What we love most about our work are the people we work with. We’re very proud of our education community here at Natural Pod and to celebrate some of the people in our community, we enjoy connecting with them to learn more about their work so that we can...

The days of classrooms filled with rows of desks are becoming a thing of the past. One of the biggest trends schools are currently exploring are the different ways to bring more movement and energy into the classroom environment. There are truly an endless number of...

When we think of the latest trends in 21st century education, the first ones that probably come to mind are technology or STEM related activities. But there is another growing trend taking place across North America and around the world that brings children back to...

Interacting and exploring with loose parts, such as rocks and sticks, has always been a part of children’s play. In more recent years, these materials have become common tools in early childhood learning. In 1972, architect Simon Nicholson developed the Theory of...

In last week’s story, I proposed the idea that the use of technology in the classroom may not be the best solution to promoting innovation in a 21st century learning environment. I shared how some schools believe it detracts from learning and can even inhibit the...

Should technology play a central role in today’s classroom environment? Most would answer an emphatic “yes” to this question without giving it a second thought. To most of us, the ubiquitous use of technology in all its forms-phones, tablets, computers, etc. is...

We learn so much from our community and value the insights you all provide. They inspire our work and compel us to keep pushing to create better and better learning environments. In response to my article from a couple weeks ago that posed the question of whether or...

Spring is coming and that’s always a good time to clean, refresh, and simplify your space. Follow these tips to create a space that is orderly, calming and, most importantly, inspiring to be in. First, take some time to assess what you actually need, what is used on a...

Recently, I wrote a post about creating learning environments that support the four types of learners. In it I shared about The VARK Model that identifies the four primary types of learners: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. I noted that, “Each...

Storytelling is a major component of early literacy development, which can be challenging when children are still developing their basic printing skills. Recently I discovered story stones to help my students practice their oral language skills, and discover the joy...

Take a look around-the world is beginning to fill with color again. The flowers are blooming, grass is growing, and the trees are starting to bud and bloom. This is the perfect time to appreciate the natural wonders that surround us. Around the world there are days...

Earth Day is a time to reflect and think about ways we can all lead more sustainable lives. It is the opportunity to take the time to come up with changes we can implement, both big and small, that will help preserve and protect our planet. At Natural Pod, children’s...

Collaborating to Create Better Learning Environments ~ At Natural Pod, we have the fortune of working with a wide array of stakeholders who aspire to create better learning environments. Recently, we worked with Dave Ferguson, Principal at ZMM Architects in West...

Innovation is one of the latest buzzwords in 21st century learning, but do you know what it really means and what it takes to create innovation in your own classroom? At its most basic definition an innovative classroom is one that uses new and different methods to...

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...

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 way...

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...

"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 teaching...

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 Bourgeoys" and...

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...

Most of us know that being outdoors has calming and restorative powers. We also know that it can reduce stress and improve mood. But did you know that it can also help connect us to one another and improve attention and focus? Research has shown that children who...

Inspiration is all around. It can come from the people we spend time with, the books we read, the music we listen to...it can be found all around us. At Natural Pod, these influences shape the work we do every day. Our inspiration comes from... Our customers. We know...

What an amazing time at TEDx West Vancouver this past weekend. Bridgitte Alomes, our CEO of Natural Pod, along with many other leading education thinkers and leaders presented their vision for the future of education and learning. Thank you to all those that attended...

School is back in session and you are getting back to routines, getting to know your students, and getting to know your classroom. Now is the perfect time to set up a flexible classroom that will set you and your students up for success. Did you know that your...