top of page
Did you know..

Over 300 empirical studies from 49 countries around the world, show a positive link between learning through play and children’s holistic skills. [Lego Foundation] 

Play has been in decline since 1955 [Peter Gray]

There is more need for play than ever before, yet it is in rapid decline.

​My Commitment to Change

​

I am committed to supporting students engage in meaningful, joyful and responsive learning experiences, through playful inquiry and investigations.

​

We absolutely CAN 'have it all' in classrooms. There is enough time for whole class instruction and student led inquiry. Enough time for play and creativity to flourish.

 

Children can and do engage in deep learning whilst in a state of play. In fact, in this relaxed state the mind quietens...yet come alive. The adult world calls this a 'flow state'.  

 

The magic comes from learning how to do more with the time you have.

 

As a consultant, teacher and mentor I commit to working in partnership with you and providing a clear plan of action. ​​Connect with me, to support your organisation with evidence based, contemporary, learning experiences both indoors and out.

About Maria

My teaching and leadership journey seems to have led me to exactly where I need to be.

These are just some of the lifelong experiences I have been honoured to call my own.​

​

  • I have a Bachelor of Education (1997) and a Masters in Education (2009).

  • Varied experience leading and working in primary and early learning education.

  • Loved teaching in remote, rural, inner-city and urban environments, both in Australian and International schools.

  • Been privileged to consult for and mentor educational leaders and teams across Independent, Catholic and Government sectors of schooling.

  • Diverse experiences with developing and leading professional learning and educational services in the not-for-profit sector (Nature Play SA.)

  • Honoured to present at international and national conferences

  • Loved creating online learning resources for teaching and learning communities across South Australia

  • Developed resources for South Australian parks and gardens to bring children and nature one step closer. 

​

Presenting

 

I have presented at national and international conferences. These include:​

  • International Outdoor Educators Research Conference (Co presented with Dr Amanda Lloyd, Sunshine Coast,2018)

  • Early Learning STEM Australia Symposium (Canberra, 2018)

  • Educators SA Literacy and Numeracy Forum (Adelaide,2018/19)

  • Early Years STEM conference (Adelaide Hills, 2019) 

  • Curiosity, Creativity and STEM in Early Learning Webinar (2022),

  • Playing with Curriculum (Adelaide, 2022) ,

  • STEM in Nature Based Early Learning Environments [2018-2022],

  • AISSA Educational Leaders STEM conference,

  • Finding the ‘c’ in STEM (Co presented with Jason Tyndall 2021),

  • Young Children are the Architects of the Future Webinar (AISSA) 2019 / 2020,

  • Jeavons Environmental Educational Seminar (Vic, 2018/19),

  • Literacy and Numeracy in the Early Years (2019),

  • Teaching in an outdoor learning environment (2018-2022),

  • Outdoor Learning in the Australian Curriculum,

  • STEM in Nature Based Early Learning Environments,

  • Taking Math's Outside / Taking Literacy Outside Educators SA Forum,

  • ALEA State Conference (organising committee 2008),

  • Establishing Literacy Groups in the Early Years (co presented with Desiree Gilbert 2008),

  • Kath Murdoch (ALEA) Inquiry conference (digital literacies round table facilitator (2007)

bottom of page