Celebrating 5 Years on Outschool: Mindfulness, Creativity and a Reggio-Inspired Approach to Virtual Education

As I celebrate five years of teaching on Outschool I’m reflecting on how far I’ve come, both personally and professionally. My experiences with virtual education have shaped my approach to teaching and living, and I am excited to share my story.

A Reggio-Inspired Approach in the Virtual Classroom

When most of the world shifted to virtual education in 2020, I was already grounded in Reggio-inspired education principles, which emphasize the idea that children are capable, competent, and full of potential. My experiences before and after joining Outschool have affirmed that these principles are relevant to any learning context. This includes the virtual space, where technology serves as a bridge to creativity, curiosity, and connection, rather than a barrier.

In my early days, I pivoted to virtual teaching with a Reggio-inspired mindset. Since then, I have continued to explore how these practices can be applied to online spaces. Whether I am leading a Zoom Yoga class or supporting a small group of young learners in their own creative explorations, I make it a priority to honor the child’s voice, interests, and developmental needs. The lessons learned from these transitions continue to shape how I approach teaching on Outschool.

Building Relationships Across Distances

One of the most rewarding parts of my virtual education journey has been the opportunity to connect with families and learners from across the globe. As of today, I’ve worked directly with 1378 learners (WOW) through Outschool (and even more indirectly through my other virtual education contracts). My virtual classroom exists as a space where children feel respected and empowered to explore their interests (check out the parent feedback about this). I think all of this is made possible by not only understanding the power of technology, but also by creating an intentional, welcoming atmosphere where connection (to self, others and concepts) thrives.

I’m inspired by the creativity and curiosity children bring to our virtual classes. Whether it’s altering the camera angle to experiment with perspective, creating stories together, or using the Zoom annotation tool to draw and express ideas, every class is a unique collaboration between me, my learners and our virtual classroom. The interactions I have with children on Outschool feel just as meaningful and authentic as those in a physical classroom, reinforcing my belief that when children are given autonomy they flourish in any learning environment.

Yoga and Mindfulness for All Ages

Another cornerstone of my offerings on Outschool is the integration of Yoga and mindfulness practices. From children as young as three to teens, I believe these practices are an essential part of a child’s social, emotional, and physical development. By offering a combination of live, interactive classes and self-paced content, I’ve been able to provide flexibility for both learners and families.

Yoga, especially when shared with a playful, heart-centered approach, supports overall well-being in young learners. It allows opportunities to process emotions, build resilience, and develop a deeper sense of connection with self and others. In my classes, I also incorporate elements of storytelling and creative movement, making the practices more engaging and accessible for the youngest learners. Every learner, regardless of age, has the opportunity to find a practice that works for them.

Building a Community of Learners

The beauty of Outschool lies in its sense of community. It’s not just about learning—it’s about connection. Some of the learners in my classes have been with me for nearly five years! During these last five years I’ve witnessed learners and families grow and move homes, I’ve been on roadtrips and amazing outings (via the screen), met and even said goodbye to beloved pets. Teaching on Outschool has opened doors to meaningful exchanges with families from all corners of the world. I’m constantly inspired by the ways in which families share their unique traditions, values, and interests, enriching the classes with diverse perspectives.

Whether we are learning about nature’s wonders, practicing Yoga poses, or diving into art-making projects, the relationships I’ve built with families over the years have been foundational to the success of my classes. I deeply appreciate how families on Outschool value the individualized and responsive approach I bring to each learner’s experience.

Aligning with my desire to live an art life…

Before transitioning to virtual education I had struggled to keep up with the creative and business sides of my art practice while working as a full-time (plus after school hours) in-person educator. For years I came home mentally and physically exhausted …with little energy left to create art or really even take care of myself. I’m still working full time, but as an independent educator working mostly from home I now have the flexibility to create a schedule that considers my needs. Nowadays my schedule includes dedicated art-making, administrative, research and planning time. The change in schedule has quite literally changed my life. In addition to the gift of time, I find virtual education to be creatively fulfilling. I see it as a way to embrace my digital media skills and love for video art. Back in 2000 when I first started experimenting with video art I had no idea that those experiments would later show up as part of my job! I have so.much.fun creating visuals and experimenting with new video tools. My classes aren’t full of wham bam in your face visuals, but more of a seamless integration of relevant visual elements used to support whatever topic we’re exploring. Having fluency in video editing and tech skills allows for an environment-enriching experience that’s akin to setting up a physical room with invitations to explore.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Gratitude

Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of teaching a diverse group of learners, from preschoolers to teens, in subjects ranging from art, STEM, literacy and Yoga. The growth I’ve experienced as an educator, alongside my learners, is one of my proudest achievements. I am truly grateful to Outschool for providing a platform where I can connect with students from all over the world and continue to develop innovative, dynamic, and engaging learning experiences.

As I reflect on this milestone, I am excited to continue exploring new possibilities for integrating Reggio-inspired practices, art, nature, social-emotional skills, Yoga and mindfulness into my virtual classes. Whether it’s through interactive field trips, creative exploration, or building on children’s natural curiosity, the journey is far from over. The future of education—both virtual and hybrid—holds immense potential. I am ready to continue evolving and innovating as a teacher. (Look for some virtual resources for “grown ups” here, on my site, soon.)

Here’s to five years of learning, growth, and connection, and to many more years of inspired teaching ahead. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey!

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Ready to join a class? Explore my current offerings on Outschool:

• Curious & Creative Reggio-inspired Learning Through Play (ages 3-5)
• Project-Based Learning Experiences (ages 6-9)
• Yoga Story Time (ages 3-6)
• Mindfulness & Yoga (ages 7-10)
• Mindfulness & Yoga (ages 11-15)
• Mindfulness and Process Art
• Creative Projects Workshop (ages 6-9)
• and MORE!