This workshop aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to integrate woodwork into the learning environment, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills among students. Educators will explore how to use woodwork as a tool for inquiry-based learning, focusing on hands-on experiences with real tools and materials.

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Key Themes:

• Creativity: How woodwork inspires imaginative thinking and problem-solving.

• Hands-On Learning: Encouraging children to build, experiment, and create with real materials.

• Independence & Confidence: Helping children build resilience and self-reliance through woodwork projects.

This workshop will provide educators with an understanding of the benefits of loose parts play in outdoor settings, focusing on how it supports creative thinking, problem-solving, and learning across the curriculum. Educators will explore how to design and implement a loose parts playground, using natural materials and re-purposed objects to create dynamic play environments that encourage children to engage in open-ended, creative exploration.

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Key Themes:

• Creativity and Exploration: Loose parts play as a vehicle for encouraging open-ended, self-directed exploration.

• Curriculum Connections: How loose parts play ties into key learning areas, including STEM, environmental studies, and social skills development.

• Sustainability and Resourcefulness: Promoting sustainability by using natural, recycled, or re-purposed materials in play.

• Collaboration and Social Learning: Loose parts play as a collaborative activity that fosters teamwork, negotiation, and communication skills.

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Target Audience:
Early childhood educators (ES1), primary teachers (S1, S2), and school leadership teams.

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Duration:
2 hours

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Location:
The Yard Newcastle (or your preferred setting)

The visual arts are vital for children’s creative development, offering opportunities to explore, express, and communicate ideas. This PD session will delve into the role of visual arts in children’s learning and the benefits of different artistic techniques. Participants will engage in hands-on experiences using various art materials to understand how they can be incorporated into play and learning environments.