Creating change at the school district level is hard. Systemic changes need to be implemented. Educational programs and teaching and learning focus needs to be shifted. Culture needs to be created and supported. These efforts require careful coordination and change...
In a much celebrated article entitled, Twelve Places to Intervene in a System, Donella Meadows wrote that the power to transcend mindsets or paradigms is the most upstream place to intervene in a system to make positive systemic change. The mindset or...
Learning and moving inside and outside the classroom – seems like a simple idea that is easy to do – but we know from research and everyday life that ‘moving’ for well-being is easier said than done. Daily physical activity and movement in schools is a topic that has...
Those of us who are engaged in environmental and sustainability literacy talk a lot about developing a “sense of place,” or a better understanding and appreciation for our immediate environment. This is not an easy task within the confines of a classroom environment....
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting two schools of our customers in West Virginia. We have worked closely with both schools, MUEE (Marshall University Early Education) Stem School and Explorer Academy, to create learning environments that connect to their...
About this time last year, something really special happened with my work as the Director of Marketing at Natural Pod. After years of helping other organizations create better learning environments, we had the chance, at least in a small way, for my own kids to enjoy...
Carlton House is based in a beautiful historic heritage building in Dubbo, NSW, Australia. With the focus on the environment, as the foundation for an early childhood and preschool curriculum that is intriguing and aesthetically pleasing, inviting all children’s...
A ministry of Mariners Church, Mariners Church Preschool is designed to meet the needs of the whole child by creating environments and experiences where a love of faith is fostered. Best practices are used to design and plan their curriculum, helping to develop...
The addition of Natural Pod’s Play Loft has brought many rich changes to our physical environment and to the class. When I initially made the decision to purchase the loft I was excited for several reasons. Not only was I excited to be supporting a local company that...
The Green Schools National Network is excited to announce that it is partnering with the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council to co-present the “Best of Green Schools 2016”! The Best of Green Schools recognizes the people, schools, campuses,...
At the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, they try to create programming experiences that feel special and are crafted for the interests and abilities of the children’s age that learn in their environment. They do that by focusing on age appropriate physical activity and...
AKIDEMY was designed as a space for children to create, explore, interact and collaborate in many different ways; this is the very essence of the Reggio Philosophy. When Tristan and I took the leap and decided to open our own program, we both knew that at the core of...
The BC Buy Local campaign celebrates local business to promote the contributions that BC businesses make to our economy and our communities. The goal of the campaign is to illuminate the local market, making BC-based businesses, products, food and wines more visible...
Lisa Sciabica, Director of Mariners Church Preschool, came to us this past August, searching to transform her traditional preschool into a more natural, Reggio-inspired learning environment. With much love for her preschool and its families, she deeply knew that a...
When I met Bridgitte at a conference several months ago, it was very clear she is on a mission to make non-toxic and natural play synonymous. Natural Pod’s compelling vision, innovative award-winning products, passion and commitment for natural play sets them apart...
Last week we brought you the story of the new Fernwood Elementary School, multi-age, nature based learning programs that are starting in just a couple of short weeks on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada. There are no students at school at this time of...
Voting is open in our Create and Share Your Invitation to Play ~ Win a Free $5000 Classroom Giveaway Contest. You can still enter your own Invitation to Play for a chance to win. Vote for your favourite play ideas submitted by our community. To help make voting...
When I found out that I would be teaching Kindergarten, my heart leapt. I would finally have a physical space to translate the knowledge and passion I held for early childhood, especially those images inspired by Reggio Emilia schools. I had recently worked with...
One of the most important principles behind our work is understanding how children learn through play. It informs all aspects of our better learning environment, furniture and toy design. Here’s a wonderful news story from ShawTV with Kerri Favreau and her...
Grace Chou from Monarch Montessori contacted us last year with her dream of opening a Montessori Preschool in beautiful Point Grey, Vancouver. The challenge was that her entire classroom needed to be tucked away each Friday and brought back to beauty Monday morning....
Sprig, the last classroom table you’ll ever need
