One sign that it’s time to shake up your learning space is if your children are struggling to find creative play options and relying heavily on you for engagement. By creating a well-provisioned, responsively designed learning space, you can encourage children’s independence and engagement. This is where the idea of “Environment as the Third Teacher” comes into play. The physical environment deeply influences how children feel, behave and thrive, so it’s crucial that the space is best suited to their interests, needs and ideas. As children grow, their interests, needs and ideas change, so a flexible physical environment is key.
Another sign that it’s time to shake up your learning space is if you’re spending more time, energy and resources on repairs, repainting or replacing furniture with inexpensive options that only last a few seasons. These “fast furniture” options are not only unsustainable but can also have negative ergonomic and tactile repercussions for young learners. Moreover, they are often made with or treated with toxic chemicals that will “off-gas” and can introduce more toxic chemicals into the learning space environment over time. To ensure a safe and sustainable learning space, consider purchasing sustainably built, modular furniture that is non-toxic, beautiful and matches the developmental needs of the people in the learning space, including educators.
If you’re providing care in multipurpose rooms, especially for school-age care programs that require daily setup and takedown of the learning space program, we understand how important it is to have furniture that can withstand frequent movement and maintain its structural integrity over time. That’s why furniture with castors that can be safely rolled and convenient storage options are a must-have. While having a variety of cozy and inviting learning space configurations is essential for creating an engaging and inspiring environment, having furniture that can keep up with your dynamic needs is just as crucial. At Natural Pod, we offer a range of modular furniture options that are designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, so you can create the perfect learning space that meets all your needs.
We are a B Corp Certified furniture company that believes in creating space through conversation. Our solutions team can help you find inspiration for your learning space and explore creative options to fit your budget.