Responsive Learning Spaces: Designing Learning Environments that Support Children’s Meaning-Making

€300.00

In this one-day workshop, participants will explore the dynamic cycle of observation, documentation, interpretation, and planning, and its profound impact on the ongoing curation of responsive learning environments.

We will explore how thoughtfully designed spaces, filled with intelligent materials and intentional design elements, can support children in their processes of discovery and meaning-making. Through hands-on activities and reflective discussions, educators will gain practical strategies for setting up learning spaces that respond to children’s curiosities, encourage the analysis, generation and communication of ideas, and foster deeper engagement in learning.

Whether you are looking to enhance your current environment or start from scratch, this workshop will inspire you to create spaces that adapt to the needs of children and promote meaningful experiences that are connected to children’s thinking.

When: Saturday, November 15th, 2025 08:30-16:30

Where: International School of Paris - Ranelagh Campus - 96 bis rue du Ranelagh, Paris, 75016 (Nearest Metro - Ranelagh - line 9)

Cost: €300 per person (breakfast and lunch provided)

In addition to this one day face-to-face workshop in Paris, included in the registration fee, we will offer a one-hour online webinar before the workshop (Saturday, November 1st at 1100 CET) to explore some big ideas connected to the workshop, as well as a one-hour follow-up online meeting (Saturday, November 29th at 1100 CET) for us to share ideas we have all implemented as a result of our time together in Paris.

In this one-day workshop, participants will explore the dynamic cycle of observation, documentation, interpretation, and planning, and its profound impact on the ongoing curation of responsive learning environments.

We will explore how thoughtfully designed spaces, filled with intelligent materials and intentional design elements, can support children in their processes of discovery and meaning-making. Through hands-on activities and reflective discussions, educators will gain practical strategies for setting up learning spaces that respond to children’s curiosities, encourage the analysis, generation and communication of ideas, and foster deeper engagement in learning.

Whether you are looking to enhance your current environment or start from scratch, this workshop will inspire you to create spaces that adapt to the needs of children and promote meaningful experiences that are connected to children’s thinking.

When: Saturday, November 15th, 2025 08:30-16:30

Where: International School of Paris - Ranelagh Campus - 96 bis rue du Ranelagh, Paris, 75016 (Nearest Metro - Ranelagh - line 9)

Cost: €300 per person (breakfast and lunch provided)

In addition to this one day face-to-face workshop in Paris, included in the registration fee, we will offer a one-hour online webinar before the workshop (Saturday, November 1st at 1100 CET) to explore some big ideas connected to the workshop, as well as a one-hour follow-up online meeting (Saturday, November 29th at 1100 CET) for us to share ideas we have all implemented as a result of our time together in Paris.

Sean Walker

Sean is an experienced educator with a passion for play, inquiry, and nurturing young learners as curious thinkers and explorers. With over 20 years of experience leading professional development for teachers around the world—both online and in-person—he has facilitated webinars and courses for organisations such as Toddle, ELSA, and the IB, and led workshops in more than 20 countries. Sean creates professional learning experiences that are interactive and thought-provoking, helping educators connect ideas, refine their thinking, and apply practical strategies from the classroom. He encourages adult learners to ask questions, explore concepts deeply, and pursue personal inquiries. Currently, Sean teaches 3- and 4-year-olds at the International School of Paris, where he has worked for 17 years, teaching across Kindergarten through Grade 5.

Anne van Dam

International educator turned consultant, Anne has worked in schools across the Netherlands, China, Singapore, and Switzerland, in roles ranging from teacher to school director. Now a full-time independent consultant, she supports schools globally, with expertise in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), focusing on student agency, play, early childhood education, and leadership. Passionate about empowering educators, Anne strives to create shared pedagogies that celebrate young children as competent and vivacious learners.