Event Description
Having Meaningful Conversations with Children—10 tips
Presented by
Philip Butler
As a teacher, I understand the value of listening to the children and basing our opportunities on their interests—but aren't children kind of 'interested' in everything at one point or another?
Their interest today may not be their interest tomorrow, which can make planning challenging. So, instead of 'interest' as our focal point, what if we start to focus on their ideas, thoughts, and questions? Genuine engagement takes time, skills, and intentionality.
During this webinar, we will explore ten practical reflective points and suggestions to enhance the quality of your engagement with children and improve your planning for children's learning. You will leave feeling equipped and prepared to implement these strategies in your daily teaching.
Learning goals:
- reflect upon and discuss a range of communication strategies that will support teacher-child relationships and communication
- build confidence in communicating with children, colleagues and families
- a deeper awareness of the role of children’s agency in their learning and planning and how to use it to achieve individual and group goals
Completing Having Meaningful Conversations with Children—10 tips may contribute one hour of PD that aligns with the NESA (NSW) approved criteria and addresses:
The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers: APTS 1: Know children and how they learn
Early Years Learning Framework Learning Outcomes: Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
The National Quality Standard: QA 5: Relationships with children
- When
Aug 20, 2025 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Sydney Time - Where
Online - Cost
$64.50
FAQs
The S&S DNA and difference
At Semann & Slattery, we see the whole person, their community, and their experiences.
We never stop learning and we tackle tough conversations head-on. We go beyond expectations to deliver thoughtful and transformative support.
Most of all, we care deeply, genuinely, and always.
Inspiring Teams: Connecting Educators for Growth and Excellence
Philip Butler Jul 7, 2025, 10:30 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Learn key strategies to engage teams by fostering ownership and connection to personal and professional growth APST 7: Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community Presented by Philip ButlerLeadershipQuality ImprovementRelationshipsTeams and TeamworkUsing the Exceeding Themes to improve what we do
Philip Butler Jul 14, 2025, 1:00 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
The NQS exceeding themes can help us prioritise what we need to do to improve our practices and provide better education and care to children APST 7: Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community Presented by Philip ButlerQuality ImprovementLeadershipWhat am I meant to be reflecting on, and when am I meant to do it?
Philip Butler Jul 15, 2025, 10:00 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Everything there is to know about reflection—learn about reflective practices, reflection and critical reflection APST 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning Presented by Philip ButlerDocumentationProgramming and PlanningEducational LeadershipTeaching pro-social skills
Philip Butler Jul 15, 2025, 3:00 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Preventing rather than reacting to behaviours that challenge us— create peaceful and engaged learning environments APTS 4: Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments Presented by Philip ButlerGuiding BehaviourUnleash the power of group time and shared thinking with young children
Philip Butler Jul 22, 2025, 2:00 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Better understand the pedagogy of group time, re-imagine your group experiences with children APTS 1: Know children and how they learn Presented by Philip ButlerProgramming and PlanningPlanning outside the boxes - what does this look like?
Philip Butler Jul 22, 2025, 3:30 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Unpacking 'the golden rule' when planning for children’s learning— ‘follow up the thinking, not the activities…’ APST 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning Presented by Philip ButlerDocumentationProgramming and PlanningLearning environmentsThe Power of What If - Nurturing children's autonomy to be thoughtful risk assessors
Catherine Lee Jul 24, 2025, 11:30 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
In this practical and thought-provoking webinar, Catherine will guide you through the foundations of risk assessment for children under 5. Shift from caution to empowering critical thinking. Learn strategies, explore real-life examples, and discover how everyday language can help children assess — not avoid — risk. Presented by Catherine LeeLearning environmentsStarting relationships on the right foot...
Philip Butler Jul 28, 2025, 10:30 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
How to cultivate, develop and maintain meaningful reciprocal relationships with children APST 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning Presented by Philip ButlerRelationshipsTeams and TeamworkLeading through a culture of collaboration
Philip Butler Jul 28, 2025, 1:00 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Discover what Version 2 of the Early Years Learning Framework reveals about this leadership concept as it applies to early childhood APST 7: Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community Presented by Philip ButlerLeadershipRelationshipsTeams and TeamworkEducational LeadershipHow to create invitations to play with experiences and spaces
Philip Butler Jul 31, 2025, 10:00 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
How provocations and invitations promote children's learning—how the environment can foster and support children’s developing agency and independence APST 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning Presented by Philip ButlerProgramming and PlanningRelationshipsLearning environmentsEducational LeadershipCan I give you a little feedback? Giving and receiving feedback that builds us up
Philip Butler Aug 6, 2025, 10:00 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
We will look at key principles, including different types of feedback, best practices for delivering constructive input, and building teams techniques for receiving feedback with an open mind APTS 7: Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community Presented by Philip ButlerRelationshipsTeams and TeamworkI am new to...observing children’s learning
Philip Butler Aug 6, 2025, 3:00 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
This practical webinar will help guide you through a variety of processes to aid in the process of observing, as well as the various ways that conducting observations can be more useful and impactful APST 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning Presented by Philip ButlerDocumentationProgramming and PlanningPeople, Pedagogy and Purpose
Philip Butler Aug 7, 2025, 10:30 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
The Educational Leader guide to planning - how to connect your team to quality practices and continuous improvement APST 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning Presented by Philip ButlerEducational LeadershipTeaching with Questions
Philip Butler Aug 7, 2025, 1:00 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Explore how we can promote meaningful and engaging curriculum and planning to emerge through everyday interactions APST 1: Know children and how they learn Presented by Philip ButlerDocumentationProgramming and PlanningRelationshipsThe Philosophy Check-up
Philip Butler Aug 11, 2025, 10:30 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
How to review and update your philosophy - getting everyone involved in the process APST 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning Presented by Philip ButlerQuality ImprovementLeadershipGiving families and communities a voice
Philip Butler Aug 11, 2025, 3:00 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Learn to build meaningful partnerships with families and communities through two-way communication and shared decision-making APTS 7: Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community Presented by Philip ButlerQuality ImprovementRelationshipsI don’t know what to say to parents
Philip Butler Aug 12, 2025, 10:00 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Learn practical, everyday strategies to connect and communicate with families effectively APST 7: Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community Presented by Philip ButlerRelationshipsLeadershipThink environment—think third teacher
Philip Butler Aug 12, 2025, 1:00 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
How to use the environment to support play-based learning, pedagogical practice and the co-construction of children’s knowledge and learning APST 4: Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments Presented by Philip ButlerLearning environmentsBeginners Guide for New Directors and Managers
Philip Butler Aug 20, 2025, 10:00 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
An excellent resource for new and aspiring directors, offering an overview of the key attributes and attitudes required to be an effective, transformative and focused leader APTS 4: Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments Presented by Philip ButlerTeams and TeamworkLeadershipHaving Meaningful Conversations with Children—10 tips
Philip Butler Aug 20, 2025, 12:30 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Build your communication skills—increase the quality of your engagement with children and enhance your planning for children's learning APTS 1: Know children and how they learn Presented by Philip ButlerLeadershipRelationshipsEducational LeadershipLeading and supporting continuous improvement
Philip Butler Aug 21, 2025, 10:30 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
How to create and embed a change-ready culture in early childhood settings APST 6: Engage in professional learning Presented by Philip ButlerLeadershipQuality ImprovementEducational LeadershipNewly Appointed Educational Leader: Where to Start?
Philip Butler Aug 21, 2025, 1:30 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Learn key roles, responsibilities, and tips for team engagement, confident communication, and goal-setting as a new educational leader APTS 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning Presented by Philip ButlerDocumentationProgramming and PlanningRelationshipsTeams and TeamworkEducational LeadershipLeadershipQIP: Inception to Implementation
Philip Butler Aug 26, 2025, 10:30 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
This webinar provides leaders and teams with an overview of the Quality Improvement Plan, repositioning the QIP process as an opportunity for teams to strengthen skills and knowledge ATPS 7: Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community Presented by Philip ButlerDocumentationQuality ImprovementLeadershipThe Educational Leader’s guide to effective communication
Philip Butler Aug 26, 2025, 1:30 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Explore effective communication strategies—strategies to inspire, develop and support the implementation of a culture of improvement APTS 7: Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community Presented by Philip ButlerRelationshipsTeams and TeamworkEducational LeadershipLeadershipSlow Pedagogy: Finding the balance in pedagogy and practice
Philip Butler Aug 28, 2025, 11:30 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Due to its popularity as a workshop at INSPIRE, we have decided to ask Phil to present this as a webinar APST 1: Know children and how they learn Presented by Philip ButlerProgramming and PlanningLearning environmentsEducational LeadershipI’m a new leader…where do I start?
Philip Butler Aug 28, 2025, 1:30 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Learn essential strategies for kick-starting your leadership journey—set the tone for everyone and everything APST 7: Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community Presented by Philip ButlerEducational LeadershipLeadershipI’m new to documentation: Understanding the planning cycle
Philip Butler Sep 2, 2025, 10:00 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Build your confidence when using the planning cycle—how it links with the frameworks and how to make learning visible APST 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning Presented by Philip ButlerDocumentationProgramming and PlanningBehaviours that challenge: Tips and traps
Philip Butler Sep 2, 2025, 3:00 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
Unpack teaching strategies to support you and the children through some of the more common 'challenging' times in your daily routine APST 4: Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments Presented by Philip ButlerGuiding BehaviourHow to create invitations to play with experiences and spaces
Philip Butler Sep 3, 2025, 10:30 AM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
How provocations and invitations promote children's learning—how the environment can foster and support children’s developing agency and independence APST 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning Presented by Philip ButlerProgramming and PlanningRelationshipsLearning environmentsEducational LeadershipI want to give projects a go
Philip Butler Sep 3, 2025, 1:30 PM Sydney Time OnlineRegistration Open $64.50 incl. GST
The how, when, where, and why of the project approach APST 2: Know the content and how to teach it Presented by Philip ButlerDocumentationProgramming and PlanningLearning environmentsEducational Leadership
More Ways To Learn
Outside of our courses, you can get more information in our magazine, Pedagogy + and register for our conferences.
Learning
Online Learning
Online learning with Semann & Slattery offers flexible, expert-led courses designed to empower educators with practical skills and insights.
Learning
In-Person Learning
Join in-person learning with Semann & Slattery for hands-on workshops that spark new ideas, deepen skills, and connect educators.
Learning
Coaching
Coaching with Semann & Slattery provides personalised guidance to help educators grow, lead with confidence, and create meaningful change.
Learning
Online Learning
Online learning with Semann & Slattery offers flexible, expert-led courses designed to empower educators with practical skills and insights.
Learning
In-Person Learning
Join in-person learning with Semann & Slattery for hands-on workshops that spark new ideas, deepen skills, and connect educators.
Learning
Coaching
Coaching with Semann & Slattery provides personalised guidance to help educators grow, lead with confidence, and create meaningful change.