Kind met gele helm fietst op een pad in een groen park met bomen en wolken in de lucht in Blixembosch, Eindhoven.

Our Philosophy

At the Natural Learning Center, we believe in the power of natural learning and emotional well-being. We trust that children are intrinsically motivated to learn when they feel safe, seen, and respected. While adults offer guidance, we recognize that meaningful learning happens when children are free to follow their own interests and curiosity.

We create an environment where questions are welcomed, individuality is valued, and the emotional needs of every child are met with care. Our approach to discipline is non-punitive and focuses on connection, presence, and encouragement rather than punishment or rewards.

Learning through Connection

To bring our philosophy to life, we draw inspiration from the Aware Parenting Learning Principles developed by Aletha Solter, Ph.D. and based on research in education and child development. These principles form a key foundation for how we support children in their emotional, social, and cognitive development. We believe that connection nurtures learning. That’s why we support children through:

Warm, respectful relationships with adults
Encouragement instead of rewards or praise
Expectations that match a child’s age and emotional development
Non-punitive approach to discipline
Space for independent thinking and authentic expression
A safe space to express emotions through play, laughter, and tears

Play is essential—especially during the first 8 to 10 years of life. Through play, children:

Develop physical, social, and cognitive skills
Process information and experiences
Naturally recover from stress and trauma

We offer a rich learning environment filled with real materials, stories, nature, music, animals, and human connection—because we know that children thrive when their senses and spirit are meaningfully engaged.

Our Approach

Our program is influenced by nature-based play, child-led interests, learning through play, and place-based education, which focuses on understanding and connecting with our natural community. We are inspired by a variety of educational philosophies and experts in early childhood development:

Natural learning: John Holt and Peter Gray, Ph.D. emphasize trust in children’s innate ability to learn..

Aware Parenting: Aletha Solter, Ph.D. advocates for discipline without punishment, secure attachment, and viewing crying and tantrums as natural stress-release mechanisms. Read the Aware Parenting Principles of Learning here.
Unconditional parenting: Alfie Kohn promotes a non-punitive approach to discipline focused on unconditional support and understanding.
Self-directed education: Jürgen Peeters highlights the power of self-directed learning in “Children Are Not Puppies: The Power of Self-Direction in Education.”
Play and outdoor learning: The work of Angela J. Hanscom and Richard Louv emphasizes the benefits of unstructured outdoor play for children’s development and well-being.
Secure attachment: Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Dr. Gabor Maté stress the importance of maintaining strong bonds with children in “Hold On to Your Kids.”

Our Values

We prioritize natural learning and intrinsic motivation as key components of effective education. Encouraging children to pursue their interests leads to genuine engagement and deeper understanding. This approach not only fosters a love of learning but also helps children develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a lasting enthusiasm for discovery.

NATURAL LEARNING

01.

When children feel safe—free from judgment, treated with kindness and respect, and valued for their differences—their neurological system operates optimally, enhancing their capacity for learning and growth. We want children to feel that all parts of their being are welcomed and supported.

02.

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

We recognize that each child is an individual with unique experiences and needs. We seek to create a safe, supportive environment that promotes healing and resilience. We encourage children without using punishments or rewards, but instead focusing on acceptance and quality attention to their emotions.

TRAUMA-INFORMED

03.

About Us

Joris en Lia glimlachen samen voor een selfie buiten met bewolkte lucht op de achtergrond.

The Natural Learning Center (a B3 school) was founded by us—Joris and Lia. Joris, passionate about natural learning, is currently studying to be a teacher. Lia is an Aware Parenting instructor dedicated to understanding and nurturing children's emotional needs. Together, we bring a unique blend of skills and passions to create an environment where children can thrive. Learn more about us and our team here.

The center is currently run from our home in the Blixembosch neighborhood. Our area is rich with natural spaces, including parks and forest walks, which we incorporate into our program for exploration and play. We are also grateful to be in Eindhoven, which offers broad and diverse range of resources, culture and activities to further enrich the learning experience.