The Picture Book Journey: Weekend Workshops

Over the past two years, the Spore Initiative has collaborated with teachers and schools to promote dialogue on issues such as racism, classism, environmental justice, paternalism, and aesthetics, using picture books from various regions of the world as a starting point for these discussions. The free workshops include professional development sessions for teachers, workshops with primary and secondary schools, and events for the general public. Picture books stimulate conversations and reflections on our views and perspectives as educators. At the Spore Initiative, we aim to build a network of educators that fosters and sustains this dialogue. To this end, we have selected books from different regions of the world for our library and provide a platform for these encounters.

We would therefore like to warmly invite you to take part in one of these meetings on September 11 and 12, 2026.

We have put together a program featuring a wide range of activities, some theoretical and some creative. They all share the same aim: to pave the way for a new network of educators and to promote the use of picture books as a social tool.

Registration is required via the following email address: mariela.n@spore-initiative.org 
 

Program

September 11, 3–5pm
The Buildings We Live In: Picture Books That Connect Nature and Buildings

A workshop for people who work with children, including educators, primary school teachers, and educational multipliers.

We are surrounded by buildings. We live, learn, and sleep in them. But what role do these buildings play in nature and climate change? And what role do they play in children's lives and aspirations?

Together, we will reflect on these complex questions and develop creative ideas and visions. We will discuss picture books, stories, and narratives from the Global South that address the themes of houses, buildings, and architecture.

This training course is organized in collaboration with We-Building e.V.

The seminar will be led by Katharina Maisch and held in German.

 September 11, 5–6pm
Introduction to the Picture Book Journey Project

An introduction to the project by Mariela Nagle from the Spore Initiative team, including a visit to the Spore Library.

 September 12, 11am–2pm
Following in the Footsteps of Resistance Against Racism

How should I talk to students about the connection between anti-Black racism and colonialism? What are specific examples of colonial continuities? What does anti-colonial resistance look like?

In this professional development workshop, we raise awareness of anti-Black racism as a legacy of German colonial history and explore various strategies of anti-colonial resistance. Together, we will develop methods to engage students in conversations about privilege, power dynamics, and democratic participation.

This training session is held in collaboration with INITIATIVE PERSPEKTIVWECHSEL e.V., an association for transcultural encounter and political education.

September 12, 11am–1pm
Creative Writing with Multilingual Picture Books

Using a selection of multilingual picture books, we will explore creative writing methods that encourage children and young people to draw on their linguistic resources to develop their own stories. Together, we will experiment with accessible writing prompts, play with words and images, and explore the use of different languages. We will also reflect on how multilingualism can be harnessed as a strength for creative writing, language development, and participation. Participants will learn practical methods that can be applied flexibly in schools, language support programs, and cultural education initiatives.

This workshop is held in collaboration with Lilipad e.V., a nonprofit organization dedicated to multilingual education for children and young people in Berlin. Lilipad develops and runs library and storytelling spaces in accommodation facilities and other neighborhood settings, creating low-threshold access to literature and cultural education for children and families from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Its programs combine language learning with creative methods such as storytelling, writing, and art. The organization works in a community-based, trauma-sensitive manner and collaborates closely with local partners. Its aim is to make access to education more equitable and to strengthen spaces where children can experience a sense of self-efficacy and belonging.

The session will be led by Katti Jisuk Seo, who has over fifteen years of experience in process facilitation, coaching, writing, mentoring, training, and authorship. With a background in screenwriting, literature, and intersectional diversity work, she develops and leads workshops on creativity, empowerment, anti-racist perspective-building, and discrimination-sensitive communication, including in the cultural, film, and education sectors. She also works as a sensitivity reader, advising creative projects on topics such as racism, power dynamics, diversity, and feminist perspectives.

September 12, 2–4pm
Raum für ästhetische Erfahrungen (Space for Aesthetic Experiences)

A barcamp on art education in primary schools, for people who work with children, including educators, primary school teachers, and educational multipliers.

In a series of small group sessions, participants rethink art education together and share ideas, methods, and materials that support aesthetic experiences in everyday school life. Bring your own questions or examples. This is a collaborative day for primary school educators, open to new impulses, shared reflection, and inspiring connections.

About the project: Raum für ästhetische Erfahrungen (Space for Aesthetic Experiences) is an initiative currently being developed by Roya Bayat. It focuses on designing stimulating learning environments for primary school art lessons and aims to promote collegial exchange, highlight ideas, and create spaces where these ideas can flourish.

September 12, 5–6pm
Wrap-Up and Closing

A joint wrap-up and closing, followed by a get-together.