ELSPETH MARSON-THOMAS

Dynamic early childhood educator with extensive experience at Malvern Memorial Kindergarten, specializing in the development of individualized education plans and engaging group instruction. Proven track record in creative lesson plan development that significantly enhances student learning experiences. Expertise in implementing feedback and fostering strong relationships, ensuring effective emotional support and learning outcomes. Dedicated to creating a nurturing environment that supports holistic child development.

Golden Key International Honours Society

405942, True, True, True

• Jacquie Chilvers, Director at Armadale Early Learning, 0425703764, jacquiechilvers@bigpond.com
• Lauren Goldberg, Malvern Memorial Committee President (2021 - 2023), 0402 916 316, loz51@hotmail.com
• Eloise Belleville, Colleague and 3-year-teacher at Malvern Memorial Kindergarten, 0412 068 199, Eloise_Belleville@hotmail.com

I have always had the belief that children's predominant nurturing and education comes from their home and community. I believe children are already rich in resources, as competent and capable learners who bring their own ideas and interests to kinder. I consider my role to be the children's advocate, following the interests of the children, as authors of their own learning, to guide the curriculum, empowering them with their own agency, wellbeing, a sense of belonging and an intrinsic love of learning. I strongly believe in inclusive practice, supporting each and every child within the kinder environment, ensuring that each child has their social, emotional and developmental needs met and that they and their families are given the support required to enable them to develop in all these areas. I promote a team approach to children's individual development, building collaborative partnerships with the children, their parents and families and encouraging them to have a voice in the curriculum planning. Within my teaching team I promote critical and reflective practice to ensure we are providing the best possible curriculum for each and every child within the group and to encourage best practice within the team. Listening intently is my most important asset as a teacher as the children guide me in the direction they would like to take the learning. I am guided by the Reggio Approach to learning, incorporating both inquiry-based and project work as part of an integrated area of study, co-collaborating with the children as we learn together. As Loris Malaguzzi so aptly wrote 'learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning how to learn'

• Certificate Teaching Phonics in Early Childhood Queensland University of Technology
• Certificates for Phoenix Support: Fostering Wellbeing: Security, self-worth, autonomy, self-competence, and joy in early childhood and Behavioural and Emotional Skills for School Transition
• QUTEX Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation
• Supporting Children with Trauma through Movement, Art and Play (Completed 08/21)
• QUTEX 4 week course Inclusive Strategies for the Autism Spectrum
• Aboriginal Planning
• NAPCAN Putting Children First - Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
• Nourishing Early Childhood
• Challenging Behaviours - Getting the picture
• Early Ables
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFAA)
• Department of Education 2 day Early Ables Champion mentoring
• Victorian Institute of Teaching Effective Mentoring course (Completed 08/19)