Each of the Breakout Sessions are thoughtfully crafted with the intent of expanding what is possible for young children in terms of PBL. These workshops are facilitated by one of the ECPBL authors and each session aims to support participants by delving into novel concepts, reflecting on current practices, and acquiring fresh methodologies. Leave empowered to craft enriching, authentic learning experiences for early learners through PBL.

Breakout Sessions:

Introduction to Project Planning in Early Childhood

Embedding SEL and Anti-Bias Education Goals into Projects

Developmentally Appropriate Assessment Practices for Early Childhood

Purposeful Literacy Instruction: Leveraging early literacy structures within the context of a project

Playful Learning by Design: Guided Play as a Foundation for Project-Based Learning

Deepening Reflection, Feedback and Revision Practices in Early Childhood PBL

Coaching Corner: Bring Your Project to Life with Personalized ECPBL Coaching

Click here for detailed session overviews!

During the roundtable discussions, connect with educators in job-like roles or who teach students of a similar age to discuss various topics related to early childhood PBL.  Discussion topics will be collected in advance through a google form sent as part of the “welcome” email.

Past Roundtable Topics:

Building a Classroom Culture for PBL: Supporting Independence and Collaboration

Creating inclusive PBL Classroom Environments

The Importance of Play in Early Childhood PBL

Conference attendees will have the unique opportunity to visit the LAB School (Learning and Belonging) classrooms, rotating through three distinct early childhood learning spaces. Each space will highlight a different aspect of creating thoughtful, engaging environments that foster deep learning and exploration in early childhood PBL. During the visits, we will focus on the following key areas:

Environment as the 3rd Teacher
Discover how intentional classroom design and layout can promote autonomy, curiosity, and collaborative learning among young children.

Projects in Process
Observe ongoing projects and see how the physical environment supports children’s inquiry, critical thinking, and sustained engagement during a PBL unit.

Materials and Resources that Inspire Inquiry or Playful Learning by Design

Explore how the thoughtful integration of play into the learning environment fosters not only intentional skill development but also a sense of joy, wonder, and meaningful engagement in young children. 

Pedagogical Documentation: View how the LAB School makes learning visible through pedagogical documentation as a tool for continuous learning and improvement for educators and students. Classroom displays shift the focus from static outcomes to the dynamic learning process, helping to promote deeper, more meaningful engagement.

The session will conclude with a panel discussion and debrief, featuring teachers, children, and families from the LAB School, offering their unique perspectives on the learning environments and the powerful connections between space, learning, and community.

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Join us for a collaborative Project Share session, designed to foster meaningful engagement and professional exchange. Participants will pair up to present a project they developed during the conference, or one they have previously facilitated, and receive constructive feedback. Afterward, participants will switch partners to gain fresh insights and explore new perspectives in early childhood project-based learning. The session will conclude with an open forum, allowing participants to reflect on and discuss the diverse projects shared, highlighting key takeaways and potential innovations.