Conference attendees will have the unique opportunity to visit the University of Montana LAB School (Learning and Belonging) classrooms, rotating through three distinct early childhood learning spaces. Each space will highlight a different aspect of creating thoughtful, engaging environments that foster deep learning and exploration in early childhood PBL. During the visits, participants will focus on the following key areas:
- Environment as the Third Teacher
Discover how intentional classroom design and layout can promote autonomy, curiosity, and collaborative learning among young children. Additionally, the LAB School considers the classroom environment an opportunity to uplift and celebrate the school family. - Projects in Process
Observe ongoing projects and see how the physical environment supports children’s inquiry, critical thinking, and sustained engagement during a PBL unit. LAB School classrooms feature invitations to engage within and across learning centers, conversation starters, and dynamic PBL milestone displays for student interaction. - Materials and Resources that Inspire Inquiry or Playful Learning by Design
Explore how the thoughtful integration of play into the learning environment fosters not only intentional skill development but also a sense of joy, wonder, and meaningful engagement in young children. The LAB School engages in playful learning by design to create opportunities for every learner to meaningfully and joyfully learn through play. Our visible classrooms showcase vital principles: that play and learning are purposeful, social, emotional, empowering, reflective, and representational. - Pedagogical Documentation: View how the LAB School makes learning visible through pedagogical documentation as a tool for continuous learning and improvement for educators and students. Classroom displays shift the focus from static outcomes to the dynamic learning process, helping to promote deeper, more meaningful engagement.
The session will conclude with a panel discussion and debrief, featuring teachers, children, and families from the LAB School, offering their unique perspectives on the learning environments and the powerful connections between space, learning, and community.
