Asia Pacific Early Childhood Consultants

Come and join me as we discuss the notion of taking the long view in a short term world - something just a little different as I contemplate ideas from outside of early childhood and explore what they might mean for our practice.

Join us for this webinar and check out what more we have on offer
https://www.semannslattery.com/events-calendar?month=6&page=1

A thought provoking lecture from my dear friend and former colleague Professor Luigina Mortari from University of Verona - reminds me of Peter Moss’ work.

🕊️ “Il passato che non può passare”

Lectio della prof.ssa Luigina Mortari al K*M Festival 2024.

Un indicatore del livello di civiltà di una certa comunità è costituito dall’attenzione che questa riserva all’educazione, poiché attraverso le pratiche educative gli adulti favoriscono nei giovani lo sviluppo delle competenze necessarie alla realizzazione del proprio cammino esistenziale.

Il neoliberismo che governa il discorso politico contemporaneo tende a ridurre l’educazione alla trasmissione di strumenti tecnici, utili al mercato del lavoro. Ma educare è, anzitutto, avere cura dell’altro e più precisamente aver cura di quei contesti esperienziali che consentiranno il pieno fiorire della sua umanità.

Proviamo dunque a ritornare alle nostre radici, lontano nel tempo, rovistando in un passato ancora denso di insegnamenti.

«L’amore per la verità ha bisogno di ali, e noi che siamo gli insegnanti dobbiamo aiutare i nostri studenti a mettere le ali.»

🎥 La registrazione dell’intervento è disponibile nel primo commento.

Taking the Long View in a Short-Term World
A 2-Part Webinar Series with Dr Deborah Harcourt

In a sector increasingly driven by urgency, compliance, and immediate outcomes, what happens when we choose to slow down?

Join me for a two-part webinar series exploring the power of long-term thinking in early childhood education. Together we will examine how educators can reclaim time, deepen inquiry, strengthen relationships, and create conditions where children’s learning unfolds with meaning and purpose.

Drawing on contemporary research, the Reggio Emilia Educational Project, and examples from practice, these sessions will challenge the culture of hurry and invite a more thoughtful, future-focused approach to teaching and learning.

✨ Part 1: In Praise of Slow Pedagogy – Not Seeing Time as the Enemy
✨ Part 2: Taking the Long View – Supporting Deep Learning, Continuity and Belonging

Dates: 16 & 30 June 2026
Time: 10:30–11:30am AEST
Online Webinar

I would love you to join me for what promises to be a rich and thought-provoking conversation.

Register via Semann & Slattery:
Semann & Slattery Professional Learning

Listening takes so many forms in our everyday practice.

Such a crucial message - in regard to democracy in education - from Peter Moss speaking in Reggio this week.
(Photo from Reggio Children).

Awesome simple idea providing children with transparency of choice!

Plastic fish bowls for storing loose parts 💡 Source below👇 How do you store loose parts indoors?

I just love this quote. For me it articulates the purpose of small group morning meetings with children to reflect on previous thoughts and ideas - and offers back to children - through the curation of the teaching and learning environment- evidence that you are listening deeply.

I am compiling a comprehensive resource library specifically tailored for students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood and Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) programs, with a primary focus on contemporary practices in early childhood.

Seeking your input - top of my list is ‘Finding our way’ (Anne van Dam and Fiona Zinn’s new book), Carla Rinaldi’s seminal work ‘In dialogue with Reggio Emilia’ and Fleet, Christie and Semann’s ‘Redefining - Planning and Assessment’ … and Alison Clark’s ‘Slow pedagogy and the unhurried child’.

What are your recommendations?