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https://www.canva.com/design/DAFrzGiStfo/awVw8gL4Qp1jMfr2tHnm8Q/watch?utm_content=DAFrzGiStfo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink

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Metalude (Accessing the Play Environment): Child encounters the play space filled with various objects. Initial skepticism transforms into curiosity.

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Check out this Graph designed by Lucky Perera.

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My son faced challenges from childcare to grade 1, his distress evident through his tearful protests and withdrawal. Teachers were confused by his behaviour, and this seemed to be a futile struggle.

In grade two, His teacher's (Ball, 2014) positive demonstration by actions spent time understanding my son, learning about his strengths and dealing with his behavioural problems. The voice of kindness made a difference in his learning and behaviour.

The importance of various pedagogical theories is underlined by my life example. Piaget's theory of cognitive development explains that my son's developmental stage has been aligned with the teacher's tailored approach at grade 2, which is contributing to his growth in thinking. The importance of the relationship between a teacher and students to foster meaningful learning experiences is highlighted by Vygotsky's social constructivism.(Greenway, 2023) The ability of a teacher to sympathise, adjust, communicate well and promote openness aligned with these theories as far as this experience can be integrated into broader discussions. These characteristics foster an environment where students actively engage, question, and transform, in line with the ideals of Paulo Freire. (Pedagogy of the Oppressed, n.d) Effective teachers have the power to motivate long learning and dramatic changes in students' attitudes and behavior, just as my son's teacher had inspired a positive change. (“A Teacher Changed My Life”)

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wilson, penny. (2010). the playwork primer. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED511455.pdf

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

Teacher Magazine. (2016). Teaching Methods: Nature Pedagogy with Claire Warden. Soundcloud.com. https://soundcloud.com/teacher-acer/teaching-methods-nature-pedagogy

Meerillinga Young Children's Foundation. (n.d.). eReserve Plus. Vu.ereserve.vu.edu.au. Retrieved August 21, 2023, from https://vu.ereserve.vu.edu.au/app/manage/resources/access?item_id=111165&session_public_key=45fd6c88cc9149ceb74ac0feab86a5fe

“A Teacher Changed My Life.” ClickView, online.clickview.com.au/share?shareCode=5b98676c&a=false. Accessed 21 Aug. 2023.

Ball, Arnetha . “Arnetha Ball: Teachers as Agents of Change.” Www.youtube.com, 2014, youtu.be/sPUxeY8FWqc.

Greenway, Murray. “Library Guides: Early ChildhoodEducation: Learning Theorists.” Libraryguides.vu.edu.au, 13 July 2023, libraryguides.vu.edu.au/c.php?g=426977&p=6845346. Accessed 21 Aug. 2023.

Pedagogy of the Opressed. www.google.com/url?q=vu.ereserve.vu.edu.au/app/manage/resources/access?item_id%3D111153%26session_public_key%3D45fd6c88cc9149ceb74ac0feab86a5fe&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1692599111479536&usg=AOvVaw2rAyREQ2W6KDk4rmB3-qcj.

TEDx Talks. “Becoming a Catalyst for Change: Erin Gruwell at TEDxChapmanU.” YouTube, 13 July 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thd8xw_poNo.

Invictapalestina. “Edward Said - an Introduction to Orientalism.” YouTube, 4 Apr. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aNwMpV6bVs.

Routledge. (2017). Place, matters of concern, and pedagogy: Making impactful connections with our planet. Search.ebscohost.com. https://research.ebsco.com/0012c7c0-a685-40ba-a86f-d28f36cf4562

Playscotland . (n.d.). Loose parts play. Google.com.au. Retrieved August 20, 2023, from https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj2ubHPleqAAxU9l1YBHdFOCccQFnoECCIQAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.playscotland.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F1-Loose-Parts-Play.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0HUIJHz7g-8LKLKkxXbQ5n&opi=89978449
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Inspired by Edward  Said, who explored the impact of cultural biases and stereotypes in shaping perceptions of different societies (TEDx Talks, 2012), I reflect upon my own journey & felt I needed to tell my story.18 years ago, I left Sri Lanka with a heart full of determination (Invictapalestina, 2017). I was a young soul with dreams of becoming a teacher who could make a difference in the lives of students.  I set out on a journey to the Western world, seeking opportunities to learn and grow.

Being a coloured woman from Sri Lanka,  I was deeply afraid of being judged and facing prejudice.It took me a long time to gather the courage to start my education (Invictapalestina, 2017).

These personal experiences made me even more determined to advocate for change in people's perspective of colour and accent . I don't want anyone else to go through what I did to feel that they don't belong, that their voice and dreams don't matter. It's crucial to create an environment where every individual, regardless of their background or ethnicity, feels safe, valued, and empowered to pursue their dreams without fear of judgement.

When I see someone who looks like me, who has walked a similar path, succeed in their dreams,it's incredibly empowering. It shows that it's possible to break through those barriers and make a positive impact. I want to be that representation for others, and I want to work towards creating a world where every individual's story is recognised and celebrated.

Said's call for a more nuanced understanding between cultures. His insights about challenging the status quo resonate deeply with my mission to challenge norms, dismantle prejudicial barriers, and advocate for change (Invictapalestina, 2017). It's not just about me; it's about every student who has ever felt like an outsider, every voice that has been silenced. I'm ready to speak up, to challenge norms, and to work towards a world where education is a universal right, free from judgement and prejudice.

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I encountered some magnificent trees on my walk and their profound presence of these trees triggered a wave of reflection within me. I thought about how indigenous people must have walked and lived in this Bunurong land. On the benched, I gazed at the skyscraping trees, like a witnesses to the lives that once flourished here. I caught sight of birds in flight, an ethereal reminder of the interconnectedness of all life. This experience was a vivid embodiment of the concepts (Routledge, 2017). in 'Place, matters of concern, and pedagogy: making impactful connections with our planet'. The article delved into the profound connections between place, human experience, and education, illuminating how our surroundings can awaken a sense of history and responsibility in us. I can instill a love for the land by incorporating nature based play and inviting a Aboriginal person from the community to work along us to nurturing their curiosity and connection with nature at an early age.

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I drove with a car load of  loose parts (wilson, 2010, p.17) and acknowledgement of the country plaque to begin the pop up playwork space . The place stood out with playful opportunities. Guided by "Playwork Principles"  (Play Wales, 2022), the "Theory of Loose Parts," (Playscotland , 2023, p.5) and it nurtured autonomy and creativity.

Unlike traditional childcare environments, where adult intervention is common, playwork  encouraged children to lead their play. The "Play Cycle" (Wilson, 2010, p.25) theory underpins this approach, allowing children to explore and interact with their surroundings while the adults were facilitators, directors of play.

I learned that calculated risk taking is pivotal in facilitating meaningful play experiences.  such as when we realised that the swing was too close to the trunk, we took an informed decision to bring the swing forward. While helping to fix the swing, I felt how good it would be to read stories under these huge trees. Integrating Indigenous storytelling, traditions, and outdoor play practices not only enhances the richness of play experiences, but also honours diverse cultural perspectives.(Teacher Magazine, 2016)

I observed when a girl was trying to rip the tape off. One of the facilitators placed a pair of scissors and walked away . This approach shows how to be a ninja , while fostering their sense of agency and intervening only when their safety or well being is at stake.

With new insights to playwork , I plan to address this in our staff meeting. Highlighting loose parts , I'll collaborate with our centre manager to introduce them in family grouping, enhancing play for all ages, encouraging diverse styles, and empowering children's ownership.

This experience underscored playwork's commitment to inclusivity. By valuing each child's unique play preferences and abilities, playwork provides an environment where diversity is celebrated. This alignment with inclusivity resonates with article 31  (Meerilinga Young Children's Foundation, n.d.) in providing equitable play opportunities for all children, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.