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redefining teacher-child relationship and challenges the traditional teacher-centric model and steers me toward adopting the role of  co-learner and facilitator

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allowing to take charge of their own choices and promote independence, creativity and problem solving skills.

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environment where play takes centre role as the primary mode of learning, 

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Being Ninja’s ensuring that children's rights to play are respected (Meerilinga young children’s foundation, n.d.).

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recognising children as inherently competent and capable (playwales chwarae cymru, 2023).

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understand and support children's learning journey is also underscored by Carla Rinaldi's (thinkersinresidence, 2

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environment becomes a canvas for active exploration and knowledge creation.(Nolan, 2015, p.18)

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“Facilitator” reflects on the playwork session

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Today I'm going to look at the central role of pedagogical narration in Playwork , a journey which has changed my perspective deeply. Pedagogical narration isn't just documentation; it's a multifaceted tool for reflection, learning, and advocacy (Pacini-Ketchabaw, 2014).

The pedagogical narration unveils the complexity of children's learning and play, allowing for their thoughts, emotions or interactions to be revealed. It'll give you an insight into the children's world, finding out their interests, strengths, challenges and milestones in development.

From a Playwork point of view, pedagogical narrations allow to highlight the essence of play and encourage children's independetnese, creativity or agency. It disrupts established narratives that favour structured, adult-driven activities over the inherent value of play and exploration ((Hillevi Lenz-Taguchi, 2010).

The importance of pedagogical documentation to understand and support children's learning journey is also underscored by Carla Rinaldi's (thinkersinresidence, 2012) . I'm shifting my attention from an adult focus to a child centred one for the purpose of using Playwork as a documentation tool . I meticulously record observations, capture photographs, and weave narratives from the children themselves, prioritising their voice, choices, and emotions.

Pedagogical narration disrupts established narratives that favour structured, adult-driven activities over the inherent value of play and exploration ((Hillevi Lenz-Taguchi, 2010). It challenges the notion that traditional academics reign supreme as the sole valid form of learning, showcasing the rich tapestry of learning experiences woven within play.

With regard to the developmental perspective, I appreciate that each child has a unique developmental path. There are factors such as culture, the environment and personal experience that shape this dynamic journeyQuin, 2017). Pedagogical narration reminds me of this individuality, urging me to embrace the complexity of every child's development.

Through the Playwork lens, I disrupt conventional wisdom regarding children's capabilities and the significance of play, urging trust in the child's innate drive to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world through play.

The pedagogical narration is an important tool to support children's play and learning. It aligns with the Playwork ethos, amplifying the significance of play while questioning established norms (Pacini-Ketchabaw, 2014;(Hillevi Lenz-Taguchi, 2010); (thinkersinresidence, 2012)!. I believe there will be endless possibilities for me to nurture the wellbeing and development of all children as I continue to explore this aspect of early childhood education.

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1. Pacini-Ketchabaw, V. (2014). Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Practices Through Pedagogical Narration. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 15(1), 14-26.

2. Piaget, J. (1950). The Psychology of Intelligence. Routledge & Kegan Paul.

3. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.

4. Meerilinga young children’s foundation. (n.d.). UN convention of the rights of the child. https://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/media/1216/poster-united-nations-january-2008.pdf

5. ‌thinkersinresidence. (2012). Teaching and learning. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhleI3vCQWU

6. ‌Nolan, A. (2015a). ProQuest Ebook Central. Proquest.com. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/vu/reader.action?docID=6686419&ppg=18

7. ‌Nolan, A. (2015b). https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/vu/reader.action?docID=6686419&ppg=32

8. ‌Walsh , J. (2023). Playwork training.

9. Play Wales. (2022). The Playwork Principles. Play Wales. https://play.wales/playwork/the-playwork-principles/

10. Quin, S. (2017). Teaching and Learning through Pedagogic Documentation. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 25(6), 923-937. DOI: 10.1080/1350293X.2017.1404139.

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The last two months immersed in Playwork, both theoretically and practically, have been incredibly enlightening (Pacini-Ketchabaw, 2014). It's a journey that's filled my mind with insights and my heart with inspiration.

Playwork has fundamentally shifted how I perceive education. It highlights that play is not merely an activity but a fundamental right for every child (Playwales chwarae cymru, 2023). This perspective, rooted in recognizing children as inherently competent and capable, has become the cornerstone of my emerging educational philosophy.

I have a clear view for the implementation of these transformative ideas. I aim to create an environment where play takes centre role as the primary mode of learning, following the principles of Playwork (Playwales chwarae cymru, 2023) and guidance from Play Wales. Exploration and creativity will be encouraged by the flexibility of space and loose parts materials.

I'll be an active Ninja , ensuring that children's rights to play are respected (Meerilinga young children’s foundation, n.d.). Their agency and autonomy will be paramount , aligning perfectly with Playwork principles. Children's active  participation in decision-making within the classroom will empower them in their educational journey.

Playwork has the potential to disrupt the conventional discourse in early childhood education, which often prioritises structured learning over play. It emphasises the intrinsic value of play and complements children's rights in a seamless way. I'm excited to contribute to this disruption through dialogue with fellow educators, parents, and policymakers.

Playwork has not only expanded my understanding but also ignited a passion within me. In This new journey of mine I committed to create a nurturing environment where play reigns supreme, child agency is fostered, and the dominant discourse in early childhood education is challenged. As I move on this transforming path, this journal reflects my evolution of ideas and ambitions.

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Playwork has deeply influenced my perspective, particularly in redefining the teacher-child relationship and the importance of self-directed play in education. This change has a significant impact on my approach to teaching, as I have begun to develop perceptions of both teacher and child.

One pivotal shift is recognizing children as inherently competent and capable individuals. This challenges the traditional teacher-centric model and steers me toward adopting the role of a co-learner and facilitator, aligning with Pacini-Ketchabaw's call for a more equitable teacher-child dynamic((Pacini-Ketchabaw, 2015, p.65)

I'm excited about integrating Playwork because it provides opportunities for independent play. This resonates with my belief that children learn best when they have agency and allowed to take charge of their own choices and promote independence, creativity and problem solving skills. It's in line with the constructivist theory of Piaget, 1950, where the environment becomes a canvas for active exploration and knowledge creation.(Nolan, 2015, p.18)

In addition, as the self directed play  encourages social interaction, cooperation and shared problem solving, it conforms with Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of 1978. (Nolan, 2015b, p.32)

I will continue to learn the “principles of Playwork”(Play wales, 2022) through participating Playwork sessions  and guidance from experienced facilitators , in order to integrate them into my practice. Regular self-reflection on my teacher-child perceptions is vital (Pacini-Ketchabaw, 2014). I'll create an environment that supports play, offering open-ended materials and flexible spaces. My approach will be actively being a Ninja (Walsh , 2023) and providing consultation with children's needs.

Playwork has revolutionised my early childhood education approach, emphasising trust, respect, and the role of the environment (Wilson, 2010, p.17). I'm excited to cultivate spaces where play thrives and children shape their learning experiences as I embrace the principles of Playwork.