Interaction Imagination
Dela
Children's rights to education is something I feel strongly about, but equally I think it is vital that the education we are providing children is relevant and appropriate. The Original Learning Approach has evolved from my many years of working with children in educational settings - of being Reggio Emilia Inspired, my masters in ECE and my constant reflecting over on my blog Interaction Imaginat
17/04/2026
Yesterday I attended a teacher evening on democracy and youths at the
It has inspired this post about democracy, play and young children.
I remember a conversation I once had in Palestine about how Western defined democracy was problematic when forced upon a country rooted in more tribal systems - because, like this post describes, you can't talk western democracy with a people who speak another language of leadership - and I think it's important to remember that community, belonging, care and equity are not exclusive to western democracy - their are many Indigenous forms of "governance" that value all human and more than human life and well being
But as much of the world has been colonised by Westerners with their forms of democracy imposed - this has become a kind of default way of looking at life.
This post shares how important play plays in a truly "democratic" society - something that must be experienced, not just taught.
And too often adults behave in authoritarian ways - failing to provide a democratic experience for the children to practice in their play.
We adults have much to reflect on.
I also introduce an idea of democracy resting on four pillars - trust, belonging, collective autonomy and empathic curiosity.
https://suzanneaxelsson.substack.com/p/democracy-fails-without-play-the
05/04/2026
Today I am the keynote at the "Unlocking the Future of Education" conference in Athens.
My talk is entitled "Unlocking Autonomy: Creating Democratic Spaces for Learning"
Of course play features within this - as do children's rights and my creation of the word "demomazi" - power together - focusing on community, respect and reciprocity rather than democracy- power of the people as throughout history we can clearly see that who counts as "people" has always excluded - and still does in many places in the world - whether that be women, ethnicity etc
Imagining the future of education rooted in shared power and community rather than hierarchy and compliance is something that excites me and fills me with hope - because the more we talk about a vision of what can/could be rather than just what it shouldn't be - the closer we get to making it happen for all children
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