This paper introduces the concept of ‘affirmative iterations’ as an approach that integrates the realms of educational practices and participatory research. Drawing inspiration from action research’s iterative nature, researcher-practitioners engage in a series of cyclical-sequential interventions (Casey & Coghlan, 2021) that are both educational and research-based. Additionally, we draw on affect theory’s affirmative stance in performing critique (Staunes 2016). Each educational iteration (i.e. lesson/workshop/seminar) is critically engaged with in an affirmative way, through acritical and careful sensibility (Gunnarsson 2018; 2022), building on what works andhow the situated practice can be developed (cf. Wessels 2022). In this way, affirmative iterations offer a productive framework for planning and executing educational practices through an organic evolution while simultaneously researching these practices.This paper explores how affirmative iterations can deepen our understanding of the participatory aspects in three distinct educational practices. The first case study delves into the planning and execution of a series of playful art education ‘walk-shops’. In the second case, ‘dendro educational seminars’ are organized, exploring how craft teachers can develop their approach to wood as a material. The third example highlights a collaborative teaching unit in creative dance in physical education teacher education (Engdahl et al. 2022).These examples demonstrate how each workshop, seminar, or lesson in the series naturally evolves from its predecessor. Researcher-educators collaborate closely with participants, fostering a shared sense of agency and collaboration. This approach aligns with the principles of co-creation and participatory research, enabling practitioners to adapt and innovate in response to the specific needs of the community or participants.