OUR MISSION IS TO 'LIFT THE LEARNING' FOR ALL
CHILDREN,THROUGH PLAYFUL,CREATIVE,
CHILD-CENTERED PEDAGOGIES

We do this by offering a suite of services to connect children and learning through purposeful play.

Connected to curriculum and grounded in evidence-based, globally recognised research.

Supporting pedagogy and practice in diverse contexts, with aspirational outcomes for all.

Hi I'm Maria Taylor!

I am an education consultant and founder of Outside the Box Learning.

I've been a teacher and leader of early years education for more than 25 years, in Australia and the United Kingdom. I have travelled the world to learn about play in diverse settings and delivered programs and training locally and internationally.

I work in and with schools, Early Childhood Education and Care services, local government, corporate and community organisations.

I am passionate about supporting and inspiring leaders and educators to 'lift the learning', for all children with a focus on holistic development. My approach also takes a holistic and experiential approach with a focus on learning environments, pedagogy and practice. We use data (AEDC and more), audits and coaching conversations to find 'a next step'.

I partner with groups of all sizes to use what we have and reflect upon what we know, to achieve aspirational outcomes for all children.

How we help...

practical SUPPORT creative SOLUTIONS lasting TRANSFORMATION

Workshop Facilitation: Solve a problem or learn more about a concept through a creative workshop experience.

Consulting Projects: A mixture of coaching, mentoring, dynamic audits (learning environments), and curriculum advisory services deliver transformation on an organisational level.

Keynote presentations: A playful approach ensures all team members leave with deeper connections, energy and a clearer understanding of the key themes.

Training: A playful approach ensures all team members leave with deeper connections, energy and a clearer understanding of the key themes.

Play time for adults: Harness PLAYFUL thinking to develop new insights and realise your 'aha' moment - or celebrate and connect with colleagues through a facilitated LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® session.

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT OTHERS HAVE BEEN SAYING..

This project had the right balance between theory and practice, ideas and reflections. The take home resources will help me stay on track and 'keep me honest.' I have a big list of next steps and references to do further research. Beautiful inspirations and ideas.

Thank you Maria!

Early Years Leader of Learning

Our sessions with you have been fabulous. It is so good to see the renewed energy in both experienced and newer members of the team.

Director, ELC

Thank you Maria. You've been wonderful, friendly, approachable and engaging. Thank you for sharing your ideas! I'm excited to take this on board. I do have a better understanding of the AEDC data collection and a clear vision of planning my curriculum in line with the domains.

Teacher, Catholic Education SA

I feel energised to keep making changes in this space and to continue to enrich student learning through play. Loved the specific examples of HOW other teacher embed play into their schools.

Year 2 teacher, Independent School SA

I am super excited about this new structure for our (learning through) play time. I love the 'lift the learning' and the open ended nature of experiences for children. Thank you for opening my eyes . I am inspired.

JP Teacher, Catholic School SA

Facilitation was fabulous. Lots of connections to other current research and resources. This was an important reminder of the domains and reflecting upon the data to inform our planning.

Teacher, Independent School SA

Today has been fantastic. I feel very relaxed and grounded. It's exactly what was needed in a busy week of OSHC.

Director, OSHC

Maria’s visit to our site was a wonderful learning experience for both staff and students. Maria left the staff with a number of ongoing ideas for learning projects, and her highly engaging session sparked creativity and enthusiasm amongst our teaching team.

Junior Primary Leader

Your facilitation was excellent. Great pace, wealth of hands on experience, relevant and stimulating.

Preschool Teacher (Catholic Education SA)

As a teacher, I have been amazed at how your minds works and sees the world. It has been very encouraging and inspirational. I love how practical minded you are. So much of what you have presented is easily actionable, inexpensive and has really informed my practice.