In our first episode of season 8, Lisa interviews Margaret Fagan. Margaret Fagan is a folk musician and former early childhood Montessori music teacher. Margaret and her husband, folk guitarist Bob Fagan, are the founding members of Australia’s pre-eminent folk music family, “The Fagans.” Margaret reflects on her own musical childhood and describes ways children in Australia are included in community musicmaking. Drawing from her experience as an early childhood teacher, music educator and children’s author, Dr. Amanda Niland responds to Margaret’s interview with insight from her long career in early childhood education.  Amanda joined the Early Childhood team at the University of Sydney in 2016 where she currently serves as Senior Lecturer and Program Director of the Master of Teaching Early Childhood.

Episode 52 Shownotes

Margaret & Bob Fagan “Landmarks on the Journey” album

Margaret & Bob Fagan join son James Fagan, host, on “Sheffield Live TGIF” radio show (2024)

Youtube Recording, Margaret & Bob Fagan at 2022 National Folk Festival in Canberra, Australia

Youtube Recording, The Fagans, “The World Turned Upside Down”

Amanda Niland’s research article on children’s literature: “Picture Books, Imagination and Play: Pathways to Positive Reading Identities for Young Children”

Amanda Niland’s research article on children’s musical play: “Singing and playing together: A community music group in an early intervention setting”

Amanda Niland children’s books