The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model (WSCC) – Whole Child to WSCC Back in 2007 ASCD – the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development – a leading U.S. and global education association, convened a group of leading education, health,...
Learning during a pandemic has spotlighted concepts that have always been involved in some education conversations, but now seem to dominate the media, talk in the community and future planning. These concepts include synchronous and asynchronous learning,...
It happened in the blink of an eye. One day, schools were packed with kids shuffling down hallways between classes, teachers chasing down homework assignments, and administrators fielding parent requests and student events. Then everything changed. The halls were...
With a return to school becoming a reality for many, and with so many questions around the future of education, where does one turn to for leadership? It’s unlikely any one person has the answers, and nor could they. This time is unprecedented. And although...
When it comes to being an authority on transforming learning spaces you may have heard of Dr. Robert Dillon. He’s worked with many teachers on how to make their classrooms more student-centred and learner friendly and has co-authored a book about the subject:...
Thank you to all of you who recently entered our Natural Pod newsletter subscription contest! Subscribing to our newsletter gave you a chance to be entered to win a pair of our beautiful, new, sustainably made Natural Pod Stools. They are the classroom stool you’ve...
Across diverse contexts, I regularly meet students who are taking action to build a more sustainable future. Whether it’s first-graders designing a rain garden for their playground, middle schoolers educating adults about composting, or high school students advocating...
Diversity and inclusivity in learning environments is a topic that is at the heart of our work in creating empowering and multifunctional learning furniture inspired by educators and learners’ needs. This article is written by our inhouse Learning & Development...
Designing a learning environment means making decisions for children you haven’t met yet, at ages they haven’t reached, in a room that will be used in ways you can’t fully anticipate. That weight is real — and educators carry it every time they...
Designing for a Regenerative Future At Natural Pod, we believe that when we design spaces with care, we create the conditions for everyone to contribute their best work. This principle guides our presence at the 2026 B Corp Champions Retreat in Milwaukee, where we are...
Originally written by Michelle Carpenter. Updated by Natural Pod on March 30, 2026. A child walks into a classroom and within seconds, they start making sense of the space. The light. The colors. The level of visual noise on the walls. Before a single lesson begins,...
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....
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...
2024 has been a year of shifts, expansion, and growth for us here at Natural Pod. As we pause to reflect on the year’s highlights, it is clear that this was a year that renewed our steady rhythm of purpose, connection, and collaboration—the very heartbeat that...
Natural Pod works at the intersection of pedagogy, design and sustainability. So when the team read the opening statement of the book Design Thinking for School Leaders: Five Roles and Mindsets That Ignite Positive Change, our interest was piqued. What if education...
As a community that wants to make a difference in education, best learning outcomes for students, and the ways we can provide a safe and healthy future for them, as well as the planet and its inhabitants. Here is an opportunity to learn more about, discuss and help...
Thank you to all of our amazing community members who shared their inspiring photo entries in our ‘Back To School Photo Contest’. It’s been such a pleasure to see your wonderful learning environments and the creative use of Natural Pod furniture in...
Welcome back, Natural Pod™ LIVE Episode Eight is available to watch! About This Episode In this uplifting edition of Natural Pod LIVE, our CEO, Bridgitte Alomes, chats with the wonderful Jerzell Pierre-Louis. Jerzell, the Owner and Founder of Sprout and Bloom Early...
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...