Longworth Education: Leading the Future of Primary Education

Thank you for this webinar. I am a head teacher at a Kindergarten transitioning to a new entrant position next term and I was a little apprehensive about how to ‘teach’ an hour of reading writing and maths per day. 

So much of what you have described in the webinar in terms of supporting children’s literacy, in their play is exactly how we respond to our learners in Kindergarten. 

The school hasn’t had an early childhood teacher before, but they are looking for innovative practioner’s so I am excited to be able to go in to my new role and bring with it my 17 years of play based learning experience. 

Again thank you for affirming so much of what I am already teaching. 
Abby Waikato

“I feel less stressed … and know that the children are happy, engaged, creative people who you can see growing and being successful…”
Teacher Manawatū

“The opportunity to observe the children in play is the gold as the teachers can tailor the learning/curriculum through the play and that is satisfying/rewarding.  Teachers feel like they are developing the whole child.”
School Principal Whakatāne

“Play gifts me ākonga who want to be at school … (and) gifts me the time … to teach.” 
Teacher Auckland

“It’s the best, most sensible, challenging (in a good way) approach to teaching I’ve done in my 14 years.” 
Year 5 – 6 Teacher Bay of Plenty

“The feedback I’ve got from the kids and their parents is that they enjoy coming to school more.”
Beginning Teacher Otago

“After more than two years of working with a learning through play approach I have found a new perspective on what teacher enjoyment can look like.”
Year 5 – 6 Teacher Wānaka

“Being a play-based teacher has had a hugely positive impact on my wellbeing”
Year 0 – 2 teacher Southland

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us – we are learning much and I know what we have implemented has had such a positive impact on the learning of our tamariki. This is indeed a wonderful and inspiring journey!
Collaborative teaching team

I wanted to send you a bit of encouragement. Play is still powerful at Apanui school. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have learnt from the best and to have changed my whole teaching philosophy because of Sarah! Look at these happy kids and guess what – they are still doing reading writing and math!!! I hope this brightens your day 
Esther Nielsen, Apanui School, Whakatāne

I love how there is so much learning going on in my classroom now with play. **** is such an inquisitive girl. She was very shy and nervous at the start of the year and cried most days. While she still has anxiety about a lot of things, she has grown so much in confidence now and she thrives on learning about all sorts of things! I feel that learning through play has really helped her.

Jen Roberts, Te Whai Hiringa School, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.