In this workshop we examine children’s identity, of belonging to place, enacting citizenship rights and responsibilities. Place-based pedagogy creates opportunities to become deeply immersed in experiencing the world around us. Learning in these moments is both organic and visceral as there is much to learn from the places we inhabit. In ‘place’ we learn about ourselves, our capacities, and responsibilities.

This workshop will explore place-based pedagogy from 3 perspectives:

• The rights of the child to be active citizens in their communities
• The benefits of an inquiry led, place-based pedagogical framework to support children’s emerging identities in context with family, centre, neighbourhoods and community
• The influence of place-based pedagogy on community

This session will explore current research which explores the democratic rights of children as civic participants. It will highlight some worthy examples of place-based pedagogy and shifting community perceptions. We will invite you to examine your own community for opportunities to develop place-based relationships and offer sound advice for establishing these practices in your own centre community.

This event is suitable for all early childhood professionals

Presenter Fran Bastion

Fran’s engagement in the early childhood education sector spans over 30 years. Fran’s work is currently anchored in the exploration of the role of teacher as researcher, inquiry-based teaching and learning, pedagogical documentation, and the language of the learning environment.

Presenter Fiona Harris

Fiona is an experienced early childhood teacher and has taught in several preschool settings over the past 30 years. Her interest is in sustainability and place-based nature pedagogy, helping children connect in the community. She is also interested in children’s art making and literature and views pedagogy as an ethical discipline.