Innehållsförteckning för MARCH/APRIL ISSUE 14 2023 INSPIRE 2023 från Pedagogy+

With the INSPIRE 2023 Conference now complete, we can sit back and marvel at the coming together of 1200 committed early childhood professionals who gathered in Sydney to experience the themes of Fantasy, Reality and Opportunity. It is never a small task to bring together a three-day event, and in doing so, it is critical to thank everyone who played a part in this conference. From our presenters, keynotes, partners and colleagues who worked tirelessly to ensure INSPIRE lived up to its name and to you our delegates. With a moment to breathe, we are now in the throes of dreaming about INSPIRE 2025. As we reflect on the big ideas shared over the three days, we know something for sure, and that is the magic – that occurs when…

There is something about the MCA lecture theatre that enhances the sharing of ideas. The theatre is an intimate space allowing for connectedness, eye contact and a closeness which gathers people together, creating a sense of community. Clare Britt presented her keynote, and from my perspective, this presentation, revealed moments of gift giving, from the speaker to the audience and the audience to the speaker. Clare’s gifts to us, were her insights, research, and her love and understanding of young children engaging with art materials, affirming our own funds of knowledge. Clare shared her observations of very young children mindfully engaged in mark making. The audience leaned in, as Clare shared her ‘noticings’ of young children developing their preferred styles and techniques for using real art materials such as pastels,…

After chatting with so many of you incredible educators at the Inspire Conference, I’m convinced – now more than ever – of how vitally important the first 2000 days of a child’s development are. They play a key role in paving the road to a happy, healthy, and successful life. But what does that look like – and how do we create a classroom climate that nourishes the whole child – supports their immediate developmental needs and gives them essential life-skills that will endure long after these turbulent times? In Australia, these questions have never been more pressing. Today, 1 in 7 children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 are experiencing a mental health disorder. Currently, 50% of these problems continue through childhood and beyond if they go unchecked. As…

1920–1993 OODGEROO (meaning ‘paperbark tree’) of the Noonuccal people of Stradbroke Island was known as Kath Walker until she returned to her language name in 1988. She saw poetry as the most personal form of written expression and as a natural extension of Aboriginal oral traditions of storytelling and song-making. Using this medium to express the voices of her community, Oodergoo is remembered by many as a charismatic, strong leader whose beautiful poetry captured both the strength of Aboriginal culture, while standing strong for her people and aboriginal rights. Oodgeroo Noonuccal is also known as a pioneer in Aboriginal education, having opened her home at Moongalba for educational camps for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students As relevant today as when written, Oodgeroo’s poetry and stories continue to inspire. readingaustralia.com.au/authors/oodgeroo-noonuccal-kath-walker/ MY…

This is no small challenge reducing an extensive and extremely visual presentation into text. Trickey. Collectively, in the workshop, we covered a significant range of issues associated with creating naturalistic and inclusive playspaces for children for the early learning sector. We considered how play now enjoys considerable anecdotal and empirical evidence to support both the value of play and the importance of play outside and in nature. Play affords children many physical, emotional, sensory, cognitive, and social experiences that are critical to their development and well-being. When designing an external playspace the process includes site inspections; existing features survey and services searches; educator, carer, and user consultations; and of course, must consider timing and resources. Fundamental to the success of the space it is imperative to consult with those responsible…

The Northern Nursery School is a dynamic and vibrant learning environment where children, families and teachers work closely together. In our work, we are guided by many educational philosophies, with a focus on creativity, relationships, community, and curiosity. Inspired particularly by the practices and values of Reggio Emilia, we, like Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of the schools and educational approach of Reggio Emilia, understand the importance of viewing children as citizens of their world right from birth. Carla Rinaldi reinforced this concept, stating the child should be seen as ‘the most important citizen because they represent and bring “the possible”… a bearer, here and now, of rights, of values, of culture.’ It was during the 2016 and 2017 international study tours in Italy that this concept was explored in-depth, causing…

Legacy: A story of women was realised through the encounters and conversations had with the many wonderful people we have collaborated with over two decades. The bringing together of this collection has been a joyful experience. We are indebted to all who embraced the venture. Legacy: A story of women is a photographic essay which invites us to take time to reflect on our history and recognise those who have and continue to shape our world. The silken threads that weave this rich tapestry of women together can be best described by the qualities they share – intellect, tenacity, strength, resilience, vision, integrity, courage, vulnerability and humanity… inspiring those who come into contact with them and providing a step into our future. The collection is also a tribute to many…

‘Rain, rain go away, come again another day’, I wonder, have you ever sung this to yourself or aloud as an educator? Or said, ‘We can’t go outside because it’s too cold’. I know I have. When I first started at Flinders University Child Care Centre, a long day care centre in Adelaide, South Australia, this was my thinking. However, at Flinders, we intentionally blur the lines between indoor and outdoor play and give children agency to move freely between the two environments during almost all weather. In this article, I will share images of infants and toddlers learning through outdoor play. I have chosen our youngest citizens as they are often the most voiceless and those least able to freely, of their own agency, pursue outdoor play. They do,…

Working with children’s theories and thinking is one of the most delightful and rewarding aspects of our work as co-learners, co-designers and co-researchers alongside children. Loris Malaguzzi, along with David Hawkins from the USA, were ‘convinced that children take the same attitude to the world as scientists: asking questions, asking questions of themselves, advancing and trying out hypotheses, developing and revisiting theories. Their journeys and languages of research will not tolerate the confines of disciplines, but are constructed through the action and experience of daily life and the participation of others, children and adults.’ I wonder, in reflecting on the words within my title… • Fact & Fantasy• Information & Imagination• Data & Dreams …are these ideas opposites? And in our work alongside children, their theories and their thinking; is…

Once upon a time – on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, in a place we now call Sydney, a big group of people came together. They shared old stories and created new. Songs were sung – by the very gifted, and those with little confidence to sing. Ideas were presented and exchanged. Indigenous knowledge was encountered – laying us flat, then standing us tall. This big group of people – 1200 in all – was taken to the cutting edge of contemporary thinking, and left raw, moved and held. Held by visions for a better world for the young and very young – of course, ultimately, this means for everyone and everything on this beautiful planet we call ‘home’. Over three days we walked and…

What comes to mind when you hear? ◾ Pedagogical Documentation◾ The Early Years Planning Cycle◾ Learning Design, Assessment and Reflective Practice Jumping into these big ideas can be exciting and confusing. However, we may be feeling these ideas are important for children and their families. Arguably even more important for us! As educators, it is important we acknowledge our own uncertainties and hold space for pedagogical growth, a kind of learning that rarely happens in a place of certainty; learning is a place of researching the unknown. Sometimes we may find ourselves living in the rhetoric of these ideas, nodding politely while unconsciously setting conditions for children’s learning that are simply a paradox of ‘same same’. The reality being that it is necessary to accept the complexity of learning so…

‘Snake didn’t know why her new neighbours treated her like this. This was her home. She’d lived here her whole long life. But since people had moved into the neighbourhood, Snake found it hard to find food and a safe place to sleep. Often she felt scared.’Excerpt from ‘The Story of Snake’. How visionary is the Semann & Slattery team? They gave Story the honour of opening Inspire 2023 to the 140 delegates who attended the extra Thursday session at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Sydney. And they closed the whole experience for 1200 people at the International Convention Centre with Song. Story and Song – two of the most powerful tools for bringing people together – and we were lucky enough over the three days to have…

www.pademelonpress.com.au Here, at Pademelon Press, we want you to know how valued you are and how deeply thankful we are for your ongoing support. The Pademelon Press team so enjoyed seeing you at INSPIRE 2023. It was great to catch up and chat about what’s hot and what’s not in the world of learning and books…we look forward to welcoming you online or please join us wherever we are…conferences are back on the calendar! We celebrated the launch of ‘Beyond the Gate’ at INSPIRE 2023. To be eligible to win a copy, compliments of Pademelon Press, you must be a current Pedagogy+ subscriber. BEYOND THE GATE Claire Warden and Doug Fargher Beyond the Gate, a space beyond ingrained and outmoded educational practice. Move both physically and symbolically away from the…

Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning and how to learn.Loris Malaguzzi 1998 Authentic child-led inquiry-based projects play an important role in supporting children’s agency and how they view themselves as capable citizens with research and advocacy skills that bring awareness to their community. We delight in being partners and co-constructors of our children’s learning journey. Our Spectacular Find was more than we ever imagined possible. The Spectacular Find launched an amazing and joyous, child-led inquiry that inspired our community of learners. We danced a joyous dance filled with wonder, opportunity, knowledge-seeking, curiosity, and collaboration. On 10 March 2022 while digging…

A lavish evening of fun and fantasy. Dinner guests arrived in their finery – silks, satins and glitter! Hosted at Doltone House – Jones Bay Wharf, the event opened with cocktails, canapés and the stunning champagne ladies. Inside, candelabras decked with crystal teardrops and florals welcomed guests. Music and the Dutti Dance Studio took to the floor, elegant lines and energy plus…everyone was in party mood, so when Ruby Royale and her glamourous dance partners broke into song the room erupted. OMG what a night. Thank you all for making the INSPIRE Dinner such a wonderful event. There were slides, moves and grooves – twirls, swirls and shimmying – we danced until midnight. The dinner is a much anticipated INSPIRE event, the tickets dance out of the door! HUGE THANK…

Adam Christie Semann & Slattery: INSPIRE 2025 fully funded registration, including airfares and accommodation Maree Conroy Semann & Slattery: On-site team building (full day up to 30 participants), includes facilitator flights and accommodation value $5,000.00 Guy Lance Semann & Slattery: INSPIRE 2025, full registration, including all INSPIRE 2025 events Julie Bowe Helen Bonet Graham Lelliott Semann & Slattery: Educational Leader Conference September 2023 – 6 individual registrations Melisa Seaton Semann & Slattery: Annual hard-copy subscription to Pedagogy+ the art of teaching magazine x 7 Catherine Morgan Semann & Slattery: Professional Learning voucher $1000.00 Kylie Stephens Semann & Slattery: Professional Learning voucher $250.00 Melisa Seaton Semann & Slattery: INSPIRE Story Corner – books and resources value $275.00 EducationAll: Wooden Light Table value $550.00 Donna Sinclair Preschool Equipment: Preschool Equipment Resource voucher…

23-25 MARCH 2023 SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS 2023 INSPIRE SPEAKERS 2023 THANK YOU… Two years in the bringing together and three days in execution – INSPIRE 2023 has exceeded our fantastical expectations. There are many people and organisations that we need to thank… A huge thank you to: Our partners and exhibitors, the wonderful teams at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICCS) and Doltone House, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) and ABC Kids. Our international keynote speakers and our workshop presenters. Monica Barone, CEO, City of Sydney. The incredibly talented Ryan Osbourne for his creativity and film work in the Encounter space. All of our so generous Golden Ticket partners, including Margan Wines and Taking Shape. The amazing Katie Noonan and the Australian Vocal Ensemble, Akala…

THE ARTWORK WHICH BEST ENCAPSULATES MY PERSONALITY…? Secret World of a Starlight Ember by Lindy Lee. This work is a celebration of infinite life, human connection, and our relationship with the cosmos throughout time. This quote from the artist perfectly encapsulates my aspiration to create spaces where we can collectively elevate and learn from each other. MY PERFECT AUTUMN DAY IS… A long rambling picnic on the NSW south coast with my nearest and dearest. Is it just me, or do the rockpools sparkle differently on a crisp and sunny Autumn day? THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE INSPIRE 2023 CONFERENCE WAS… The entire conference was remarkable. Such an honour to meet so many inspirational colleagues. The panel discussion between Katie Noonan in conversation with Dr Karen Martin, Aunty Denise Proud and…

Dr Deborah Harcourt is a longtime investigator of the Reggio Emilia Educational Project. Dr Harcourt works with and alongside educational leaders across Australia and the Asia Pacific region in supporting the translation of the principles of Reggio Emilia into many different early childhood contexts. I was so honoured to receive the gift of being invited to present to a group of participants who were willing to join me in a dialogue about the practical application of listening to and with children, and with colleagues, research, and practice. The platform of this conference offered so many people an opportunity to engage with the thinking and ideas of others – thank you to the entire Semann and Slattery team for this opportunity on behalf of all 1200 participants. Rather than try to…

Ice-cream evokes memories of summer days. We remember the excitement we felt as children knowing we could view a kaleidoscope of flavours in the window and choose the one we wanted. Then came the choices – cone or cup? Dipped or sprinkled? Ice-cream reminds me of leadership… 1. The Fantasy: Leadership is glamorous2. The Reality: Leadership is brutal3. The Opportunity: Leading in times of crisis is the greatest opportunity for personal and professional growth that you will ever have When viewed from a distance, leadership looks glamorous – like a decadent ice cream sundae with the works! I mean, we get to sit at a desk in a nice, warm office. We get to have meetings and drink coffee. Most of us are on a slightly higher salary. But is…

INSPIRE 2023 closed on a high note! What an amazing and inspiring finale. We celebrated with sparkling pink rosé, toasted our Golden Ticket winners, and nibbled on chocolate…and then came Astrid Jorgensen. The images tell the story – Astrid Jorgensen, Pub Choir Founder and musician extraordinaire, conducted a full auditorium in song. With patience and humour, Astrid led us through the song – This Is Me. Whether you considered yourself a singer or not – you sang. We learnt the tune and lyrics – and we sang – with heart in unison…in two-part harmony, in overlapping polyphony. We hit every word, beat and oh-oh-oh-oh. It was playful and euphoric, it was brilliant – a choir of colleagues and friends – we raised the roof. And there it is, as a…