Learning Spaces as Living Organisms: A Conversation with Alona Yildirim  episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 10, 2025 · 1H 12M

Learning Spaces as Living Organisms: A Conversation with Alona Yildirim

from The Intentional ECE · host Cathy Belgrave

What if classrooms were seen not as static places, but as living, breathing organisms that grow and adapt with children? In this episode, guest Alona Yildirim shares her 25 years of experience as an early childhood educator, leader, and co-founder of Documentation Studio Türkiye. Together, we explore how learning environments act as co-teachers—shaping curiosity, inspiring creativity, and making learning visible for both children and educators.To Learn more and/or connect with Alona:documentationstudioturkiye.orgIG:  @little.people.learn LinkedIn:  Alona YildirimResources:The Third Teacher: 79 ways you can use design to transform teaching and learningReggio Children Children, spaces, relationsDeb Curtis Designs for Living and learningIngrid Crowther Creating Effective Learning Environments Sandra Duncan Inspiring Spaces for Young children,  Rethinking the Classroom Landscape Through A child’s Eyes The Space: A guide for educatorsThe Space: A guide for leadersYi Fu Tuan Spaces and Places: The Perspective of ExperienceJim Freeman Caring Spaces, Learning PlacesJure Kotnik Designing Spaces for Early Childhood Development: Sparking Learning & CreativityArchitect Faith Swickard Spatial Conditions of Emotion

What if classrooms were seen not as static places, but as living, breathing organisms that grow and adapt with children? In this episode, guest Alona Yildirim shares her 25 years of experience as an early childhood educator, leader, and co-founder of Documentation Studio Türkiye. Together, we explore how learning environments act as co-teachers—shaping curiosity, inspiring creativity, and making learning visible for both children and educators.To Learn more and/or connect with Alona:documentationstudioturkiye.orgIG:  @little.people.learn LinkedIn:  Alona YildirimResources:The Third Teacher: 79 ways you can use design to transform teaching and learningReggio Children Children, spaces, relationsDeb Curtis Designs for Living and learningIngrid Crowther Creating Effective Learning Environments Sandra Duncan Inspiring Spaces for Young children,  Rethinking the Classroom Landscape Through A child’s Eyes The Space: A guide for educatorsThe Space: A guide for leadersYi Fu Tuan Spaces and Places: The Perspective of ExperienceJim Freeman Caring Spaces, Learning PlacesJure Kotnik Designing Spaces for Early Childhood Development: Sparking Learning & CreativityArchitect Faith Swickard Spatial Conditions of Emotion

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Learning Spaces as Living Organisms: A Conversation with Alona Yildirim

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This episode was published on September 10, 2025.

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What if classrooms were seen not as static places, but as living, breathing organisms that grow and adapt with children? In this episode, guest Alona Yildirim shares her 25 years of experience as an early childhood educator, leader, and co-founder...

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