Engaging Environments for Babies and Toddlers

Join Nellie Hodda and explore how intentional environment designs support infants and toddlers self-initiated play, exploration and wellbeing. Drawing on Educaring® and the 'yes space' concept, participants will examine how space, layout and materials invite curiosity, deep engagement and discovery, whilst considering how thoughtful design communicates respect and value for young children.

This interactive workshop focuses on how the physical environment can support infants and toddlers capacity for self-initiated play, exploration and wellbeing, and what intentional environment design looks like in practice. Drawing on the principles of Magda Gerber's Educaring® approach and Janet Lansbury's concept of the 'yes space,' participants will explore how space, layout and materials are central to how children play and explore.

The workshop will also explore what it means to create spaces where children can say yes to their own curiosity — where the environment invites children into deep, uninterrupted exploration. Participants will unpack what 'less is more' means for babies and toddlers and consider how educator choices around space arrangement and material selection communicate a message about how we see and value our youngest children.

Key Takeaways

In this session, you will:

  • explore how the physical environment communicates a message about how we see and value infants and toddlers
  • reflect on how space, layout and materials can support children's self-initiated exploration and play
  • identify practical changes you can make to the environments in your own setting.

Recommended Audience

  • Educators, teachers and educational leaders working with children aged birth to three years. 
    • $85

    • Date

      Thu 12 November
      6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    • Location

      Online via Zoom

    • Presented by

      • Nellie Hodda
    Register

About the presenters

  • Nellie_Hodda
    Nellie Hodda
    Nellie Hodda is a RIE® Associate based in Wollongong, NSW, Australia. With over 15 years' experience in early childhood education and care, Nellie integrates principles from Magda Gerber’s Educaring® approach into her work, specialising in nurturing and responsive care for infants and toddlers.

    As a Pedagogical Consultant at Storypark, Nellie supports ECEC services and educators in effective use of the platform. Nellie also contributes to the early childhood community through her volunteer role on the ITANA (Infant and Toddler Advocacy Network Australia) board, and by facilitating RIE-certified training, workshops, and online network meetings for ECEC professionals interested in pedagogy and practice for infants and toddlers.

    Through all her work, Nellie helps educators foster positive, nurturing relationships, making a meaningful difference in early childhood education.