by Becky Brodsky | Aug 3, 2017 | Inspiration
Most of us are familiar with the idea of homeschooling, which involves parents educating their children at home rather than in a traditional school setting. Generally, these families are using less formal ways of imparting a traditional education and curriculum. A...
by Becky Brodsky | Jul 20, 2017 | Inspiration
Children spend as much, if not more, time at school than at home, so shouldn’t our learning environments be given the same attention and care as our home environments? While recently reading this article about how to achieve Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of...
by Becky Brodsky | Jul 19, 2017 | Inspiration
Throughout history, the learning structures put in place and their associated physical spaces have been a reflection of the needs in society at large. And even before there were schools, there was the master and apprentice model. Ironically, this method of learning...
by Becky Brodsky | Jun 21, 2017 | Inspiration
The days of classrooms filled with rows of desks are becoming a thing of the past. One of the biggest trends schools are currently exploring are the different ways to bring more movement and energy into the classroom environment. There are truly an endless number of...
by Becky Brodsky | Jun 14, 2017 | Inspiration
When we think of the latest trends in 21st century education, the first ones that probably come to mind are technology or STEM related activities. But there is another growing trend taking place across North America and around the world that brings children back to...
by Becky Brodsky | Jun 8, 2017 | Inspiration
Interacting and exploring with loose parts, such as rocks and sticks, has always been a part of children’s play. In more recent years, these materials have become common tools in early childhood learning. In 1972, architect Simon Nicholson developed the Theory of...
by Becky Brodsky | Jun 1, 2017 | Inspiration
In last week’s story, I proposed the idea that the use of technology in the classroom may not be the best solution to promoting innovation in a 21st century learning environment. I shared how some schools believe it detracts from learning and can even inhibit the...
by Becky Brodsky | May 24, 2017 | Inspiration
Should technology play a central role in today’s classroom environment? Most would answer an emphatic “yes” to this question without giving it a second thought. To most of us, the ubiquitous use of technology in all its forms-phones, tablets, computers, etc. is...
by Becky Brodsky | May 18, 2017 | Inspiration
We learn so much from our community and value the insights you all provide. They inspire our work and compel us to keep pushing to create better and better learning environments. In response to my article from a couple weeks ago that posed the question of whether or...
by Becky Brodsky | May 10, 2017 | Inspiration
Spring is coming and that’s always a good time to clean, refresh, and simplify your space. Follow these tips to create a space that is orderly, calming and, most importantly, inspiring to be in. First, take some time to assess what you actually need, what is used on a...
by Becky Brodsky | May 3, 2017 | Inspiration
Recently, I wrote a post about creating learning environments that support the four types of learners. In it I shared about The VARK Model that identifies the four primary types of learners: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. I noted that, “Each...
by Becky Brodsky | Apr 26, 2017 | Inspiration
Take a look around-the world is beginning to fill with color again. The flowers are blooming, grass is growing, and the trees are starting to bud and bloom. This is the perfect time to appreciate the natural wonders that surround us. Around the world there are days...
by Becky Brodsky | Apr 19, 2017 | Inspiration
Earth Day is a time to reflect and think about ways we can all lead more sustainable lives. It is the opportunity to take the time to come up with changes we can implement, both big and small, that will help preserve and protect our planet. At Natural Pod, children’s...
by Becky Brodsky | Apr 12, 2017 | Inspiration
Collaborating to Create Better Learning Environments ~ At Natural Pod, we have the fortune of working with a wide array of stakeholders who aspire to create better learning environments. Recently, we worked with Dave Ferguson, Principal at ZMM Architects in West...
by Becky Brodsky | Mar 29, 2017 | Inspiration
Innovation is one of the latest buzzwords in 21st century learning, but do you know what it really means and what it takes to create innovation in your own classroom? At its most basic definition an innovative classroom is one that uses new and different methods to...
by Becky Brodsky | Mar 9, 2017 | Inspiration
There is a common belief that today’s schools are moving away from the idea of creativity in the classroom due to new education standards. Yet it is possible for innovative thinking to be part of your students’ daily experience no matter the curriculum. The best...
by Becky Brodsky | Mar 2, 2017 | Inspiration
Did you know that you have the tools to help ensure a learning environment for your students that is healthy and enhances academic performance? Did you know that almost everything you do that has a positive effect on personal health can also help protect the health of...
by Becky Brodsky | Feb 23, 2017 | Inspiration
We know you want what’s best for your students. You want them to be healthy, happy, and in an environment in which they can perform at their best. Did you know that you already have many of the tools at your fingertips necessary to create the ultimate green classroom?...
by Becky Brodsky | Feb 8, 2017 | Inspiration
Whether you realize it or not, every day you have the ability to empower your students to become stewards of our amazing planet. From modeling positive behaviors, to making curricular connections, to fostering a sustainable classroom environment, there are countless...
by Becky Brodsky | Jan 25, 2017 | Inspiration
There are many different types of learners and your environment should, ideally, be able to accommodate them all. Scientists and psychologists have developed a number of different models to understand the different ways that people learn best. The VARK model,...
