Hello, my lovely listeners!

This week, we’re diving into a topic that I know many of you have questions about—slow pedagogy. What is it really? How do we explain it to families in a way that makes sense? And most importantly, how do we help them see that it’s not about letting children run wild, but about creating intentional, meaningful learning experiences?

If you’ve ever had a parent ask, “But how will my child be ready for school?” or “Why aren’t they bringing home worksheets?”—then this episode is for you!

What I Covered in This Episode:

1. Why Slow Pedagogy is Misunderstood

Many families (and even some educators) hear child-led and assume it means chaotic or unstructured. But slow pedagogy is actually the complete opposite—it’s about creating a thoughtful, deeply engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.

2. Shifting the Language for Parents

Instead of saying “We let children lead their learning,” try:
• “We create an environment where children develop independence, creativity, and confidence by exploring at their own pace.”

Instead of saying “I don’t follow rigid schedules,” try:
• “I have a flexible routine that allows children to engage deeply in learning rather than rushing from one activity to the next.”

The words we use matter, and small shifts like this can help parents better understand and appreciate the value of what we do.

3. Making Learning Visible

Since slow pedagogy doesn’t produce the traditional “proof” of learning (like worksheets or daily craft projects), we need to showcase learning in action:
• Take photos of deep engagement in play
• Share videos of problem-solving moments
• Use storytelling to explain what’s happening behind the scenes

When parents can see the learning happening, they’ll start to value the process over the product.

4. Addressing the Big Question: “Will My Child Be Ready for School?”

Let’s rethink what school readiness actually means. It’s not about rote learning—it’s about children developing the skills they need to thrive. In this episode, I unpack why:
• Being able to communicate their needs is more important than writing their name
• Managing emotions and handling disappointment is key to confidence
• Everyday skills like opening a lunchbox or putting away their belongings are school-readiness essentials

Practical Ideas You Can Use Straight Away:

• Use simple, relatable analogies (cooking, gym training, learning to walk) to explain slow pedagogy
• Help parents observe the learning by giving them a lens: “Today, your child was exploring mathematical concepts through filling and emptying buckets in the sandpit.”
• Host stay-and-play sessions so parents can see the magic happening firsthand
• Use social media and newsletters to regularly communicate the why behind your approach

Why This Matters:

We live in a fast-paced world, and children are constantly being rushed from one thing to the next. Slow pedagogy gives them space to breathe, think, and truly engage. But for it to work, we need parents on board. Having these conversations and educating families is just as important as the work we do with children.

What’s Coming Up:

• Helicopter to Hands-Off – A practical training on stepping back and fostering independence in children. Starts 4th March! - Register Here

Your Challenge This Week:

Next time you’re talking to a parent about their child’s day, reframe your language. Instead of simply saying, “They played in the garden,” explain the deep learning that happened. Let’s start shifting the conversation and helping families see the beauty of slow pedagogy!

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

Have you had pushback from families about play-based learning? How do you explain slow pedagogy in your setting? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message or leave a comment.

Thanks for spending this time with me today. Let’s continue to advocate for slow, intentional, and heart-centred education. 

Speak soon! 💛