Our Keynote Speakers 2025

Dr Lisa Sonter & Sue Southey

Children as flexible thinkers: An executive functioning perspective 

Lisa and Sue will explore educators’ practice using an executive functioning lens to support children’s learning, in particular their capacity to think flexibly, through play-based pedagogy. A key focus will be how educators intentionally plan and respond to children’s interests, curiosities and funds of knowledge to provide opportunities for expanding children’s thinking to support them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

Renee Connaghan

The dance of the SLOW:

This presentation will explore the beauty of an unhurried approach to Early Childhood Education and the moments of being, the joy, the connection, the depth and the richness that this can foster. With a strong focus on slow and relational pedagogy, educators will be empowered to lean into the rhythm and flow of the day, lingering and meandering in moments of joy and wonder instead of being caught in the rush of routine and activities.

Amelia Scarf

Harnessing Music for Self-Regulation and Development:

  • Explore how beat, singing, and movement encourage children toward a calm-alert state

  • Discover endless creative ways to reuse songs from the Rhymey Repertoire 

  • Understand how just ten minutes of music a day is scientifically proven to make a permanent, positive cognitive change.