"For me, innovation doesn't always mean something new. It can mean rethinking or reshaping existing practices to make them better."
In this PedPod by EX-PED-LAB episode, Anthony Okely emphasizes that pedagogical innovations in early childhood education should prioritize rethinking and adapting existing practices to fit specific contexts rather than introducing entirely new methods. His work highlights the importance of play, high-quality educator-child interactions, and creating supportive environments for physical activity and development. He stresses that innovation should align with cultural, spatial, and resource-specific realities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where challenges like limited educator training and space constraints often exist.
Tony advocates for integrating movement and play into daily routines in ways that do not add extra burdens on educators, fostering collaboration with families, communities, and other sectors like health and urban planning. He highlights the need for evidence-based approaches, such as those developed through his Sunrise Project, which collects global data on movement behaviors in young children. Ultimately, he views innovation as being about small, meaningful changes that encourage creativity, strengthen relationships, and provide children with autonomy through play-based learning.
With this, we welcome you to the 10th episode of PedPod by EX-PED-LAB. Happy listening!