This practical, evidence‑based workshop helps early childhood educators understand how executive function skills develop, and why pretend play is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen them. Educators learn how working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility show up in children’s everyday play, what to look for when these skills aren’t progressing, and how simple changes to interactions and play environments can make a meaningful difference.
Building on this foundation, educators also explore the developmental pathway of pretend play (how scripts, roles, sequencing and symbolism emerge over time) and why children need access to these building blocks to engage in rich, organised imaginative play that truly supports their executive functioning. The workshop offers practical usable strategies to strengthen children’s emotional regulation, flexible thinking and social connection through play.
Delivery Mode : In person delivery on the Sunshine Coast, or video conference.
EYLF: Supports Outcomes 1 – 5
QKLG: Supports Identity, Wellbeing, Active Learning & Communicating
NQS: Supports QA1, QA3, QA5 & QA7
Kindy Uplift: Supports Executive Function and Social & Emotional Learning
Supporting children’s behaviour in early learning settings can be complex. Every day, educators hold space for many different children – each with their own histories, needs, strengths, and ways of communicating. At the same time, the environment itself is constantly shifting. When we look closely, it becomes clear that behaviour is never “just behaviour”; it is shaped by a rich mix of individual differences and environmental factors that all interact under one roof.
This workshop guides educators through the key questions, reflective prompts and practical strategies needed to understand a child’s behaviour within their developmental and environmental context. By breaking the process into clear, supportive sections, the workshop helps educators create thoughtful, consistent and connection‑focused plans grounded in curiosity and evidence‑informed practice – ultimately improving children’s participation and engagement in the early learning environment.
A version of this workshop was first delivered at the 2021 Early Childhood Teachers Association Conference, and has recently been expanded to offer a clearer, more comprehensive and practice‑focused framework.
Delivery Mode : In person delivery on the Sunshine Coast, or video conference.
EYLF: Supports Outcomes 1 – 5
QKLG: Supports Identity, Connectedness, Wellbeing, & Communicating
NQS: Supports QA1, QA2, QA3 & QA5
Kindy Uplift: Supports Executive Function and Social & Emotional Learning
At Playful Minds we also offer individual case consultations for educators seeking support with a specific child or situation in their early learning environment. These sessions provide a calm, structured space to unpack developmental history, environmental factors, strengths, challenges and patterns of behaviour or play. Together, we explore reflective questions, clarify what the child may be communicating, and identify practical, evidence‑informed strategies that align with your centre’s routines and relationships. Case consultations are designed to give educators clarity, confidence and a clear plan for supporting participation and connection in the learning environment.
Case consultation is often most effective when educators have already engaged with our professional learning workshops, as the shared language and frameworks allow us to move more quickly into tailored, child‑specific planning.
Delivery Mode : In person delivery on the Sunshine Coast, or via video conference.
