Atelier as Dissent | Reimagining Learning Spaces in Early Childhood and Primary Education
Shannon Tozzi, Leonie Caggiano
10 November 2026
Day + Time | Tuesday | 4pm – 5:30pm
Location | The Learning Nest Co., Anketell Street and Reed Street North, Greenway ACT 2900
Entry | $20 | Bookings Essential
Access | Wheelchair accessible, accessible parking, accessible bathroom nearby, assistance animals welcome
This workshop invites educators to challenge traditional boundaries of teaching and learning by embracing the atelier model – an approach that disrupts conventional classroom structures through creativity, experimentation and interdisciplinary practice. Entrenched in the spirit of dissent, the atelier sees children as capable thinkers and makers, teachers as co-researchers and the environment as the third teacher. It rejects rigid, one-directional instruction and instead supports a dynamic environment where ideas flow, materials speak and inquiry drives the curriculum. This workshop is presented by the co-founders of the Learning Nest Co.
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Leonie Caggiano is an early childhood specialist with extensive experience in creating learning environments that inspire collaboration and deep thinking. With a strong foundation in child development, she is known for helping educators translate big ideas into practical, engaging experiences for children of all ages. Her work centres on the belief that every child is a capable, creative learner and that thoughtfully designed spaces can transform how children experiment and express themselves. As co-founder of The Learning Nest Co. she leads the development of atelier-inspired programs and professional learning sessions for educators across Canberra. Leonie brings warmth, clarity and a practical lens to her teaching, supporting educators to break away from traditional models and embrace approaches that honour children’s agency and individuality. She is passionate about interdisciplinary learning, sensory-rich environments and empowering teachers to see themselves as co-researchers alongside the children they work with.
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Shannon Tozzi is an experienced educator with over 15 years working across early childhood and primary settings in Australia. With a background in play and inquiry-based learning, she specialises in helping educators create meaningful, intentional spaces that promote children’s voice and creativity. Shannon is co-founder of the Learning Nest Co., a children’s atelier in Canberra that blends contemporary educational theory with hands-on community-centred practice. Her work is grounded in the belief that children learn best when they can inquire, explore, construct and express complex ideas through multiple forms of representation. Shannon supports early learning services to integrate atelier-inspired approaches to their daily practice, offering mentoring and curriculum design support. Passionate, practical and deeply reflective, she empowers educators to move beyond traditional models and embrace environments that truly amplify children's voices.
Images | Children’s atelier, 2025 | Photos by Shannon Tozzi