Take 20% Off All Workshops!

Posted on May 9, 2024 by reggioinspirations

Happy Mother’s Day !

Use the code MothersDay at checkout to get 20% off of upcoming workshops and 25% off of our On-line Water Color course

SATURDAY – Materials as Inquiry

THIS SATURDAY, May 11th, 9am-3pm at Branches Atelier, Culver City, CA

$110.00 (20% discount with code MothersDay)

Click here for more information and registration

Click here for more information and registration

ONLINE ZOOM WORKSHOP SERIES

A World of Words: Cultivating the Dialogues of the Classroom Part 1

Wednesday, May 22nd 6:30pm-9 pm. 

Challenging Conversations Part 2

Wednesday, May 29th 6:30pm-9 pm. 

presented by Patricia Hunter McGrath and Christina Bianchi

$115 for both nights (20% discount with code MothersDay)

Tickets can be purchased HERE

A World of Words: Cultivating the Dialogues of the Classroom Part 1

Wednesday, May 22nd 6:30pm-9 pm.

In the immersive realm of childhood education, fostering meaningful conversations with children is not just about communication; it’s about building a world of words where language thrives as the third teacher. Come join Branches Atelier as we delve into this vital aspect of early learning, exploring the significance of dialogic speaking and reflective conversations, building community through dialogue, and supporting our teachers and children in embracing language as a fundamental tool for growth and understanding.

Key Ideas Discussed:

  1. Dialogic Speaking.
  2. Language as an aspect of the Third Teacher.
  3. Reflective conversations with children.
  4. The role that materials play in sparking dialogues.
  5. Supporting colleagues and creating a learning community.

It’s not just about questions; it’s about curiosity! Conversations with children are more than just words—they are windows into a world of wonder, curiosity, and connection. By embracing language as the third teacher, engaging in dialogic speaking, facilitating reflective time and conversations, and supporting new teachers in this journey, we cultivate an environment where language flourishes, minds expand, and hearts unite in the joy of learning.

A World of Words : Challenging Conversations Part 2

Wednesday, May 29th 6:30pm-9 pm.

As adults in the lives of young children, many topics arise that we consider challenging. From death to gun violence, from exclusion and power play and challenging behaviors, we can often find ourselves at a loss for words. At the same time, these topics are wonderful opportunities to help children process and understand the complexities of our world and can offer amazing and rich threads to be explored.

Join us as we consider how to address and understand complex social and emotional issues in the lives of children. Build your toolkit as we reflect on the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment, setting strong boundaries, and fostering emotional literacy and social awareness when dealing with both expected and unexpected challenges. Learn how to approach these issues with sensitivity, nurturing, and an open mindset, and to celebrate diversity and build connections among all people.

Key ideas discussed:

  1. How to support students when they share personal experiences and emotions related to these topics, including sadness, anger, and frustration?
  2. How to emphasize emotional literacy, social justice, and empathy in children’s education while still retaining joy, community building, and the delight of being in dialogue?
  3. How to create a culture of curiosity?
  4. How to difficult conversation can become lines of classroom inquiry?

As before, it’s not just about knowing what to say; It’s not just about questions, it’s about curiosity! Conversations with children are more than words— together, we cultivate an environment where language flourishes, minds expand, and hearts unite in the joy of learning.

REGISTER

How to Introduce Watercolor Painting and Mixed Media Collage to Young Children

A video series about the tools and techniques of using creative art materials and media with young children.

This is our on-line Teachable course now 25% off with code

MothersDay

Watercolor: More Info Here

https://branches-atelier-on-line.teachable.com/p/an-introduction-to-watercolor-and-collage

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We Still have Space in all Workshops

Posted on May 6, 2024 by reggioinspirations

Materials as Inquiry

THIS SATURDAY, May 11th, 9am-3pm at Branches Atelier, Culver City, CA

Click here for more information and registration

Click here for more information and registration

ONLINE ZOOM WORKSHOP SERIES

A World of Words: Cultivating the Dialogues of the Classroom Part 1

Wednesday, May 22nd 6:30pm-9 pm. 

Challenging Conversations Part 2

Wednesday, May 29th 6:30pm-9 pm. 

presented by Patricia Hunter McGrath and Christina Bianchi

$115 for both nights

Tickets can be purchased HERE

A World of Words: Cultivating the Dialogues of the Classroom Part 1

Wednesday, May 22nd 6:30pm-9 pm.

In the immersive realm of childhood education, fostering meaningful conversations with children is not just about communication; it’s about building a world of words where language thrives as the third teacher. Come join Branches Atelier as we delve into this vital aspect of early learning, exploring the significance of dialogic speaking and reflective conversations, building community through dialogue, and supporting our teachers and children in embracing language as a fundamental tool for growth and understanding.

Key Ideas Discussed:

  1. Dialogic Speaking.
  2. Language as an aspect of the Third Teacher.
  3. Reflective conversations with children.
  4. The role that materials play in sparking dialogues.
  5. Supporting colleagues and creating a learning community.

It’s not just about questions; it’s about curiosity! Conversations with children are more than just words—they are windows into a world of wonder, curiosity, and connection. By embracing language as the third teacher, engaging in dialogic speaking, facilitating reflective time and conversations, and supporting new teachers in this journey, we cultivate an environment where language flourishes, minds expand, and hearts unite in the joy of learning.

A World of Words : Challenging Conversations Part 2

Wednesday, May 29th 6:30pm-9 pm.

As adults in the lives of young children, many topics arise that we consider challenging. From death to gun violence, from exclusion and power play and challenging behaviors, we can often find ourselves at a loss for words. At the same time, these topics are wonderful opportunities to help children process and understand the complexities of our world and can offer amazing and rich threads to be explored.

Join us as we consider how to address and understand complex social and emotional issues in the lives of children. Build your toolkit as we reflect on the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment, setting strong boundaries, and fostering emotional literacy and social awareness when dealing with both expected and unexpected challenges. Learn how to approach these issues with sensitivity, nurturing, and an open mindset, and to celebrate diversity and build connections among all people.

Key ideas discussed:

  1. How to support students when they share personal experiences and emotions related to these topics, including sadness, anger, and frustration?
  2. How to emphasize emotional literacy, social justice, and empathy in children’s education while still retaining joy, community building, and the delight of being in dialogue?
  3. How to create a culture of curiosity?
  4. How to difficult conversation can become lines of classroom inquiry?

As before, it’s not just about knowing what to say; It’s not just about questions, it’s about curiosity! Conversations with children are more than words— together, we cultivate an environment where language flourishes, minds expand, and hearts unite in the joy of learning.

REGISTER

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We Still have Space in all Workshops

Posted on May 2, 2024 by reggioinspirations

Materials as Inquiry

Saturday, May 11th, 9am-3pm at Branches Atelier, Culver City, CA

Click here for more information and registration

Click here for more information and registration

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Good News We have moved these workshops to be online via Zoom

Posted on April 23, 2024 by reggioinspirations

Greetings all, many of you had reached out requesting that we offer this series online. We have changed the dates and can now offer this series via Zoom.

A World of Words: Cultivating the Dialogues of the Classroom Part 1

Wednesday, May 22nd 6:30pm-9 pm. 

Challenging Conversations Part 2

Wednesday, May 29th 6:30pm-9 pm. 

presented by Patricia Hunter McGrath and Christina Bianchi

$115 for both nights

Tickets can be purchased HERE

A World of Words: Cultivating the Dialogues of the Classroom Part 1

Wednesday, May 22nd 6:30pm-9 pm.

In the immersive realm of childhood education, fostering meaningful conversations with children is not just about communication; it’s about building a world of words where language thrives as the third teacher. Come join Branches Atelier as we delve into this vital aspect of early learning, exploring the significance of dialogic speaking and reflective conversations, building community through dialogue, and supporting our teachers and children in embracing language as a fundamental tool for growth and understanding.

Key Ideas Discussed:

  1. Dialogic Speaking.
  2. Language as an aspect of the Third Teacher.
  3. Reflective conversations with children.
  4. The role that materials play in sparking dialogues.
  5. Supporting colleagues and creating a learning community.

It’s not just about questions; it’s about curiosity! Conversations with children are more than just words—they are windows into a world of wonder, curiosity, and connection. By embracing language as the third teacher, engaging in dialogic speaking, facilitating reflective time and conversations, and supporting new teachers in this journey, we cultivate an environment where language flourishes, minds expand, and hearts unite in the joy of learning.

A World of Words : Challenging Conversations Part 2

Wednesday, May 29th 6:30pm-9 pm.

As adults in the lives of young children, many topics arise that we consider challenging. From death to gun violence, from exclusion and power play and challenging behaviors, we can often find ourselves at a loss for words. At the same time, these topics are wonderful opportunities to help children process and understand the complexities of our world and can offer amazing and rich threads to be explored.

Join us as we consider how to address and understand complex social and emotional issues in the lives of children. Build your toolkit as we reflect on the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment, setting strong boundaries, and fostering emotional literacy and social awareness when dealing with both expected and unexpected challenges. Learn how to approach these issues with sensitivity, nurturing, and an open mindset, and to celebrate diversity and build connections among all people.

Key ideas discussed:

  1. How to support students when they share personal experiences and emotions related to these topics, including sadness, anger, and frustration?
  2. How to emphasize emotional literacy, social justice, and empathy in children’s education while still retaining joy, community building, and the delight of being in dialogue?
  3. How to create a culture of curiosity?
  4. How to difficult conversation can become lines of classroom inquiry?

As before, it’s not just about knowing what to say; It’s not just about questions, it’s about curiosity! Conversations with children are more than words— together, we cultivate an environment where language flourishes, minds expand, and hearts unite in the joy of learning.

REGISTER

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Good News We have moved these workshops to be online via Zoom

Posted on April 19, 2024 by reggioinspirations

Greetings all, many of you had reached out requesting that we offer this series online. We have changed the dates and can now offer this series via Zoom.

A World of Words: Cultivating the Dialogues of the Classroom Part 1

Wednesday, May 22nd 6:30pm-9 pm. 

Challenging Conversations Part 2

Wednesday, May 29th 6:30pm-9 pm. 

presented by Patricia Hunter McGrath and Christina Bianchi

$115 for both nights

Tickets can be purchased HERE

A World of Words: Cultivating the Dialogues of the Classroom Part 1

Wednesday, May 22nd 6:30pm-9 pm.

In the immersive realm of childhood education, fostering meaningful conversations with children is not just about communication; it’s about building a world of words where language thrives as the third teacher. Come join Branches Atelier as we delve into this vital aspect of early learning, exploring the significance of dialogic speaking and reflective conversations, building community through dialogue, and supporting our teachers and children in embracing language as a fundamental tool for growth and understanding.

Key Ideas Discussed:

  1. Dialogic Speaking.
  2. Language as an aspect of the Third Teacher.
  3. Reflective conversations with children.
  4. The role that materials play in sparking dialogues.
  5. Supporting colleagues and creating a learning community.

It’s not just about questions; it’s about curiosity! Conversations with children are more than just words—they are windows into a world of wonder, curiosity, and connection. By embracing language as the third teacher, engaging in dialogic speaking, facilitating reflective time and conversations, and supporting new teachers in this journey, we cultivate an environment where language flourishes, minds expand, and hearts unite in the joy of learning.

A World of Words : Challenging Conversations Part 2

Wednesday, May 29th 6:30pm-9 pm.

As adults in the lives of young children, many topics arise that we consider challenging. From death to gun violence, from exclusion and power play and challenging behaviors, we can often find ourselves at a loss for words. At the same time, these topics are wonderful opportunities to help children process and understand the complexities of our world and can offer amazing and rich threads to be explored.

Join us as we consider how to address and understand complex social and emotional issues in the lives of children. Build your toolkit as we reflect on the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment, setting strong boundaries, and fostering emotional literacy and social awareness when dealing with both expected and unexpected challenges. Learn how to approach these issues with sensitivity, nurturing, and an open mindset, and to celebrate diversity and build connections among all people.

Key ideas discussed:

  1. How to support students when they share personal experiences and emotions related to these topics, including sadness, anger, and frustration?
  2. How to emphasize emotional literacy, social justice, and empathy in children’s education while still retaining joy, community building, and the delight of being in dialogue?
  3. How to create a culture of curiosity?
  4. How to difficult conversation can become lines of classroom inquiry?

As before, it’s not just about knowing what to say; It’s not just about questions, it’s about curiosity! Conversations with children are more than words— together, we cultivate an environment where language flourishes, minds expand, and hearts unite in the joy of learning.

REGISTER

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Online (Zoom)Workshop on Documentation and Design.

Posted on February 23, 2024 by reggioinspirations

Workshop on Documentation and Design. 

Back by Popular Demand

This is a three-part evening series 

Tuesdays, March 5th, 12th, and 19th .

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 

$125 (plus Humanitix fees)

presented by Patricia Hunter McGrath and Christina Bianchi

Unlock the transformative power of documentation and design in early childhood education with a three part workshop on documentation and design. This workshop is designed specifically for teachers and educators, this dynamic experience will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to create rich and meaningful documentation, hone your expertise in observation, making children’s learning visible and revisit design concepts that emphasize these ideas.

Workshop Highlights:

Understanding Documentation: Understanding the philosophy and principles of documentation in our context.

Gain insights into creating visual tools that that foster curiosity, exploration, and collaboration.

Develop practical skills in observing children’s play and activities. Learn how to document these observations in a way that honors children’s unique voices and learning styles.

Visual Storytelling: Dive into the world of visual storytelling through photographs, videos, and written narratives. Discover how these tools can amplify the impact of your documentation and engage parents and caregivers.

Collaborative Learning: Engage in collaborative discussions and activities with fellow educators, sharing experiences, challenges, and success stories. 

Build a supportive community of like-minded professionals.

Who Should Attend:

These workshops are ideal for educators, teachers, parents and administrators with children from infancy through early childhood. Whether you’re new to the Reggio Emilia approach or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical tools that can be applied at home or school.

Click below to purchase tickets via Humanitix

https://events.humanitix.com/online-zoom-workshop-on-documentation-and-design-3-part-evening-series-march-5th-12th-and-19th

Register Here

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February Workshops at Branches Atelier!

Posted on January 29, 2024 by reggioinspirations

Greetings all, We have 2 new workshops coming up in February.

1) Materials Literacy: Creating Strong Foundations

Saturday, February 10th, 2024, 9 am to 3 pm  Cost: $110 (plus EventBrite fees) includes light breakfast includes light breakfast.

2) Viewing The World Through Their Lens: A Journey Through Photography and Transformation 

Saturday, February 17th, 2024, 9 am to 3 pm  Cost: $110 (plus EventBrite fees) includes light breakfast.

Please read on and register below.

1) Materials Literacy: Creating Strong Foundations

Saturday, February 10th, 2024, 9 am to 3 pm  Cost: $110, includes light breakfast

Presented by Christina Bianchi and Patricia Hunter McGrath

Our new Branches Atelier workshop, Materials Literacy: Creating Strong Foundations, is designed for teachers, parents, and new atelieristas as a comprehensive introduction to the vital role of materials in early childhood education.

Rather than focusing on individual materials, this day-long workshop aims to deepen educators’ understanding of how to introduce new materials effectively, emphasizing the importance of caring for these materials as a fundamental aspect of their development into a language for children.

Together, we will explore properties and attributes that come into play when choosing materials to support children in making connections and building relationships.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. How are new materials introduced in the classroom? By delving into strategies for introducing new materials in the classroom, participants will engage in hands-on activities and discussions to explore the significance of the initial introduction, considering factors such as cultivating an inquiry, making age-appropriate choices, and fostering curiosity.
  2. How is caring for the materials essential to becoming a language?
  3. What is the difference between developing an alphabet of materials and accessing them to develop thinking?
  4. What does a materials-rich environment look like at different stages of development?

Key Takeaways:

  • Participants will discuss a nuanced understanding of the role of materials in early childhood settings.
  • Develop strategies for introducing and caring for materials, emphasizing their significance as a language for children.
  • Highlight the difference between providing materials and using them to stimulate critical thinking.
  • Cultivate practical approaches to integrating materials into long-term inquiries were discussed.
  • Gain insights into creating a materials-rich environment that evolves with children’s development.

Join us for a rich and immersive adult experience, equipping ourselves with the tools and insights to create dynamic, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children.

CLICK HERE to register on EventBrite

Register on Eventbrite

2) Viewing The World Through Their Lens: A Journey Through Photography and Transformation

Saturday, February 17th, 2024, 9 am to 3 pm  Cost: $110, includes light breakfast

Presented by Christina Bianchi and Patricia Hunter McGrath

Join Branches Atelier in an exploration of integrating photography into our experiences with young children.

This workshop delves into various vital concepts, offering participants a rich inquiry into how photography can be a powerful tool for both adult’s and children’s teaching and learning.

Key Questions:

  • How do you introduce the language of photography to children?
  • How do we take great photos?
  • How can photographs help to tell a story?
  • What is the language of creative photography, and how does this language support children’s imagination and relationships?
  • How is photography used to represent children’s ideas and uncover children’s theories?
  • What materials can we introduce to transform our images?
  • How does photography alter our understanding of the world?
  • How do we play with transformation through digital and artistic materials?

Key Takeaways:

This workshop will discuss practical strategies and the philosophical ideas underlying how we work with children to manipulate images, negotiate perspectives, and illuminate challenges. In addition to practical considerations, we will also reflect on strategies for fostering dialogue and encouraging children to articulate their thoughts and feelings about the images they encounter and create.

What was once primarily considered a tool for teachers, documentation in our classrooms has become an essential instrument for communication, storytelling, and creation in our classrooms.

CLICK HERE to register on EventBrite

Register on Eventbrite
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Branches Atelier Book and Toy Resource Guide

Posted on December 4, 2023 by reggioinspirations

Greetings all and Happy Holidays !!!

Thank you for all of your support over the years! We are really grateful to be part of such a warm, intelligent and nurturing community.

Please see below links to our updated toy and book guide, as well as Trisha’s Top 10 picks for 2023 for this holiday season.

Please feel free to share these resources with colleagues, friends and family.

We wish you all a safe and enjoyable holiday season and we look forward to seeing you in 2024

Trisha’s Top 10 Picks for 2023 Click here to Download

Branches Book and Toy Guide Click here to download

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Online (Zoom)Workshop on Documentation and Design.

Posted on November 28, 2023 by reggioinspirations

Workshop on Documentation and Design. 

THE FIRST NIGHT IS THIS THURSDAY 11/30/23

This is a three-part evening series 

Thursdays November 30th – December 7th and December 14th .

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 

$125 (plus EventBrite fees)

presented by Patricia Hunter McGrath and Christina Bianchi

Register on Eventbrite

.

Unlock the transformative power of documentation and design in early childhood education with a three part workshop on documentation and design. This workshop is designed specifically for teachers and educators, this dynamic experience will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to create rich and meaningful documentation, hone your expertise in observation, making children’s learning visible and revisit design concepts that emphasize these ideas.

Workshop Highlights:

Understanding Documentation: Understanding the philosophy and principles of documentation in our context.

Gain insights into creating visual tools that that foster curiosity, exploration, and collaboration.

Develop practical skills in observing children’s play and activities. Learn how to document these observations in a way that honors children’s unique voices and learning styles.

Visual Storytelling: Dive into the world of visual storytelling through photographs, videos, and written narratives. Discover how these tools can amplify the impact of your documentation and engage parents and caregivers.

Collaborative Learning: Engage in collaborative discussions and activities with fellow educators, sharing experiences, challenges, and success stories. 

Build a supportive community of like-minded professionals.

Who Should Attend:

These workshops are ideal for educators, teachers, parents and administrators with children from infancy through early childhood. Whether you’re new to the Reggio Emilia approach or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical tools that can be applied at home or school.

Purchase tickets for Documentation and Design via EventBrite

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New Workshop – The Atelier of Taste ®: Exploring the Language of Food

Posted on September 27, 2023 by reggioinspirations

Sunday, October 15th 9am to 3pm 

Presented by Branches Teacher Becky Zlotoff

Join us for a very special workshop! 

We will start this workshop at the Mar Vista Farmers Market on Venice Blvd at 9am, 

Then we will continue back at Branches Atelier.

This workshop will include the cost of lunch that we will create together plus cutting board, knife, bowl and cruet.

Cost: $135 plus EventBrite fee

When we return to Branches participants will learn:

  • What is the language of food?
  • What are slow foods?
  • What are the techniques and tools of tasting?
  • How does the exploration of food extend and deepen children’s poetic language?
  • How is food integrated in other areas of curriculum?
  • How are different flavor combinations introduced to the children?
  • How are herbs and spices introduced to the children?
  • What is the current research on children and healthy eating?
  • How does our local community support the children’s connection to food?
  • What is an atelier of taste?

Who Should Attend:

These workshops are ideal for educators, teachers, parents and administrators with children from infancy through early childhood. Whether you’re new to the Reggio Emilia approach or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical tools that can be applied at home or school.

Registration via EventBrite

Register on Eventbrite
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