Turning Themes into Projects

This NEW workshop will be offered virtually this summer!

All times below are Central Time

July 27 6-8pm

July 29 9-11 am

July 31 9-11 am

Registration will open June 15.

Workshop Description

This workshop explores how familiar themes in early childhood classrooms can be developed into Project Based Learning (PBL) experiences. Participants will examine key distinctions between thematic units and PBL, with a focus on how learning shifts when it is organized around children’s questions, sustained inquiry, and authentic connections beyond the classroom. Using current classroom themes as a starting point, educators will analyze opportunities to deepen learning and begin adapting their work into developmentally appropriate, inquiry-driven projects. The session emphasizes practical strategies and incremental shifts that support the integration of academic content and social and emotional learning within meaningful PBL experiences.

Participant Outcomes

  1. Develop a foundational understanding of Project Based Learning and how it differs from thematic units

  2. Examine common themes or topics and identify the shifts needed to move toward PBL

  3. Begin adapting a familiar theme or topic into a developmentally appropriate project and identify next steps for implementation

What You Can Expect…

Before…

During…

  • Expert facilitation from one of the co-authors of our book

  • Content specific to young learners

  • Strategies, tools and resources.

  • Access to our ECPBL Project Planning Outline

After…

  • Certificate of Completion

  • On-going access to the ECPBL team

  • On-going support from the members of our Facebook Group

  • Access to our comprehensive ECPBL resource document