2024 Paradigm Project Conference

The balancing act between offering open-ended materials and engaging in some kind of guided discovery with those materials is a delicate one. There is a spectrum of instruction and a "sweet spot" that supports children's success and discovery. Modeling routines, experiences, even social interactions actually supports experimentation, independence, and new learning. We will do some hands on designing of learning encounters and dive deep into what makes something engaging. Then we will unpack what the spectrum of instruction looks like, sounds like, feels like.  

How can we support children to make choices about what they want to learn? What does this mean for how we prepare environments and how we plan experiences? What does it really mean to "follow the child". We will explore the art of observation, planning, and strategies related to Project Approach that bring some intention and structure to child-led, adult supported teaching practices.