Quality Classrooms

July 10, 2023October 25, 2023

The Benefits of Outdoor Learning in the Summer

Summer is here! The temperature rises, the day stretches longer, and the natural environment offers countless opportunities for exploring. It’s the time of year when nature transforms into a vibrant playground, inviting children to venture outside and explore. In a world where screens and technology have become a dominant part of everyday life, summer serves as a refreshing opportunity to introduce outdoor learning and reignite the wonder and curiosity that lies within our children. Check out this blog for some benefits of outdoor learning in the summer, and great activities recommendations!

Product in picture: Nature to Play Double Bench

1. Physical Health and Well-being:

Summer provides an abundance of chances for children to engage in physical exercise. Whether they’re running, swimming, biking, or participating in sports, these activities promote cardiovascular fitness, muscle development, and overall physical health. The generous amount of sunlight during the summer months also helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for having strong bones and a healthy immune system. Additionally, outdoor play encourages children to be active, boosting their energy levels and improving sleep patterns, which benefits their general wellbeing.

Fun activities to do: Outdoor sports and games are a fantastic way to keep children active. Organize friendly games of tag, capture the flag, or hide-and-seek in a park or backyard. Set up a mini soccer field or basketball court to encourage team play and friendly competition. Take them swimming, running, or simply just strolling around the neighbourhood in this great weather. Get them on bicycles & ride ons! They help children develop gross motor skills, balance, and agility.

Winther Viking Trike has a harmonious, safe design with no sharp edges, and strong, oval-shaped tubes ensure maximum strength. It features a weather-resistant rubber seat, solid rubber handlebar grips, effective rust protection and impact-resistant powder coating that will last for many years.

Tilo Three Wheeled Scooter features high quality steel bearings, powder coated steel frame. Tilo’s quality and safety standards allow children the freedom to experience the joy of motion, the confidence of speed and the adventure of exploration.

Winther Viking Trike
Tilo Three Wheeled Scooter

2. Cognitive Development:

Outdoor learning greatly stimulates cognitive development. Children can touch, smell, hear, and see a multitude of elements, supporting sensory integration and cognitive processing. Outdoor environments also propose unlimited options for imaginative play, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Whether it’s building a fort, creating a nature-inspired artwork, or navigating a nature trail, children are challenged to think creatively and develop innovative solutions, enhancing cognitive flexibility and resilience.

Fun activities to do: Nature scavenger hunts are fantastic ways to engage children in exploration and observation. Create a list of items commonly found in nature, such as specific leaves, rocks, flowers, animal tracks, or natural artifacts like feathers or pinecones. Provide each child with a checklist or a small bag to collect their findings as they venture outdoors. This activity not only motivates children to explore their surroundings but also stimulates critical thinking skills as they search for and identify various elements of nature. It sparks curiosity and enriches their knowledge of the natural world, making them more observant and attentive to their environment.

Nature Feel & Find are over-sized, unrefined wood textures and nature-inspired shapes to elevate the classic discovery game. Use tactile senses to determine the hidden shapes in the canvas bag that correspond to the matching bases.

Rainbow Pebbles is ideal for developing fine motor skills and for counting, sorting and creative design. Includes 36 plastic pebbles in 6 sizes and 6 colours and 20 double-sided full-colour activity cards in a sturdy plastic container. How many pebbles can you stack before they topple over?

Great tools to use in Nature Scavenger Hunt game that helps children identify elements of nature.

3. Experiential Learning:

Summer outdoor learning presents rich, hands-on experiences that deepen children’s understanding of various subjects. By observing and interacting with the natural world, they can explore scientific ideas. Perceiving the life cycles of plants, studying insects, or carrying out easy experiment’s outdoors are all enjoyable pastimes. Additionally, learning about ecosystems, climate, and environmental sustainability through direct experiences fosters a deeper understanding of these topics. Experiential learning also stirs up curiosity and problem-solving skills, as children naturally encounter real-world challenges and find solutions within the context of their environment.

Fun activities to do: Gardening! It is a rewarding outdoor activity that teaches children about the life cycle of plants, the importance of protecting the environment, and the delight of growing their own food. Create a small garden patch or provide children with their own pots or containers. Let them choose the plants they want to grow, whether it’s flowers, vegetables, or herbs. Teach them about soil preparation, planting, watering, and maintaining their garden. They can watch the growth process, learn about pollination and beneficial insects, and even harvest the fruits of their labor. Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and an appreciation for the cycles of life.

Sprout and Grow Window helps to get a worm’s eye view of root growth. This transparent “nature’s window” allows gardeners of all ages to watch seeds sprout and grow into plants. Stands upright on a tabletop or windowsill. Special potting soil nurtures seeds for optimum growth. Comes with packets of bean and pea seeds and a step-by-step guide with instructions, suggested activities, and journal pages to fill in as you follow the process from seed planting to full-grown plants.

4. Connection with Nature:

Outdoor learning in the summer allows children to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. Through direct experiences, they develop a deep connection and appreciation for the environment. Exploring forests, hiking trails, or simply playing in the backyard exposes them to diverse ecosystems, plants, and animals. This connection strengthens a sense of wonder, empathy, and environmental stewardship, inspires them to care for and protect our planet. Additionally, spending time in nature has been linked to improved mental health, reduced stress levels, and increased overall well-being, developing a balanced and harmonious lifestyle.

Rusty Keeler’s “Nature to Play” outdoor furniture collection allows children to dig into childhood and play without reservation in a natural playscape that is built just for them. Children may take charge of their own learning experiences and participate in activities that are healthy for both their minds and bodies, as the Nature to Play collection is designed to be open-ended play. The furniture is made from thermally modified, weather-resistant wood to withstand long-term, rough-and-tumble play.

Nature to Play Water Tower can be easily attaches to a standard garden hose, making it a simple, kid-activated water source.

Nature to Play Trough System let children explore physics and cause and effect principles by pouring buckets of water. It is designed to work with the Water Tower to provide unlimited opportunities for kid-lead, water-based activities.

Observe the cascading water and other messy elements!

Nature to Play Loose Parts is inspired by construction and lumber yards. These durable, yet lightweight Kid Boards are an oversized version of your child’s beloved indoor block set. Kid board encourage teamwork and communication skills during collaborative building projects.

These strong boards are made to inspire creativity and captivate children with unlimited play possibilities!

Nature to Play Mini Spool can be used as a table, stool, or turn it on its side and roll it around the yard during gross-motor activities. The Mini Spool encourages children to use their imaginations and play in creative, open-ended ways.

The Spool can withstand continued outdoor use and rough play!

Nature to Play Water Table brings the fun to water play! Fill the two large basins of this sturdy Water Table and let kids splash around and explore with all their senses. Bring in materials like water, sand, shaving cream or slime and encourage messy play during collaborative projects and social interaction around the large worksurface.

Store mud tools, buckets, and Nature to Play Crates on the convenient bottom shelf.

Nature to Play Planter is a large, reinforced basin with built-in drain allows for social interaction and collaboration while children dig, discover, explore and grow a variety of different plants.

So many fun activities can be done with the Nature to Play collection!

5. Social and Emotional Development:

The outdoors serves as a natural setting for social interaction and the development of social skills. Collaborative outdoor activities, such as team sports or nature-based projects, push for cooperation, communication, and teamwork. Children learn to negotiate, share, and respect each other’s ideas and opinions. Furthermore, the open spaces, freedom, and unstructured play that the outdoors provide can contribute to emotional well-being. It enables children to release energy (especially when they need to “let off steam”), reduce stress, and improve their mood. Nature’s tranquility and beauty can have a calming effect on their emotions, nourishing a sense of peace, joy, and overall mental health.

Fun activities to do: Outdoor art activities allow children to combine their creativity with the beauty of nature. Provide them with art supplies like chalk, paints, or watercolors and let their imaginations soar! They can create colorful murals on sidewalks, paint landscapes inspired by the scenery, or use natural materials like leaves and flowers to make nature-inspired collages. This activity not only stimulates their artistic abilities but also encourages a deeper appreciation for the environment. Children can learn to observe nature’s colors, textures, and patterns, translating them into their artwork. Outdoor art fosters self-expression, boosts confidence, and builds a connection between creativity and the natural world.

Outdoor Acrylic Art Easel let kids enjoy nature and paint freely wherever they want. This painting easel has a durable frame made with 100% recycled plastic lumber that can withstand the elements. It does not rot or splinter (like some wood) or rust (like metal). The double-sided painting surface is made of hardened acrylic board and includes a removable paint tray with 6 spill-proof caps. The paint pots are accessible from both sides, allowing for space for two budding artists to create.

Create together with the Outdoor Acrylic Art Easel.

Pull up a bench to Nature to Play Outdoor Table for messy crafts, a picnic of veggies or collaborative activity. Large work surfaces provide ample room for social interactions and teamwork!

6. Building Resilience:

Outdoor learning in the summer brings up independence and resilience in children. They have the freedom to explore, make decisions, and take risks in a monitored and supportive environment. This independence fuels self-confidence, self-reliance, and a sense of empowerment. Outdoor adventures also present opportunities to overcome obstacles, adapt to new environments, and develop resilience. Whether it’s building a shelter, overcoming a fear of heights on a climbing wall, or navigating a challenging hiking trail, children learn to persevere, problem-solve, and bounce back from setbacks. These experiences build character, grit, and the ability to face future challenges with confidence.

Fun activities to do: Take children on nature walks or hikes opens a world of exploration and discovery. Visit nearby parks, forests, or nature reserves, allowing them to immerse themselves in the wonders of the outdoors. Encourage children to take note of and pick up on the many plant and animal species they come across along the route. Provide field guides or nature identification apps to help them identify trees, birds, insects, or other wildlife. Incites little ones to ask questions, explore different habitats, and appreciate the interconnectedness of nature. This practice promotes a sense of curiosity, enhances observation skills, and deepens their understanding of the natural world, developing a lifelong appreciation for the environment.

Natural Shape Viewers inspires children to explore their environment with new enthusiasm and focus. Encourage children to use them around the setting to find items of similar shape or to focus attention on things they choose to investigate. The viewers are designed to frame a particular item or area in the natural world and will enable children to really look at the detail.

Includes circle, square, rectangle, triangle, and hexagon.

In conclusion…

As the sun sets on another long July day, it’s clear that outdoor learning has created a tapestry of joy, growth, and connection for our children. Every time spent in nature, from the early morning runs to the late-afternoon picnics, has served as a reminder of the many beauties that are waiting outside our door. As parents, by encouraging exploration, nurturing curiosity, and fostering a sense of stewardship for the environment, we equip children with invaluable tools for a lifetime of adventure and appreciation. We have the power to inspire and ignite a love for the outdoors in our children.

And what better time to do so than during the bright, warm days of summer?

June 19, 2023October 25, 2023

Loose Parts Play in an Early Learning Environment

Hi! My name is Ashley Elliott – I live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia in a community called Campbell River. My program, Aster Meadow Early Learning and Care, is a licensed multi-age program, but primarily caters to 3–5-year-olds.

I began my journey into the field of childcare in 2013 as a family childcare provider after taking the ‘Good Beginnings’ course. It wasn’t long after that I realized what an investment it would be to obtain my Early Childhood Education Certification. After completing that at Northern Lights College, I quickly became enamored with learning outdoors with children and the Reggio Philosophy. I am passionate about working outside with children and documenting their discoveries, play, and determination. It brings a lot of joy to my work to be able to share with families the learning that takes place through learning stories or video documentation. With some of my free time in the last year, I’ve been mentoring in a program offered by ECE BC called “Learning Outside Together” – a beautiful 32-hour workshop highlighting the benefits of learning outdoors with children.

Loose part play – what is that?

‘In any environment, both the degree of inventiveness and creativity, and the possibility of discovery, are directly proportional to the number and kind of variables in it.” Simon Nicholson

The theory of loose parts was coined by an architect named Simon Nicholson in the early 1970’s. Nicholson described loose parts as variables and proposed that everyone has the ability to be creative and inventive – his theory greatly supports autonomy of children and defines loose parts as materials that have no defined use. This means that there are unlimited possibilities to explore the materials.

Loose part play greatly supports children’s autonomy as they can create their own rules and ideas about their experience and play – a bucket filling activity.

If you are unfamiliar with loose parts, I’ve curated a list to spark some creativity.

Up to down, left to right: Beads, pebbles, sticks, flowers, stones, wooden blocks, pegs, shells, magnets.

Loose parts play encourages open ended learning; the materials can be used alone or alongside other materials. Materials and environments that are open ended (no defined outcome) greatly support the child’s creativity and supports problem solving. You might find that children generally choose loose parts over manufactured toys when given the opportunity. It’s often the joke we hear often around holidays surrounding gifts – the child often really does prefer the box.

Photo taken by Ashley.

Bringing Loose Parts into practice

One of the more beautiful aspects of working with children, primarily outdoors, is that there are loose part materials everywhere you look; imaginations are eager to turn rocks into fish, sticks into magic wands, and fallen leaves into potion. When we are engaging in play in the wild woods, which is often, we never run out of things to do or games to play. We have limitless materials that nature has provided us – and often the most seamless and the most collaborative play. Loose parts aren’t just found outside – they are truly any material that can be moved and used in any way.

There are often periods of time that our preschool group sticks close to home base; times where we are not frolicking into the woods. This is usually dependent on the seasons – living on the wet west coast, we often soak through our rain gear for the first half of the day and enjoy our late afternoons in a different way. This is when we utilize our indoor and outdoor classroom. While we don’t have endless supplies of pinecones and pebbles, I think it’s really important to offer activities or experience that mimic our play in the forest – a feeling of calm and connectivity. I do this by ensuring the children have the opportunity to stretch their imagination in the same way we do in the forest – with loose parts.

When considering which materials, I’m going to introduce into both our indoor or outdoor classroom, I consider the items ability to mold with the children in both development and creativity. A quality item to us, is an item that develops children’s foundational skills, such as: social and emotional, speech and language, fine and gross motor, and cognitive development. Ideally, the toy or materials can check off most, if not all of those boxes. It can sound like a big task – which toys or material can possibly do all of that? This is why loose parts should be a big part of your learning environment.

It can feel overwhelming as an educator, parent, or caregiver to obtain piles of pinecones, napkin rings, wood planks, sticks, pebbles, seashells, and more…and then bringing them indoors. If the concept of loose parts is new to your environment, there is no doubt that it may feel messy and chaotic. I would recommend starting small – you can do this by introducing one material at a time and in smaller quantities. As children become more familiar with loose parts, you will have the pleasure of observing them utilize the materials with more intention and creativity than you could have imagined.

While it is true that you can obtain loose parts often for free by walking the beach or local trail – there are many wonderful resources that can be purchased as well. Wooden rounds, are a beautiful addition to any learning environment. You can utilize them in your sensory bin, for an invitation to play, add them to your building blocks area, or just leave them out and let the children decide if they are cucumber slices, coins, or snails.

I recently invited my group of preschoolers to play with a set of Little Pavers. Often, when first introducing a new material, I just leave the materials out as an open invitation for the children to come and explore them. I try to not influence them in any ways, my own ideas tucked into my pocket. I was so impressed with the quality of these hexagon shapes – I couldn’t wait to observe how my group would use them. These Little Pavers are a great example of a quality item that supports the developmental needs of a diverse group of children – and an item that can be used in a variety of ways.

The set of Little Pavers comes with a beautiful set of resource cards. The children utilized these as both inspiration and as a base for their building and driving. Along with the Little Paver pieces, the children also gathered other materials from their surroundings including sticks, dump trucks, wooden rounds, the water table, and a large ramp. I observed as the children tested theories, built different structures, engaged in some peer scaffolding, created patterns, communicated effectively, sorted, counted, and many more. Little Pavers can be used in a variety of ways – a must have addition to any loose part collection – the perfect example of the unlimited possibilities that loose parts can bring to child’s play.

As the children had more exposure to this particular loose part material, I observed their creativity bloom with these hexagonal miniature pavers. They were left outdoors and over the course of several days, I noted them being utilized as ice cubes, bricks, fish, dice, and even as steppingstones in an intense game of ‘Floor is Lava’. I am looking forward to observing the play expand and bloom as the seasons change and nature offers us some of its own loose parts to add to this play – fall leaves, ice, snow, muddy paddles – all a sure compliment to this play.

Photo taken by Ashley.

Often, observing the children engaged in such meaningful work, I am struck by how seamless their play – how deep and creative they become when they are playing with open ended materials; how adaptable and receptive they are to their peers’ ideas and thoughts. After ten years working in the field of early childhood education, I sometimes chuckle at the faint memory of the time between my own childhood and adulthood when I thought a stick was just a stick. Ah, the magic we miss out on when we are looking without really seeing.

Author: Ashley Elliott.

Check out Ashley’s review of the product Little Pavers here: Little Pavers, 60 Pieces – YouTube

May 16, 2023October 25, 2023

Teachers, How Are You Doing?

Another school year is coming to an end. For both students and teachers, this is the time where you feel all kinds of mixed emotions: anxious for the upcoming final period, but at the same time, happy and relieved because it’s almost over… We all experience this feeling in our life, and it’s always fun to sit back, relax, and reflect on the school year together. We asked teachers some questions to reflect on the past school year and here are the responses:

“What are some things you accomplished this year that you are proud of?”

“Teaching a new grade!”

“Did some great training on difficult behaviors in the classroom.”

“Helped advocated for some children in my care who needed extra help. Helped progress 3 students into early reading stage.”

“My Kindergarten class wrote and published a book. Not only is it my goal to teach and mentor students to be the best versions of themselves but to also teach them to love themselves, grow confidence so that they can advocate for themselves and others.

I think it is of the utmost importance to teach positive character traits from a young age- teach them, model them, and EXPECT THEM. I have high expectations for my learners (even if they are only in kindergarten) but I do my due diligence to ensure they are equipped with the strategies, resources and support they need to succeed.”

“Making connections with tough students”

“Therapy”

Therapy can help teachers to effectively set boundaries with students, colleagues, and parents. It makes educators more patient and understanding, identify and manage the sources of their stress.

“What is the biggest challenge you have faced this year? How did you get through it?”

“Tough student. Support from co-worker. ”

“Short staffing, being able to use staff from the office with the training helps! we work together!”

“Other than many staffing changes & challenges, as a team our biggest challenge was supporting unexpected behaviour needs and diversity, including significantly more language delays than we’ve seen in the past.”

“Kept my energy level up while running my own preschool, training for running race and raising my 3 1/2yr old daughter!”

“Time …. never enough time in a day. Organized stuff to try to fit all into a day. ”

All my resources and materials were either what I purchased or what past families donated to me. 6 weeks into school my class grew to a full class (23 with an ECE). I had to fight for appropriate chairs, search high and low for tables and was extremely thankful for applying for a flexible seating grant 5 years ago so that I had enough seating for my growing class. After many requests and the support of my Vice Principal, I received a light table and a few materials that my students enjoy. We are a class family who love and support one another. We get creative with our space and appreciate what we have.”

Don’t you just love hearing stories like this 😊

“Being physically attacked by students. Giving myself time for self-care and taking mental health days”

“There have been a few hurdles this year… my classroom initially started as an Under 16 class (where it was myself and 15 students). My classroom allocation was a tiny room that was originally used for a class of 8.

Reading these stories makes us understand more about educators’ unheard hardships. Teachers, you are incredible!

“What is something you tried in your classroom this year for the first time? How did it go?”

“Baby photos of the children and guess who is who, it was sooo fun! The school agers loved it!”

Ha! We also played this game in Quality Classrooms. It was so fun!

“We’ve used visual cues, visual schedules & transition objects before, but we relied on them very heavily this year to support diversity & inclusion. ”

“We celebrated the author Frank Asch by having a pancake in his Pajamas day! It was a huge success, and the kids still talk about it. ”

“Puff paint with shave cream”

“This year I have started taking my class outside for 30 minutes (regardless of weather conditions). I call this “Outdoor Explore” we do things from just using our imaginations to play, going for walks, gardening, exploring the pond and creek around us etc. I feel this is a great way to start our day by waking up our minds and embracing nature around us. ”

Outdoor Learning is the best! Oh, and by the way, here’s our blog about outdoor learning.

“What is one way that you grew professionally this year?”

“I learned about shared writing. ”

“Patience”

Credit: Bored Teachers

“I think I grew in my ability to create and maintain positive relationships with a variety of parents whose expectations and communication styles are very different.”

“I feel this year I have become much more flexible. My space may be tiny. My chairs and tables may be old and mismatched but the kiddos that have created my class family are still full of wonder, excitement, and their own passion to learn. I have been flexible with my schedule, my class dynamics, my expectations of myself. I have learned that I can adjust to change and be just as flexible as our students are with us. ”

“Working with AAC technology”

“I stepped into a management role with little notice. As a result, my scope grew and my perspective on supporting the family (and not just the child) grew with it.”

“What are some useful items you have in the classroom?”

“Loose parts, dice, Math manipulatives”

“Books”

“pens, crayons, scissors, see through storage!”

The Totes are sized perfectly for larger, bulk items and are see-through to help easily identify the contents.

“Manipulative visual schedules, multiples of everything, cozy calm corners, open-ended wooden toys”

“Full length mirror”

“Name writing practice cards”

“Dish washing station”

“Nice markers”

Enough washable markers for the entire class. Sturdy storage box with 6 convenient, re-usable desktop bins for easy distribution and storage.

”Mini chalk boards”

Save paper by using a time-tested and reusable writing surface. Green chalkboards are the perfect size to store in students’ desks or notebooks.

Literacy Couch, Wheat: This compact reading couch is perfect for small spaces. Generous book slots hold a multitude of books while the three, included clear Tubs are great for housing literacy items and toys.

“Markers, pencil crayons crayons paper …. any art supply ”

Big box of Art Material

“Flexible seating”

Cozy Woodland Sit-Arounds. Includes Deep Water Blue, Sky Blue, Sage, Green, Walnut and Almond.

ErgoErgo An extraordinary seating concept combining the benefits of active sitting with a bold contemporary design. After sitting on ErgoErgo, ordinary chairs seem…well, just ordinary.

“Light Table”

Multi-function activity table saves valuable classroom space. Use as a tracing table, or with any light table accessory. The LED lights are energy friendly an built to last (rated for 50,000 hours).

“Pocket calendar, sensory swing, kinetic sand”

“What items do you wish to have in the new school year? And why?”

“Puzzles for a quiet choice time”

“New outdoor tricycles and 3-wheeled scooters to add to our collection; a tough tray for new types of investigations; a new Preschool Play Kitchen.”

Tilo Three Wheeled Scooter: Tilo’s quality and safety standards allow children the freedom to experience the joy of motion, the confidence of speed and the adventure of exploration. Features include high quality steel bearings, powder coated steel frame and thermoplastic polyurethane wheels.

Young Time Play Kitchen Set Let your children create their own recipes for imaginative play with this four-piece kitchen set. Includes a refrigerator, sink, stove, and cupboard.

“Blocks, time to renew!”

“Everything ”

Ahhh, don’t we all?

“Antique weight scale to learn about weight.”

“Flags of the world to expand the geographic section and interest.”

“Outdoor wooden building blocks because we had these in my last school, and they were amazing!”

“More assortment of art supplies”

“Puppet Theatre (I made one out of a cardboard box but would love something a bit sturdier)

Puppets (for imaginative play)

Unit Bricks (100 pieces) (STEM purposes)

Sand/Water Table (I have so many ideas that would incorporate so many learning opportunities)

Glue, Pencils, Crayons, Markers, Construction paper (these are things I had to buy with my own money this past year several times and it really adds up)

Magna Tiles

Tranquil Trees area rug (we don’t have a rug so they sit on the floor which can be extremely uncomfortable for them)”

This tabletop puppet theater lets a child’s imagination take center stage. Roll up the velvet curtain to start the show. Roll it closed after the grand finale. Flip the reversible backdrop for an enchanted kingdom or a brilliant sunrise. Assembles in seconds for instant show time.

Tranquil Trees Rug Happy little trees will be a fun and welcoming addition to any room or learning space!

Sand & Water Table Economical sand and water units are designed to be durable as well as attractive. Good quality taps, clear lid and a heavy-duty metal frame.

“Lego, art supplies, loose parts to foster creativity and free exploration with students.”

“What is your favorite moment from this school year so far?”

“Community walks”

“Seeing the blossoming friendships of our young learners; watching new teams come together in supportive ways; hearing families discuss their pride & joy in their children’s learning.”

“Too many to list! each day has an awesome moment!”

Good to hear!

“Probably just laughing with a student when they said something funny. ”

“Every day …always something new with each day ”

“Successful field trips”

“I have a student in my class that is select mute. He is the smartest little guy that has the most contagious smile. This year I have really focused on teaching my little kiddos to self-advocate, using their voice. This little guy may seem like he isn’t paying attention, but he is always listening. One day this past month I was getting him ready to go home and he said in the quietest little voice “I don’t want to” and proceeded to take his backpack off. He won’t say his name. He won’t say my name. We have figured out our own way to communicate with thumbs up/down. But the day I heard his little voice say he didn’t want to go home just melted my heart. He has not said anything since then, but I remind him that I know he has brilliant ideas and heard him speak once before- he just smiles at me. It was rewarding to hear that he didn’t want to go home for the reason I assume is because he enjoys being at school- my goal is to make each of my learners love school and want to be here… made me feel I accomplished that a little bit. ”

Now that’s a great story to end the blog 😊

Thank you so much to all the teachers who participated in this questionnaire! Teachers, we hope you all have a great rest of the school year and build more memories with your students. You have done an amazing job!

April 10, 2023October 25, 2023

Tips for Outdoor Learning in Spring: Interview with Dr. Beverlie Dietze

Quality Classrooms had the opportunity to interview Dr. Beverlie Dietze, for her input on playing outdoors in Spring, as well as her unique view on outdoor learning. You can read this blog and watch the interview for more interesting discussions. Quality Classrooms will also have a webinar with Beverlie soon in May. Stay tuned for more updates!

Toai (Quality Classrooms):

Hello, everyone! I am Toai, the new host of the Quality Classrooms talk show. Well, I’m not officially a host yet, but if I do well in this interview, I will soon have my own talk show! My guest today is Dr. Beverlie Dietze. She is a researcher, author and educator who’s specialized in outdoor play. Today we’ll talk about why Spring is a great time to get outside and do some outdoor learning activities! For the new listeners, can you please introduce yourself?

Beverlie:

Sure, and thank you so much for this opportunity. I am Beverlie Dietze, a researcher, and more importantly, I’m passionate about supporting educators, families, and children to engage in many experiences that will follow their sense of curiosity, and wonderment outdoors. So that’s my whole focus – how can we support advancing new ways of experimentation and that sense of wonderment outdoors.

Learn more about Dr. Beverlie Dietze and her work here

THE BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR LEARNING AFTER A SEASON CHANGE

Toai:

As we know, Spring is here! The days are longer, warmer, the snow is melting, the grass is growing. The environment just looks so inviting, like it’s asking us to come outside and play. This is great because in the winter, the cold, extreme weather usually discourages us from going outside. From your experience, what are the benefits of outdoor learning after a season change?

Beverlie:

It is important to know that children require opportunities to play in all seasons, so we can support children in understanding new information about the environment. Example: To experience the sense of snow on their cheeks; the raindrops falling; the flowers,… Children can see the puddle and run through that puddle, make it splash. Then, they can learn what kind of body movement is required to get the big splashes versus smaller splashes, and the ripple effect.

So, when we think about Spring in particular, this is the time when you want to pause and ask the children to look at the sky. What do they see? How is the sun different from what it may have been in the winter? What do they see on the trees? What do they smell? What do they hear? Are they beginning to see those bugs come and go? And if so, what are those bugs?

This is the time when children should see a renewal in life. They may see plants that are coming, they may see those fresh flowers that are coming to people’s gardens. It really is a time to support the children in advancing their interests, their desire, and their abilities to draw upon previous information that they know of seasons and bring in new information. When I think about children and getting them outdoors, this is the time when you want to have magnifying glasses always in your pockets so children can take them out and just imagine what they see. It is when you want children to touch and feel the grass or the bushes to engage in that piece, when you want to support children in skipping and engage in body movements. Spring is a time when you really want to support children in being able to move and to experience the cold because at times it’s still going to be cold! They may still find ice on the paddles.

Toai:

Here in Winnipeg, for sure you can experience the cold!

A baby enjoying Spring in Winnipeg.

WHAT OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO DO IN SPRING?

Toai:

I’ve read your blogs and I’m very impressed by the recommendations for activities for outdoor play you came up with. You list the benefits of the activities, you back up with scientific sources, citations, and sometimes even examples from your own experience. Do you have any recommendations for activities to do in spring?

Beverlie:

When we think about children in play, we want to look at their space and place. As adults, our role is to offer children the materials that will provoke their thinking. So as opposed to suggesting activities, what we really want to do is to work with the children to see what they’re interested in, and then support the children in pursuing that. When we think of children, and the first time they see a worm, what are they going to do? They will ask “Where are the digging materials? I need something to dig, I need to see if I can find more worms.” So, they find the worms and then they’ll wonder again “What am I going to do with these worms? Ah, I really want to watch these worms!” So that’s when you have the worm containers. That’s when you have the books that will support the children in thinking about those pieces. When you think about children and tricycles, we’re not going to say “Today, let’s go on your tricycles”. You’re going to put the tricycles in some very interesting spaces, and then see what the children do with them.

For me, it’s not about “Here are the activities that we will do”, but rather how can we be a facilitator of opportunity that will really trigger that sense of curiosity with the children. Therefore, it’s the support materials that we put nearby that will lead children to put this piece of information together with this, and then they move into a process that we call ideation – “Oh, I see this, I could do this with this”. And then you can see that the play will go on in very unique and innovative ways.

Toai:

We usually think of “what activities to do in this kind of season”. But from your answer, I learn that…just let children go outside! And then whenever they like something, we will be there to support them in exploring that further. And of course, having the necessary materials nearby will facilitate their imagination, and the inspiration to let them go and do more activities. Great answer!

Instead of thinking “what activities”, we should consider “how can we inspire them?”

HOW TO MOTIVATE CHILDREN TO GO OUTSIDE AND LEARN?

Toai:

With the advancement of technology, children have more options to entertain themselves. They don’t even need to go outside to find entertainment. Today, outdoor learning has to compete against video games, movies, and other forms of entertainment. How do you encourage children to go outside and learn?

Beverlie:

The key is to have role models for the children, and with the children. If I am an adult, and I want my children to really embrace the outdoor environment, I have to illustrate how important that is to me, I have to talk about the beauty of the season with the children. I want to build that sense of wonder, so that the children do want to go out. It starts with the adults in the children’s lives.

If you have children that are really connected to that technology, then as an adult, we have to say, how can we start to support the child in building that love for outdoor play and at the same time, have the opportunity to use that technology? If we have little munchkins – as I like to call them with a term of endearment, if we have them hooked on technology, get them out to find things! Geocaching is a very important way in which we can get children to use their technology and at the same time, tromping through the woods, going from one street to another in a neighborhood to try and find those items. If children have the ability to use camera, or whatever tools they can to document what they are seeing, have the children take those tools outside and say, “We’re going to find five trees that have different bark on them!” And then we’re going to take the photos so that we remember and then we can come back and talk about that. That’s how we trigger children to actually redefine how they can connect outdoors. Remember, we all have a very important role in supporting the children in building that love of outdoors, from an environmental stewardship perspective, from a climate change perspective, on from the notion of how we are going to build sustainable opportunities within the environments in which we live. We take it one step at a time. Again, we try to figure out what the children are interested in. And then how can we connect that with the outdoors?

Toai:

So instead of fighting technology for the children’s attention, like “Okay, you shouldn’t be on your phone anymore, go outside and play”, your solution is that we should try to incorporate technology (or whatever children are into) with outdoor play. It will inspire children to go outside and expand more. Then they’ll fall in love with the outdoor environment.

Beverlie:

Just to expand on that. So, we’re always trying to trigger children’s curiosity, right? Going back to the example that I had of the trees, if I knew which five trees, I was going to have the children actually take photos off, I would also have baskets of intriguing materials there. So that they’ll take the photos, but they also look at the baskets to see what is there. So, again, you’re trying to enhance or entice them to see the world from multiple lenses, and from the perspective of how they may deviate from that technology to really embrace that open ended opportunity.

More on the importance of language in outdoor learning in the interview

Trigger children’s curiosity!

HOW TO UTILIZE SPRING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUTDOOR PLAY?

Toai:

What are some characteristics of the Spring weather and environment that educators can utilize to give children a great outdoor learning experience?

Beverlie:

There are just so many! The puddles, of course. The new sticks that children find because during the winter, that’s mother nature’s way of trimming the trees. There is the sense of mud. And then there are pinecones. They provide opportunities to bring math and science into the outdoor space.

When we think about Spring, it is looking, feeling the rain and the wind. Sometimes we’ll think “Oh, it’s too windy for the children.” Now, we want the children to feel, and think about that. I often provide children with umbrellas. I look at umbrellas as a scientific marvel for children, not only because children have to put them up and down and utilize the mechanism to get them to stand out, but also the imaginary play that occurs with an umbrella. The moment that they have umbrellas outdoors and it’s raining, then music comes to their mind! Tip, tap, top, you know, whatever is happening to the umbrella. It’s that sense of I can be Mary Poppins outdoors on a windy day. Right?

So just looking at what is beneficial in your environment and then not stopping the children – that’s the key piece. Yes, it might be a little chilly for us as adults. Maybe we don’t want to go out. “Is the wind going to cause our hair to blow all over?”. However, we want the children to experience that. We want them to connect with all aspects of the weather conditions. Let them have their snack outdoors with the sun shining on their face, so they can see and feel the heat of the sun. There isn’t one particular thing that I can identify. It’s to observe, and then act upon whatever those gifts of nature are within the local community.

Let children connect with all aspects of the environment.

MUST HAVE OUTDOOR TOYS

Toai:

What are some must-have outdoor toys? For example, tricycles,…

Beverlie:

Sure, tricycles are important. Children want to be carrying things. So, they need buckets. They need shovels, because we want them to have instruments that they can engage in the mud on. They need things to cart items from one spot to another. I also believe that there should be wagons in space. I always like to put moving dollies, so that children can utilize those items, or that piece of apparatus to move one thing to another. I want children to have opportunities to have lots of wood. So certainly, put the blocks into the space. When you have wood, you will also think about planks, or pieces of plywood so that children can embrace those pieces. Where is it that the children can have that creative moment? Whether it’s in our diesel, or on paper, or on a piece of plywood, where are those opportunities?

Mirrors are absolutely vital during the Spring, because they’re the opportunity to reflect. It’s when we put mirrors near trees that are just starting to bud and then the children are engaged in utilizing that as an experience of science and wonderment. It helps them to solidify what the shadow is and how shadows are created. So, we also want to offer unique, innovative materials that are going to advance children’s sense of “I wonder if” “I wonder what happens”.

We sometimes forget the importance of having baskets of books outside. When we think about what we like to do as adults, it can be very joyful to take a book outside, look at it and experience it. Well, that would be very similar to children! I always like to put great big boots outside that children can slip in. If you can get men’s large boots and have those outside, then it adds a new dimension. Children put their feet in and then when they’re trying to move, we’re advancing their physical activity. Certainly, there should be items for them to climb on. Whatever those items are, whether it’s a structured piece of play apparatus, or tree stumps that they can move, they need to be able to make decisions about moving their bodies in unique ways.

When I think about outdoor play and Spring, I would also look at what tools to have. If there are bushes in the play space, you can begin to support children in understanding the importance of pruning in the Spring and bring that experience to the children. So, we want to have gardening materials. Do you have gloves? And do you know those kinds of tools so that they can embrace their environment that way as well?

Toai:

It’s more about looking at the environment and see “With this environment, what tools can I put that will encourage children’s sense of exploration, and curiosity?” Understanding the materials helps too – today I learned about the importance of books in outdoor play!

Adventure time!

SUGGESTIONS TO ORGANIZE GREAT OUTDOOR LEARNING

Toai:

From your experience working with different childcare, and you see how they operate outdoor play, do you have any suggestions on how to organize great outdoor plays?

Beverlie:

Well, I think that when we examine outdoor learning, it has to start with the adults. You have to develop that sense of passion. That is the key piece to this, particularly adults that are working in early learning and childcare programs, because they are incredible influencers of the experiences that children engage. Another point is to understand that children need elements that are going to trigger their curiosity. So, it can’t be the same space with the same materials on a daily basis, you want to add some unique pieces of materials, and you want to put those materials in places that you normally wouldn’t think children would look for. What happens when you put paper around the trunk of the tree, and then have children engage in an art experience there? It’s very different from them working on a flat by easel. You want to be looking at the attributes of the space, and then how you can add new opportunities there.

Where is it that children can have that dramatic play experience? Dramatic play is more than a housekeeping center. It should expand into all kinds of opportunities for children to use their imagination, because that imaginary play then influences their language and their literacy skills later. So, we really need to do some brainstorming and say, “what do we want the children to experience?”. If this is what we want the children to experience, then what are the gaps in our current practice? And then how might we be able to facilitate new ways of thinking and doing to provide new options for the children?

Toai:

Great. And with that, I conclude our interview today! Thank you, Beverlie, for some great points. We’ve learned so much about the importance of role models, and how we inspire children to fall in love with outdoor play. Thank you for your time, and for the listener, have a great Spring ahead!

We had a great time talking! I missed the opportunity to say: “It’s time to SPRING outside for some outdoor play”, so here is another Spring joke:

How excited was the gardener about Spring? So excited he wet his plants!

March 14, 2023October 25, 2023

Inclusive Resources for an Inclusive Classroom

The duties and responsibilities of teachers cannot be fully described in the job description. Not only do educators have to meet academic standards, but they must also acknowledge and address students’ emotional, social, and other special needs. The term “inclusive classroom” is mentioned as the standard for the modern-day classroom. An inclusive classroom is where students with learning differences can all prosper together, in a responsive, and supportive environment. It is also an environment where everybody respects and treasures each other’s background and culture. Teaching children in an inclusive environment can help kids not only do well in school but also help them to communicate, and respect others in society. Check out this blog for a few suggestions to build an inclusive classroom, and the necessary inclusive resources to achieve the objective.

I/ SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE THE CLASSROOM MORE INCLUSIVE

A. Start With The Language.

“The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice” – Peggy O’Mara. The power of words is immeasurable. At this age, young minds will likely learn and pick up on what everyone says to them. Take talking with kids seriously, and never use a condescending tone. Use phrases that people would use in a casual, adult conversation, such as: “I agree”, and “I understand what you mean” … which makes the conversation more productive, and kids can feel more heard and respected. Give children truthful, and specific compliments on things they do, or behaviours you would like to see in them. Focus on the language that the students are using too. When you hear students using inappropriate language, make sure to interrupt these behaviours, and let them know there are different ways that they can express their feelings.

Try to use inclusive language while addressing the students. Instead of saying “ladies and gentlemen”, or “boys and girls”, try using gender-neutral words like “students”, and “friends” to respect students’ identities. When talking about students’ legal guardians, find out about who they are first before addressing them. Words like “mom and dad” might be unsuitable, and hurtful to children who live in foster care, stay with other relatives, or being involved in other complicated situations.

Mindset Bulletin Board Set help to build positive thinking habits and boost self-confidence. Display this visual to remind students to change their mindset, embrace challenges and achieve success.
Grow for It! Mini Bulletin Board Set encourages students to blossom with a whole garden of encouraging phrases.

Mindset Bulletin Board Set
Grow for It! Mini Bulletin Board Set

Change Your Words – Change Your Mindset!

B. Develop A Standard for Conduct

Letting children know there are behaviour standards in the classroom is essential to build polite, appreciative surroundings. It will also help children to learn manners and get used to following the typical code of conduct which exists in every community and working place. Create a set of basic behaviour standards that you expect from your learners, go over them with the class and get agreement from everyone. The standards should be short, and simple, and ensure that all members in the classroom are included and valued. Some examples are:

Respect others and their belongings.
Be kind and polite to others.
Raise your hand when you have an opinion. Wait for others to finish their ideas first.

From then on, everyone has the responsibility to follow the standard. Praise the student who consistently follows the code and whoever violates it must deal with the consequence. The consequence must be appropriate, and consistent. When the student shows undesirable behaviour, the teacher could always start with eye contact and remind the student that his/her/their behaviour is not appropriate according to the rules. If the behaviour continues to occur, put the student’s name down on a piece of paper, and discuss it with he/she/they privately. Try to find out what is causing the behaviour, which will help you to understand his/her/their situation and approach the issue from a more positive view. Be prepared for circumstances where students are rude to others. Interrupt the mean teasing and use the case as an opportunity to teach them a lesson.

C. Get To Know Your Students

Establish relationships with your students. Give them plenty of opportunities to share their hobbies and struggles while you share yours. This will help you to build a meaningful and long-lasting connection with them. If you have students with disabilities, make sure to spend time asking them questions so you can understand their specific needs. Plan activities for your students to share more about themselves. Some examples of activities could be the “Family Interview” where each student has to create a short survey/questionnaire and get their family members to do it, “Name Poems” – Have each student write their name and add an adjective that describes each letter. Sometimes, a simple walk and talk would also suffice. If they do not wish to share, do not put them on the spot! As long as you create plenty of occasions for them to share, they will understand that they are in an open and caring environment.

Spark discussions with Let’s Talk Cube. Colourful cubes feature 36 engaging questions about student experiences and perspectives, including “What are you most proud of?”, “Who is the bravest person you know?”
Learn a range of essential skills that can be used in everyday life with the fun set Social Skills Games. Answer questions about how to deal with relatable scenarios, differentiate between right and wrong and learn how to express your emotions and recognize how others may be feeling.
Encourage mindfulness and start conversations about emotions with the chunky I Am Me Puzzle! It features a flower-shaped base, 15 affirmation petals and an ‘I am’ centerpiece. Each petal features a different affirmation: funny, brave, smart, kind and more. It helps foster the importance of empathy and develop confidence as children learn to identify and express their emotions.

Let’s Talk Cube.
Social Skills Games.
I Am Me Puzzle!

So many creative options for students to share about themselves!

When a student creates problems in your classroom, try to take your time to get at what might be the root of the issues and come up with a long-term solution. It is possible that the pupil has a serious situation at home or an undiscovered learning handicap. Offering help when needed can make a huge impact in the young ones’ minds, get them to trust, and build a relationship with you!

D. Adapt Teaching Strategies to Meet Students’ Needs

When students with learning differences are placed in the general classroom, they frequently get accommodation and support. However, the educator might become stressed as he/she/they try to accommodate each kid individually. Despite teachers’ best efforts, some students with learning differences still feel singled out, and even reject accommodations to fit in. Educators have to flex and adapt their teaching styles to fit all students. Try to plan the lessons with the students in mind – make the lessons simple to understand, and relevant to the students. You can also change the methods that you use to deliver the lesson. Students enjoy learning new content in different ways such as visual, auditory, or hands-on. Example: You can show students video recordings/youtube videos, get them to listen to tapes, and use charts, and diagrams in your teachings. Let children choose how to demonstrate what they have learned at the end of each topic. Instead of giving them written tests, multiple choices every time, switch gears and offer students various ways to present the lesson. Let them make slide shows, create posters, do presentations, whatever their own strengths are! Giving children choices to demonstrate what they’ve learned will make the classroom more inclusive, as students get equal judgement, and opportunities to show their growth.

II/ INCLUSIVE RESOURCES

Inclusive resources create an environment that ensures successful learning for all students and encourages full participation in learning activities. They are essential tools to build an inclusive classroom, as they assist students to fully benefit from their educational experience. Take a look at our recommendations for inclusive resources that promote inclusion value and support every student’s unique pattern of learning!

E. Multicultural Resources

An inclusive classroom typically means including students with special needs or learning differences. However, it also refers to making the effort to embrace students of different races, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientations. It is to make sure that everyone receives a fair judgment, has access to learning resources, and erases the prejudices we may have against others.

Increase awareness about other countries’ living standards: Using the Explorer Globe to teach children about world problems. Let one volunteer point to any country in the world and spend time learning about that country’s living standards. Do people have access to school? Do they have access to food, and clean water?
Hello World! Floor Puzzle includes pictures of multicultural children dressed in traditional clothing and greetings from various languages around the world. Greeting one another in many cultures is considered an act of respect and builds friendship. Incorporate this puzzle into daily teaching to teach children about different cultures, and their ways of saying hello!

Explorer Globe
Hello World! Floor Puzzle

Servus! Hola! Shalom! Greeting one another in many cultures is considered an act of respect and builds friendship.

F. Books

The books in your library are excellent sources for kids to explore different viewpoints and people. Stock your library with diverse books that include a range of characters from different backgrounds. Make sure students understand more about themselves and other perspectives from the outside.

Best Behaviour Series teaches that words can hurt someone’s feelings, and violence is not a solution to the problem. Each book has simple words and charming pictures to discover better ways to cope with frustration, mad, sad or cranky feelings.
Becoming Resilient Books encourages children to try new things, embrace change and overcome obstacles! The books focus on friendship, compromise acceptance, and respect.

Best Behaviour Series
Becoming Resilient Books

Let children learn more about themselves and others!

G. Alternative Seating

Alternative seating is created so kids with learning disabilities can increase their focus and become comfortable in the classroom. Giving students options to pick the seating that fits them is a great strategy to make the classroom more inclusive. Children with autism, sensory issues, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will benefit a lot from alternative seatings, as they are designed to help kids focus, process information, and stimulate students’ senses.

Adjustable Wiggle Stool features an adjustable seat height, with an extra-thick padded seat that allows for comfortable all-day use. The adjustable height reduces distractions and helps to promote a focused environment. The base is angled for improved posture and provides stability, even when over-tipped.
BouncyBand Calming & Fun Sensory Rocker is every kid’s favourite place to relax, decompress and calm down! This rocker provides active movement, deep pressure, and sensory stimulation to calm and aid with fidgeting and restlessness. Children can rock and expel excess energy while being soothed and comforted with deep pressure. Rocking is an excellent way to receive vestibular stimulation, strengthen muscles and develop a sense of balance.

Adjustable Wiggle Stool
BouncyBand Calming & Fun Sensory Rocker

I don’t know about you, but I’d sit on these all day! (Assuming I have the physique of a child of course)

H. Fidgets/Sensory Play/Manipulatives

In the classroom, fidget toys are great options for students as they allow the students to move while completing class work. Fidget toys aid kids who have trouble concentrating in class. Having a few of them around significantly improves classroom behaviour. If students overuse the toys, and get distracted from classwork/distract others, step in and remind them about the true purpose of these gadgets.

BouncyBand Sensipod is a silent fidget enabling kids and adults to fidget without distracting others. Rubbing fingers, palms and feet over the 4 stimulating textures can alleviate tension, hyperactivity and boredom, helping achieve greater focus. Tension and stress are reduced as the soft flexible spikes, bumpy nobs, smooth ridges and crinkly sides provide hours of fidgety relief in the classroom and at home.
While sitting or standing, BouncyBand Fidget Foot Roller silently releases excess energy, alleviates anxiety, and increases focus. Restless fidgeters place a foot on the roller spinning it forwards, backwards, or both ways. It allows movement while working, both sitting and standing, resulting in greater concentration and productivity. Remove shoes for a comforting relaxing foot massage. Features rubber feet that grip to keep it in place while in use on both hard surfaces and carpets.
Worry Stones is designed to soothe and calm children, helping them to focus, concentrate and feel secure. By holding and/or rubbing a stone, a child’s sensory input is occupied, helping to relieve stress and anxiety, and freeing their mind to focus on the task in front of them.
BouncyBand Portable Weighted Lap Pad is a sensory tool that offers deep calming pressure; increasing the ability to focus, relieving anxiety and stress. This blanket gives kids a comforting sense of security, a relaxing effect on the body and mind.

BouncyBand Sensipod
BouncyBand Fidget Food Roller
Worry Stones
BouncyBand Portable Weighted Lap Pad

Which one is your favourite to have in the classroom?

IN CONCLUSION…

The goal of an inclusive classroom is to give children a sense of belonging – what every child needs and deserves to have. It is incredibly impactful to establish an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. If you can make a child feel included, protected, and respected, they will always remember you as the teacher who had the most influence on them and carved a positive outlook for them. Isn’t that the greatest achievement?

February 13, 2023November 15, 2023

The Benefits of Carpets/Rugs in Classrooms

Rugs – we use them because they are cozy, comforting and add a touch of style to our home. However, do you know that rugs are also important items in the design process of the classroom? They contribute to the overall environment and atmosphere of the learning space. A classroom should be safe, fun, inviting, and stimulate learning. Rugs can help to achieve all those criteria. Check out this article for the benefits of rugs, and a few great rugs recommendation from us!

I/ Rugs Support Play and Learn, and Are Perfect for Early Learning

Rugs are made to be played on. Compared to desks and chairs, they offer much more room for children to move around. Children can get up without making the screeching chair noise and disrupting their peers. Rugs have more traction than hard floor – which tend to become slippery when wet. They decrease the impact of slips and falls and lessen the chance of injury. Rugs are also durable and are made to last for years.

Background noises from inside and outside of the classroom, such as conversation, moving desks, chairs can affect the learning process of children. Hard floors and walls can echo and give students a hard time focusing. Rugs, or carpeted surfaces are some of the best flooring options as they can help to reduce sounds and ground level vibration. This helps to create a calm learning environment where students can focus with less distraction. On the rug, everyone is facing one direction: the speaker in the middle of the rug. This makes the communication process with students easier, and teacher can quickly identify the students who are not paying attention.

Classrooms rugs can also be designed to feature key development topics such as: alphabet, numbers, shapes, language, geography, history and even emotions. These learning rugs usually include eye-catching pictures/drawing, with simple, effective layout to help the young ones learn seamlessly. Children look at the pictures/drawing on the rugs and this can help them familiarize with crucial concepts, which is a necessary process for early childhood learning.

Sunny Day Rug features colourful learning blocks, where each block is a letter of the alphabet, and each cloud contains a number in them. Young learners will enjoy practicing numbers and letters, while exploring weathers, and colours. The beautiful, bright pattern makes it a perfect item for a positive learning environment. Every day is a sunny day!

Look at how stunning the colours are!

Continental Wonders Rug features a map of the world, with the names of the oceans, continents and highlights many geographic icons across the globe, such as Christ the Redeemer statue of Brazil, Sydney Opera House, and of course, the Canada Maple Leaf. Let children learn about geography, and explore different cultures using this rug!

Can you name all the icons on the rug?

Canada Rug includes multiple great visuals of Canada: a Canada map, with each colour representing different provinces, detailed province’s flags, and different figures such as a goose, beaver that emphasize Canada’s multicultural heritage. Children will take pride in identifying their provinces and flags with this beautiful rug.

Let children explore Canada with this colourful, and informational rug!

Medicine Wheel Rug symbolizes traditional North American First Nations Teachings. The Seven Teachings identify the core values of truth, honesty, love, courage, respect, humility and wisdom. The Medicine Wheel is symbolized by the 4 colours at the center of the rug, each enclosing an eagle feather.

The Seven Teachings.

II/The Sharing Circle Where You Relieve Your Stress

Rugs provide flexible seating options in the classroom. On the days where students feel more relaxed, or there is not much work to do left in the day, teachers can go with the flow, and ask students to switch to sitting on the rug to study or play games. Rugs offer comfortable cushioning for students to sit, play, or even lay on top of. Bring children together for study, group games, or reading sessions!

Rugs also bring an important benefit to the classroom: warmth. They are excellent thermal insulators, as the fibres in the material trap heat, keeping the room warmer for longer, and stop heat from escaping through the floor. They are essential for the classroom in the winter. Some rugs are warm, rich colour, which also brings the cozy vibe to the classroom.

Lastly, rugs are stress-relieving. Some rugs have calm, relaxing designs which help students, and even teacher to feel at ease, and unwind the worries of the day. Teachers can rest on the floor after standing all day long. The class can gather on the rug, talk about their day, or practice mindfulness. Compared to desks and chairs, sitting together on a rug feels more personal, connected. It’s a smaller space, so everyone can hear each other, and speak their minds.

Mindful Seating Rug is a great example of how rugs can be stress-relieving and support mental health. This calming classroom rug is great for practicing present-moment awareness, and helps young students constructively manage their emotions. The design is simple, and by using natural colors and textures, children can use this attractive rug as an area to decompress, regain focus, and practice the important skills necessary for sound health and well-being. The rug features the colourful circles, each act as a designated seat for students, so they can have their own space and respect others’ boundaries

The calming circles are great to sit on and practice mindfulness.

Just like the name suggests, Peaceful Tropical Night Rug captures a cool, and calm tropical night. Peaceful starlit skies, calming greenery and some silly frogs create the perfect environment for quiet time, story time or any group gathering. The calming features of the rug help to ease the mind of not just the young ones, but also the teachers.

Don’t you feel like the summer when looking at this?

Campfire Fun Rug can bring the outdoor inside, and give students the warm, cozy feeling of a camping night. Gather around the campfire for an afternoon of sharing, storytelling and group activities. Create a dramatic play center and “cook up” pretend smores for an easy camping theme that is certain to delight children and adults alike! Fun activities like this can help students get laughs and relax their mind after a tiresome day

Who wants to share a story?

Children of Many Cultures Rug emphasize multicultural heritages with charming children in native dress. They hold each other’s hands, meaning that no matter how different we might be in features, culture, personality, we should respect, and treasure each other’s beauty. This rug is a great tool to build an inclusive classroom. The design of the rug gives off a feeling that everyone in the rug is “included” – everyone is respected and heard. Teachers can use the rug as a tool to break the ice and get closer with students. Let them share their feelings, struggle, and introduce new class members using the rug!

Respect, and treasure the difference in people.

III/ Rugs Make Classrooms Fun!

A furniture’s benefits lie in its functionality, and decoration value. We already talked about the functionality, the educational, stress-relieving benefit of rugs, but at the end of the day, what rugs do best, is add beauty and style to the classrooms. They brighten the classrooms with their colours and designs, make the room more aesthetically pleasing, and inviting. The majority of children love a stimulating and colourful environment, and rugs help to make the classroom a more playful, enjoyable place. The process of selecting the rugs is fun, too. Pick the rugs that match your classroom theme, and be creative with your choice, as there are rugs of all different colours and patterns out there!

Kidsoft Animal Patchwork Rug include cute animals for children to learn and identify!

What’s your favourite animal? Mine is the penguin.

Off Balance Rug include slightly off-balance squares will work equally well as an accent rug under a table or a cool place for children to “kick back”. It also gives off a very artsy vibe!

Can it get more colourful than this?

Choose Kind Rug is inspired by the quote from the movie Wonder “When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.” The word “kindness” is written in 20 languages. It provides a sense of peace and community in your environment, as well as reinforcing learning with literacy.

A great option if you want to make your classroom a more inclusive place!

Note Worthy Carpet assists students in developing a lifelong appreciation for music. Children can practice math skills, simple and complex rhythms, recognition of basic musical symbols and note matching with this rug.

Learn music theory with this rug!

The Circle Rug introduce children to First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures. Each symbol is designed not only as a sitting space but also as a tool to provide unique insight into Indigenous life.

Introduce children to First Nations culture!

IV/How to Maintain Rugs

A properly selected, installed and maintained rug can lasts up to 10 years and sometimes even longer (our vendors Carpet for Kids and Joy Carpets offer 10-year warranty on most of their rugs). That makes rugs a very cost-effective flooring option, which is another benefit! However, knowing how to properly clean and maintain the rug is also important, as it can greatly affect the quality of the rug. The most efficient and cost-effective method of maintaining clean rugs in schools is vacuuming. The majority of dry dirt can be removed from the rug by performing regular, scheduled vacuuming. Make sure to avoid vacuuming over the serge, as this can cause serge yarn to become frayed and torn. Schools are advised to have and follow a maintaining routine for rugs. For active areas where there are a lot of footsteps, daily vacuuming is suggested. Once or twice a year (before school year, and winter break), professional cleaning services or skilled custodians should come and examine the rug.

Besides vacuuming, there are different cleaning methods for rugs such as: spot cleaning, steam cleaning, and various detergents to choose from. Depend on who the manufacturer of the rug is, you want to follow their cleaning instructions. However, the general rule is to never use soap, ammonia, laundry detergent, automatic dishwashing detergent, washing soda, or any strong household cleaning agents intended for use on hard surfaces, i.e., woodwork, linoleum, tile, as these cleaning agents could damage the rug. Avoid any cleaner with bleach, strong chemicals that would cause the dye to run. When cleaning, always blot, never scrub or rub abrasively, as this may create a fuzzy area. Some rugs are also washable with cold water, mild detergent, and gentle cycle setting.

Let’s talk about the biggest foe of all rugs: mold. Leaks, spills, dirt can all result in the formation of mold in various parts of the rug, especially if this is followed by an extended period of high humidity. To protect your rug from mold, do not install it in areas that are likely to be exposed to high moisture. Make sure everyone takes their shoes off before entering the rug and consider keeping all food away from the rug. If any water, liquid, or other moisture contact with the rugs, make sure the surface is dried thoroughly afterward.

Every rug contains a flammable risk, so make sure to install them correctly, and choose rugs that have high level of fire resistance, from reputable vendors. Our vendors Carpet for Kids and Joy Carpets carry rugs that are Class 1 rated according to NFPA standard, which is the best rating for fire resistant a product can receive.

V/ Seating Kits and Sharing Circles

Seating Kits and Sharing Circles deserve an honourable mention! They have more mobility than the usual classroom rugs and help kids with physical distancing seating. They give ample room for kids of all ages while providing flexibility to arrange seating as needed. You can use them for playing games, circle time, or marking quiet spaces.

Greenspace Artificial Grass Seating Circles temp you to kick-off your shoes and enjoy the relaxing and inviting grass texture. The grass blades are specifically engineered to resist matting and crushing and will maintain their original beauty in even the most active areas. Comfortable, casual and low maintenance, this vibrant and versatile artificial grass rug can be used anywhere!

Greenspace Artificial Grass Seating Circles. Kid smiles

Manufactured from premium, eco-friendly synthetic fibres.

Farm Animal Seating Kit have fun shapes, colors, and farm animals’ drawings. Kids can learn and pick their favourite animals!

Old Macdonald had a farm, e-i-e-i-o!

Learning Blocks Kit include easily identifiable images that help children learn about the sounds of letters. Each colourful square illustrates a letter of the alphabet with a matching icon that makes learning fun.

A is for Alligator, D is for Dog, Q is for Quality Classrooms – the best quality at the best price!

Rugs are essential for every classroom. They add beauty and style with their vibrant colours, bold patterns, and interesting textures. They retain warm air longer than other flooring types, so they provide warmth and comfort in the winter. For the young students, carpets and rugs are great to sit on, play on, and due to their surface, carpets and rugs decrease the possibility of slips and falls and reduce injuries when falls occur. Most rugs designed for children include teachings of fundamental topics with relaxing, inviting graphics and that’s why they are great tools to assist learning and take part in the development of the young minds. Take care of your rugs by vacuuming them daily, follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely, and get professionals to check on them once or twice per year!

Feedback from the customer. Lovely!