Education & Seminars
“Receive the child with gratitude
Educate them with love
Let them go forth in freedom.”
Rudolf Steiner
I have prepared and presented workplace training, talks and seminars for students, parents, teachers, maternal and child health professionals and social workers.
The following seminars can be successfully related to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) as is now required in the early childhood field.
Seminars already presented
“What a surprise, I didn’t know that!”
There can be a great deal of fun and sharing when Learning Stories are incorporated into a programme. Staff, parents and children can benefit from the experiences and they are relevant to The Early Years Framework. My background in the Reggio Emilia and Rudolf Steiner teachings and over 30 years of involvement in the early childhood sector are important underlying threads in this presentation. (Geelong Teachers Conference, 2011)
“You know just what is needed”
“What you had to say was spot on. Thank you very much.”
“You have helped me to look at how I need to be more concise with my documentation”
“Excellent and entertaining. Your time you gave to individuals was much appreciated.”
Geelong Teachers Conference (2011)
“The role of the teacher”
Emphasis on the Reggio Emilia style of ‘teaching’ and a great deal of insight is brought to this presentation as a result of my trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy.
“Using recycled materials”
There is a great deal of satisfaction and fun in using recycled materials and musical instruments in an outdoor environment. (Family Day Care, Benalla)
“Sand Play – more than just fun”
Sandplay used in schools and kindergartens helps reduce emotional causes behind difficult behaviours. An outside sandpit or a tray in a safe, protected space can help a child especially in the area of feelings and their outlook on life. A powerpoint presentation, use of miniature toys, a sandplay exercise and question time will allow participants to realise how significantly this type of play can help you and your young people.
“I would just like to Thank you for your presentation…I was the one that had tears over the Pegasus!! …. I was amazed how deeply small items affect you.In fact the impact of your workshop was immediate … I plan to start the sand play as soon as possible… I am sure the children will benefit from this activity. Anyway just thought I would give you feedback and how you have inspired my new project in my program, Thanks”
Raelene Roede (Early Childhood Teacher, 2012)
“Neta’s Sandplay workshop was a popular choice at our last Early Childhood conference and as a result we offered a follow-up session for many other members who were also interested. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. They appreciated learning from another practitioner and commented that they would take their new learning back to their early childhood services.”
Martel Menz (2010)
Deputy Vice President (Early Childhood)
Australian Education Union
“Sandplay and symbol work”
Sandplay Therapy and the use of many objects can be used for all people and is a wonderful modality that can be used by the experienced counsellor. (Uniting Church Counsellors 2009)
“Ideas to reality- reflections of Italy and Reggio Emilia”
(Dip. Child Care Students 2007), “The Image of the Child” (2006)
“The art of childhood – let’s talk art”
To acknowledge the exhibition ‘Harmony’ showing in the Shepparton Eastbank Centre foyer and to celebrate children’s art, I spoke about the process of facilitating the making of art with young children, its role in education and child development and how the Reggio Emilio experience has impacted and enhanced my own practice as an early childhood educator.
“Off the Fridge – Murchison Pre School”
The local children at the kindergarten left their work at one time or another. So the staff at the centre helped to develop an art show to display children’s work and allow parents and community members the opportunity to see how creative children can be. It is the process versus product.
“Science – never too young or too old”
Science is the process of becoming aware of and understanding ourselves, other living things, the environment, through the senses and personal exploration.
“Experiment, explore and discover the outdoors”
The focus is on creating outdoor play areas that are challenging and inviting. Spaces that encourage children to explore their environment and allow them to extend their horizons, for they are scientists already.
“Planning Strategies for Challenging Behaviour”
The aim was to provide Family Day Carers with the opportunity to explore ways to support positive behaviour. Children learn through observation, exploration and experimentation. They try things out to see how they work. As children are learning they may challenge us with their behaviour. In this presentation we are able to identify methods by which carers can guide behaviour as children develop.
“Kindergarten transition”
Collaboration with parents is seen as a system of relationships in which no person or thing exists in isolation.
“Stress and we can cope”
Our lives are becoming busier and busier and many of us are under a great deal of stress. It is time we looked after ourselves and so I am able to help others recognise what pressures they are facing and offer some strategies to help keep us on an even keel.
Through your enthusiasm you have inspired me to do new things…”
(Child Care Staff member, Southern Hume Early Childhood Conference, Kinglake)
“Reggio Emilia – in our settings?”
There is only one Reggio Emilia and that is in Italy. Here in Australia we cannot be Reggio Emilia centres but we can use their ideas and adapt them to our own communities.
if anyone has a topic that you wish me to present then please contact me and I will be happy to deal with your request.
To book a seminar or to make an enquiry please Contact Neta
Innerspace Groupwork Programme
The Innerspace Programme, developed by Mark Pearson founder of the Expressive Therapies of Australia, is suitable for children aged 7 to 14 years. The sessions are run over a six week period and are based on the theories and activities of Expressive Therapies,another programme developed by Pearson. The workshops use drawing, relaxation, visualisation and self-discovery worksheets and within this there is a particular focus on knowing self and being able to communicate. ( Expressive Therapies Institute of Australia )
The programme can help students affected by grief and loss, those at risk of depression, relationship and family difficulties, low self-esteem and behavioural difficulties.
It is a programme for children who have difficult lives.
If you wish to know more about the Innerspace Programme and what Neta has to offer please ring or email your request
“I believe that sandplay has helped my son with transition to school as it has helped relieve the stress he feels when separating from me and would definitely recommend it to other Mums who are having similar problems.”
K. C., Tatura (2009)