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**NEW** WALKER LEARNING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - 2 DAY INTENSIVE (Preschool-Yr 2)

Early Bird Discount: Use code 2DAYNSW

Are you wanting to implement a play-based learning pedagogy and don’t know where to start? This 2-day intensive kick starts your Walker Learning journey. Complete 10 hours (excluding breaks) of PD to put towards your Walker Learning Accreditation. To complete your Accreditation, all you would need to do is attend a study tour, or to have previously been to a study tour and then contact us to arrange mentoring. We have strictly limited numbers for this event, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Day 1:

Play Matters (NESA Approved): 

In this session will discuss the importance of child-initiated and self-directed play experiences, and how educators can optimise young children’s learning through a play-based pedagogy.

We will:

• Explore the theory of play and why play is fundamental for education in the early primary years
• Discuss the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience and how this impacts our understanding of young children’s development
• Discover innovative ways to add value to the teaching of literacy, numeracy, STEM and life skills
• Provide strategies for children to explore learning through Investigations which link to intentional teaching of all curricular areas

This session also includes a copy of the educator textbook, Play Matters by Kathy Walker.

Walker Learning Overview (Preschool to Year 2)

This session is an introductory presentation for primary teachers and leaders wanting to optimise children’s learning through a play-based pedagogy. It explores key elements of Walker Learning in the early years of school (ages 5 - 8) including:

• The research and philosophy of Walker Learning
• How to set up inspiring learning environments
• The explicit teaching and linking to the framework
• The investigation session
• How to authentically link literacy and numeracy into investigations
• Implementation strategies for teams and schools
• Introduction to Walker Learning documentation which links to the existing curriculum framework

Included is video footage and photos of key elements of the Play-Based Learning pedagogy in K to Year 2, from classrooms across Australia.

Day 2

Creating Engaging & Intentional Learning Environments

How do we create engaging and meaningful environments that promote and sustain children’s learning through play?

This session explores the importance of creating spaces that nurture and inspire whilst facilitating learning.

In this session we will explore:

• The key elements of quality learning environments indoors and outdoors
• Considerations for design, set up, materials and equipment
• The importance of open-ended learning spaces
• Supporting children to resource their own learning
• Planning for ongoing modifications of Intentional teaching.

You will also see examples of how to add and use everyday materials within a realistic budget to assist children in their learning, engagement, and exploration both indoors and outdoors.

This is the session for those educators who want to offer inviting, collaborative and engaging environments as part of Investigations and Walker Learning.

Walker Learning Planning & Documentation (Preschool to Year 2)

An informative PD session for educators who are implementing Walker Learning and want a deeper understanding of Walker Learning documentation to streamline planning. This is the next level for teachers and leaders who have attended a Study Tour or Walker Learning Overview.

In this session, we review Walker Learning documentation that enhances and streamlines planning, observations, assessment, and reporting, including:

• planning templates (statement of intent)
• daily/weekly record sheets
• individual observation records

The session focuses on the variety of ways curriculum areas can be strengthened and deepened during investigations and formal teaching.

This PD session reviews the documentation, planning, and reporting that doesn’t take away your weekend or interrupt your interactions with the class.

This session is suitable for all teachers new to or implementing Walker Learning Play-Based Learning in schools from F to Year 2.

Australian Professional Teaching Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 5.4, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 7.3

Ideally suited for educators who are new to or early in their Walker Learning journey and working with children from 3 to 8 years.

Lunch and Morning Tea provided

Start & Finish times: 9.30 am to 3.30pm

Strictly limited numbers to 25 so please register early.