Your Hosts
Where & When
Children & Focusing Day
2026 June 1st
Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to an Open-Door Professional Day
Hosted by
Pendula Preschool and Kindergarten
Laura Bavalics
Early Childhood Educator, School Principal, Focusing Coordinator and a member of the Board of Directors of TIFI
"Birds don't walk on stairs"
“The teacher carefully designed his method: a scientific staircase leading children step by step toward knowledge, with well-measured steps, resting places, and railings for support. But the children followed their instincts. Some climbed on all fours, others rushed two steps at a time, some even went backwards. Many ignored the staircase completely running around the house, climbing walls and statues, and reaching the top.
Learning does not happen along a single path. Like birds that do not need stairs to reach the sky, each child finds their own way upward. The task of the teacher is to recognize and support each child’s individual path of development.”
Excerpt from C. Freinet
Children can only learn in a safe and accepting environment. During this professional day, we will explore how to create an atmosphere where children feel seen and heard, and where they are free to express their emotions. Through hands-on experiences, we will examine the many ways educators can support and nurture children’s inner experiences as they unfold.
The Children & Focusing Day is designed for Focusing-oriented professionals working with young children, or adults (parents, teachers, psychologists, caregivers, etc.) around children, and anyone interested in exploring the child within. The participants will have a chance to observe workshops in the classrooms and take part in discussions and presentations afterwards.
Pendula is an inclusive preschool and kindergarten that is run by the Világszép Foundation for Children in State Care. The only school in Hungary that includes Focusing in its state licensed educational program.
You can read more about Pendula Preschool and Kindergarten here:
The Pendula Preschool/Kindergarten Project in Budapest, Hungary – Inclusive Schools Network
About the Foundation here: Világszép Alapítvány
Location:
Pendula Óvoda Budapest 1021 Hűvösvölgyi út 18. Hungary
Budapest is an approximately 2.5 hour train ride away from Vienna. The school is in an easily accessed location, close to the city centre.
If you are coming to the International Focusing Conference you may want to come over to Hungary for a fun day trip and connect with the Children & Focusing community.
Timetable
Please note that the timetable is carefully designed with respect for the children's schedule.
The workshop in the classroom will be only in Hungarian. The discussions and presentations will be in English and Hungarian with consecutive interpreting.
10.00 - 10.30 Arrival, Greeting and Orientation
10.30 - 11.30 Workshop in classroom
- Class Luna - Art from within
- Class Stella - Music in me
- Class Pendula - Storythread - drama in education
11.30 - 12.30 Break and Light lunch
12.30 - 13.30 Everybody's welcome - Our Vision, Community, and Journey
13.30 - 14.30 Time to reflect - Group discussions about the workshops
14.30 - 15.00 Break and Connecting
15.00 - 16.00 Open Doors - Parents' point of view
16.00 - 16.30 Closing Circle
Please note that the event has limited spaces and registration is required.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Contatto
After completing the registration form, we will contact you by email with all the details and information regarding the program.
Registration Information and Price
Registration link: https://forms.gle/L2JQvr8SMnKPPpyd9
The event is free; however, donations are welcomed. If you would like to support the event, please see more details in the registration form or visit the donation site at Világszép Foundation.