Interior Design’s Best of Year is the design industry’s premiere design awards program, honoring the most significant work of the year as well as recognizing designers, architects and manufacturers from around the globe. This year, you can help the Natural...
I have had two play stands with arches in my Kindergarten classroom for the past year and I continue to be impressed with their versatility. I placed them in what used to be my “house corner”. Prior to the play arches, this area of my classroom had a traditional play...
Over the years, the sustainable procurement movement has helped us reduce our use of virgin material, shrink our carbon impact, and procure more goods and services from local organizations. One thing the movement hasn’t done enough of is remind us to focus on the end...
Many educators are recognizing that students sitting at rows of desks for the majority of the day while a teacher lectures at the front of the room is not optimal in developing skills that foster students’ personal growth in communication, collaboration, creativity...
Our team at Natural Pod is thankful that we’re able to continue designing, producing and delivering exceptional learning environments during these uncertain times. For those who are able, this is a great time to get creative and move forward with existing or new...
Many children and educators have now started school, others are about to, and some families have opted for virtual or home learning. So a ‘new normal’ really translates as ‘a fresh discovery phase’. While we are still exploring how education could look, not only in...
The maker movement has taken on a life of its own over the last few years. K-12 schools are starting to jump on the bandwagon too, creating makerspaces of their own. What is a makerspace? Picture shop or industrial arts class only made over for 21st century learning....
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...
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...
It’s the final stretch in our “what makes a house a home” contest. Tell us your thoughts and nominate your favorite preschool, family place, etc. to win The Natural Pod we’re giving away! My favorite quote of last week came from a Mom who said...
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...
In the dynamic realm of educational design, the importance of creating tranquil, inspiring spaces cannot be overstated. Recent research sheds light on the profound influence of classroom environments on the well-being of both learners and educators, prompting...
Recently we brought the story of Aurelia, the Mama behind Aurelia’s Creations. It went so well (thanks for all the comments) that we want to share with you the story of another of our Natural Pod artisans: Chris Bertin. Chris is the creative force behind our...
As a part of my work as a school designer, I’m able to visit and walk through many flavors of schools. My role is to help leaders and design teams to resee their buildings, help them to notice what has moved to the background, and ask questions that promote actionable...
When playing outside, children enter into an enchanting world where they develop a deep connection to the earth, and their imagination, creativity, and sensory exploration are all ignited. Children build strong foundations while exploring, investigating and...
Natural Pod is honored to have our work highlighted by Metropolis Magazine in their featured article showcasing the wonderful Mi Casita Preschool and Cultural Center and the celebrated Brooklyn-based architectural firms that created their built environment, Barker...
Why does Natural Pod do what it does? – A conversation with the founder and CEO of Natural Pod and Alex Van Tol from Douglas Magazine. Natural Pod started out as a natural toy company in 2007 by co-founders Bridgitte Alomes and Allan Alomes. From the very...
Bridgitte Alomes, our founder and CEO, had the opportunity to share more about the impact Natural Pod is committed to making in the world, with the support of local partnerships. ~ Article by Rebecca Keillor, published by the Vancouver Sun, BC, Canada....
Our very own Tree Branch Blocks have just been named one of the Top 10 Eco-Toys in North America! Judged on their affordability, age appropriateness, level of creativity and socialization engaged, eco-friendliness and child-initiated interactivity, the Tree Branch...
As an educator, you may be wondering how to transform your classroom or play space into an enchanting learning environment that children love. Studies show that children of all ages benefit from natural play. As an educator, you are in an exciting position. You have...
Sprig, the last classroom table you’ll ever need
