In this hands on workshop, early years educators will explore how flannel/felt board storytelling, music, and rhymes build language, oracy, and emotional skills in young children. Through interactive discussion and demonstration, participants will see how rhythm, rhyme, and repetition strengthen phonological awareness, vocabulary, and expressive language in young children while fostering empathy, regulation, and social connection. Grounded in research, the session will highlight how simple felt board activities can transform songs and stories into engaging, multi-sensory experiences. Educators will leave with ready to use rhymes, flannel board creations and ideas, and creative strategies to nurture confident, expressive, and emotionally resilient learners through "felt board magic."
Outdoor spaces in early learning settings are often viewed primarily as areas for recess or free play. However, thoughtfully designed outdoor environments can function as powerful extensions of the classroom, supporting inquiry, creativity, physical development, and cross-curricular learning. This roundtable will explore how educators can intentionally design and use outdoor spaces as intentional learning environmentsrather than simply recreational areas. Participants will share experiences, challenges, and practical strategies for transforming school grounds into spaces that support literacy, numeracy, science exploration, and social development. Through collaborative discussion, educators will consider how outdoor learning environments can encourage student curiosity, sensory exploration, environmental awareness, and authentic learning experiences.
Early Years Coordinator and Teacher, International School of Stuttgart
Mairim “Mai” Nsofu is an international educator with over 20 years of experience teaching early learners, from preschool through grade 2. She currently serves as the Early Years Coordinator at the International School of Stuttgart, following her previous role as a literacy coordinator... Read More →
I am a young, passionate educator who values meaningful, inquiry-driven learning. Extending learning beyond the classroom is something that excites me, especially through the use of outdoor spaces and real-world experiences to support deep thinking. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in... Read More →
Saturday September 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CEST 0.215Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
