Sharing knowledge and experience

FACILITATORS:

Prof. Dr hab. Ewa Filipiak – Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Head of the Department of Didactics and Studies on the Culture of Education
Julia Czyż – student at Kazimierz Wielki University

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15–20

DURATION: 3 hours × 7 days (i.e. modules 1–5)

LANGUAGE: English, Polish

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Where and when does democracy begin? In kindergarten? In the first years of school? Or only when people reach the age at which they can vote in elections?

Is there a place within institutional education for democracy as a value – and therefore for participation, justice, equality, shared decision-making, group work, cooperation, distribution of power, strengthening social roles, mutual respect, diversity and difference?

This workshop focuses on recognising the challenges of creating space for developing democratic thinking and citizenship in school, fostering a sense of agency, and reflecting on the need for education for and within democracy from early childhood, as well as on cultural barriers and limitations.

Participants will work with empirical material from participatory research conducted with children attending both traditional and alternative classes. Particular attention will be given to the possibilities of building democratic practices in the Freinet classroom.

We warmly invite participants to engage in discussion and reflection on this topic.

FACILITATORS:

Juan Fernández Platero – member of MCEP (Movimiento Cooperativo de Escuela Popular), the Freinet Movement of Spain. Member of the CA of FIMEM. Experience in psychomotricity in primary school. Studies in pedagogy.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: maximum 30

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: Spanish, French

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Freinet Pedagogy facilitates cooperation through the Natural Method, which is a commitment to the complexity of life. We focus on the body and emotions and on how they foster cooperation. In a practical way, through playing and dancing, we show that the body is a necessary condition for spontaneity and cooperation. Cooperation is the basic tool of emancipation and humanization. Reflection becomes deeper because it is experienced.

METHODOLOGY:

Predominantly practical. We talk after playing, laughing and dancing. We deepen the reflection because we experience it.

FACILITATORS:

Witold Bobrowski – retired teacher of the Kashubian language and advocate for the Kashubian region. Founder of the first school in Głodnica offering education in the Kashubian language and author of numerous publications on Kashubian ethnic education.

Iwo Miśkiewicz – President of the Pomerania Kashubian Students' Club and a student of Philology and Ethnology at the University of Gdańsk.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: up to 15

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: Polish, English

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

After 1989, the educational aspirations of the Kashubians in the field of their own culture, after many years of totalitarian rule, finally found the possibility of being realized. While searching for ways to pass on knowledge to students not only in the field of material culture but also spiritual culture, which includes beliefs, art, morality, laws and customs, we encountered enthusiasts of Célestin Freinet’s pedagogy. At the beginning of the development of Kashubian ethnic education, Freinet played a significant role.

Language, as a medium of communication and mutual exchange of information, is at the same time what shapes the image of the world and its understanding. One could say that the Kashubian language is what creates Kashubia. Hence its role in Kashubian regional education. Thanks to the works of Professor Kazimierz Kossak Główczewski, in which he distinguishes the “regionalization of teaching” of the past period from “regional teaching,” we moved toward teaching for freedom.

The search for a path toward regional teaching has become a “searching experience” both for teachers and for students, the burden of which we carry together in solidarity. Solidarity, as a general principle of mutual support and assistance, which has a long tradition in our society, is the main principle of our activity.

FACILITATORS:

Jose Ramon Torres Baldoví (Retired teacher, member of ICEM, with extensive experience in continuous teacher training, has already conducted various workshops in Nantes, León and Ljungskile)
M. Guadalupe Palau Monteagudo

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 20-25

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: Spanish, French

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Through classroom situations, we reflect on the scope of the tools of education for peace that we use in the classroom and look for ways to enrich them with knowledge of emotional intelligence.

METHODOLOGY:

A methodology of education for peace is proposed, and together we look for ways to complement it through emotional intelligence.

FACILITATORS:

Alicja Bogaczyk – special education pedagogue, psychotherapist in training, Positum MGS trainer
Magdalena Migda – clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, Positum MGS trainer

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: English, Spanish, Polish

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

The world is diverse. We differ in needs, resources, and challenges. Our students may be neurotypical or neuro atypical. Positum MGS psychosocial games support therapists, teachers, and consultants in embracing neurotypical and neuro atypical diversity, creating spaces of freedom and solidarity.

METHODOLOGY:

Positum MGS is a group work method created by Etion Parruca – a trans cultural Positive Psychotherapy psychotherapist. He was inspired by movement games — sports designed to support children living in conflict zones. The core of Positum MGS learning lies in experiencing participation in the game — and creating it. We will move, play, experience emotions, be moved, and reflect.

FACILITATORS:

Michel Mulat – teacher of visual arts history and film/video editing, and trainer

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 5-25

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days (a different basic workshop each day; possibility to stay or to change; open workshops)

LANGUAGE: French

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

The image is becoming increasingly important in our environment, but do we take the time to look at it? Images are constantly subject to manipulation, while they are not or are too little taught. Do we know how to separate their meaning from that of the caption or the commentary that accompanies them? How can we integrate images into our teaching at all levels? This workshop will avoid theoretical discourse in order to focus on practices that we will be able to transfer to our classes.

METHODOLOGY:

Participants will be able to choose from basic workshops based on a large number of images selected and renewed each day: press photos – illustrations from novels or albums – drawings by children or adolescents. What history of visual arts should be taught? What pedagogy of images? Creation of tools for classes at all levels. Open workshops propose reports to be carried out in the immediate environment of RIDEF, advertising, sequences taken from television programs according to participants’ proposals… This long workshop will be extended on the website created for RIDEF. Integration of non-participants for financial reasons is desired via videoconference.

FACILITATORS:

Kinga Wiśniewska, Magdalena Kruszyńska, Agnieszka Jankowiak–Maik, Marzena Kędra

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15-20

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: English, Polish

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION AND METHODOLOGY:

These are workshops for teachers that demonstrate how preschools and schools can become spaces for active engagement and for shaping a conscious, democratic society. Participants will learn methods for involving students in social life, building a culture of cooperation, and developing critical thinking and agency. The workshops combine theory with practice, inspiring educators to create a school that is open to change, grassroots initiatives, and acts of solidarity.

METHODOLOGY:

Participants will be able to choose from basic workshops based on a large number of images selected and renewed each day: press photos – illustrations from novels or albums – drawings by children or adolescents. What history of visual arts should be taught? What pedagogy of images? Creation of tools for classes at all levels. Open workshops propose reports to be carried out in the immediate environment of RIDEF, advertising, sequences taken from television programs according to participants’ proposals… This long workshop will be extended on the website created for RIDEF. Integration of non-participants for financial reasons is desired via videoconference.

FACILITATORS:

Katrien Nijs & Alessandra Bilani
Katrien and Alessandra both teach Dutch to French speaking students in Brussels. (Katrien ages 8 to 12 and Alessandra ages 15 to 18. Both Alessandra and Katrien use Freinet techniques and like to exchange about new ways to learn and to discuss and reflect about the “why” of the “how”. They are active in both Belgian Freinetmovements (Dutch and French speaking).

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: not more than 20 (we think but we can discuss if you want to open for more; adolescents are welcome to participate in our workshop; for them it will be possible to join on specific moments if they want to combine it with other activities)

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: English, French

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

We propose to exchange, reflect and work with colleagues from several countries on the subject of foreign language learning. We will work deeply on Freinet techniques. Inspired by the Freinetpedagogy, we use Freinet techniques with our students; free text, workplan, circle time / what's new, newspaper, journal, radio, blog, movie making, free expression, correspondence, … It is exciting to adapt traditional Freinet techniques to the plurilingual situation; to our time; to our students with their needs, ideas and characteristics, … We want to reflect on what happens when a group of children and / or adults learn a language with Freinet techniques. In our long workshop we will strengthen our understanding of Freinet pedagogy in the field of languages, enriched by the contributions of each participant. It will also be possible to put ourselves in the situation of a language learner.

METHODOLOGY:

In this workshop we want to continue the work that started during the Ridef of 2022 and 2024 and in the online IFLAT meetings (International Freinet LAnguage Teachers). We will use Freinet techniques during the workshop, not only to share and learn each other's interpretation of those techniques in the different context of all the countries participating, but also as a way of organising our work during this workshop. Participants will be invited to contribute in circle time, cooperative planning, individual and group worktime… We create our working atmosphere similar to the work in a freinetclassroom. We will share material and videos from our classrooms and invite participants to bring theirs. You can also come to our workshop with a desire to learn or improve your linguistic competences in English OR French: you will receive help from ‘classmates’ when you write texts or express yourself orally in beginner’s level English or French, …. (When you are in a beginner's level for BOTH of those languages, contact us to see if your participation will be satisfying.) Everything will be translated in English and French. Adolescents are welcome to participate in our workshop (for them it will be possible to join on specific moments if they want to combine it with other activities).

FACILITATORS:

Mariola Jurkiewicz, Joanna Ryduchowska-Wrzałek

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: up to 15 (children are welcome)

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: Polish, English, French

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

• Creating a collective performance based on participants’ personal experiences and the traditions of their countries of origin;
• Promoting tolerance, openness, and understanding;
• Strengthening the sense of community and solidarity within the group;
• Building cultural bridges through theatre.

METHODOLOGY:

• Free theatrical creativity (Freinet techniques);
• Use of theatre as an educational tool (drama);
• Seeking authenticity (Grotowski);
• Interactive social theatre (Forum theatre).

FACILITATORS:

Jakub Piasecki - teacher since 2003 (academic & high school: IT / computer science, robotics, physics, engineering and design thinking). AI specialist, LEGO Education teacher trainer, 'Learning by doing' evangelist, active archer.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 16

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 4 days

LANGUAGE: Polish, English, Spanish

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

In the 1920s, Célestin Freinet brought a printing press into the classroom to give students a voice and a reason to write. Today, Generative AI offers a similar revolution, but only if we steer it toward cooperation rather than consumption. This 12-hour immersive workshop, designed specifically for Freinet educators, explores AI as a tool for tâtonnement expérimental and social expression. We will demystify Large Language Models, moving from "passive users" to "active builders" who understand the ethics and mechanics of the tool. Participants will learn to use AI to augment "Free Texts," create multimodal research projects, and design individualized work plans that respect each child's pace. By the end, we will have co-created a "Digital Cooperative Manifesto" — a living example of how AI can serve a pedagogy of freedom. Our goal isn't just to use new technology, but to ensure that technology serves the child, the group, and the community.

METHODOLOGY:

The workshop will follow Freinet’s Invariants, specifically Invariant 10: "Trial and error is the natural and universal path to learning."

• Learning by Doing: We avoid long lectures. After a 15-minute conceptual "spark," participants immediately jump into "Work Corners" (individual or small group experiments with the AI).
• The Cooperative Assembly: Each session ends with a "Collective Critique" where we share what worked, what the AI "hallucinated," and how we felt about the results.
• Multimodal Expression: We use AI to bridge the gap between "Manual and Intellectual work." AI isn't just for writing; it’s for creating visuals for the class newspaper or music for a student poem.
• The "Work Plan": Participants will have a digital work plan for the 12 hours, allowing them to progress at their own pace through different AI "brevets" (skills certifications).

FACILITATORS:

Irena Warmowska – choreographer of the folklore ensemble “KZPiT Sierakowice”

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 20 (including children)

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 4 days

LANGUAGE: Polish, English, Spanish

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION AND METHODOLOGY:

Introduction to the richness of Kashubian folklore. Learning folk dances and songs from the Kashubian region. Getting to know musical instruments, their history and ways of using them in music. Creating costumes and wreaths inspired by Kashubian folk art, combining traditional patterns with one’s own concept and creativity.

FACILITATORS:

Ewa Grzanka – early childhood education teacher with more than 30 years of experience; Freinet pedagogy facilitator; long-time chair of the Bydgoszcz regional group of the Polish Célestin Freinet Association (PSAPCF); for many years a pedagogical advisor for early childhood education at the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Teacher Education Centre in Bydgoszcz. Participant in two RIDEF meetings (Italy and Sweden).

Izabela Skierska – early childhood education teacher with more than 30 years of experience; Freinet pedagogy facilitator; chair of the Szczecin regional group of the Polish Célestin Freinet Association (PSAPCF); long-time pedagogical advisor for early childhood education.

Grażyna Szczepańczyk - Freinet pedagogy facilitator and early childhood education teacher with several decades of professional experience. Author of more than 40 educational books for children and numerous teaching resources for educators. For many years, she has promoted learning through action, resulting in the development of numerous educational projects, including What Really Counts in Mathematics? She actively promotes the principles of the Bydgoszcz Mathematical Bubble, demonstrating that mathematics can be an adventure, a process of discovery and a source of joy in learning.

She is passionate about designing educational field games, escape rooms and other activities that foster independent thinking, collaboration and creative problem-solving. She believes that mathematics is a space for discovery, cooperation and developing confidence in thinking—for both children and teachers.

She worked for many years as a pedagogical advisor and, for the past fourteen years, has been an educational consultant at the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Teacher Education Centre in Bydgoszcz.

Joanna Romanowska is an early childhood education teacher and, more recently, also a psychologist. Célestin Freinet's pedagogy has accompanied her for many years and continues to shape her educational practice. In her work with children, she values responsibility, cooperation, agency and courage. She strives to create a learning environment in which children independently seek answers to their own fascinating questions while she accompanies them with curiosity and attention.

Freinet pedagogy facilitator and chair of the Bydgoszcz regional group of the Polish Célestin Freinet Association (PSAPCF).

Justyna Prud - Freinet pedagogy facilitator and mathematics teacher who continues to seek new educational approaches despite more than thirty years of teaching experience in various types of schools, including general secondary schools, technical schools, primary schools and vocational schools. She is an experienced examiner for both the Polish eighth-grade mathematics examination and the secondary school leaving examination.

She believes that mathematics is for everyone. She currently works as an educational consultant at the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Teacher Education Centre in Bydgoszcz. She is an enthusiast of methods that develop thinking and actively engage learners, including educational games, hands-on experiments and the Thinking Classroom approach developed by Peter Liljedahl. She also looks forward to learning from you.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 16-20

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: Polish, English

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION AND METHODOLOGY:

“How mathematics multiplies good, divides the joy of learning, and subtracts uncertainty – added values” is a workshop that takes participants on a journey into the magical side of mathematics, where numbers are not only tools for solving equations, but also keys to building a positive learning atmosphere and opening conversations about values. Together with the facilitators – passionate experts in mathematics and practitioners of Freinet pedagogy – we will explore how mathematics can become a bridge connecting students with the joy of discovery, as well as how to change our teaching approach to reduce uncertainty and stress. We will be inspired by creative Freinet techniques that support student agency in problem solving and promote a sense of community in the classroom. Join us to rediscover how mathematics can become a tool not only for learning, but also for shaping positive attitudes in young people!

FACILITATORS:

Weronika Spelbert – kindergarten teacher

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15-20 (children aged 7–12)

DURATION: 2.5 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: Polish, English

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

“The Train of Change” is an artistic and educational workshop inspired by the poem “The Locomotive” by Julian Tuwim and the pedagogy of Célestin Freinet. The project is based on the metaphor of a train as a community in motion – diverse and interdependent. Each day, participants build another element of a symbolic train, experiencing in practice values such as relationships, solidarity, democracy, freedom and responsibility.

METHODOLOGY:

The workshop begins with building tracks as a symbol of relationships and trust. Participants create visual passports and work in intercultural pairs. Democracy is practiced daily through shared decision-making. On the following days, wagons are created using various techniques. The final result is a spatial installation “The Train of Change” – a visual map of values built through action. The project shows that a community is created through relationships, cooperation and creative experience.

FACILITATORS:

Bożena Ruszkiewicz – I worked for more than 40 years with young children in a large public primary school. Throughout almost my entire professional career, I have been connected with the pedagogy of Célestin Freinet. I had the privilege of learning from outstanding mentors: Zosia Napiórkowska, Marysia Kościuszko and Kazia Piwko. As a member of the Polish Association of Célestin Freinet Pedagogy Animators, I experienced the “touch of friendship,” which Célestin Freinet described as the highest form of human relationship.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15-20

DURATION: 2.5 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: Polish, English

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

We will try to look at the concept of Free Text in Célestin Freinet’s educational approach through the lens of my own experience. We will begin by analysing Célestin Freinet’s original writings collected in For a People's School, edited by Aleksander Lewin. We will then reflect on my own experiences as well as those of the participants. I hope that together we will arrive at a contemporary understanding of the ideas contained in these reflections. Those who are not yet familiar with this concept are warmly invited to join this shared journey, guided by the experiences of others.

METHODOLOGY:

Text analysis, mind mapping, presentation, free creative expression, presentation and discussion of the creative process, questions and collaborative search for answers, exchange of experiences, freedom to choose activities

FACILITATORS:

Dörte Rieck – teacher for children with special needs for 30 years, hobby printer for 15 years.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15-20

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: English

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Printing is an artform that can be used to put your impressions and ideas on paper through relatively easy means. In this workshop we want to follow the entire process from beginning to end. Starting with colllecting ideas from the environment in our selfmade journal. Printing with milk cartons will be the main medium in this workshop utilizing a pasta machine. Additionally we can carve letters to include script in images. Ultimately we can aspire to create a collective work like a poster or a small book.

METHODOLOGY:

Using a journal bound by ourselves, we explore our surroundings with paint, paper and play dough looking for motives, patterns and structures. Based on these impressions we recreate our own ideas using printing techniques primarily using milk carton as a medium, using both relief and intaglio techniques. Additionally we can carve letters out of linoleum to use in the artworks. Collaborative art pieces are encouraged. It is appreciated that those, who own their own set of carving tools for linoleum, to bring them.

FACILITATORS:

Tadayoshi Sakai, Sachiko Kawakami, Fumihiko Sakagami, (Shinya Kamitsumagari) – We are elementary school teachers working with children aged 6 to 12. We have studied Freinet pedagogy and put it into practice in our schools.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: The plan is for a maximum of 20 people, but the limit can be increased upon request

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: Japanese (English)

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

In this workshop, we will introduce child-centered practices that we deeply value—an approach that stands in contrast to the increasingly regimented nature of the Japanese education system. This initiative represents both a challenge and an experiment. Participants will have the opportunity to experience elements such as *Eisa* (a traditional Okinawan folk dance), ink painting(*suiboku-ga*), Japanese character (*kanji*) calligraphy, and the tea ceremony(*sa-dou*). We also look forward to seeing the creation of original, imaginative works as participants share their own cultural backgrounds and roots. Additionally, we plan to present video footage illustrating the current state of education in Japan.

METHODOLOGY:

Our workshops are conducted primarily in Japanese, with some English. However, we place great importance on communication that goes beyond words, such as eye contact and body language. People of all ages are welcome to participate—children included, of course.

FACILITATORS:

Heleen van den Broek – Heleen van den Broek is a former primary school teacher, teacher trainer, and art educator. She is the author of *L'École Freinet*, a richly illustrated account of her visit to the school founded by Freinet in Vence, France.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 12

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 7 days

LANGUAGE: English

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

I would like to offer participants the opportunity to express themselves in various languages. We use clay, collage, printmaking, drawing and painting to give shape to our ideas. A combination of these techniques is possible. We are working towards an exhibition during the final days. Every day starts with a short introduction and ends with reflections on our work.

METHODOLOGY:

After a brief warm-up, the session moves on to material exploration and the process of creating a product. There is also time to share experiences while working. I will use my book as a guide. There are seven chapters in the book and every day I will shortly talk about one chapter.

1. The School Newspaper
2. The School Environment
3. Democracy— Citizenship in Practice
4. Free Expression
5. Projects and Research Work
6. Living Language Education
7. Living Mathematics

FACILITATORS:

Jose Tomas Hau Escalante – Primary school teacher and, for 44 years, teacher educator for preschool and primary education. He currently leads workshops and lectures on Freinet philosophy and pedagogy through his proposed learning model, “Observation – Dialogue – Expression.”

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 20-25

DURATION: 3 hours per day for 5 days

LANGUAGE: Spanish

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

An analysis of the current possibilities for applying Freinet techniques to promote meaningful learning in preschool and primary education.

METHODOLOGY:

Presentation of the context, analysis of theoretical references, and practical application of selected techniques in the learning environment.

FACILITATORS:

Professor Patrocinio García Hernández is a Pedagogical Technical Advisor with 42 years of professional experience. He is a workshop facilitator, coordinator of the collective Construyendo La Otra Educación, contributor to several educational journals, reading mediator, and coordinator of the Free Textbook Programme of the New Mexican School.

Aidé Rodríguez Ramírez is the principal of the Tezeltica School, researcher, workshop facilitator and member of the MMEM (Mexican Movement for Modern Education).

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Maximum 20

DURATION: 3 hours × 5 days

LANGUAGE: Spanish

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Participants will explore the different ways in which teachers interpret social reality while also gaining insight into how children read and make sense of what happens in their surroundings, at school and in their classrooms.

This "reading of the world" will be approached from two perspectives: first, by reflecting on the position from which we observe social reality, and second, by considering how reading the world begins even before children learn to read and write.

Our understanding of reality inevitably reflects a political standpoint and should therefore encourage a critical analysis of the status quo.

METHODOLOGY:

The workshop is based on collaborative learning and incorporates several Freinet techniques, including the class walk, free text, and the printing press to produce prints symbolizing our reading of the world.

Participants will also take individual photographs using their mobile phones as a starting point for interpretation. Selected readings will be analysed, and each participant will create a symbolic representation of their own reading of reality.

As a final reflection and evaluation, participants will exhibit their prints and present a one-page free text explaining the symbolism of their work.

FACILITATORS:

Małgorzata Kuksinowicz

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 10

DURATION: 3 hours × 5 days

LANGUAGE: English, German, Polish

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

During this workshop, we will create a dynamic website that will be updated daily with announcements, reports, comments, short videos, posts, and an online newspaper full of interesting stories and highlights. We will also encourage the creative participation of the youngest attendees through activities such as "RIDEF Through Children's Eyes" and other forms of free expression, including short notes, drawings, mini-reports, and audio recordings.

Children will share their own perspectives on the events, making the website a space where diverse voices, viewpoints, and creative ideas come together. The result will be a collaborative and constantly evolving chronicle of RIDEF, created in real time by its participants.