rethink what “caring” really looks like—and how it begins with play.