What is your top tip about implementing intentional teaching?
To know the meaning behind your practice for its intended outcome. In other words, why you adopt a chosen strategy, technique, design a play space or position materials and equipment in particular ways.
Favourite way to weave play into learning each day?
To seize spontaneous moments that arise through everyday opportunities for playful, joyous, fun and learning.
One way to support children’s emotional wellbeing?
Understanding that all behavior has meaning and that children need calm adults who are present, available and attuned to their needs.
Go-to strategy for making every family feel welcome at a centre?
Through demonstrating genuine interest in their lives, for establishing warm, friendly relationships. In other words, by treasuring people for their individuality.
What’s exciting you about the future of ECE?
That there is finally increased recognition from Government of the importance of the early years, and why it’s essential to support children’s health and well-being – together with investment in quality early years education.
One way reflection changed your practice?
Being open and willing to see things from other’s perspectives that support changes to practice.
About Anne Houghton
Anne Houghton has worked in early childhood education for five decades. Her roles include diverse experiences as a kindergarten teacher, kindergarten cluster management coordinator, consultant, trainer and assessor, professional development presenter and university lecturer for teacher education programs. Anne has had inspiring experiences presenting at conferences in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Japan and Malaysia. She has also worked as a casual research assistant in mentoring projects with the Bastow Institute and the University of Melbourne.
Anne is also a published author of There Stood Our Dog, a children’s story book, illustrated by Craig Smith and co-author with Joanna Cooper of Engaging Families in Your Early Childhood Services, Learning Environments: Inspiring Spaces and Visible Learning in Family Day Care funded through the Community Childcare Association of Victoria. Anne’s recent publications by Essential Resources include Intentional Teaching and Documenting Children’s Learning: Disrupting the Myths, co-authored with Kelly Goodsir.
Anne also shares her expertise through two practical, self-paced online courses designed for early childhood educators: Cultural and Social Inclusion and Building Social and Emotional Skills and Wellbeing.
