Gone are the days of cookie-cutter, preplanned themes! To truly meet each child’s individual needs and interests, we must take time to observe, reflect, and respond to what is emerging in their play. But how do we move from observation to meaningful programming?

In this interactive workshop, we will explore how to:

• Use data from developmental checklists to guide program planning and tailor activities that support children’s developmental needs.
• Recognize and respond to children’s natural curiosity, turning their interests into rich, emergent learning experiences.
• Expand spontaneous moments of play into project work that fosters deep engagement and learning.
• Create thoughtful invitations for play that spark exploration and align with each child’s developmental journey.
• Develop effective methods for recording observations to track children’s interests and growth, ensuring programming remains child-centered and responsive.
• Design reflective programming forms to document and display learning in a way that supports reflection, guides future planning, and facilitates collaboration with colleagues and families.
• Create a system for posting programming that is directly informed by recorded observations, ensuring that activities and invitations are based on each child’s individual developmental needs and emerging interests in the classroom.

Through discussion, hands-on activities, and real-world examples, educators will leave with practical strategies and concrete tools to create engaging, intentional, and reflective programming that truly supports children’s learning. Tanya will reignite your passion for programming, inspiring you to create learning experiences that are both meaningful and dynamic!