The Big Hearted Podcast

The Practicalities of Slow Pedagogy

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Hello, my lovely listeners!

This week, we’re getting practical with slow pedagogy—what it actually looks like in your family day care and how to bring it to life without feeling overwhelmed. Slow pedagogy isn’t just about moving at a slower pace; it’s about being intentional, creating space for deep play, and letting go of the pressure to always be “doing.”

If you’ve ever felt like your days are too rushed, cluttered, or full of interruptions, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about how to create a calm, thoughtful, and truly engaging learning environment—for both the children and yourself.

 
What I Covered in This Episode:
  1. Decluttering Your Space and Mind - I used to think that having a lot of resources meant I was offering a rich environment. But over time, I realised that too much stuff actually does the opposite—it overwhelms children and leads to surface-level play. I share why less is more and how decluttering can actually help children engage more deeply.
  2. Why Play Needs Time - "It takes about 45 minutes for children to drop into true creative play. So if you only give them half an hour because you've got to do this and you've got to do that, you're not allowing them to ever truly drop into their creative play."  If we’re constantly interrupting play, children never get to that deep level of engagement where real learning happens. In this episode, I talk about why long, uninterrupted play periods are essential and how you can structure your day to protect those blocks of time.
  3. Doing Less So Children Gain More - Slow pedagogy isn’t about stripping everything away—it’s about curating what’s truly valuable. Some of the key shifts I talk about in this episode include:
    • Swapping out closed-ended toys for open-ended materials (so children can use them in multiple ways)
    • Allowing long stretches of play instead of constantly moving children from one thing to the next
    • Encouraging independence—letting children do things for themselves rather than rushing in to help
    • Simplifying your programming so you work smarter, not harder
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      Practical Ideas You Can Use Straight Away

      • Declutter your space. Take a look at your shelves—what isn’t being used? What’s just adding noise?
      • Use more open-ended materials. Curtain rings, wooden spoons, and baskets of natural materials offer more possibilities than a plastic toy with one function.
      • Observe before you intervene. Instead of jumping in, watch how children interact with materials—let them lead their own learning.
      • Prioritise fewer transitions. If your schedule feels packed, ask yourself: what can I let go of?
      • Create a rest moment for yourself. Whether it’s during nap time or a quiet play session, take 10 minutes to breathe and reset.
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        Why This Matters:

        When we slow down, we create a learning environment where children feel safe, connected, and free to explore. And here’s the best part—it benefits us too. By letting go of the rush, we give ourselves permission to be present, to notice the little moments, and to truly enjoy our work.

         
        What’s Coming Up:
        • Seasonal Planning Workshop – Plan your next 12 weeks in just three hours! No more scrambling for ideas—you’ll walk away with a complete, intentional plan.
          - 15th February | $39 | Register Here!
        • The Essential Elements Course – Learn how to create a calm, purposeful day care with a rhythm that truly works for you and the children.
          Join the Waitlist!
        • Gold Coast (DREAM LEAD PLAY) Conference – A weekend of inspiration, connection, and practical strategies with incredible speakers like Kirstie Day and Katrina Ashmore.
          Book Your Tickets Here!
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          Your Challenge This Week:

          Take one area in your space—whether it’s a toy shelf, an art supply cupboard, or even your planner—and declutter it. Remove anything that isn’t serving you or the children. See how it feels to have a bit more breathing room.

           
          Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

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

          Thanks for being here, lovely educators. Slow down, breathe, and trust the process. You’re doing incredible work. 

          Speak soon! 💛

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          The Big Hearted PodcastBy Victoria Edmond