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2026 Preconference; Creating from the Inside Out:
Mindfulness, Curiosity, Creativity, and Human-Centered Learning
presented by New York Times best-selling author Susan Verde
and Create Curiously founder Allie-Alejandra Joyner.
Thursday, November 21, 2026 10 AM-4 PM, at Albany Crowne Plaza (Desmond) Hotel, Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY
Creating from the Inside Out is an interactive professional learning experience connecting storytelling, literacy, art, mindfulness, movement, curiosity, and creativity. Aligned with the NYSATA 2026 theme of Mind, Body, Spirit, the session explores how stories and art can help students notice, question, express themselves, and connect more deeply with others. Susan Verde brings the author’s lens of storytelling, mindfulness, yoga, body awareness, and emotional presence. Allie-Alejandra Joyner brings the educator’s lens of literacy, the science of curiosity and creativity, and evidence-aligned classroom practice.
Together, they will model a practical book-to-art learning framework that connects read-alouds, movement, visual art, writing, reflection, and student voice. At its center is a simple belief: art and literacy are deeply connected. Through words, images, movement, symbols, questions, and stories, students make meaning, communicate ideas, and better understand themselves and the world.
Participants will
Understand how storytelling, mindfulness, curiosity, and creativity can support meaningful learning
Explore how movement, music, breath, and body awareness can strengthen attention, connection, and readiness to learn
Examine how evidence-aligned practices can guide instruction while preserving student choice, original thinking, and authentic expression
Experience practical ways to connect picture books, visual art, oral language, writing, movement, and reflection
Develop adaptable strategies that support student voice, creative confidence, self-discovery, and belonging.
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