Designing an inspiring learning environment today is a complex, rewarding process that requires careful thought and collaboration. At Natural Pod, we approach each project with a focus on creating spaces that are functional, cohesive, and promote wellbeing for...
Making learning meaningful is important to children’s understanding of the learning concepts and the world around them. Teachers make learning meaningful when they, link new learning to children’s previous experience, relate concepts to children’s lives and provide...
Giving Tuesday is here, offering a wonderful chance to join the global movement for giving that takes place each year after American Thanksgiving and Black Friday. This annual event celebrates our collective capacity to do good, unleashing the power of people and...
“Environmental and sustainability literacy is needed to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to create the future we want – one with economic opportunity for all, a fair and just society, thriving ecosystems, and healthy human and more than human...
While our work at Natural Pod is focused on creating collaborative, sustainably made, nature connected learning indoor environments, we always remember that outdoor nature connection is a vital part of creating great learning outcomes. When we come across inspiring...
Being a young person today is not easy. Many are under stress to perform well in school, get into a good college, or excel on the playing field. But what about students who are stressed because they need to earn money to put food on the table for their family? Or...
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...
This is a really interesting time in education right now. There are some big questions being asked and powerful discussions being had. Personally I’m delighted, particularly because so many educators and change makers are directly asking and listening to students for...
Leadership for Green Schools: Sustainability for Our Children, Our Communities, and Our Planet – This is a wonderfully rich book that uncovers the many facets of what it means to be a green school, and the leadership tools needed to embrace whole school...
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...
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...
Sprig, the last classroom table you’ll ever need
