An international meeting that brings together educators, parents, caregivers, mental health professionals, business leaders, and researchers to rediscover play, not as a tool, but as a learning identity. Through group discussions, hands-on workshops, art exhibitions, abundant play, and above all, meaningful connection, we explore what play truly means in our lives and in education.
An identity shaped through play, in the way we move, relate, and create. Through the arts, nature, philosophy, technology, and human-centered design, learning becomes an experience that cultivates joy, connection, and emotional resilience.
Why attend?
- Because play is not a technique. It is a way of being.
- Because education needs breathing spaces, not only structures.
- Because creativity is not taught. It is nurtured.
- Because childhood concerns all of us, not only children.
- Because pedagogy can be profound and deeply human at the same time.
Ready to be part of this experience?
Secure your ticket and join us for a unique three-day journey.
The Idea
Why an event about play?
- Play is more than a childhood activity.
- It is a way of thinking.
- It is a language.
- It is a space of freedom, relationship, and creation.
- In a world that constantly demands results, evaluation, and performance, play reminds us of something fundamental: learning begins when we feel same enough to experiment.
- This three-day gathering was created to reopen the conversation around play in education, play as a pedagogical stance and play as a right.
Program overview
1st Day
DAY 1 – 24/4/26
PART A | 17:30 – 19:00
PANEL DISCUSSION/ ENG& GR
“Play as a Tool for Innovation and Corporate Culture”
Participants:
A. Papatheodolou, D. Deligeorgi, P.Theodorakakou, C.Mainemelis, Dr. M. Warren
Moderator: V.Blesiou
PART B | 19:30 – 21:00
WORKSHOP
(FA1.1) “Let’s See” – A. Papatheodolou, O.Stefatou (GR)
2nd Day
DAY 2 – 25/4/26
PART A | 10:00 – 12:00
PANEL DISCUSSION
“Play as Identity” (ENG&GR)
Participants:
A. Salmon, U. Markowska, K. Meliou, K. Panagou
Moderator: E. Kalpogianni
PART B | 10:30 – 12:30
WORKSHOP
(SA0.1) “Hiking on Hymettus with My Baby” – Ch. Flampouri, V. Ethnopoulou (GR)
PART C | 13:00 – 16:30
WORKSHOPS
13:00 – 14:30 | SLOT 1 (90’)
(SA1.1) “Become a Connector through Play and Music” – G. Bertou, S. Pouliasi (GR)
(SA1.2) “Creating connections” – V. Papadimitraki(GR)
(SA1.3) “Learning by Making: Interdisciplinary Learning through Artistic Creations” (GR)
(SA1.4) “Holding the Thread: Play, Presence & Emotional Resilience – A Myth-Inspired Dramatherapy Workshop” – A. Triantafyllidis (GR)
(SA1.5) “The Strengths Exchange: From Action to Mindful Presence” – A. Papantoniou, N. Mitsiou (GR)
13:30 – 16:30 | SLOT 2 (150’–180’)
(SA2.1) “ECHOES – An Atelier in Four Movements” – M. Sgourou, L. Marka (GR&ENG)
(SA2.2) “Board games with superpowewrs: What Is the Secret?” – M. Kyriou (GR)
(SA2.3) “Play and Find” – E. Tsimpragou (GR)
(SA2.4) “Learning Together: play, teamwork, and active learning in School” – S. Vgenopoulou (GR)
(SA2.5) “Pediatric First Aid in Nature”- P. Ioannidis, A. Terzidis (GR)
15:00 – 16:30 | SLOT 3 (90’)
(SA3.1) “Playing with Artificial Intelligence” – P. Tsiavos (GR)
(SA3.2) “The Language of Play: Centering Children’s Voices, Identity, and Collective Stories” – A. Salmon, U. Markowska-Manista, K. Meliou, E. Geroulanou (GR/ENG)
(SA3.3) “Learn to Unlearn” – M. Ntavou (ENG)
(SA3.4) “Theatre from the beginning” – Κ. Alexaki (GR)
(SA3.5) “Playful Parenting”- D. Triantafylli (GR)
17:00 – 19:00
PANEL DISCUSSION/ ENG & GR
“Positive Education in Practice”
Participants:
D. Fulwiler Volk, S. Vgenopoulou, E. Karakasidou, A. Touloumakou, A. Papantoniou, E. Roussaki
Moderator: Y. Blesiou
18:00 – 21:00
Celebration for the 15 Years of Paichnidagogeio
For children, parents, caregivers, and friends of Paichnidagogeio
18:00 – 19:00
Small performances for children aged 3+ and their caregivers
19:00 – 21:00
Concert with Burger Project for children and adults
Opening: Music Performed by children and alumni of Paichnidagogeio
3rd Day
DAY 3 – 26/4/26
PART A | 10:00 – 12:00
PANEL DISCUSSION/ ENG
“From Desk to Mud and Back Again”
Participants:
A. Barable, A. Schieler, M. Schenetti, N. Christodoulou
Moderator: M. Zangas -Tsakiris
PART B | 13:00 – 18:00
WORKSHOPS
13:00 – 14:30 | SLOT 1 (90’)
(SU1.1) “From Risk to Autonomy: Using Tools in Outdoor Learning” – N. Lamprinou, K. Koukoudaki/ GR
(SU1.2) “Free Play in Forest School: Myths and Reality” – V. Kobilakou& N. Malliaros/ GR
(SU1.3) “Sensory Play and Its Impact on Neurobiology” – N. Grigoriadou/ GR&ENG
(SU1.4) “CO-OP Playing: Removing Competition” – E. Tsimpragou, F. Papadopoulou, S. Broid / GR&ENG
(SU1.5) “Parenting& Play: Between the Possible and the Ideal”- D.Triantafylli/ GR
(SU1.6) “Who Gets to Play? Voice, Story, and Belonging in a Reggio-Inspired Practice” – M. Sgourou/ ENG
13:00 – 15:30 | SLOT 2 (120’–150’)
(SU2.1) “Pedagogical Documentation: Following Children’s Traces in Outdoor Environments”- G. Gessiou, A. Schieler/ ENG
(SU2.2) “Play as Strategy, Innovation and Organizational Development” – S. Kasdagli/ GR
(SU2.3) “Nature, Parenting and Positive Education” – V. Filippa, E. Papamatthaiaki/ GR
(SU2.4) “Upstanders: Photography & the Art of Allyship” – Dr. M. Warren, liminal/ ENG
(SU2.5) “Functional Nutrition and Children’s Cognition” – V. Diminikou, Dr. Med I. Bouchelos/ GR
(SU2.6) “Forest Atelier: Artistic Adventures Inspired by Nature” – V. Remoundou, L. Maragkoudaki/ GR
16:00 – 17:30 | SLOT 3 (90’)
(SU3.1) “Play for All Children: How the Right Becomes Practice” – E. Soukakou/ GR
(SU3.2) “Thrapeutic Intervention in Natural Environments for Children on the Autistic Spectrum”- G. Andreopoulos, M. Kalobratsou/GR
(SU3.3) “Children Playing (Again) in Nature” – V. Kotsori, M. Ananiadou/ GR
(SU3.4) “Designing the Schoolyard Differently…” – A. Stratou/ GR
(SU3.5) “From the Void to the New” – S. Moschoutis, G. Kontaratos, E. Roussaki/ GR
(SU3.6) “Play in Nature, with Nature, for Nature” – R. Triantafyllidi/GR
SUPPORT & IMPACT
Participation in the conference directly supports the development of Positive Education Living Labs with measurable social impact. Through your contribution, we will design and implement εducational programs and experiential workshops, professional development initiatives for caregivers, parents, and educators, interactive learning tools, experiential interventions and artistic installations within learning environments Support also sustains the production and organization of Play Identity – International Meeting on Play & Education, ensuring its quality, accessibility, and long-term continuity.
EXAMPLES OF POSITIVE EDUCATION LIVING LABS
1) HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (HOSPITALS & HEALTH CENTERS)
- Children, patient & family empowerment program (weekly gatherings and experiential activities)
Purpose: To create conditions of a “new normal” during periods of care and recovery
- Staff development program (ongoing meetings and applied workshops)
Purpose: To integrate positive education principles into everyday interactions with patients and visitors
2) EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM (SCHOOLS & EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTINGS)
Targeted interventions centered on positive education, including spatial redesign, playful installations, and professional seminars (online and in person)
Purpose: To strengthen emotional resilience and promote positive development for children, parents, and educators
3) WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT (COMPANIES & ORGANIZATIONS)
A structured learning program consisting of seminars and applied actions
Purpose: To embed positive education principles into organizational culture and leadership practices
4) PARENTHOOD & ROLE PREPARATION (MATERNITY CLINICS, MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS, PARENTING SUPPOET ORGANIZATIONS)
- Empowerment program for future parents (meetings, workshops, and experiential activities)
Purpose: To integrate positive education principles into family life from the very beginning
- Training for health & mental health professionals (workshops and applied sessions)
Purpose: To equip professionals to provide corresponding services effectively
Organizers
Communication Sponsors
Supporters
