Every day in your ECE/C, you make dozens of quick decisions: when to step in, when to hold back, what to say next. Those choices may feel instinctive, but they are shaped by a range of established theories, whether you realise you are thinking-with theories or not!
Making Theories Visible, by Susan Grieshaber, Alistair Gibbs and Louise Hennessy, helps educators notice the theories already at work in their practice and use them with more intent. We’ve pulled together answers to a few of the questions educators are asking about this new resource, so you can decide whether it’s the right fit for you and your team.
Who is Making Theories Visible for?
In short, every early childhood educator – not just those who loved the theory side of their qualification.
The book was written with early childhood education centres, kindergartens and other early childhood settings across Australia in mind, by professionals who know the sector well. Susan Grieshaber is Professor Emerita at La Trobe University and has spent 14 years as an early childhood teacher and advisor. Alistair Gibbs has more than 12 years experience in early childhood teaching, leadership and consultancy. Dr Louise Hennessy brings experience as a teacher, service leader, advisor, researcher and lecturer.
What if I struggle with theory?
You don’t need to feel confident with theory to start. The book begins with the idea that all practice is already grounded in theories, even when we don’t realise it. If you’ve ever explained why you set up a provocation a certain way, or why you chose to wait before joining a child’s play, you’ve already been working with theory. As Louise Hennessy explains, the book aims to show that theory is “present and already happening all the time”, so it isn’t too big a step to start recognising it already at work in your everyday practice.
How does Making Theories Visible help in practice?
Making Theories Visible is designed to be used in small bites and revisited regularly, like a reference guide. It’s designed to be easy to keep on hand and dip into.
The book is organised into two practical sections.
Section 1 briefly explains a range of early childhood theories and highlights key ideas you may already recognise from daily practice.
Section 2 offers 12 case studies of everyday interactions from a range of settings. Each one is explored by thinking-with several theories.
The case studies are where the book really comes alive. They show that one event or observation can be understood in several ways. A moment you might have documented through one lens can open new insights when you revisit it through another. Alistair Gibbs suggests an easy way in: note the theories you’re most comfortable with in an observation, then “take a breath and ask, ‘What else?'”
It also offers reflective questions to get you started.
- How would you describe your current relationship with theories?
- Which theoretical perspectives are evident in your documentation?
- How might you revisit an observation by thinking-with multiple theories?
These work well for individual reflection, but they’re also natural prompts for a team meeting or a planning session. A closing reflection table helps you map the theories you currently think-with, the ones you’d like to try and how you are progressing.
What makes Making Theories Visible relevant right now?
- Supports quick decision making in everyday practice: Early childhood work is engaging but complex. Educators interact constantly with children, families and colleagues, and many decisions happen in the moment. There’s rarely time to stop and consult a textbook.
- Removes the theory/practice divide: Susan Grieshaber says she would most like to change how educators talk about theory. Rather than treating theory as something separate from practice, there is no theory/practice divide. The aim is to help you think-with theories as you work, not only when you sit down to reflect afterwards.
- Encourages critical reflection to enhance practice: A strong expectation of our sector, The Early Years Learning Framework asks educators to reflect on their practice and be able to explain it. This book connects thinking-with theories to a “lively culture of professional inquiry”, which the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics links to good ethical practice. When you can articulate the why behind your decisions, it deepens critical reflection and helps families understand their children’s learning.
- Provides professional learning benefits: Making theories visible in everyday practice builds educator confidence in the good work already happening. It strengthens professional identity, sparks curiosity and enhances children’s learning. As the authors note, educators want to be challenged, and they want to explore theories they haven’t encountered before.
Who will get the most out of Making Theories Visible?
While the book is for everyone, some educators will find it especially valuable.
- Centre leaders, room leaders and nominated supervisors who guide teams and want a shared language for talking about practice.
- Educators who write documentation and want to show the thinking behind their observations and planning more clearly.
- Teams looking for professional learning that connects to real moments in their own setting, rather than abstract theory.
- New educators and students who want to see how the theories from their studies show up in everyday interactions.
- Experienced educators who want to move beyond the theories they usually lean on and see familiar situations with fresh eyes.
If you’ve ever felt that theory sits on a shelf while practice happens on the floor, this book is a practical bridge between the two.
Are you ready to make your thinking-with theories visible?
Thinking-with theories can feel awkward at first, and that’s part of the point. As the authors put it, learning is about making the uncomfortable more comfortable. With a little curiosity, it opens possibilities for more responsive and meaningful pedagogical practice.
Making Theories Visible: Thinking-with theories in everyday practice is available now from Essential Resources in print, as an eBook, or as a combo pack. Find out more and order your copy here.
Want to get to know the authors? Read our Quickfire Questions Q&A with Susan, Alistair and Louise.