About Us
Gill Connell
Founder, Moving Smart
Co-Founder, lookwhatikandu.com
Teacher | Author | Expert | Mum | Granny
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On her first day as a preschool teacher in Christchurch, New Zealand, Gill was amazed by all the wiggly-giggly energy in the room.
But why can't kids sit still and listen?
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Turns out, they can't. But more importantly, they SHOULDN'T.
Kids thrive when they are actively engaged in the learning... both body and brain.​
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After years of developing her unique, move-to-learn teaching techniques, Gill founded MOVING SMART in 1997 with the goal of helping other teachers leverage movement for learning in the classroom. To date, Gill has influenced the education of young learners in New Zealand for more than a generation.
Today, Gill is recognized around the world as an expert in early childhood development and learning, specializing in the foundations of learning through movement and play. Through her seminars, workshops, conference panels, keynotes, mentoring and speaking engagements, Gill provides developmental expertise and guidance to parents, preschools, primary schools, organizations, corporations, and government agencies in countries all over the world.
Gill is the co-author of A Moving Child Is a Learning Child,
Move Play and Learn with Smart Steps, and Moving to Learn.
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"Tangible, physical, three-dimensional, sensory-rich, screen-free, movement and play is as essential to your child's development -- body AND brain -- as good food, lots of rest, and the loving, nurturing home you provide."
...Gill Connell
Cheryl McCarthy
Creative Director, Moving Smart
Co-Founder, lookwhatikandu.com
Playmaker | Author | Creative Developer
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Bringing together Gill's background in movement and learning together with Cheryl's experience in play and storytelling to help parents and teachers understand the importance of all of those wiggles and giggles.
Cheryl has made a career out of her passion for play and storytelling. As Vice President of Intellectual Property Development for Hasbro, Inc., Cheryl developed the storytelling engines for some of the world's most beloved brands including My Little Pony, Candy Land, Mr. Potato Head, Weebles, and Playskool.
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Joining Gill as Creative Director for Moving Smart, together they wrote A Moving Child Is a Learning Child and Move, Play & Learn with Smart Steps. And together they have launched lookwhatikandu.com.
Global Education Advisory Board
Dr. Donna Mitroff, Ph.D
Media Consultant
The Kidvocate Group
Dr. Lala Manners, Ph.D
Author, Educator, Researcher, Early Years Physical Development & Movement Studies
Laura Mendes, M.Ed.
Director of Literacy, Elementary & Early Childhood Education,
Springfield, MA
Marianna Newsam, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist,
Learning & Motor Coordination
Jane Solomon, BTchLn
Teacher & Assistant Director
Early Years
Roimata Macfarlane, BSpLS
Active Movement Advisor
Enviroschools ECE Support
Zack Smith,
MA.Ed; BA
Early Years PYP PE Teacher
Roimata Macfarlane, BSpLS
Active Movement Advisor
Enviroschools ECE Support
Leadership Team
Jonathan Dern
CEO
Barbara Duker
COO
Sue Richter
CCO
Our Approach
