Back to Basics: Use What You Have!

Plus bonus workshop: Set it Up and See What Happens

In Back to Basics, the 3rd workshop in our 5-part series, we’ll dive deep into the possibilities of loose parts, dramatic play, and process art using simple, standard supplies. Whether you’re joining us for just this session or the entire series, you’ll gain tools to bring joy and boundless creativity to your learning space, where children will discover that anything can be anything!

In your portal, we’ve also included our 1st foundational workshop that kicked off this series, Set it Up and See What Happens. This workshop is a mindset shift and will become an essential practice that can be applied in virtually every setting, with any age group, and with any budget.

Get Workshops 1 & 3

Note: This is an individual registration. Email us for schools & groups. Learn more here about joining our full 5-part Professional Learning Workshop Series.

$27.00
One time

Explore the possibilities for process art and open-ended play using the standard, most basic materials. Yes, we’re talking about crayons, markers, staplers, copy paper, cardboard, recyclables, and anything else that is free or very low-cost. You will leave with tons of ideas on how to pair what you have in lots of different ways so every offering can feel fresh and spark imaginations all year long. Bring joy to your learning space, and help children learn that anything can be anything!

✓ Unlimited lifetime access
✓ Includes PDF resources, PD certificates, product links

  • I am taking away the idea that the image of the child that we hold affects the way we approach learning. When we believe that the children are capable, creative, and valued, then we can "set it up and see what happens."

    Chryssa, Set it Up and See What Happens participant

  • Thank you for this reaffirmation on the importance of play-based learning and open-ended art. A fire in my belly, and lots of lovely inspo for setting it up and seeing what happens!

    Emma, Set it Up and See What Happens participant

  • I am inspired and energized as a museum educator. I've always struggled to come up with ideas for how to use abundant, available materials. Your "how not what" approach feels like a revelation to me.

    Katy, Set it Up and See What Happens participant

  • Shannon and Bar - you both speak with such confidence and beautifully illustrated this program. My biggest takeaway is the advocacy you have for this movement and the use of empowering language when discussing this as a right for children

    Suzanne, Set it Up and See What Happens participant

  • My takeaway is to start with a couple of simple choices. Sit with the discomfort of wanting to direct students.

    Kari, Set it Up and See What Happens participant

  • Love all your visual examples! You have reaffirmed my commitment to process art! Loved getting some new ideas -fence weaving, varying sizes of paper for more choice, egg cartons for glue.

    Lainey, Set it Up and See What Happens participant

  • I think its so brave to challenge stereotypes and the need to conform. You allow us to value and encourage independent learning. Through your workshop I learned - Process not product. The possibility of merging structured learning with free learning. Respecting the process of learning. Not expecting a finished stereotypical response.

    Janet, Set it Up and See What Happens participant