Shows / Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Welcome to the Learn Play Thrive Early Eduction podcast! Join us for expert insights and interviews, practical tips and inspiring stories in Early Childhood Education and Care. Whether you are an educator or leader in the sector, this podcast is your go-to resource to discover strategies to foster learning, promote play and empower young minds to thrive.
Learn Play Thrive – A podcast for early childhood educators & sector leaders.
Pedagogy insights, play-based learning ideas, quality practices…
Episodes
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Children's Behaviour: It's More Than Just Managing
In this episode, we welcome Professor Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett, Chief Children’s Officer for Goodstart Early Learning, to discuss the neuroscience of behaviour…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastPlay Provocations #4: Play Schemas Part One
Ever wonder why a toddler is obsessed with dropping peas from a high chair or why blocks are constantly being carted across the room in a bucket? In this…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
The ARACY Approach: Championing Child Health and Wellbeing
In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive Australia podcast, we sit down with Kirrin Sampson, an advocate for the early years currently leading programs at…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastLittle Dreamers #10: Animal Yoga
Step into a peaceful morning on the farm with this episode of Little Dreamers, where host Kathryn leads preschoolers through a soothing mindfulness journey…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Feel Safe, Be Safe: Embedding Child Protective Strategies into Everyday Teaching
⚠️ Listener warning: Anatomical Language - Please be advised that this episode contains discussions regarding child protective behaviours and body safety…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastS1E10 Little Library: Another Year Around The Sun
Join Linda Harrison and award-winning author Katrina Germein as they dive into her latest picture book, Another Year Around the Sun. This lyrical story follows…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Unpacking the Relevance of the Teacher Standards for the ECEC sector
In this episode, host Simone Brand welcomes Danny Pinchas from The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). We unpack how the Teacher…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastNavigating the NQS #5: Standard 2.2 - Safety
In this episode of Navigating the NQS, host Simone Brand breaks down the shift from compliance to excellence in Standard 2.2: Safety. She challenges educators…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Shaping Stronger Futures: Developing Speech and Language Programs
In this episode, we are honoured to sit down with Director Amy Shine, an incredible force in the ECEC sector with over 25 years of dedicated experience in…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastLittle Dreamers #9: Cats and Dogs
In this month's episode of our Little Dreamers mini-series, we explore the playful world of our favourite furry friends! Host Kathryn leads preschoolers on a…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Empowering Educators in Early Learning with Twinkl
Welcome to an invigorating episode of Learn Play Thrive! Today, we are joined by a powerhouse of our sector, Stacey Jackson from Twinkl Australia. As the Early…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastS1E9 Little Library: Bowerbird Brood
Join Linda Harrison and author/illustrator Aura Parker to explore the delightful picture book, Bowerbird Brood. This enchanting story is a heart-warming ode to…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Early Childhood Education Summit 2026
In this powerful episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Dr Red Ruby Scarlet—an activist, teacher-researcher, and academic who has spent over three…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastNavigating the NQS #4: Standard 2.1 - Health
In this episode of Navigating the NQS, host Simone Brand discusses Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety. This episode dives deep into Standard 2.1…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
The Pedagogy in Practice: Early Education 2026 Conference Preview!
In this special episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, host Simone Brand sits down with producer Linda Harrison to give you an exclusive sneak peek into our…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Children's Voices: Boab Committee
In this heartwarming episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, we shift the spotlight to where it truly belongs - the children. The Boab Committee is a small…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
From Framework to Footpath: A Practical Guide to Road Safety in ECEC
Tune in for an important discussion on keeping our youngest road users safe! We welcome Louise Cosgrove and Amanda Menzies from Kids and Traffic (Transport for…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastLittle Dreamers #8: Butterflies
This episode of Little Dreamers is all about beautiful butterflies, guiding preschoolers through gentle imagery and promote deep relaxation, body awareness…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Episode Encore: Weaving Aboriginal Perspectives Across the Curriculum
We're bringing back a must-listen favorite! Join us for this powerful encore featuring Jessica Staines, founder of the Koori Curriculum, renowned for her work…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Episode Encore: Generative AI - Should we worry or be excited?
We’re bringing back a must-listen favourite. In this powerful encore, I sit down with Dr Kate Highfield to unpack one of the biggest conversations in early…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastNavigating the NQS #3: Standard 1.3 - Assessment and planning
In this episode of Navigating the NQS, host Simone Brand guides educators to excellence by diving into the heart of Quality Area 1 - Standard 1.3: Assessment…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Episode Encore: The Power of Play and Storytelling in Water Safety Education
This week, we're bringing back one of our favourite episodes just in time for the summer season. Simone Brand chats with Louise Lambeth, an experienced surf…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastS1E8 Little Library: Tubowgule - A Sydney Opera House History
Join host Linda Harrison and First Nations author, Melissa-Jane Fogarty, as we explore the picture book Tubowgule: A Sydney Opera House History. This story…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Activating a Collective Ethic of Care and Co-responsibility with the Great Barrier Reef
Join us for an inspiring discussion with two leading voices in early childhood education, Debi Keyte-Hartland and Catherine Lee. We dive into an…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastLittle Dreamers #7: Flowers
Welcome to the Little Dreamers mini-series! These monthly episodes feature specially written mindfulness stories designed to ignite young imaginations and…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Intentional Scaffolding: From Vygotsky to Today
Are you ready to transform your intentional teaching and learning practices? Join us for an essential discussion with Kate Hodgekiss, owner of Engaging…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastPlay Provocations #2: Pretend Play
In this episode of Play Provocations, hosts Linda Harrison and Lindsay Laing unpack the power of pretend play. Learn how inventing roles and narratives is the…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
The Magic of Mark-Making
How do we unlock the joy of meaningful mark-making for every child? This week, we host Dr. Gai Lindsay, Senior Lecturer and long-time early childhood expert…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastNavigating the NQS #2: Standard 1.2 - Practice
This exciting monthly mini-series, Navigating the NQS, continues with host Simone Brand who draws on 15 years of exceeding-rated leadership experience. In this…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
2025 ECA National Conference: Exhibiter Insights.mp3
We're hitting the floor at the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) National Conference 2025 in Perth! Host Simone Brand dives into the bustling Exhibition Hall to…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastLittle Dreamers #6: A Transport Journey to Calm
Welcome back to Little Dreamers, the enchanting mini-series designed to bring calm and creativity to a young child's world! This month, get ready for an…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
2025 ECA National Conference: Educator Voices
We're taking you live to Perth for the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) National Conference 2025! Learn Play Thrive host Simone Brand grabs the mic and dives…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastS1E7 Little Library: The Christmas Tree Catastrophe
Ready to bring the magic of picture books into your early learning practice this festive season? Join Linda Harrison on Learn Play Thrive's Little Library as…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Empowering Young Children Through Hands-On Disaster Preparedness
Get ready for an eye-opening chat with Dr. Sharleen Keleher about disaster preparedness. Drawing from her extensive research and hands-on work with communities…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastPlay Provocations #1: Messy Play
Get ready to get playful with our brand-new monthly mini-series, Play Provocations, dropping once a month on Tuesdays! Join your hosts, Linda Harrison and…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Nurturing Sensory and Motor Development in Preschoolers
Join us as we talk to Amanda Bacon, a highly experienced Paediatric Physiotherapist and designer of the Targeted Motor Control (TMC) Screening Tool. Amanda…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastNavigating the NQS #1: Standard 1.1 - Program
This exciting new monthly mini-series, Navigating the NQS, is hosted by host Simone Brand! Drawing on her 15 years of experience as an educator, leader, and…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Montessori in Action: Practical Strategies for your ECEC Setting
We're excited to welcome back a very special international USA guest to the Learn Play Thrive podcast, early childhood educator and social-emotional learning…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Raising the Bar: A Guide to Thriving in the A&R Process
The Assessment and Rating (A&R) process doesn't have to be a source of stress! This episode of Learn Play Thrive is here to transform your perspective. We're…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
The Pedagogical Artistry of Shared Thinking
In this inspiring episode, we welcome back the conversation from last week and dive into the newly released book, Redefining Planning and Assessment: Seeing…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Redefining Planning and Assessment: Seeing Children Through Pedagogical Documentation
We’re thrilled to bring you an incredibly insightful episode of Learn Play Thrive, recorded at the REAIE conference in Adelaide! This week, we're joined by…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastLittle Dreamers #5: Bubbles
Get ready for some calm and quiet time with a brand new episode of Little Dreamers, our monthly mini-series of mindful stories from Learn Play Thrive! This…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
A Day In The Life of a Centre Manager
Step into the inspiring world of early childhood education on this episode of Learn Play Thrive, where we're joined by the incredible Ashleigh Waugh. With…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastS1E6 Little Library: The Bug Book
Dive into a buzzing new episode of Learn Play Thrive's Little Library! This week, we're joined by award-winning author Tania Ingram to chat about her wonderful…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Who is the Atelierista? The Heart of Creativity in Reggio Emilia
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we’re joined by Caterina Pennestri, an atelierista at St Peter’s Girls Early Learning Centre. Caterina brings a wealth of…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
The Be You Buzz: Educator Wellbeing Matters
Welcome to The Be You buzz! In this episode, we're joined by Paola Mercado, a consultant from Be You at Early Childhood Australia. Paola shares her expertise…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastLittle Dreamers #4: Dinosaurs
Welcome to Learn Play Thrive's mindfulness stories for preschoolers! Settle into a gentle movement and mindfulness episode crafted for young listeners. Little…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Supervision in Action: Strategies for a Safe and Engaging Environment
On this episode, host Simone Brand has an essential conversation with early childhood consultant Tracey Yeomans. With over 35 years of experience, Tracey…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Early Learning Matters Live: A Central Coast Celebration
This week, we're taking you to the heart of our Early Learning Matters Week celebration! Join us as we share a special episode recorded live at the Central…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastS1E5 Little Library: Spiro
Welcome to the Learn Play Thrive Little Library! In this episode, we dive into the award-winning Australian picture book, Spiro, authored and illustrated by…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
360 Degrees of Leadership in ECEC
Join us for a special episode with the dynamic founding partners of Semann & Slattery, Colin Slattery and Anthony Semann. With over 25 years of experience…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Educator Voices from the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) 2025 Conference
This special episode is recorded live at the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) 2025 conference in Adelaide. The conference theme…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastLittle Dreamers #3: Friendship
Welcome to Learn Play Thrive's mindfulness stories for preschoolers! Settle into a gentle movement and mindfulness episode crafted for young listeners. Little…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
The Digital Child: Nurturing Future-Ready Learners
Join us for an incredibly insightful conversation with Professor Lisa Kervin AM, Director of the Early Start Institute at the University of Wollongong (UOW)…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Encountering the Mosaic of Marks, Words, and Material: An Interactive Atelier
Join us for an inspirational episode as we delve into the heart of the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) Exhibition, the ‘Mosaic of Marks…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
An Educator's Guide: Easing Separation Anxiety During Room Changes
Join us for an insightful episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, featuring educators Karin House and Emma Seyer! With decades of combined experience across…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Is It Just a Phase? Understanding Separation Anxiety in Childhood
Join us as we chat with Jen Gibbons, a clinical counsellor with 14 years of experience and a passion for working with trauma, attachment, and complex mental…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Pedgagogy or Paparazzi
Join us for an illuminating episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast as we welcome Clare Comedoy, a passionate pedagogical leader for excellence in early…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
ECEC Pedagogy Matters with Dr Red Ruby Scarlet
Join us for an electrifying episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast as we welcome the incredible Dr. Red Ruby Scarlet! With over 30 years in early childhood…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Feeding with Connection: What Really Matters for Kids?
Join us on the latest episode of Learn Play Thrive as we welcome Eliza Peacock from Milk & Munch, a certified speech pathologist with over 12 years of…