Hello, my lovely listeners!

This week, I’m talking all about slow pedagogy—a mindful, intentional approach to early childhood education. It’s about clearing out the clutter, creating calm spaces, and giving both children and ourselves the time and freedom to truly thrive. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the “stuff” in your life—both physical and mental—this episode is for you.

Decluttering Your Space and Mind
I recently tackled a big decluttering project, starting with my office and then moving on to my linen cupboard. Let me tell you, clearing out that chaos has completely changed how I feel and work. The clarity I’ve gained has inspired me to think about how this idea applies to our family day care environments. Less clutter means more focus—for us and for the children.

What Slow Pedagogy Really Means
Slow pedagogy isn’t about doing things at a snail’s pace or cutting back—it’s about being mindful and truly present. It’s about seeing the whole child: their emotions, their spirit, their physical needs, and their thoughts. These little people aren’t just here to tick boxes or get “school ready”—they’re complex, wonderful beings, and we have the privilege of supporting them during this formative time.

Why Less is More
Having too many choices can overwhelm children (and let’s be honest, adults too). I’ve found that reducing the number of resources on display can encourage deeper, more imaginative play. Plus, it makes tidying up a lot easier! Let’s stop overstimulating children with cluttered environments and instead focus on curating fewer, more purposeful materials.

Mindful Preparation is the Key to Presence
The magic of slow pedagogy starts long before the children arrive. It’s all about preparation. When we take the time to organise ourselves—whether that’s planning meals, sorting resources, or creating a calm headspace—we are set for being fully present with the children. This isn’t just about running a smooth business; it’s about showing up with a clear mind and an open heart.

Let’s Rethink “School Readiness”
I’ve got strong feelings about the concept of school readiness, and in this episode, I share why I think it’s time we ditch it. Instead of rushing to meet some arbitrary standard, let’s focus on what really matters: nurturing relationships, fostering independence, and supporting children’s emotional and social development.

Practical Ideas You Can Use Straight Away

When we slow down and focus on what really counts, we create an environment where children feel safe, connected, and free to explore. But here’s the thing—it benefits us too. By letting go of the pressure to “do it all,” we can rediscover the joy in what we do.

Seasonal Planning Workshop

The Summit

The Essential Elements Course

Gold Coast Conference

Slow pedagogy is more than just a trend—it’s a way of being. Whether you’re decluttering your home, simplifying your learning environment, or pausing to truly connect with a child, small shifts can make a big difference.

Your Challenge This Week:
Have a look around your space. What can you let go of? What isn’t serving you or the children in your care? Declutter one area and see how it feels to have a bit more breathing room.

Did this episode resonate with you? What’s one thing you’re going to try in your family day care setting? Send me a message or leave a comment—I’d love to hear from you!

Speak soon! 💛