At first, the question seemed simple: “Why do we go to school?”
I had asked it many times before, in many different districts. I’m a planner and designer specializing in K-12 school projects, and as part of a community-driven design process, we invite students to dream with us and help shape the spaces where they’ll learn, grow, and make sense of the world.
In February of 2023, I was leading a visioning workshop with a group of middle schoolers in Southern California. Their energy was vibrant, their curiosity sharp. We began with a simple activity: Students answered a series of prompts, each one building on the last.
“We go to school because …”
“We need to learn because …”
“We want to be successful because …”
As the conversation deepened, so did their responses. One student wrote, “We want to get further in life.” Another added, “We need to help our families.” And then came the line that stopped me in my tracks: “We go to school because we want future generations to look up to us.”
I’ve worked with a lot of middle schoolers. They’re funny, unfiltered, and often far more insightful than adults give them credit for. But this answer felt different. It wasn’t about homework, or college, or even a dream job. It was about legacy. At that moment, I realized I wasn’t just asking kids to talk about school. I was asking them to articulate their hopes for the world and their role in shaping it.
As a designer, I came prepared to talk about flexible furniture, natural light, and outdoor learning spaces. The students approached the conversation through the lens of purpose, identity, and intergenerational impact. They reminded me that school isn’t just a place to pass through — it’s a place to imagine who you might become and how you might leave the world better than you found it.
I’ve now led dozens of school visioning sessions, no two being alike. In most cases, adults are the ones at the table: district leaders, architects, engineers, and community members. Their perspectives are important, of course. But when we exclude students from shaping the environments they spend most days in, we send an implicit message that this place is not really theirs to shape.
However, when we do invite them in, the difference is immediate. Students are not only willing participants, they’re often the most honest and imaginative contributors in the room. They see past the buzzwords like 21st-century learning, flexible furniture, student-centered design, and collaborative zones, and talk about what actually matters: where they feel safe, where they feel seen, where they can be themselves.
During that workshop when the student spoke about legacy, other young participants asked for more flexible learning spaces, places to move around and collaborate, better food, outdoor classrooms, and quiet areas for mental health breaks. One asked for sign language classes to better communicate with her hard-of-hearing best friend. Another asked for furniture that can move from inside to outside. These aren’t requests that tend to show up on state-issued planning checklists, which are more likely to focus on square footage, capacity, and code compliance, but they reflect an extraordinary level of thought about access, well-being, and inclusion.
The lesson: When we take students seriously, we get more than better design. We get better schools.
There’s a popular saying in architecture: Form follows function. But in school design, I’d argue that form should follow voice. If we want to build learning environments that support joy, connection, and growth, we need to start by asking students what those things look and feel like to them — and then believe them.
Listening isn’t a checkbox. It’s a practice. And it has to start early, not once construction drawings are finalized, but when goals and priorities are still being devised. That’s when student input can shift the direction of a plan, not just decorate it.
It’s also not just about asking the right questions, but being open to answers we didn’t expect. When a student says, “Why do the adults always get the rooms with windows?” — as one did in another workshop I led — that’s not a complaint. That’s a lesson in power dynamics, spatial equity, and the unspoken messages our buildings send.
Since that day, about a year and a half ago, when I heard, “We want future generations to look up to us,” I’ve carried that line with me into every planning session. It’s a reminder that students aren’t just users of school space. They’re stewards of something bigger than themselves.
So if you’re a school leader, a planner, a teacher, or a policymaker, invite students in early. Make space for their voices, not just as a formality but as a source of wisdom. Ask questions that go beyond what color the walls should be. And don’t be surprised when the answers you get are deeper than you imagined. Be willing to let their vision shift yours.
Because when we design with students, not just for them, we create schools that don’t just house learning. We create schools that help define what learning is for. And if we do it right, maybe one day, future generations will look up to today’s students not just because of what they learned, but because of the spaces they helped shape.
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
For more news on district and school management, visit eSN’s Educational Leadership hub.
Enrico Giori, Chalkbeat
Enrico Giori is a California-based planner and designer at Architecture for Education, or A4E, specializing in K-12 educational facilities. He focuses on agency-driven school design that promotes equitable and future-thinking learning environments.
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Have a tree limb that needs removing? Don’t just toss that wood away! Instead, use wood slices to create a set of beautiful, one-of-a-kind DIY coasters! These wooden coasters will quickly become a conversation piece at any gathering…while also protecting your furniture from water rings and spills. Here’s how to make a set of your own.
Sometimes the most beautiful DIYs are the simplest ones. Case in point? Making a set of branch coasters from a fallen tree will allow the beauty of that wood to live on and tell the story in its rings.
When you are out pruning and cutting back the garden, take a look at what you are about to throw in the wood chipper or firewood pile. Wood slices can be turned into many things, but my all-time favourite is these branch coasters that I made a few years back.
I’ve had my cedar coasters now for almost 4 years and have had plenty of questions on the practicality of them. I’ve updated this original article, with some FAQs at the end of the DIY instructions. In short? I still love and use them daily!
This post will cover…
You want slices that are about 1/2″ thick.
How to Make DIY Branch Coasters
It was a sad day when the largest, oldest tree on my street was hacked down and unceremoniously chucked into construction waste bins. The 50’ Western Red Cedar still had a lot of good years left but got in the way of developers’ dollar signs, and no amount of reasoning could sway them.
Neighbours came to say goodbye, walking through the wreckage and collecting a memento or two; tears were shed. It’s amazing the impact a tree can have and the immensity of the sense of loss for one treated with so little respect.
I collected a few thick branches to turn into sets of coasters that I also passed on to neighbours who remember their kids climbing those same limbs many, many years ago.
Even if you don’t have as personal of a tree story, you can still make these wood-slice coasters. Next time you see a tree trimming crew at work, ask the home’s owner if you can have a branch for a project—chances are, they will have no problem gifting you with a branch or two.
The project is simple but it will take some time to cut and sand each piece. The more time you spend getting them right, the nicer the final product will be.
The size of the branch will determine how big your coasters are.
Materials
Make it
1. Using the saw, cut sections of branches that are ½” thick.
2. Sand each section with heavy grit sandpaper, and then use a finer grit to smooth out the surface. Do not sand the bark on the edges.
3. Coat the front, back, and sides with clear varnish and let dry. Untreated wood can also look beautiful as it absorbs the drips and condensation from the glasses that sit on it.
4. They’re as simple as that on the surface, but I’ve gotten many questions about how to make these. I’ve answered many of them in the FAQ section below.
Optional: Add Designs With Wood Burning
While the wood grain is beautiful on its own, you may feel like adding an extra special touch. An inexpensive wood burner, a bit of time, and creativity are all you need to create designs such as these.
Make your designs before sealing your wood with varnish.
Another great option is to turn them into Christmas tree ornaments. I made these ones and hung them up both inside and outside.
I used my same wood burning pen to make these designs on the ornaments.
FAQ About These DIY Coasters
As I mentioned above, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about these wooden coasters since creating this project years ago. I did my best to answer the most frequently asked ones here, but if you have one that’s not addressed, please leave it in the comments below!
My coasters have held up for over four years!
How do you dry the wood? How do you keep them from cracking?
I dried the wood slowly in a cool, dry room before cutting the coasters. Drying in a room that has limited moisture and heat allows the wood to dry slowly and helps to prevent cracking. It took many months as I put them in the basement in the fall and pulled them out the following year. I tested to see if the wood was dry but cutting an end section. Even with this process, a few cracked. I discarded those as I had plenty more to work with.
I can’t give an exact number of months to dry the wood for because it could take you more or less time depending on how wet the wood is, how fresh it is, and the area that you dry it in. The best method is to dry it until it is dry when you cut into it. Test and if it needs more time, then leave it for longer.
What varnish/stain did you use?
I used Varathane clear satin varnish. The varnish was labeled as clear, but it does have a honey color in the can. It made the final coasters look a little darker than the dry wood (like wet wood), which I expected and like.
Don’t they leak sap?
No. Perhaps a different kind of wood could leak sap. But I dried the wood thoroughly and have never seen one drop of sap in 4 years of using them.
How did you keep the bark on the outer edges?
The bark stayed on due to the type of wood, Western Red Cedar. I was careful to not pull it off but it is pretty sturdy. I did varnish the sides around the bark as well.
Did you glue felt or anything to keep the coaster from marking the furniture?
When sanded, they are smooth, so they won’t scratch anything, and they are varnished and dry, so they don’t stain. You certainly could put felt or little feet on them if you choose, though.
What can I do with these wooden coasters?
Of course, you can keep and enjoy them for years at home, as I have. However, if you have extras, these make a lovely gift! Consider gifting a set of these coasters along with a mug and a set of tea or artisan coffee.
There are plenty more ideas and tips in the comments section. Have a read over it and please chime in if you have any advice to share!
More Garden Crafts to Try
DIY Coasters from Wood Slices
Learn how to make your own stunning DIY coasters from wood slices. If you have a fallen tree, this is the best way to preserve and enjoy the grain for years to come!
branchesshould be straight and at least 3.5″ in diameter
While an outdoor shower with a French drain was not part of the original plans for my garden, it quickly became a game changer and one of my favourite parts of my outdoor space. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your backyard (which I highly recommend), this is my experience installing and using my French drain and outdoor shower.
If you’ve been following along with my garden, you’ll probably remember that one of the projects I completed was a spa area with a hot tub. While I initially had some concerns about the amount of energy, water, and chemicals that hot tubs use, I knew that it could help alot with my chronic pain.
And I was right! Soaking at least once a day has made a world of a difference, and I’ve managed to find ways to keep my setup eco-friendly and natural.
When I set out to install the hot tub in my garden, my original plans did not include an outdoor shower. However, the second-hand hot tub that I ended up purchasing from Facebook marketplace included one, and adding it to my little outdoor oasis has been one of the best (accidental) decisions I’ve made.
Here’s what you need to know…
My outdoor shower is right next to my hot tub and patio.
What is a French Drain?
If you’re not familiar with the French drain, it’s essentially a trench or hole filled with rocks that allows water to seep through and redirect it. Some drains designed to handle more water also include a perforated pipe or weeping tile.
While similar subsurface drainage systems have been used for centuries, Henry Flagg French popularized the French drain in 1859 when he wrote about them in his book Farm Drainage. This early iteration described by the French used roofing tile, but special drain tiles with perforations were designed later.
Nowadays, French drains are typically used to prevent ground and surface water from damaging buildings and installed along streets and highways as an alternative to open ditches and storm sewers.
The top of my French drain is a bamboo base and smooth riverstone.
My French Drain Design
When I started researching drainage options for the base of the shower, the French drain immediately stood out to me. It was a simple solution that didn’t require any synthetic materials.
Because I only needed to prevent water from pooling at the bottom of the shower, not to direct the water to a different area of my property, I went with a basic design. Rather than using a pipe, I was able to simply create a 3 feet deep hole the size of the shower base.
My soil was so compacted and saturated from the high water table, that it came out like a perfect cube with straight sides!
Since the shower is next to my hot tub where there are no plants, I didn’t need to line the hole with landscape fabric. Once I had my drainage hole, I just filled it with ¾ inch crush gravel from my local landscape store. I also placed a wood and bamboo base on top of the rocks to make the shower more comfortable on my feet.
Now when I turn the shower on, the water runs into the gravel and quickly filters down instead of pooling!
My French drain is three feet deep, while the drainage by my hot tub is only about 3 inches deep.
The Shower Design
An outdoor shower wasn’t in my original plan for this area. But since one came with my second-hand hot tub, I decided to make use of it.
Like my hot tub, the shower needed a bit of work, but I was able to salvage most of the parts. The main thing I had to do was replace the pipe, as the original one had burst.
The shower is a propane-fueled camping shower, which heats up the water quickly and works so well for the space I have.
I generally have a cold shower after spending time in the hot tub. I do circuits in the hot tub, soaking for fifteen minutes in the heat, followed by an ice-cold shower. Especially during the summer, I find that I haven’t had a shower indoors in weeks.
Now that it’s getting colder, I can also have warm showers outside. It also makes showering before I get in the hot tub so convenient, which helps keep the water clean without having to use chemicals. Showering before entering is one of the main ways that I keep my hot tub clean.
I use my shower before and after my hot tub, and have mostly replaced having indoor showers with it.
Decorating My Outdoor Shower
My hot tub and outdoor shower area are seriously one of my favourite parts of my house. My secondhand hot tub also came with a privacy gazebo made of cedar. The wood has been treat with Shou Sugi Ban, which is a Japanese technique for burning wood to preserve and stain it.
I added some shelves to the walls to decorate, filling it with houseplants, candles, and a knickknacks or two. These houseplants are good to hang out outside for the warmer months, and I’ll bring them in for the colder months.
Around the base, I added some potted shade plants like hostas and ferns to really make it feel like you’re showering in the forest. I use the shower water to keep them hydrated so it’s a great spot for plants that like the moisture.
My decorative shelf and artwork against the Shou Sugi Ban treated wall.
Decorate with houseplants during the summer.
Keeping Your Outdoor Shower Eco-Friendly
Like most things I do, I try to keep my outdoor shower as eco-friendly as possible. Because I opted for a French drain, it’s important for me to keep in mind that all the products I use will drain into the earth.
For me, this means using my own homemade soap and biodegradable shampoo. Right now, I’ve been loving my sunflower and turmeric soap, but if you’re interested in making your own natural soap, I have tons of recipes and tips.
Make sure all your shower products are biodegradable.
FAQs About My Outdoor Shower
Where not to put a French drain?
French drains should not be installed less than 3 feet away from any walls, trees, and fences. Low spots in your yard are also not the place for a French drain as natural pooling can cause the drain to retain too much water.
How deep should a French drain be buried?
This type of drain needs to be at least a foot and a half deep in order to do its job. I chose to make mine 3 feet to accommodate my shower.
What is the best base for an outdoor shower?
The base I chose for my own outdoor shower is made of wood and bamboo. It allows the water to drain into the gravel, but it’s still comfortable to stand on. I also liked the natural look of this option, but stone tiles are another popular choice.
Overall, my outdoor shower has quickly become one of my very favourite things in my yard. If you’re considering installing one, whether you have a hot tub or not, I can’t recommend it enough! If you have any questions about the design or usage, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
At my new house, my front lawn was all mud and pools of uneven, soggy ground. Rather than put all that water into the city drains, I redirected it to filter through the soil and water the surrounding plants. Design your own dry river bed, and you just might make your own drainage problems disappear…poof!
In my front yard, I planted a beautiful, meadow-like wildflower lawn. So far, it’s been the star of the block, as everyone stops and admires it.
Because it has turf grasses, I thought there would be only a few flowers among the grass. I thought I would be able to mow it and use it like any other lawn.
But that hasn’t been the case at all. My expectations of the wildflower lawn were just blown out of the water.
While beautiful, and I wouldn’t change a thing, it meant that walking through our garden wasn’t going to be possible. To get to the backyard, we would go down the sidewalk, through a gate, down the street, and through another gate.
Complicated right?
I knew I needed a solution, and rather than build a simple pathway, I decided to solve another problem with my garden: the drainage.
Here’s how I made my dry river and what to know before you build your own.
My gorgeous wildflower front lawn before the dry river installation.
What is a Dry River?
Dry rivers are an ornamental solution to drainage problems in the garden. They create a water catchment space where water from your home can filter back into the soil. The surrounding plants can then reach down with their deeper roots and hydrate. It’s a win-win!
Dry river beds are made with river stones and mimic the look of a wild river. The result is a very natural-looking rock element in your garden. It can blend in or become a feature in itself, being both aesthetic and functional.
Dry rivers can feature many different kinds of rock, but I went with the classic rounded river rock.
Picking a Location for Your Dry River Bed
When I first moved into my house, it was evident that the front yard had a drainage problem. It was muddy and puddly and neglected.
I was initially inspired to put in a dry river because of the way the eavestroughs were designed. The gutters that collect off the roof were a little broken and poorly maintained and drained directly into the soil or went into underground pipes that took the water away from the house.
The yard, as a result has a very high water table. This means that in the summer drought months, the plants do quite well because they get enough supplemental water. I haven’t had to provide ANY supplemental water for my wildflower lawn so far.
But it also holds lots of water when things are cooler, and anything that doesn’t like wet feet won’t do well. The grass didn’t do well at all prior to the wildflower lawn, as it was just too damp in the winter months.
My front yard before its extreme makeover.
The early stages of my wildflower lawn, when it was still treadable.
Some of the water is redirected into the city runoff and then piped out to the ocean. This isn’t ideal, either. It doesn’t allow any of the rain that would naturally fall there to return to the soil. We should use the existing water on the land to support the plants.
This left me in a tricky spot, as I didn’t want to put any kind of drainage too close to the house—this can be problematic and cause rot on the house’s frame.
So I redirected the water back into the land, where it could be properly and efficiently drained. I moved the water to go into about the middle of the lawn where it would be away from the house but still feed the surrounding plants.
First, I needed to get the water flowing away from the house and into the soil with longer downspouts.
How to Make a Dry River Bed for Drainage
The first thing I did was redirect the eavestroughs to the middle of the wildflower lawn. This did mean I had to do some digging up, so more on that later!
Yes, digging up all these flowers did hurt my soul a bit.
I chose a general shape for my dry river, giving it curves and a naturalistic shape to weave through my lawn as a pathway, digging the flowers out as I went.
Since I wanted mine to be a pathway as well, I had it go all the way to the gate.
I then put a layer of landscape fabric over top of the curve I created. Depending on how much water and drainage you need, you can dig deeper and add a base layer of gravel to help hold onto excess rainwater. See an example of that kind of dry river bed in this post.
Make sure to use landscape fabric, not plastic. It needs to allow water to filter through.
For me, I just topped off my landscape fabric with river stones in two different sizes. I have smaller ones that are about 1-2 inches, and then larger stones that are 2-4 inches. So far, it’s been all I need!
I had it all mixed together to make laying it down easier.
I then had Kiddo reorganize the rocks. He wanted to organize them so that the larger ones were on the outside and the smaller ones were on the inside. We didn’t use any kind of edging.
Kiddo feels a lot of pride doing work in the garden, and he talks about the dry river all the time. I love seeing him become attached to the garden.
Before Kiddo organized it all!
Maintaining Your Dry River
So far, the only maintenance I’ve done to my front yard is to take grass shears and cut back the flowers along the edge of the dry river bed.
While I wanted a walking path, it is a little bit unstable to walk on. For someone like me with a disability, having a riverstone walkway can be a bit of a challenge. Twisted ankles are definitely a concern.
But for my family, it’s not supposed to be a major walking path. There will be no wheelbarrows or people walking it daily. It’s just for the animals and our family to use when they need to traverse across the wildflowers.
I may adjust it in the future, but for now, I’m content. What you can also do is add natural paver stones to the center to make it look more like a walkway.
Your dry river shouldn’t need much maintenance, but make any necessary adjustments as you go. It won’t be immediately evident how the drainage will work until it rains!
The wildflowers do flop onto the dry river bed, but grass shears are easy to use to clean it up.
Landscaping Your Dry River Bed
When I removed the wildflowers, I tried to keep them and transplant them. While the sweet alyssum transplanted well, most of the other flowers didn’t.
These drought tolerant plants will not need supplemental water in the summer, but the dry river will also help keep moisture in the ground where the deep roots of the perennials can reach them.
And the plants look beautiful as well!
Dry rivers are very similar to rain gardens and have many of the same principles. You can find more landscaping and plant ideas for your dry river in this rain gardens post.
This rain garden features native and drought-tolerant perennials.
When I first started researching getting a hot tub, I was quickly overwhelmed. What do you put under a hot tub? How do you move it? Do you really need all those chemicals? Here’s what I learned along the way and how I made a natural hot tub using second-hand materials.
If you read The Regenerative Garden, you know I have a whole chapter dedicated to the ethics of reducing waste and energy. So, it may come as a surprise that one of the first projects I worked on for my new garden was a hot tub!
With all the energy and chemicals a hot tub requires, I hesitated with the choice. But I knew it would be a game changer for me for me as someone who struggles with chronic pain.
I considered a wood-fired hot tub. As beautiful as they look, it’s not a practical solution for me to use daily to help with the pain associated with my disability.
Instead, I found an older hot tub that needs some TLC but works really well. I’m excited to show you how I installed my hot tub, renovated it, and changed things up to make it as eco-friendly as possible.
Here’s what I’ll be covering today…
I decorated my hot tub wall with shelves complete with houseplants.
The Hot Tub Before
I got my hot tub second-hand off of Facebook Marketplace. It included not only the hot tub, but also the surrounding privacy gazebo and an outdoor shower. The previous owner was a man who worked in the film industry as a carpenter, so everything was made from recycled materials, which I assume came from the leftovers from set.
Moving a hot tub wasn’t easy. I paid specialty movers to move it from his house to mine, which ended up costing just as much as the hot tub itself.
I moved everything to my place, and now I am repurposing and rebuilding instead of sending all these materials to the landfill.
The best part is that I had instant privacy and a backdrop. Since then, I’ve made some upgrades and repairs and added my own touch.
The finished patio and hot tub.
Step 1: The Hot Tub Base
My first task was to prepare the base before the hot tub arrived. Previously, the area had an old shed that I removed and recycled.
I dug into the soil, making it as even as possible. I set down a layer of landscape fabric and then a layer of crush gravel about 3 inches deep. This will provide some drainage for any water that splashes out.
On top of the crush layer, I added some 2 ft. x 2 ft. cement paving slabs that I bought at the hardware store.
I considered pouring concrete, but I wanted to ensure there was drainage, and the paving stones would provide a really stable base.
Step 2: The Privacy Wall
Next to the base, I set up some concrete footers that would hold the privacy wall posts. Rather than dig a footer into the ground, I bought these holders that can fit a 4×4 post right in it. This means the screen isn’t set directly in the ground and can be moved if I wish.
The posts are pressure treated lumber and the walls are cedar, treated with Shou Sugi Ban. This is a Japanese wood burning technique where the wood isn’t stained but burned and then coated with a natural oil.
This helps to preserve the wood, making it resistant to sunlight and water. If you touch it, you can get the char on your hands, but it really creates a beautiful charcoal finish that highlights the wood grain.
The roof is open above the hot tub and has decorative beams, which are also pressure-treated and recycled.
Here, you can see the beautiful charring of the Shou Sugi Ban.
Step 3: Insulating the Hot Tub
Since my hot tub is second-hand, I had to do some work on the insulation inside the panels. Once I opened the panels, I noticed lots of animal damage. Critters had gone inside to nest and nibble.
We removed any old, bad insulation and replaced it with hard foam. This spray foam is resistant to mice, rats, and other rodents who might sneak in. When you spray it, it expands and hardens and should be long-lasting.
Overall, this will improve the hot tub’s energy efficiency, allowing it to retain heat better and use fewer resources.
After insulating, I put the panels back on, and it looks as good as new.
Step 4: Finding the Right Electrical
When looking for an eco-friendly hot tub, I had to ask what power source I would need. I could go with a 110V or a 220 V hot tub.
110V hot tubs are considered plug-and-play. They don’t require any kind of special outlet. They tend to be lighter hot tubs and can have both jets and heat…but you can’t use them at the same time. You still need to ensure there is enough power for this kind of hot tub and that it has its own breaker.
220V hot tubs are heavier to move and require special hot tub movers. 220V requires a special outlet, which fridges, ovens, and washing machines also use. They’re more efficient in the long run, despite their initial challenges.
I had an electrician come over and install a special outlet for my hot tub. With a 220V, I don’t have to worry about putting everything at max power to do everything.
I will say that I did have to move my hot tub later after the movers had come and gone, and it took three people to move it 90 degrees. It was really difficult, and we ended up prying it up with a piece of wood and putting metal bars underneath to swing it into position.
The hot tub I ended up purchasing secondhand was a 220V.
Step 5: Outdoor Shower
When I bought the outdoor shower, it also came with an outdoor shower. I put this beside the hot tub, adding a French drain underneath and digging down so it could properly drain.
It is a propane shower, and it was all built into what I had purchased. Unfortunately, the pipe had burst and I needed new pipes to make the shower work at my house.
I’m going to make an entire post about my outdoor shower, but let me just say, I use it ALL the time. I’ve already gone an entire week not using my shower inside since I’m using my outdoor shower so much.
Step 6: Hot Tub Cover
The hot tub cover that came with the hot tub was no longer good. Which is to be expected! They last for around five years.
Mine was filled with water, so I recycled it and got a new one.
I also put in a bar lifter. It allows me to fold half and then use the bar to lift the cover onto the bench I have behind the hot tub. This makes it super easy to lift and use even when I’m in pain and my mobility is restricted.
The patio looks especially lovely during dusk.
Step 7: The Chemical Dilemma
As I mentioned, I was a little hesitant about the chemicals I would need to use for my natural hot tub. So, I did a lot of research before deciding what to do with my hot tub.
I’ll start off by saying that I am not an expert, and this is just what has worked for me. I have not had my water tested.
I use very little chemicals for my natural hot tub. I start off by filling my hot tub with an RV water filter attached to the hose. I fill it over the hot tub filter, so there are no heavy metals in my hot tub water. The cleaner the water that goes in, the better.
I clean my hot tub filter very often. To do this, I just remove it and hose it down. You also should replace your hot tub filter every year.
I also do my best to prevent any additional bacteria from getting in. Every time someone comes into the hot tub, they use the outdoor shower. I also shock it after people who don’t belong to my household have been in it.
Hot Tub Chemical Alternatives
For my bacteria cleaner, I opted for bromine instead of chlorine. Here are some other non-chlorine hot tub options I considered but didn’t go with:
Salt water also sounded good, but they were quite expensive. I also found that the salt turns into chlorine in the water anyway so it would do the same thing as just putting in chlorine.
Ionizers neutralize the bacteria and sterilize it, but they also add more heavy metals to the water. These metals can be absorbed through the skin and can also affect other parts of the hot tub.
UV lighting can sterilize the bacteria in the plumbing so it can’t grow. However, you still need some chlorine or bromine to get rid of the pathogenic bacteria that still exists. I might install this down the road, but right now, I’m doing okay!
I also need to increase the pH of the water. To do this, I sprinkle in baking soda. This is exactly what I do with my bath bombs when I have a bath!
Overall, that’s all I have added to my water: bromine and baking soda. By showering and cleaning the filter often, my water is crystal clear and beautiful.
The whole process has reminded me of soap making, and I approach it with the same process. I ask myself, how can I make it as natural as possible, test it out, and see how my skin reacts.
After using the hot tub, I sit for a bit on my sectional with a towel and water-resistant blanket.
The Benefits of My Natural Hot Tub
A little while back, I hurt my back. To help alleviate the pain, I soaked in my hot tub twice a day. It was precisely why I wanted to include a hot tub in my backyard design, as I knew I would need to rely on it during times like these.
While I initially struggled with the idea of the hot tub due to its energy and chemical requirements, I’ve already proven to myself how great of a choice it has been, especially since it’s second-hand and gets so much use.
The pain relief is giving me back my life, so it’s worth every penny for someone with chronic pain.
My dermatologist said it was bad for my skin and my rosacea, but I said I don’t care since I’ve seen such an improvement in my pain and mobility.
Not long ago, I got sick. I did circuits in the hot tub, spending 15 minutes in the heat, then an ice-cold shower, followed by ten minutes of rest. Then, I would repeat it, doing it a total of three times.
Afterward, I felt like a million bucks. Yes, I was still showing sick symptoms, but I could still go about my day this way.
Hot Tub Water Usage
My other concern was the water usage. Yes, this is a 1,000-litre hot tub and it does consume quite a bit of water.
But in the end, I’m actually reducing my water usage. Normally, I will take baths to combat my chronic pain. With the average bath consuming about 94.6 litres, it would take me 11 dips in the hot tub to already be saving water.
And considering I go in every day, sometimes twice a day, it’s making a big difference!
My Natural Hot Tub Today
As you can see, I’ve made my natural hot tub one of the most relaxing spaces in my home. The walls give me all the privacy I need, and I’ve decorated them with shelves to feel extra homey.
I added in some fun lights for ambience, which are all controlled with a remote. I love using all kinds of colours at night, and it instantly sets the mood.
Next to my hot tub is my patio, which you can see more of here. All together, I have one large entertaining space, and I can easily lounge and cool off when I’m done in the hot tub.
Private, relaxing, and functional! The perfect backyard space.
I’m just at the start of my eco-friendly hot tub journey, and I’m always trying to improve and tweak as I go. If you have any ideas or suggestions for me, leave them in the comments below!
Hanging a lavender wreath around the garden could be just the aromatherapy needed to help decompress after a long day, or perhaps it will just make you smile. Regardless, this lavender wreath is a quick weekend project that will leave you calm enough for an afternoon read or a good night’s sleep.
In order to keep your lavender plants neat and tidy, it’s important to prune them. Two prunes per season works best—once at the beginning of summer and then once again in August.
The great thing about pruning back your lavender plants is that you can harvest lavender to use in a myriad of ways! One of my faves is to make it into pretty, fragrant wreaths. The fresh flowers dry on the wreath, and it looks so decorative.
This year, I made a miniature 6″ wreath using “Thumbelina Leigh” English Lavender plants, which are planted in my kitchen garden. The plants are quite small, but they produce more than enough flowers to keep me in lavender all summer long (and then some).
Here’s what you need to know about making your own dried lavender wreath!
One mature lavender plant should be enough to make one small 6-inch wreath.
Harvesting Lavender for Your Wreath
When harvesting lavender, it’s best to pick it at the budding stage, after the flower bugs turn purple but before they open into flowers. The stems will hold the colour for the longest if they are harvested in the bud.
The image below shows the three stages of lavender flowers: budding, flowering, and after flowering. In reality, I try and cut the flowers when they are budding, but in practice, I usually get a mixture of buds and flowers, and a few early bloomers that are starting to die back.
It’s hard to perfect the timing, but it’s even harder to take all that lovely lavender away from the bees! I like to let my lavender flower a bit for the bees to enjoy and then add it to a wreath when it has some buds and some open flowers.
It looks lovely and gives me (and the pollinators) more time to relish it in the garden. The open flowers will eventually fall off, but what’s left behind is still attractive and aromatic.
If you are crafting with lavender at home for personal use, don’t worry too much. Leave that to the lavender farms. No matter when you harvest it, it will make a lovely wreath with a heavenly perfume.
The lavender on the left is at budding stage, the middle blooming, and the right is after blooming.
How to Make a Lavender Wreath
The process for making this lavender wreath is very similar to my other wreaths. Perhaps even simpler because it’s entirely one kind of flower!
Materials
I used a grapevine wreath base, but you can also use a wire or straw base as well.
Make It!
Gather lavender into small bunches and snip the ends to get a nice, neat edge.
I left the leaves on, but you can strip them for a neater look.
Wrap your wire or twine around the stems of one bunch several times tightly.
Secure your bundles individually before attaching them to the wreath form.
Secure the bunch to the form by winding the twine or wire around it a few times and pulling tight (or tying a knot if you’re using twine).
Pro tip: I personally prefer to use wire rather than twine, as it is easier to tighten it later once the lavender bunches have dried and shrunk down a bit. To tighten a dried wreath made with wire, use needle-nose pliers to twist knots in the wire at the back of the wreath and hold the stems in snugly.
Keep your wire on the roll as you attach your bundles to the wreath form.
Leaving the wire on the roll, wind each new bunch onto the form as they are added. Continue adding bunches until you complete the circle.
Alternate which directions your bundles face to get a fuller-looking wreath.
Tuck a final bunch under the first bunch, then cut and secure the wire. Hang the wreath up and enjoy!
While it’s drying, flowers will fall off but NOT the buds.
I’ve also made a dried lavender wreath using this same basic technique on a wire coat hanger bent into a circle for the wreath form.
Make your own wire wreath form out of an old wire coat hanger.
Here is how that looks with dried buds after many years! It will hold its colour for quite a while. As you can see, this one has seen a few seasons and still looks beautiful.
FAQ About Lavender Wreaths
What is the most fragrant lavender?
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is typically revered for its scent, as well as hybrids.
What is the best way to dry lavender?
For this lavender wreath, I recommend using fresh lavender and letting it dry directly on the wreath form. When you work with dried lavender, it will be more brittle and you’re more likely to lose buds while you make the wreath.
The smell of your dried lavender wreath should last you for a few months. If you squeeze the buds, you should release the oils that contain the fragrance.
Commercially grown lavender is dried upside down in large bunches.
Ever since it opened in the 1940’s, Butler Place near downtown Fort Worth was home to hundreds of residents. Former residents share their thoughts on growing up at Butler Place and favorite memories from the tight-knit community.
… Click to Continue »
Adding a bird bath is one of the best ways to increase the number of songbirds and wildlife in your garden. When set on the ground, birds use it for drinking, bathing, and cooling down. Here’s how to make your own DIY concrete bird bath using a rhubarb leaf!
The first time I tasted a tart rhubarb stalk dipped in sugar, I was hooked! The flavour is surprisingly complex for a stem, and when matched with something sweet, it’s a little slice of heaven.
The leaves, on the other hand, are not so tasty (which is good since they are toxic), but it’s such a pity that this prolific plant doesn’t have more culinary uses.
This DIY concrete bird bath is my attempt to get a little more out of my rhubarb plants. The ruffled and very large leaves make a wonderful mould for a bird bath. Once cast in concrete, these rhubarb leaves will live on forever and supply garden birds with a watering hole.
Here’s how you can make your own concrete leaf bird bath!
This is an easy weekend project.
Harvesting Rhubarb
To start this project, you’ll need some big, juicy leaves. We also want to make sure we’re not harming the rhubarb when we pick the leaves.
Let a new plant grow for two years before harvesting any stocks, and only take one-third of the plant in year three and beyond. After that, you can harvest the plant pretty heavily, leaving the smaller stalks behind after six to eight weeks of pulling off stems for pie and bird baths.
For this rhubarb leaf bird bath, choose a firm leaf with a strong shape (if you can find any without holes, then congratulations, you have won the slug war!).
It’s best to start this project at the beginning of the season when the leaves are strongest and less chewed. A few nibbles or holes are expected in an organic garden and won’t take away from the final project.
Choose your leaf carefully, and try to use it fresh for your mould.
How to Make a Concrete Leaf Bird Bath
If you’ve never worked with concrete before, this is a great first project to try out. It’s simple but creates a beautiful result that you can display in your garden while helping the local birds.
*Choose a lightweight concrete mix (less gravel) for a smoother finished product. Or, choose a heavier-weight concrete mix (more gravel) if the stones will be in high-traffic areas. The best concrete for small, decorative projects is repair concrete, which has no large pieces of gravel in it.
The bowl doesn’t need to be too deep to be effective for the birds.
Make It!
Wear protective gloves, glasses, and a mask, and mix the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
While the measurements and mixing instructions will be on the package, in general, you will want a large container to mix a whole bag at once. An old wheelbarrow is ideal as the height makes mixing a bit easier.
First, add the concrete to the container, then pour the recommended measure of water into the center. Stir thoroughly and use immediately. The consistency should be on the drier, firmer side. Add more dry mix if it is too runny.
You can also use a bucket for mixing.
Build a firm mound in the soil in the shape you want your bird bath to take.
Your mound will determine the shape of your bowl.
Lay the plastic drop cloth over the mound and place the leaf, vein-side up, on it.
Make sure the leaf’s vein is facing upwards to get the best imprint.
Spray the back of the leaf thoroughly with cooking spray or brush with oil.
Any vegetable oil will work for this.
Pile the concrete onto the leaf and pat it all around to compress the concrete and remove air bubbles. Spread the concrete to just 1/2″ from the edge of the leaf and gently round the extra 1/2″ of the leaf over the edge of the concrete. This will give the edges a more refined look.
Use your gloves to smooth out the edges for a more refined look.
Wrap the concrete in plastic and allow it to dry for 12 hours if the outside temperature is hot and dry or 24 hours if it is cooler and more humid.
Avoid doing this project if rain is in the forecast.
Gently peel off the leaf before the concrete is set, being mindful that it can easily break or crack at this stage. Generally, it’s preferable to wait until the concrete is completely dry to unmold it, but often, this leaves more plant material behind in the crevices.
Allow the concrete to cure completely according to the package instructions, then use a stiff bristle brush to scrub off any remaining plant material. You may also use a chisel and hammer to remove any concrete that has escaped the confines of the leaf, leaving the bird bath in a finished but still natural shape.
Set the concrete bird bath upright in the garden, on a raised wood stump or atop some overturned clay pots.
Leaving it closer to the ground will also allow other local wildlife to use the bird bath.
Caring for Your Concrete Bird Bath
Your concrete bird bath will handle the sun, the rain, and anything the warm weather can throw its way. But once the cold creeps in, you might want to retire your bird bath for the year.
Concrete is a porous material that is prone to cracking and chipping if not properly maintained. You can’t let water freeze in it, as this will cause small cracks.
Before the winter, drain it and bring it indoors where it is dry. Alternatively, you can drain it and cover it with something like a tarp until the springtime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Bird Baths
Is concrete safe for bird baths?
Concrete is safe for birds and one of the most effective ways to make a bird bath. The leaf imprint keeps them beautiful as well as functional for the birds.
Many bird baths you buy have been glazed for appearance and to make them easier to clean. But birds don’t like the glazing, finding it slippery and uncomfortable while trying to use the water.
Can you fix a broken concrete bird bath?
If your DIY concrete bird bath becomes cracked, you can resurface it. To do this, you will spread a layer of new concrete atop the old one, ensuring it’s moist and clean before applying the new layer of concrete. Apply the layer of concrete, then use a new leaf or two to get a new imprint.
Make a Bird-Friendly Backyard
Rhubarb Leaf Concrete Bird Bath
Attract more songbirds to your garden with this easy weekend project.
Safety gear (rubber gloves, face mask, apron, eye protection, etc.)
Wheelbarrow or large bucket
Water source
Old trowel
Plastic drop cloth
Stiff bristle brush
Chisel and hammer (optional)
Large rhubarb leaf
Repair concrete*see note
Vegetable oil or cooking spray
Put on protective gloves, glasses, and a mask. Mix the concrete according to the package instructions. The consistency should be on the drier, firmer side.
In your garden bed, build a dirt mound in the shape you want your bird bath to take.
Lay a plastic sheet overtop and place your rhubarb leaf on the plastic with the leaf vein facing up.
Spray the leaf with cooking spray or brush with oil.
Add a layer of concrete onto the leaf, gently patting it to remove air bubbles and to take its shape. Spread until you’re ½” away from the leaf’s edge, then gently round the edge of the leaf over the concrete to give the edges a refined look.
Wrap the concrete in plastic and allow it to dry for 12 hours if hot or 24 hours if it’s cooler outside.
Gently peel the leaf off the concrete before it’s fully dry.
Let the concrete cure fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use a stiff brush to scrub off any remaining plant materials.
Set your bird bath out in the garden!
For a smoother finish use lightweight concrete mix. For high-traffic areas, use heavier-weight concrete. Repair concrete is great for small, decorative projects.
One of the biggest announcements out of FETC24 this year involved Lightspeed, the leading provider of instructional audio solutions that create equal access to learning, and their launch of Cascadia—a networked instructional audio platform that not only projects the teacher’s voice within the classroom but also empowers teachers to call for help and communicate outside of the classroom directly from their lanyard microphone.
I had a conversation with Tony Zeikle, Senior Vice President of Revenue at Lightspeed Technologies, Inc. about the features of the new product, its integration with existing school systems like phone networks and paging solutions, and its potential benefits for teachers and students, especially in light of challenges posed by the pandemic. We also touch upon the evolving landscape of educational technology, including the role of audio in augmented reality, virtual reality, and language learning. Have a listen:
More details about the launch:
Cascadia delivers all the benefits of instructional audio and integrates with existing life-safety and building communication systems, providing the ability to initiate mobile, silent emergency alerts and make two-way calls to the office from anywhere in the building.
“The need for teachers to communicate with resources outside of the classroom continues to grow, whether in an emergency or simply when help is needed,” said Shaun Fagan, Senior Vice President of Product and Lightspeed. “With Cascadia, schools can now meet this need by providing teachers with a communication tool that offers mobility, simplicity, and immediacy.”
Cascadia connects to a school’s network, providing centralized monitoring and control, along with key integrations to critical building-wide communications. The Cascadia platform provides:
Timely alerts from anywhere in the building
Communication to the office with two-way calling
Real-time teacher location during an active alert
Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) to leverage network infrastructure
Integration with classroom multimedia
Student sharing with Sharemike
“By integrating with leading life-safety and building communication providers, our solutions provide schools with the flexibility to leverage their existing investments and build the best systems to meet their needs,” said Fagan.
This networked communication system can enhance existing safety protocols and procedures, which is vital for students and parents. Students (87%), parents (96%), and educators (98%) all agree that school safety is extremely important to them, according to the 2022 State of School Safety Report by Safe and Sound Schools.
Below is a machine-generated transcript:
00:00:05 Speaker 1
OK, Tony. Thanks so much for joining me today. I really appreciate it. Looking forward to off, etc in a couple weeks and I know lightspeed’s going to be down there. Maybe we could just get right into it, talk a little bit about the news and any announcements that that you guys might be promoting on the show floor.
00:00:22 Speaker 2
Absolutely. You know, we go to FTC every year. We love the opportunity to be able to interact with a lot of school districts and just across the entire industry of the Ed tech space. And you know, we are well respected and known for what we do in the classroom with instructional audio, putting a microphone on a teacher and providing a low volume, highly intelligible speech through speakers.
00:00:42 Speaker 2
So that every student in the classroom can effectively hear the instruction.
00:00:46 Speaker 2
The new product that we’re launching this month and it’s just gone on to our website this week is called Cascade, Cascadia and it’s an instructional networked platform. It’s our first foray into being a networked system, so that our our technology directors can have visibility into all of their instructional audio solutions.
00:01:05 Speaker 2
Across an entire school.
00:01:07 Speaker 2
And also adding some additional features. You know, the thing that we really realized was as we put microphones on, teachers and teachers are wearing a microphone, you know, both in their classroom and around the school is that that microphone can have some additional features and abilities beyond just that. We have an important piece of real estate.
00:01:27 Speaker 2
So to speak, by having that microphone right here at a, you know, hands distance away.
00:01:33 Speaker 2
For the teachers, So what we’re doing is adding some components of being able to integrate our microphone for safety and security purposes and that can be incorporating it in as a discrete silent alert that can notify the office that there’s something wrong in a classroom or somewhere else in the school. And we’re also integrating it with the school’s phone system so that the.
00:01:55 Speaker 2
Teacher is actually able to make a teacher initiated call to the office.
00:02:00 Speaker 2
Sometimes a little bit more information is required. You know with that discrete alert or something like that, and the teacher being able to have a quick conversation with the office and it could be something as minor as a student needs help in the hallway. It could be just instruction, maybe a teacher or a student’s heading to the office just so that quick information can provide a little bit more.
00:02:20 Speaker 2
Information for the teacher and staff to be able to communicate the thing we really realized coming out of the pandemic.
00:02:27 Speaker 2
Was that gone? Are the days that a teacher just walks into their classroom at the beginning of the day doesn’t interact with any other adults the rest of the day? And you know, they’re just with their students in that classroom. The dynamic has changed and teachers need support, whether it’s for behavioral purposes, whether it’s just standard communication across the school campus.
00:02:48 Speaker 2
And we realized that we could add some value there by adding some additional buttons and additional features onto our microphone.
00:02:56 Speaker 1
You know, it sounds like a pretty significant upgrade. And when you talk about significant, you’re also talking about sophisticated and and and complicated especially I guess when you’re tying in phone systems or IP based, if any of our readers or listeners here are responsible for those sort of IT systems. Can you give us some of the the?
00:03:16 Speaker 1
Weak speak when it comes to how those are being integrated.
00:03:19 Speaker 2
Yeah, absolutely. What we really desire to do is stay in our space from an instructional audio standpoint. That’s what we’re known for. That’s what we’re respected for. So we’re really staying there. But what we have done is identified that we can integrate with existing paging and intercom solutions through our network system. So that from a wireless standpoint, we use deck technology for our wireless.
00:03:41 Speaker 2
Transmission, but from the amp we’re now connected through the through the network and integrate with that paging system so that we’re integrating with what the school is already used to using.
00:03:52 Speaker 2
And being able to navigate and then those buttons can do different things based upon what the school desires it to do based upon their safety and security protocols and those kinds of things. One of the things that we really wanted to make sure that we did through this process is there can be complexity on the back end for sure, but how do we keep it simple for the teacher? How do we make it so that it’s very easy and intuitive?
00:04:14 Speaker 2
For them to use, you know, one of the things that we realized was when it comes to school wide communication, there’s different ways that teachers were interacting, whether it be, you know, maybe a walkie.
00:04:24 Speaker 2
Bucky and those are kind of bulky and they might be taking them to recess or different places across the school. They’re not very wearable, so to speak, but they serve their purpose. You think about other things that they’re using sometimes they’re using their own cell phone, which sometimes isn’t on the school’s network, isn’t a school.
00:04:45 Speaker 2
Piece of property.
00:04:47 Speaker 2
And there’s some challenges tied to apps and things like that. On their own personal device that can be challenging for a school to navigate, and then, you know, they have their phone system maybe or their, you know, in the school and it’s fixed. And it’s not a wearable technology, so to speak. So we felt like there was a little bit of a gap in terms of just communication that we can make a little bit simpler.
00:05:07 Speaker 1
Yeah. And you mentioned the pandemic in in some of the the changing behaviors.
00:05:12 Speaker 1
Is that something that that as as a company as as a technology company who’s emphasizing these technologies as being an enhancement, has there, has there been a change in terms of maybe convincing faculty members who maybe were resistant? Like why do I need a microphone? I’ve always, I’ve always taught my algebra class for for 30 years and never seem to have necessary like.
00:05:34 Speaker 1
And always felt awkward about. So maybe now that they’re more comfortable and see those benefits.
00:05:39 Speaker 2
Yeah, really kind of two purposes that the pandemic really highlighted the need for this technology. One was when teachers were wearing masks in their classroom, you know, that mask was at 10 decibel drop in their voice. And also you had the loss of the visual cues of the mouth through that mask. And so I think that necessity of audio and the challenge of communication through the pandemic.
00:06:02 Speaker 2
Just heightened teachers awareness of why this technology is important. One of the first responses we’ve gotten for years when teachers put a microphone on and they hear that low volume, highly intelligible speech coming through, is that they didn’t have to repeat their instructions nearly.
00:06:17 Speaker 2
This much students were more attentive and at the end of the day the teacher had more energy. They realized I don’t have to raise my voice all day, every day for my students to be able to hear me, you know another, you know, we talked a little bit about maybe the rise in behavioral issues in a school. You know, I I went to a lot of Superintendent conferences towards the tail end.
00:06:37 Speaker 2
Of the pandemic and.
00:06:38 Speaker 2
After the pandemic and a lot of superintendents would just say we are just seeing an A significant increase in behavioral issues tied to all of the challenges that the pandemic had for students, their home life and all the things that they were going through. And, you know, there was an increase in room clears just.
00:06:55 Speaker 2
You know things that are every day in a school that you know a lot of people maybe don’t hear about, but they’re the challenges that teachers are facing every day and they’re very aware of it. So increased communication across the school campus was one thing that we just wanted to really focus on. And, you know, one of the things that I’m sure that you’ve thought about too, and you’re hearing from other companies.
00:07:16 Speaker 2
As well.
00:07:16 Speaker 2
Well, is how technology needs to evolve. You know, we talked about AI and ChatGPT and how that’s being incorporated into the classroom. And there’s a lot of different things. And I think coming out of the pandemic and in the next few years, we’re gonna continue to see a lot of really innovative technologies that are going to change the way that the classroom is shaped and the way teaching and learning.
00:07:38 Speaker 1
Yeah, because especially we’re talking about the future of education technology conference, right. And I’m I’m looking forward to getting down there and now that we’re.
00:07:45 Speaker 1
Kind of finally free to a certain degree from the pandemic and kind of start to look forward on some of these technologies, the augmented reality, the virtual reality audio is a big part of all of those things, right? So I mean you can, are you anticipating other new kind of applications where?
00:08:06 Speaker 1
Audio will be part of that.
00:08:09 Speaker 2
Yeah, absolutely. You know, the other component is just making sure you have clear audio for extended learning. You know, students that are outside of the classroom. How do you make sure that audio is clear on both ends? You know, if you have a group of students that are in another classroom across the school campus or, you know, in a different part, or if you have a teacher that’s remote.
00:08:29 Speaker 2
How do you make sure audio is clear through that whole process and we continue to think through that and we have a lot of various innovative solutions that we provide to be able to make sure that that can happen. One of the things that.
00:08:42 Speaker 2
Provided during the pandemic was our T3 solution, which is basically being able to provide a student with every a microphone. Every student in the classroom, and that became really applicable for remote learning where you might have a teacher that’s remote because if a student has a question that teacher needs to be able to hear it and.
00:09:01 Speaker 2
Being able to interact that way and really making the classroom setting different than what it has been in the past, and I think we’ll continue to see that evolve and change. But audio is at the heart of a lot of.
00:09:12 Speaker 1
Things one especially too. I I’ve noticed that when you look at various AI applications, various transcription applications, I mean specifically just Microsoft Word, the character recognition.
00:09:28 Speaker 1
It’s kind of across the Rubicon, right? I mean, it used to be like it was pretty good, but you’d have to spend a lot of time kind of cleaning.
00:09:36 Speaker 1
I notice now that just I mean the the character recognition when it comes to audio transcriptions, it’s just really spectacular. But the key comes down to.
00:09:47 Speaker 1
The microphone and what that technology can capture, right? I mean, so that’s kind of like the the front lines of any of this stuff working at all.
00:09:56 Speaker 2
Yeah. And you think also even about, you know, English language learning and the way that’s evolving in in K12 right now, I think over 10% of our student population.
00:10:05 Speaker 2
And now is falling into that category. So how can we do translation services through that process as well? So there’s a lot of exciting things that are happening through all of that.
00:10:17 Speaker 1
And the one piece of the the audience here that I don’t think needs much convincing are the students themselves.
00:10:26 Speaker 1
Right. I mean this is just.
00:10:27 Speaker 1
This is the technology is not a novelty to them. I mean, of course we’re all going to be speaking into microphones.
00:10:34 Speaker 2
Absolutely. And you know, I think students, especially now with, you know, headphones and everything else, they’re used to a more immersive experience when it comes to audio. So how can we deliver that to them, whether they’re in the classroom, whether they’re at home or whatever medium that they’re doing in the learning environment? We need to be thoughtful of that and engage them where they are.
00:10:53 Speaker 1
Well, lots of exciting stuff. Uh, I look forward to seeing you in person, not just on the on the zoom platform where we can kind of go more in depth. But thanks for your time to kind of.
00:11:04 Speaker 1
Let our listeners and let our readers kind of know what’s on the on the forefront here when it comes to audio.
00:11:09 Speaker 2
Absolutely. And what you know will be on the showroom floor, but we’ll also have a demonstration room where we can show Cascadia and demonstrate it on a first hand level in an enclosed space. So we look forward to being able to meet with many people at FTC.
00:11:23 Speaker 1
Excellent, Tony. Thanks again. Appreciate it.
00:11:25 Speaker 2
Thank you.
Kevin is a forward-thinking media executive with more than 25 years of experience building brands and audiences online, in print, and face to face. He is an acclaimed writer, editor, and commentator covering the intersection of society and technology, especially education technology. You can reach Kevin at KevinHogan@eschoolnews.com
Keene, NH – Acclaimed Early Learning furniture brand Whitney Brothers® today announced its new Live Edge Collection of furniture for preschool and kindergarten environments received a 2023 Best of Year Honoree award from Interior Design magazine.
Now in its 18th year, Interior Design’s Best of Year contest is the preeminent global design awards program recognizing the most significant products and interior design projects of the year across a spectrum of commercial, institutional, residential, educational and contract categories. In the 2023 program, Best of Year jurors evaluated 722 entries submitted by 418 manufacturers from 29 countries. Awards were announced on December 7 in a live event in New York City hosted by Cindy Allen, editor-in-chief of Interior Design. The complete list of award winners can be seen here.
“Best of Year is so crazy and so exciting,” said Allen. “These are the best of the best! There’s no shortage of innovation on display.”
Jurors cited how the engaging design of the Live Edge collection transforms a common table, chair or bench into an important contributor to the look, feel and appeal of an Early Learning environment. Live Edge tables and seating also coordinate with all other furniture pieces in Whitney Brothers® broader Nature View Collection, the world’s first biophilia-inspired furniture collection for Early Learning environments.
“We’re honored to receive this prestigious award again from Interior Design,” said Mike Jablonski, president of Whitney Brothers®. “It signals a clear understanding that biophilia design is important to our littlest learners because it can increase a child’s engagement with their learning environment and set the trajectory of their future positive learning outcomes. It’s another great example of the fresh design thinking that best distinguishes the Whitney Brothers® brand.”
About Whitney Brothers® Founded in 1904, Whitney Brothers® invented furniture for Early Learning and institutional childcare and pioneered its commercial distribution through educational distributors and dealers in schools, childcare centers, Head Start facilities, churches, libraries, museums, and residential homes throughout North America and the world. The brand’s rich 120-year heritage spans old world craftsmanship blended with state-of-the-art CNC manufacturing technology to create award-winning products of uncompromising quality, design, innovation, safety, durability and value. Each product is UL GREENGUARD® Gold Certified, qualifies for LEED credits, meets or exceeds applicable CPSIA, ASTM and BIFMA requirements, is supported by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, and proudly made in America.
About Interior Design Interior Design is the leading global brand that informs, connects and influences design professionals, business leaders and industry experts through engaging content and a comprehensive platform of products, tools and services. A trusted resource for design innovation, design solutions and design experiences, Interior Design offers more than a point of view; it is the transformative voice of design.
About the Best of Year Awards Interior Design’s Best of Year Awards is the ultimate retrospective design awards program. Now in its 18th year, Interior Design Editor in Chief Cindy Allen has honored over 7,000 projects and products from over 500 global firms and manufacturers.
About GREENGUARD Certification GREENGUARD Certification is part of UL Environment, a business unit of UL (Underwriters Laboratories). GREENGUARD Certification helps manufacturers create — and help buyers identify –interior products and materials that have low chemical emissions, improving the quality of the air in which the products are used. UL Environment acquired GREENGUARD in 2011,
eSchool Media staff cover education technology in all its aspects–from legislation and litigation, to best practices, to lessons learned and new products. First published in March of 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information necessary to help K-20 decision-makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and colleges and achieve their educational goals.
