Christmas shopping and professional development do not usually appear on the same to-do list—but at our Christmas Market on 7 November, you can do both.
Come along to discover Christmas gifts, educational resources and products from a diverse range of stallholders. Several Aboriginal businesses and artists will also be joining us, offering opportunities to support Aboriginal entrepreneurship and learn more about the people and stories behind their work.
I will be presenting a professional development session to help educators think more deeply about how they select and use Aboriginal resources within their services.
Shop With Intention
Early childhood educators purchase countless books, puzzles, artworks, dolls and other learning materials—but how often do we stop to ask:
- Who created this resource?
- Where has it come from?
- Is it culturally appropriate?
- Does the artist or community connected to it benefit from its sale?
- How will we use it meaningfully with children?
Buying an Aboriginal resource is not the same as embedding Aboriginal perspectives. A resource should open the door to deeper learning, not become another item placed on a shelf or added to a display.
Meeting artists, makers and business owners gives educators the opportunity to ask questions, understand the thinking behind different products and make more informed purchasing decisions.
Take the Learning Back to Your Service
Bring your colleagues, explore the stalls together and use the day as an opportunity for professional reflection.
You might return to your service ready to review the resources you already own, research who created them, identify gaps in your team’s knowledge or consider how your purchases connect with Country, community and everyday learning.
The most valuable thing you take home may not be something you bought. It might be a new question, a different perspective or an idea that starts an important conversation with your team.
Come with your Christmas list—but bring your curiosity too.
You may arrive hoping to finish your shopping and leave with new resources, new connections and fresh ideas for your early learning service.
Christmas shopping that counts as professional development?
We think that sounds like a day well spent.
