We truly welcome your feedback and would love to hear about your thoughts regarding attending one of seminars or our International Play Iceland adventure.

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I highly recommend the Play Iceland conference study trip. It is very well-organized and provides excellent opportunities to observe various inspiring play-based nature-centered schools. I found that the experience has already informed my practice and I have mentioned the Icelandic schools I visited numerous times at my own teacher trainings since returning. The Play Iceland group was a joy to be with as the participants are all passionate about play-based education. There was ample time in the afternoon and evenings for participants to gather and have lively discussions. I felt a great camaraderie within the group and made deep connections during the trip. I am already making plans to return for the 2018 Play Iceland conference and suggest that you sign up too before it sells out!

Erin Kenny
Director
Cedarsong Nature School
Washington state, USA
www.cedarsongnatureschool.org
www.erinkenny.com


Sue

IPI Iceland 2016
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USA

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I’ve always felt deeply connected to nature and have valued simplicity in my early learning environment. I’ve had the opportunity to visit five early years programs in and around Reykjavik and have delighted in the validation of what I believe to be ideal environments and experiences for young children. International Play Iceland has expanded my worldview on multiple levels. Childhood is universal; all children experience joy, freedom, curiosity, and confidence when the adults in their lives model calm and trusting interactions. As a result of my visits, I’ve integrated more use of light and natural materials in my program. We now go on weekly walks to our local forest, which were inspired by the practices of the programs I visited with International Play Iceland. The connections with people have altered my practice and reignited my passion for the field. These include our local Icelandic hosts, Peyton and Tom, and most importantly the other participants from across the globe. I’ve come away with new ideas and a reinvigoration toward my work. I’ve slowed down my practice and make more mindful decisions. In short, International Play Iceland has been transformational on multiple levels.
​- Teresa Ashford 2015 & 2016

Teresa Ashford

IPI Iceland & Seattle 2015/2016
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USA

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I loved getting to visit the nurseries in Iceland, I was able to observe children playing both inside the school buildings and out in nature. The location of the schools, next to open spaces with little development (or in one case, no development!) nearby, meant that the children had plenty of open space to roam, climb, run, jump, and investigate. We followed children as they lead us over fields, through a lava tube, over bridges, and up a mountain. The thing that sticks out the most to me was seeing how much the Icelandic preschools and preschool teachers trust the children. They were permitted to roam and explore, they were allowed to climb trees and cross streams, and to simply wander. The children reminded me that it isn’t necessary to say “be careful!” They will naturally be as careful as they need to be. Their own sense of self-preservation, balanced with their own sense of bravery, allowed them to test themselves, try new things, accomplish, discover, and develop. I also saw a much greater sense of responsibility and ownership in the children than I do back here in the united states. I hope to be able to encourage our children here to learn more about themselves and their own abilities, by giving them the chance to try new things, to be successful, and to learn from their own mistakes.

Susan Necessary

IPI Iceland 2016
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USA

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International Play Iceland was life changing for me and I have already made the deposit for Seattle in October. The flow of the conference is as important as the message. Tom and his team really have perfected the journey.

Chris Porrazzo

IPI Iceland & Seattle 2016
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USA

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This trip has been incredible but not just because of the beautiful sights. I have met an amazing group of professionals from all over the world who are just as passionate about making a difference in children's lives as I am. This includes an early childhood idol of mine Janet Lansbury. She is a RIE EDUCATOR and believes first and foremost infants, toddlers, and children deserve respect. Along with treating them like human beings, it is important to trust and follow your child's lead giving them the freedom to move and develop in their own time.

Heidi Miller

IPI Iceland 2016
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USA

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Upon reflecting on today I think I speak for my group when I say we whole heartidly want to thank everyone involved with Play Iceland for the beyond amazing experiences you have on offer for us. Group H were blown away with the approach of our first setting and the way we were welcomed by both children and staff. So again Thank you for creating this amazing adventure!!!

Kim Bannister

IPI Iceland
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2015

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What I remember most about Krakkakot – Isn’t the waterproof clad phalanx of five year olds tumbling over the rocks, their hi-vis vests clashing with the light grey sky, the glistening brown weed, the wet black shingle and the curdled, splashing waves. It isn’t the shells, the live crab and the big stones we carried and dropped, carried and dropped in our buckets, giggling and singing as we walked hand in hand back inside to the warm school through the cold rain. It isn’t hiding together under the blanket covered table, dancing to Frozen and Lazy Town in Icelandic, smashing dough with our hammers, making caves, spitting steel balls, building walls, hanging bells, blowing out candles, Rosa’s tiny Chinese hand in mine, signing me to come. No, none of these things. It’s simple really, I remember love.

David Wright

IPI Iceland
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2015

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How you use the amazing experience that Play Iceland presents to you, depends upon the opportunities that you choose to both take and present. Play Iceland continued to feed my enthusiasm and drive and the way I work, but it also gave me the inspiration to create links across the world and offer my expertise to other countries. So much so that I am now organising a trip to Iceland for my colleagues and friends in Cornwall.

Martin Besford

IPI Iceland 2015
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UK

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Wow, is the only word I have to say...Wow.

Lorraine Smith

IPI Iceland
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2015

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Really- what this is truly about is changing the world.

Teacher Tom Hobson

IPI Iceland & Seattle
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USA

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