2025 Conference

A Movement Towards Optimism: Supporting Intentional Childhood Practices

In honor of Lincoln Nursery School’s 80th anniversary, join us for a one-day conference focusing on early childhood through the lens of the Reggio Emilia approach. The conference will take place on March 29th, 2025, from 8:30am to 3:30pm at Lincoln Nursery School, deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, MA.
The conference schedule is as follows:
  • • Talk from keynote speaker Suzanne Axelsson, author of The Original Learning Approach
  • • Morning breakout sessions led by Lincoln Nursery School educators exploring themes of play, inquiry, and place-based education (topics listed below)
  • • Break for lunch
  • • Afternoon breakout sessions led by Lincoln Nursery School educators exploring themes of play, inquiry, and place-based education (topics listed below)
  • • Panel discussion with Suzanne Axelsson, early childhood advocates, educators, and families on building a Movement Towards Optimism.
Registration includes morning refreshments. Lunch may be pre-ordered through Twisted Tree Cafe, adjacent to Lincoln Nursery School. Please click here to pre-order your lunch, or you are welcome to bring your own.
Suzanne Axelsson
Conference Fees – $175 per person; includes admission to deCordova Sculpture Park and a 10% discount at the deCordova Store.
Group rates for 10 or more and scholarships available. Please email conference@lincolnnurseryschool.org if you would like more information about discounts or scholarships.
Register Here

Breakout session topics:

Nothing Without Joy: Getting to Know the Reggio Emilia Approach
Classroom “Knots” and Approaches to Untangling Them
It Takes Time: Supporting Children’s Need for Deep Play by Focusing on Classroom Rhythms and Rituals (AM ONLY)
Teaching with Heart: Using Observation, Reflection, and Clarity to Build Strong, Supportive Relationships with Every Child (PM ONLY)
Learning to Document, Documenting to Learn
Curating Innovative and Creative Learning Environments with Intention
Place-Based Education: Unlocking the Potential at Your School
Listening to Build Community and Grow Relationships
From the Atelier: A Hands-on Exploration of Materials
Leading with Intention and Dialogue to Develop Impactful Programming [For ECE Leaders/Administrators]