SWC #12: Responsive Learning Spaces

My professional goal for this school year was to create a responsive learning environment that invited playful interactions with my learners.  I want them to truly feel like they can create freely and use all of the materials in the classroom.  But, how do we make this happen with limited resources and money. 

​I decided to find out from the experts directly at a workshop held by Sean Walker and Anne van Dam at the Berlin Brandenburg International School (BBIS).  This workshop focused on building responsive learning spaces through loose parts, intelligent materials, and intentional proposals. 

It was also an excuse to spend the weekend in Berlin and see my friend Merve.  Win-win!

​​This quote spoke to me about the purpose of the workshop.  It's about being responsive to all the aspects of a learner, so they might thrive in their community.  I want to work in this type of community that sees me beyond my label as a teacher, but also as a learner that is still becoming. 

There is something magical about attending a professional learning event in a new place.  There is a sense of awe and wonder.  This might have to do with our two amazing presenters.  

When I think of masters at their craft in the early years, Anne and Sean's names both come to my mind.  I have been following both of them online for years and it was simply a delight to learn alongside them.  The energy in the room was a buzz with new ideas, aha moments, and active planning for change. 

Here are some key questions that sum up my takeaway for the day. 

• There are loose parts, but do we know the difference between them and intelligent materials?  
• How can we use intelligent materials to spark curiosity and bring about deeper connections through play?
• What is the difference between an invitation and provocation?
• How can we provoke learners to take a deeper look?

The answers to these questions can be explored by attending one of their workshops.  What I will share is that it completely changed my mindset around loose parts.  They have different purposes and we need to vary their usage to make the most of the learning. 

More than anything, I enjoyed the deep dialogue with the people at my table group who were from all around Europe.  I just felt a wonderful energy of excitement as we made deeper connections to our existing ideas. 

Here is a peek of our action plan template. 

School Tour

Part of the workshop was to roam around the early years center at BBIS to notice and wonder.  I want to highlight the intentionality of the design, while respecting the intellectual property of the school.  There will only be a few pictures shown. 

I saw many wonderful classrooms and co-teaching spaces that were stunningly beautiful with natural and recycled materials working in harmony.  Class displays shared the community values. It was a truly spectacular space that you need to visit. 

To me what spoke to my educator heart was the bathroom.  It spoke to intentional planning for the early learner.  Everything was made for their height from the toilet stalls, the trash bins, the sinks, and coat hooks.  There were no stools needed, because it was installed at the developmental height of an early learner. This told me a lot. 

An educator build this early years center, not an architect.  The school community turned to the experts, the educators, and consulted them on the placement of materials that would be serve their little community.  This makes me what else has been purposefully built to make this program thrive. 

It's all about the people

I had the time to spend time learning with my friend Merve, the PYP Coordinator at Stuttgart International School.  We met by chance and have built a wonderful friendship over the past couple of years.  She is definitely a keeper as we say in America.  We were participants together in this workshop and had so much fun catching up on breaks and dinner afterwards. 

Also, I got to spend time with Sean Walker again, who inspired this challenge I am currently taking on in my own practice.  I'm not posting everyday like he is, but my posts are made with intention, which is something else he taught me.  He is such a leader of the early years and I appreciated this his insight and his unique way of explaining ideas.  it was so relatable and practical. 

Anne van Dam has been a person I have admired for a long time.  As my best friend would say, "She is everything!" Anne has a way of speaking and crafting learning that makes you hunger to learn more.  More than anything, she is just as nice as you imagine her to be in person.  Kind, passionate, and humble.  I can't wait for our paths to cross again.  

I may be fangirling over about these three people made this event for me. Even a month afterwards, I can't stop thinking about it.  I'm a wee bit late in posting, but as they say, better late than never. 

If you are an early years teacher, consider signing up for a training with these two amazing humans.  They will open your mind to new possibilities. 

Beth Dressler:  Breaking the Ceiling

A surprising encounter was meeting Beth Dressler the Deputy Head/Head of Primary at BBIS.  Her energy drew me in due to her generous hospitality and kindness to the participants. To be honest, It's rare to see a principal so invested in a workshop experience along with their staff.  Although she had to manage other responsibilities, she was also physically present throughout the day.

As an educator, this spoke volumes to me, because Beth is willing to put in the effort to support the work.  Oftentimes, school leaders support an event through money, release time, and snacks.  Yet, they are often off doing other things. 

Another thing that caught my attention is that she is the first female head of primary in the history of Berlin Brandenburg International School.  Next year, she will become the first female Head of School/Director.  From what I experienced, I know there are many amazing things to watch out for at BBIS.