What happens when a dedicated, seasoned educator and consultant asks herself a simple but powerful question: "What is possible?"
Jo Haynes has worked across private, public, and non-government sectors in Australia, and her journey through early childhood education is anything but conventional. From kindergarten college to discovering the Reggio Emilia approach, Jo has consistently chosen challenge and change over comfort.
In this conversation, Jo reveals the moment that transformed her entire approach to thinking and consultancy, a single project she witnessed at a conference that made her realise just how capable young children truly are. What she discovered might surprise you.
We explore how Jo innovates with the Australian Curriculum, why she believes mathematical thinking is everywhere (and what "Australia + bees = honey" has to do with it), and her unconventional approach to leadership, which has educators feeling seen, heard, and empowered.
Jo also doesn't shy away from the hard conversations: the pressure of commercial programs, the role of AI in early years education, and why so many experienced educators are feeling fragile right now. But most importantly, she shares what brought her out of retirement and back into schools and preschools.
Guided by a powerful quote from Loris Malaguzzi, Jo's work is about something we desperately need in education right now. What is it? I think you'll have to listen to find out.
This episode will challenge your assumptions about children's capabilities, curriculum constraints, and what is truly possible in early childhood education.
#EarlyChildhood #ReggioEmilia #InquiryBasedLearning #AustralianCurriculum #PedagogicalDocumentation #EducatorWellbeing #MathematicalThinking #ChildrensVoice #PlayBasedLearning #EducationalLeadership
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For more information about Lili-Ann Kriegler, go to:
Kriegler-Education
https://www.kriegler-education.com
+61438489032
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I respect the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land of the Kulin Nation groups, the Boonwurrung and Bunurong people, where I live, learn, and work.
Lili-Ann Kriegler (B. A Hons, H. Dip. Ed, M.Ed.) is an award-winning author and Melbourne-based education consultant. Her books are 'The Power of Play' for educators and 'Roots and Wings' for parents. Lili-Ann’ is a leader in early childhood education (birth to years), leadership and optimising human thinking and cognition. She runs her consultancy, Kriegler-Education. She is passionate about the early childhood sector and believes in the transformational power of education.
Find out more at https://www.kriegler-education.com.
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