Finding Your Pedagogical Path

Building your pedagogy is much more than just a checklist or a set of rules — it’s a deeply personal journey that evolves over time. It unfolds through your daily interactions, your choices, and the ways you respond to the children in your care. Along the way, you’ll begin to notice the moments that truly resonate with your heart and values — those times when you feel energized, inspired, and connected. At the same time, you’ll also encounter moments that feel uncomfortable, confusing, or out of sync with who you are and what you believe.

This ongoing process of tuning in—being mindful of what lights you up and what drains you—is key to shaping a pedagogy that’s authentic and sustainable. It’s about learning to listen to yourself as much as you listen to the children, families, and communities you serve.

In today’s post, we’ll dive into how to recognise what aligns with your core strengths and values, so you can lean into those with confidence. We’ll also explore how to gently release practices or ideas that don’t quite fit — not as a failure, but as an important step toward growth and clarity.

And because learning and growing can sometimes feel isolating, we’ll also touch on the incredible power of connection. Sharing your reflections with colleagues and mentors not only deepens your understanding but helps create a supportive community where everyone can flourish.

Step 4: Notice What Feels Aligned (and What Doesn’t)

You’ve likely experienced that magical moment in your early childhood setting when everything just clicks — children are fully engaged and curious, you feel calm and present, and the day flows naturally with ease. In those moments, your pedagogy shines brightest; your unique style, values, and strengths are all coming together to create an environment where learning feels alive and joyful.

But discovering your pedagogy isn’t only about celebrating these highlights. It’s equally about paying attention to the moments that feel heavy, frustrating, or out of sync — those times when you feel drained, distracted, or disconnected from your purpose. These feelings are important signals, gently nudging you to reflect and recalibrate.

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” — Alan Watts

Take a moment to ask yourself:

• Which parts of my day leave me feeling tired or overwhelmed, rather than energised?Sometimes routines or expectations we’ve inherited or adopted don’t actually fit with who we are or what the children need. It’s okay to acknowledge that.

• Are there practices or approaches I’m holding onto out of habit or obligation, even though they don’t reflect my core values?Clinging to outdated or misaligned ways can weigh heavily on your wellbeing and your joy for the work.

• When do I feel forced to “perform” or act in ways that don’t feel authentic?This can sap your energy and limit your ability to connect deeply with children and families.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” — Viktor Frankl

Honouring these feelings takes courage and self-compassion. It means giving yourself permission to step back, question, and—when necessary—let go. Growth is not just about adding new ideas; sometimes it’s about shedding what no longer serves you or the children in your care.

“What feels like the end is often the beginning.” — Anonymous

When I first transitioned from running my Family Day Care service to mentoring educators, I held onto many routines and practices that had defined my identity as an educator. But I noticed certain days left me utterly drained and disconnected, and I felt like I was “performing” to meet expectations rather than truly connecting with others. It took some honest reflection—and some tough decisions—to release those practices and embrace a new way of working that better aligned with my values and current reality. That shift didn’t just renew my energy; it deepened my impact and joy in supporting others.

Remember, releasing doesn’t mean failure. It means making space for what truly aligns with your values and strengths to grow and flourish. This process of noticing, reflecting, and adjusting is the heart of sustainable, joyful pedagogy — one that supports your wellbeing as much as it supports children’s learning.

As you move forward, consider journaling your thoughts, discussing these reflections with trusted colleagues or mentors, and being gentle with yourself through the process. Your journey is uniquely yours, and each step brings you closer to a practice that feels both meaningful and manageable.

Step 5: Embrace Connection and Community

Building your pedagogy and growing as an educator is not a solo journey — it’s deeply enriched by connection. When you share your reflections, challenges, and discoveries with others who understand your world, something powerful happens. You feel supported, inspired, and reminded that you are part of a wider community with shared goals and values.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller

Connection offers:

• Validation: Knowing others face similar struggles and triumphs helps normalize your experience and reduces feelings of isolation.

• Perspective: Hearing how colleagues adapt, innovate, and problem-solve can spark new ideas and solutions you hadn’t considered.

• Encouragement: Supportive relationships fuel resilience and wellbeing — essential for sustaining long-term passion and effectiveness in early childhood education.

This connection can take many forms:

• Engaging in professional learning communities or educator networks (like The Educators Well!)

• Participating in reflective discussions or mentorship circles

• Collaborating on projects or sharing resources

• Simply taking time to chat over coffee or online about what’s working — and what’s not

“When we heal the world, we heal ourselves.” — David Suzuki

I remember when I first began sharing my struggles with post-concussion syndrome in my educator networks. The openness led to unexpected support, new strategies for self-care, and connections that lifted my spirits and professional confidence. It reminded me that vulnerability is a strength and community is a cornerstone for sustainable wellbeing.

As you continue building your pedagogy, lean into these relationships. Let your voice be heard, listen deeply, and celebrate the shared journey of growth. Together, we create environments where educators and children alike can thrive.

Notice What Feels Aligned and Embrace Connection

Building your pedagogy is an evolving journey — one that asks you to pay attention not only to what energizes and inspires you but also to what drains or disconnects you.

Step 4 invited you to notice those moments:The times when your work flows effortlessly, when children are deeply engaged, and when you feel fully present — thoseare the sparks of your authentic pedagogy in action. But it also asked you to bravely acknowledge the routines or practices that feel forced, frustrating, or out of sync with your values and wellbeing. Letting go of what no longer serves you is a vital part of growth.

Step 5 reminded us that connection is key.No educator walks this path alone. Sharing your reflections, challenges, and breakthroughs with a supportive community not only strengthens your confidence and resilience but opens you to fresh perspectives and encouragement. Whether it’s a mentor, colleagues, or a network like The Educators Well, leaning into connection nourishes both your heart and your practice.

Together, these steps help you build a pedagogy that’s intentional, meaningful, and sustainable — one that supports you and the children in your care to flourish.

Thank you for taking this journey with me so far. I can’t wait to continue with you tomorrow as we explore Step 6: Bringing It All Together — crafting your unique pedagogy statement with clarity and confidence.