Preparing the Environment: a look at control and freedom in the classroom Deb Norris September 18, 2025

Special Topics: Afterschool ,

Sponsor: Anna Howes

Instructor: Anna Howes Gebhardt

What makes a good learning environment? In this workshop we will take both a big picture view at learning environments and get close up to the small details of the classroom and teacher. Taking the perspective that children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and heard, we will look at how to set up learning through preparing the physical environment, the emotional environment, and the energetic environment (the “vibe" of the classroom).

Objectives:

- Go beyond the traditional expectation of setting up the classroom’s physical space and stretch our imaginations and intentions to think about what we bring as educators to the emotional and energetic spaces children occupy

- Evaluate what is in the educators control and use presence, focus, and attention to guide the creation of spaces and materials that promote feelings of safety, satisfaction, and critical thinking

- Develop tools for evaluating the amount of independence and freedom children experience in learning environments and its proximity to competence and academic achievement

- Practice skills for self-regulation with the goal of creating spaces that promote co-regulation

Core Knowledge Area

Observation & Assessment
Safety & Wellness

Focus

Infant/Toddler
Preschool/PreK
School-Age

Session Dates

Session Times

November 20, 2025

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Additional Information

* This training is registered through Northern Lights at the Community College of Vermont. All early educators and afterschool professionals in VT will receive 2 hrs of professional development credit.

** This training will not be recorded. Attending zoom in real time is required.

*** For scholarships, alternative payment methods, or questions please email anna@annahowes.com