Learning Support Environments require special planning to ensure that it meets the needs of the students that it serves. Consideration needs to be made to ensure that there are a variety of useful spaces and that the spaces create options for students to feel...
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....
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...
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...
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?...
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...
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...
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,...
Looking to bring some warmth, light, and cheer to your classroom during the long winter months? Read on to learn ways to help you and your students beat the winter blues! Bring on the light: Light tables can brighten up any area in your room with their subtle...
As 2016 comes to an end, it is important to stay connected to the people and places we care about most. In my world, the schools and communities with whom I work keep me connected to the real mission and vision of the Green Schools National Network (GSNN): to...
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” The above quote exemplifies the essence of one of the latest and most impactful trends in 21st Century classroom learning, project based learning. Project based learning (PBL) is a...
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...
Have you ever found it difficult to breathe in a room after purchasing new furniture or applying a fresh coat of paint? And have you ever been forced to avoid spaces as a result of those overwhelming smells? Do you wonder what is in those nasty fumes you are...
Creating flexible, dynamic learning environments is essential to meeting our 21st century learners where they are. Presenting students with choice and allowing them to take charge of their learning is vital when arranging a successful learning space. Megan Baker, a...
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...
How does your space influence your thinking? Our spaces need to be designed with meaning and purpose as the “third teacher” influences our mindset. As the co-founder of Natural Pod, Bridgitte’s ideas come from her experience. Bridgitte Alomes – As a thought leader in...
Today the Kenora Catholic District School Board premièred the first video in a series of videos showcasing innovative learning projects at the Kenora Catholic District School Board. This video is titled “Innovative Learning at École Ste-Marguerite...
Imagine the feeling you get upon entering a room filled with light and natural elements. Have you ever wondered how this type of environment affects how children think and feel? Have you considered the impact that they have on a child’s ability to learn and absorb...
The classroom environments where children spend most of their day can impact their emotional well-being, as well as their physical comfort. The look and feel of a learning environment can speak volumes to a child and can serve to make them feel welcome and valued....
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...
Indoor Air Quality: Why it’s Critical for Healthy Learning Environments + Young Learners
