Nadeen School TeachMeet 4 May 2025 Early Years Edition
by: BTM - Mon, 02 Jun 2025
Nadeen School proudly hosted its fourth TeachMeet event, this time launching a spin-off edition dedicated exclusively to Early Years education. Held under the theme “From Play to Progress: Sharing the Power of Playful Learning,” the event brought together a dynamic group of passionate educators from across Bahrain for an evening of collaboration, inspiration, and professional dialogue.
Building on the growing momentum of three successful previous TeachMeets at Nadeen School, TeachMeet 4: Early Years Edition was created in direct response to increasing interest in deepening conversations and forming professional connections within the Early Years sector. The event took place on the vibrant Nadeen School campus and marked a milestone in early childhood education in the region, an event that truly recognised the value, complexity, and transformative potential of early learning.
From the moment doors opened, the energy and enthusiasm were palpable. Educators from nurseries, kindergartens, and International Schools from across Bahrain came together to explore how play-based learning can nurture curiosity, confidence, independence, and holistic development in young children. The event served as a space for sharing best practices, research-informed strategies, and innovative classroom approaches, while also affirming the fundamental importance of play in early education.
Thought-Provoking Mainstage Talks
The evening’s programme featured an engaging mix of interactive mini-workshops and mainstage speaker sessions, providing participants with a wide array of practical takeaways and big-picture insights.
The evening opened with mainstage speaker sessions, where keynote presenters challenged attendees to reflect deeply on their own practice and the broader purpose of Early Years education.
These speeches included provocations such as:
● “The Benefits of Risky Play” – Emma Pickering shared a compelling case for allowing children to engage in managed risk-taking to build resilience, independence, and problem-solving skills
● “Who’s in Your Sandbox?” – Suzanne Rodricks explored how relationships, inclusion, and shared experiences shape learning in the Early Years
These talks prompted rich conversations about the evolving landscape of Early Years education and the importance of maintaining environments that prioritise exploration, belonging, agency, and joyful learning.
A Deep Dive into Early Years Best Practice
Following the mainstage, workshops were led by educators from Nadeen School and other International Schools in
Bahrain. The speakers covered a variety of topics central to the Early Years experience, including:
● Learner voice in the Early Years
● Meaningful interventions and targeted support
● Using music to enhance cognitive and emotional development
● Strengthening communication and language through play
Each session leader generously shared examples from their own classrooms and schools. Attendees left with practical strategies they could implement immediately, as well as new perspectives on long-term pedagogy and planning.
“When we give children open-ended materials, we are not just offering them objects, we are offering them opportunities to imagine, explore and create without limits.” Molly Cramp, Workshop Leader (Teacher at Capital School)
''TeachMeet was a great opportunity to learn from and meet other educators in the area. I appreciated the play focus as it is much needed today for our learners and our parents to understand why.'' Marla Echols (Participant).
‘’I have been extremely honoured to lead two workshops now for Teachmeet this year and have found it to be such a fulfilling experience. It is so inspiring to be surrounded by such open-minded, reflective, and knowledgeable life-long learners from all backgrounds knowing we are there for one purpose, the learners.’’ Hannah Gavey, Workshop Leader (Nursery Teacher at Nadeen School)
Showcasing Purpose-Built Early Years Environments
As part of the evening, attendees were invited to tour Nadeen School’s purpose-built Early Years facilities, designed to reflect and support the school’s commitment to hands-on, learner-led enquiry and playful learning.
From open-ended materials to thoughtfully designed outdoor areas, the spaces reflect a philosophy that values wonder, movement, collaboration, and creativity. Educators were inspired not just by the physical layout, but by the clear intentionality behind every design choice, creating learning environments that honour childhood, promote autonomy, and support taking risks and developmental growth.
A Launchpad for an Early Years Network
More than just an evening event, TeachMeet 4: EY Edition felt like the beginning of something greater. Conversations throughout the night pointed to a shared desire for continued collaboration and professional connection across the Early Years sector in Bahrain.
Educators expressed a clear interest in building a regular network or professional learning community dedicated to Early Years teaching and leadership. This growing movement has the potential to strengthen dialogue, share resources, and elevate the standard of early childhood education across the region.
In reflecting on the event’s success, Ms Kacey, the Head of Early Years at Nadeen School shared:
“Our aim was to create a space where Early Years professionals could connect, share, and be inspired. The turnout and enthusiasm were overwhelming, proof that Early Years education is not only foundational, but deeply valued in our community.”
Tags #Early Years education Bahrain #TeachMeet Bahrain #TeachMeet #nadeen school bahrain #Nadeen International School
Digital Edition
Bahrain This Month
June 2025
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