Project Profile: York House – Elementary

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is seeing our furniture in the classroom and observing how it inspires creativity in both teachers and students alike. Last month we had the privilege of touring York House School, an all girls school Grades JK-12, in Vancouver, B.C. Shelley Lammie, Director of Junior School (JK – Gr. 7), was inspired to reach out to Natural Pod after seeing our products at an innovative school in Hong Kong. She recognized that Natural Pod could truly enhance the child centered pedagogy that her school values.

While visiting York House we were thrilled to see that the flexibility of our furniture was fully supporting the school’s innovative curriculum. Our pieces were used in such an incredible variety of ways, some of which we had never even imagined. Benches were turned on their sides to inspire an ice cream and smoothie shop where Bridgitte was lucky enough to be served a fantastic ice cream sundae with sprinkles! A play stand became a puppet theater with a stacking rainbow playing a central role in the show while benches were set up for the audience. While in another corner of the room, a semicircle of benches with trees atop was transformed into a cozy spot to play in an imaginary forest.

In the Reggio inspired classrooms, there was a palpable connection between the outdoor and indoor environments. Natural Pod furniture, along with open-ended natural materials, supports their learning and play indoors while an array of raised garden beds invite exploration directly outside their door. The creativity and calm that nature inspires was evident as we watched the children interact with each other and move throughout the space.

What a joy to witness learning environments where the possibilities for open-ended play and learning are as limitless as a child’s imagination!