by Tessa Harrington | Aug 3, 2017 | Inspiration
Even though teachers have the summer off we usually have a hard time switching off our teacher brains. I find myself on my family summer holidays looking around and thinking about whether I can use different natural objects in my classroom. I can’t walk down a...
by Tessa Harrington | Apr 26, 2017 | Inspiration
Storytelling is a major component of early literacy development, which can be challenging when children are still developing their basic printing skills. Recently I discovered story stones to help my students practice their oral language skills, and discover the joy...
by Tessa Harrington | Feb 16, 2017 | Inspiration
Sometimes on rainy days it is a challenge to get our students outside. While I like to think that we shouldn’t let the rain stop us, sometimes it’s nice to have a cozy day inside. On the days when we are out in nature I like to collect a selection of items that can be...
by Tessa Harrington | Dec 1, 2016 | Inspiration
An essential to most primary classrooms is a sensory table of some kind, whether it’s a traditional sandbox or another variant such as lentils, bubbles, or water. Sensory tables provide an excellent opportunity for students to experience their senses in a free-play...
by Tessa Harrington | Oct 23, 2016 | Inspiration
Incorporating natural elements into the classroom may sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are countless simple steps any educator can take to make their students’ learning environment more calm and natural. Here are five ways to help get you...
by Tessa Harrington | Jul 21, 2016 | Inspiration
One of the most recent additions to my classroom is yet another Natural Pod table, only this one can be raised to standing height! This is a wonderful option because my students both enjoy standing to do their work and often need a break from sitting. The idea to seek...
by Tessa Harrington | Apr 7, 2016 | Inspiration
Coming into my classroom after spring break, it felt like a different room. Before the break I took down my hanging ferns and brought my potted plants home, and it wasn’t until coming back after the break that I realized the impact these plants have on the classroom....
by Tessa Harrington | Jan 30, 2015 | Inspiration
Tessa Harrington, a Kindergarten teacher at Lynnmour Elementary, recently explored a question she had about the design of her classroom… Her inquiry question was: Will adaptations to my classroom’s physical space (desks/paint colour/chairs/book choices/tables/floor...