The West Vancouver Schools Early Childhood Education Centre next door to École Pauline Johnson represents a new standard for Canadian public education. Opening this year, the learning space will provide a permanent, nature-inspired sanctuary for 116 children, born...
How Intentional Learning Environments Communicate Values, Support Communities, and Shape Futures When you walk into a learning space, what does it say to the children who spend their days there? Does it communicate respect for their competence? Does it invite...
We’ve just returned from LearningSCAPES 2025, where conversations focused on a fundamental shift. We are all supporting an “anxious generation” and feeling the tension between humanity and technology. The central question was clear: How do we create...
Creating Healthy Learning Environments Starts with the Air We Breathe A recent working paper from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University has cast a critical spotlight on a hidden threat in our children’s learning spaces: indoor air pollution....
In an era where educational design is recognized as pivotal in shaping future generations, Natural Pod is heading to LearningSCAPES 2025 to showcase the transformative power of sustainable learning environments. We’re presenting two powerful sessions that...
When Thomas Selishev speaks, his conviction is unmistakable. Even over a Zoom call, his voice carries urgency, but it is measured, purposeful. He traces his path into education to a simple principle: every child, regardless of background, deserves the best...
Every educator knows the challenge: how do you create a classroom that not only inspires learning but also nurtures the well-being of every student? The answer, as it turns out, is found in nature itself. At Natural Pod, we believe that biophilic design—the practice...
Tiny Scholars is Bridging the Gap Between Generations An inspiring new playschool has opened inside the Amenida Seniors Community in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada creating a unique intergenerational program that connects children with seniors. Developed to foster...
Well organized classroom storage can be one of the most effective ways to bring calm into your classroom as a new school year begins. After all, how can you create a truly functional and inspiring space while being surrounded by an overwhelming number of materials. We...
As part of our ongoing collaboration with New Society Publishers, we’re excited to share three more low- or no-cost nature activities for kids from the summer excerpt of The Big Book of Nature Activities. These hands-on projects are perfect for children of all ages,...
At Natural Pod, we’re advocates for outdoor learning whenever possible – learning that is experiential, embodied, and connects a child to their senses with respect to their surroundings. It’s the opposite of learning about Nature in a classroom via a screen! To...
Have you ever considered why we need to consciously select the texture, shape, color, and size of materials used by children in the classroom? Or what difference furniture selection makes to the learning environment? A study by the University of Salford (2015) found...
As one school year closes, the rush to prepare for the next one begins. We know that in many cases, you need your school furniture ready to go before September. Your mind is fresh with what worked and what didn’t, and while this is a perfect time to plan, the timeline...
At Natural Pod, the belief in creating learning environments that nurture the whole child—fostering well-being, movement, and a deep connection to the natural world—is central. This ethos has led to a deepening collaboration with Sloflo World, a fellow Canadian...
We’re thrilled to share that Bridgitte Alomes, founder of Natural Pod, is back for part two of her conversation as a special guest on the “BC’s Path to Universal Child Care Podcast” (Season 4, Episode 7). In this episode, CCRR podcast host Gyda guides Bridgitte and...
How can children produce food, learn science, and develop a sense of ecological responsibility all at once? The answer lies in a school or home garden—a place where observation becomes both a science lesson and a vital behavior, where cooperation grows alongside...
New! Book Excerpt Series We’re excited to announce the first of a series of book excerpts in collaboration with New Society Publishers. As British Columbia based B Corp with global impact, we’ve found a strong values alignment in their subject areas, especially with...
Celebrating our earth: Holding the world in our hands – Inspired by Purpose Preschool It’s inspiring to see how our friends at Purpose Preschool in Edmonton, Canada, embraced Earth Day, focusing on learning practical ways children can care for their environment...
We are proud to announce that following a thorough evaluation process, Natural Pod has been certified as a Women Business Enterprise by WBE Canada, recognizing Natural Pod as a company where women manage ownership and strategic leadership. As a diverse, purpose...
Exciting news! Natural Pod founder, Bridgitte Alomes, was recently a special guest on the “BC’s Path to Universal Child Care Podcast” (Season 4, Episode 5). Host Gyda led a fantastic conversation with Bridgitte and Rory Richards – President...
The Architecture of Belonging: Redefining Early Childhood Education in West Vancouver
