Goodstart hosts Teaching and Learning for All Children Conference

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Goodstart Early Learning has hosted a conference which was streamed nationally to more than 1600 Goodstart teachers in-centre and at 10 satellite locations.

The Teaching and Learning for All Children Conference explored the concept of playful teaching, with Goodstart’s General Manager of Pedagogy and Practice Sue Robb asking attendees to reflect on their pedagogical practice, asking “Are you a gamester? How playful is your teaching?” 

Teachers, Ms Robb said, need to create more moments for play, and adopt more playful, holistic, and intentional teaching strategies that cater to each child’s developmental needs. 

“The importance of teachable moments cannot be understated, nor the role of play in children’s learning – as one can’t exist without the other,” she said. 

As well as Ms Robb’s presentation, the conference featured respected national and international speakers who shared evidence-based contemporary knowledge and practice including Professor Lennie Barblett AM, Dr Jane Page OAM, and Dr Kate Highfield, who discussed leading evidence-based practices and provided guidance on understanding the key changes in the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 (EYLF.)

“With the pending changes to the EYLF set to take effect in February next year, we’re all about providing all teachers with valuable insights and empowering them to critically reflect and improve practice,” Ms Robb said. 

Professor Barblett AM shed light on the purpose, process, and reasons behind the revisions to the EYLF V2.0, offering teachers a deeper understanding of its significance. 

In her keynote session Dr Page OAM helped teachers simplify assessments for learning and encouraged them to be more present in the moment, exploring the importance of assessment for learning and demonstrated how it enriches the learning experiences of children. 

Dr Highfield asked conference attendees “Should we be partnering with children in digital worlds?” and provided teachers with practical ideas about how to incorporate more digital technology, including the best apps to use in everyday practice. 

Overall the conference enabled Goodstart teachers to access leading evidence-based practices and gain valuable insights from sector experts who were directly involved in the EYLF revision process. 

Following the conclusion of the conference Goodstart’s pedagogy and practice team is organising a national roadshow from July to October which will visit 30 locations including major cities and regional hubs, and aims to connect with Educational Leaders and Centre Directors to support the implementation of the revised EYLF. 

Learn more about Goodstart Early Learning here.