2008 Conference/AGM

Date: 8th November 2008
Venue: Novotel, Broad Street, Birmingham
Topic: Not Just Choosing: Respecting and Supporting Children’s Play

This year’s oversubscribed conference was clearly a joy for the majority of its 150+ keen delegates:

“Absolutely terrific keynotes! Did me good and gave me what I wanted from the day – to expand my own knowledge and thinking.”
“Fantastic keynote speakers, passionate and enthusing.”
“All speakers very thought provoking.”
“Excellent day – well organised.”
“Good organisation of day – plenty of time to play.”
“Thought provoking – have really enjoyed meeting new faces and having wonderful discussions.”
“Lovely venue with lovely staff.”
“Birmingham perfect location – thanks for everything – brilliant!”

It seems that everyone enjoyed the venue and the keynote speakers – Professor Liz Wood, Peter Elfer and Sally Featherstone – were all enthusiastically received. Their talks were much requested and can be found by clicking on the titles of their respective inputs below:

Fascinating discussion/workshop sessions were also run by members of the TACTYC Executive under the headings:

We are Working? Approaches in the Early Years;
Contextualising Play for EAL Learners;
Play Processes and Emotion;
Respecting and Trusting Children;
Play Isn’t Just for Children;
Relative Values: Plan, Do — or Just Messing Around?
Play and Independent Learning;
Social Play and Imagination.

For the Chair’s and Journal Editors’ Reports please click here.

And delegates joined in discussions and activities eagerly and knowledgeably, comments including:

“Excellent workshop titles – I would liked to have experienced more than one workshop.”
“Workshop was thought provoking.”
“Wanted to hear more from workshop leaders, hear them share their research.”

A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all and now we’re all looking forward to new conference developments in 2009. Watch this space!