What happens when preschool teachers are given time to play and explore?

That was the challenge Jewish Educational Services (JES) presented to educators at Cheder Chabad during a recent professional development workshop, Curious, Creative, and Capable: Supporting Creativity, Development, and Meaningful Learning Through Process Art, Books, Boxes, and Open-Ended Materials, developed and facilitated by Leah Golfeyz, JES Special Education and Support Consultant. Grounded in the belief that children are naturally curious, creative, and capable, the workshop invited teachers to experiment with clay, loose parts, paint, and other open-ended materials without directions or a predetermined outcome. In doing so, they experienced firsthand how process-focused learning encourages children to explore, create, solve problems, and develop into confident investigators, designers, storytellers, and innovators. 

While classroom projects often result in a finished product, process art shifts the focus to the learning that happens during the experience itself. Rather than focusing on creating a teacher-directed end product, process art emphasizes the opportunities children have to make choices, test ideas, solve problems, and express themselves in their own unique ways.  Whether building with recycled materials, experimenting with paint, or sculpting with clay, children are developing fine motor skills, critical thinking, communication, flexibility, and confidence. Most importantly, they are learning that their ideas matter.

Throughout the workshop, teachers reflected on their own classroom practices and explored practical ways to incorporate process art, books, loose parts, and other open-ended materials into daily learning experiences. Discussions focused on how educators can create meaningful opportunities for exploration while still maintaining clear learning goals and effectively sharing children's growth with families. 

A key takeaway from the session was the importance of creating more opportunities for open-ended exploration. When children are given the freedom to experiment, make choices, and follow their own ideas, they develop creativity, confidence, and a deeper engagement in learning. 

This workshop was one of several back-to-school professional learning opportunities offered by JES Early Childhood consultants, where participants were inspired and energized with fresh ideas and new tools to use in the classroom. Across five early childhood programs, 118 educators participated in trainings focused on building strong classroom communities, creating thriving teaching teams, supporting children's social and emotional development, and fostering creativity and engagement in the classroom. 

As the school year gets underway, JES remains committed to supporting schools through high-quality professional learning, coaching, and consultation. Schools interested in exploring topics such as creativity, play, educator wellness, classroom community, and child development are invited to reach out to JES to learn more about the wide range of professional development opportunities available.