Spring Workshops at Evergreen Community School

We Built This City!
9am - Noon
includes School Tour
Presented by Pedagogista Carol Flanagan and Teacher Robyn Beisswanger
How can materials be used to propel children’s thinking and imaginations forward? From its origins in shaping sand to shaping a vibrant cityscape, the children and teachers in the Bridges Group explore how, in the words of urban planner James Rojas, “Architects are not just builders but healers,” shaping environments that evolve with and embrace the communities they serve. For over fifteen months this small group explores how children’s rich knowledge of materials sparks meaningful collaboration and co-construction of the “Huge City”, highlighting the power of community-driven urban planning.

Children's Relationship to Taste, Ritual & Beauty
Presented by Maddie Friess, Culinary Specialist
Food possesses an incredible quality to bring people together, nourishing our relationships with one another as well as connecting us to community, culture, and the natural world. Early childhood educator and culinary specialist, Maddie Friess, curates a bounty of experiences to invite children to practice mindfulness around eating, investigate ingredients front plant to plate, utilize techniques and tools from the kitchen, cultivate appreciation for the environment, ignite senses to engage with beauty and encourage sustainable habits. Through a culinary curriculum infused with connection, creation, and conservation, children engage with food to expand both their palates and perspectives. Come explore these philosophies of food—hearing stories from the classroom and experiencing a hands-on delight of the senses!

Children as Philosophers: Cultivating Philosophical Sensitivity in Children
Presented by Carol Flanagan, Pedagogista
Join us to explore how young children consider the joys and challenges of living in community. Watch and reflect with us as children grapple with where new ideas come from, how we know what is real and not real, and how we might expand our thinking about playing a game of “J*il.” We‘ll also look at how questions of aesthetics inform and influence our work with children. This presentation will offer examples of how to ask generous questions and will share several preschool classroom practices, including a critical read-aloud, persona doll stories, reflection meetings and small group work, that support us in facilitating deep philosophical conversations with young learners.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Evergreen Community School, 2800 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, United States