Play Matters - A Walker Learning Overview

Description

What you will learn

Play Matters – A Walker Learning Overview provides primary teachers and leaders with a comprehensive introduction to the Walker Learning pedagogy through a flexible, on demand eLearning experience. Designed to fit around busy teaching schedules, this self-paced professional learning allows educators to engage with the content anytime, anywhere, and at a pace that suits them.

Whether you choose to complete this session as an on demand eLearning module or join the live online delivery, Play Matters offers a flexible blended learning approach that puts teachers in control of their professional development journey. This session can be completed as a stand-alone learning experience or as part of the broader Walker Learning Certification pathway, supporting educators as they build confidence and capability in creating learning environments that foster belonging, exploration, and meaningful engagement for all students. By progressing from Certification to Accreditation, teachers can expand their knowledge into advanced practice and personalised coaching, demonstrating high quality implementation of Walker Learning pedagogy and achieving recognised accreditation in Early Primary education.

Through this session, you will:

• Gain insights into the research and philosophy behind Walker Learning, understanding how it combines play, explicit teaching, and inquiry to support holistic child development.
• Explore how to create inspiring learning environments that encourage literacy, numeracy, social-emotional growth, active engagement, and hands-on learning.
• Develop an understanding of the structure and flow of an Investigation session, including authentic ways to embed literacy and numeracy into children’s play and inquiries.
• Build skills for fostering positive learning cultures, recognising relationships as the foundation for children’s social skills and emotional wellbeing.
• Develop practical strategies for implementing Walker Learning within your own classroom, team, or school context.
• Gain an introduction to Walker Learning documentation, including planning templates and record-keeping tools that support observations, assessment, and reporting.
• Understand how Walker Learning’s flexible approach supports culturally responsive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning across diverse school communities.
• Access insights and guidance from experienced Walker Learning consultants throughout your learning journey.

As an on demand eLearning session, Play Matters gives educators the freedom to revisit content, reflect on ideas, and apply learning in real time within their own classrooms. This flexible format empowers teachers to undertake professional development when it is most convenient for them, making it easier to balance learning alongside the demands of school and everyday life.

This overview session is ideal for educators who are new to Walker Learning or in the early stages of their journey. It provides the foundational knowledge needed to confidently begin implementing this evidence-based play pedagogy in F/K/P/R to Year 2 classrooms.