In this workshop, the presenters will share their experiences of using an owl puppet as a provocation for building community. The presentation will include dialogue around building community among learners and teachers through play as well as inviting learners to use and extend their imagination through storytelling.

Together, we will explore how to build a classroom culture that is collaborative and supportive. Using thinking routines, participants will identify ways in which persona dolls and puppets can act as a catalyst for developing a positive learning community and how the role of imagination fosters a growth mindset within learning communities. Participants will leave the presentation with a plan for implementing a persona doll or puppet or classroom tradition to further build community in their classroom.

Nikki Hume

Nikki Hume is originally from Portland, Oregon, USA.

Nikki Hume is originally from Portland, Oregon, USA. This is her eighth year teaching at the International School of Prague. Nikki has taught in Reggio Inspired, Early Childhood environments for 16 years! She holds a Masters degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a specialisation in Early Childhood Education.

Nikki is currently the Kindergarten Studio teacher also known as the atelierista. Her involvement at ISP is diverse. She is currently the Social Studies curriculum leader for the Elementary school; ISP's representative for Service Learning in the CEESA region, and she coaches Middle School girls soccer.

As an educator, Nikki feels most passionate about building community in the classroom; facilitating creative and critical thinking through Service Learning experiences, storytelling with children, and providing a learning environment that is open for children to explore through play.