Hello Reader! Computer programming is the new liberal art Programming gives young people agency over an increasingly complex and technologically sophisticated world. Seymour Papert asked more than 50 years ago, “Does the computer program the child or the child program the computer?” Answering that question in favor of the child is critical now more than ever. Developing, possessing, and wielding such computational fluency is essential for participating in democracy and thriving in an...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, After decades of working with schools across Australia and New Zealand, I'm thrilled to announce my return in late February and early March 2026. This isn't just another professional development tour. This is a chance for your school community to experience transformative learning adventures that combine progressive education traditions with cutting-edge computational thinking, project-based learning, and hands-on innovation. Why work with me? I don't just talk about good...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, You're invited! Join Gary Stager for an after-school workshop exploring a constructionist approach to teaching young learners computation, programming, and robotics. There's no set fee for this workshop. We're covering the room, but we'd like to try something different and invite you to pay what you choose for the experience. Clever Computing for ChildrenDecember 4, 20252:30 - 5:30 PM Culver City Julian Dixon Library4975 Overland AveCulver City, CA 90230 We'll explore: Programming...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It's a great joy to introduce educators to their heroes and creating learning adventures they never dreamed were possible. That’s why Gary spent fifteen years cultivating relationships with the wise and profound educators of Reggio Emilia, Italy. That effort culminated in the collaborative offering, The Language of Computation – Constructing Modern Knowledge in Reggio Emilia. Last April’s institute was deemed such an outstanding success that we have been invited back to Reggio to...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader! Discussions about Artificial Intelligence in schools continue to percolate. So, as Gary Stager is on-the-road leading Learning Adventures workshops, we thought you might be interested in some learner-centered views on AI. But first — It’s not too late to register for this week’s Learning Adventures workshops in Pittsburgh (November 6) and Chicago (November 7)! AI, Schools, and the Labubu Problem In this provocative essay, Gary Stager lends a historical perspective to illuminate...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, You’re on our mailing list because you’ve shown an interest in learning through making, tinkering, and invention—and likely understand the power of project-based learning. You probably have an interest in computing and emerging technology too. But not every educator has experienced that “aha!” moment yet. That’s why we’ve created something new: Learning Adventures, a one-day professional development experience inspired by Constructing Modern Knowledge—but designed for any...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Reader, there's something here for you! This newsletter is chock full of Project-Based Learning resources, planning concepts, professional development events, and much much more. We hope you enjoy diving in! The Learning Adventures Workshop Tour Begins November 1st! If PBL is the goal, the question is — How do you get there? How do you sustain student engagement in sophisticated project-based learning? How do you organize curriculum and shape the classroom environment? Dr. Gary Stager has...
4 months ago • 3 min read
Yes, Reader, you're invited — Learn with Us in Reggio Emilia, June 15-19, 2026! Based on the success of last Spring’s institute, The Language of Computation - Constructing Modern Knowledge in Reggio Emilia, we have been invited by Fondazione Reggio Children to host another event next June. The courage, creativity, and wisdom of the educators who took a chance on us and met in Reggio last April has inspired us to offer a bigger and better learning adventure in June. The institute program is...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Jersey City Added to Learning Adventures Workshop Tour Registration is now open for a 5th Learning Adventures workshop, January 9th 2006 in Jersey City, NJ. These workshops, focused on creative curriculum design to support project-based learning across the curriculum, are all open to the public. Space still remains for Boston, Chester County (PA), Pittsburgh, and Chicago in November, but don't wait too long! Learn more and register...
4 months ago • 1 min read