Interview with Laura McGahey June 22, 2026

How can we help students become truly ready to learn before the lesson even begins? In this conversation, outdoor learning specialist Laura McGahey shares practical strategies to help teachers support student regulation, attention, and emotional readiness. Discover why regulation is the foundation of learning, how outdoor experiences can help students feel calmer, more focused, and more engaged, and what simple steps you can take to create classrooms where every learner is ready to thrive. Whether you teach indoors or outdoors, you'll leave with practical ideas you can apply immediately to support student wellbeing and learning. 🌿 Learn more about the Innovating Teachers Academy: https://www.innovating-teachers-acade... Outline 3:10 – What was the moment that made you rethink teaching indoors? 5:21 – What was your biggest early mistake? 8:05 – Tell us about a student whose learning changed outdoors. 9:51 – What surprised you most? 11:44 - How did outdoor learning change student relationships? 10:52 - Were there particular groups of students who seemed to benefit most from outdoor learning?? 17:12 - How does regulation connect to learning, attention, and participation? 23:38 - How did outdoors become the classroom rather than simply a reward? 26:07 - Can you give an example of a lesson that worked particularly well outdoors? 28:13 - What would you say to teachers who think they don't have access to nature? 30:55 - What's the biggest misconception teachers have about outdoor learning? 35:57 - What's the smallest first step a teacher could take tomorrow? 38:45 - How has outdoor learning impacted you personally as a teacher? 42:16 - What do you wish every educator understood about learning in nature?