Early Years Explorers - Chatter on Early Childhood

In this episode of Early Years Explorers, we explore what it really means to raise resilient children—beyond buzzwords and into the reality of everyday life at home and in the classroom. Drawing on key research in emotional development and scaffolding, we unpack how children learn to navigate big feelings, manage challenges, and build independence over time. From the “rescue reflex” many adults re...

What does concept-based inquiry actually look like in an early years classroom? In this episode of Early Years Explorers , Afaf Zaidan unpacks the difference between teaching through themes and teaching for deep, meaningful understanding. From the “theme trap” to real classroom examples, we explore why busy classrooms don’t always mean thinking classrooms. You’ll hear how focusing on big ideas lik...

In this episode of Early Years Explorers , Afaf Zaidan explores how cognitive development in young children is built through everyday moments—not worksheets or structured tasks, but play, curiosity, and real-life experiences. From sorting socks and cooking together to navigating the endless “why” questions, this episode highlights how simple interactions support thinking, problem-solving, and unde...

As families across the region navigate sudden changes, disrupted routines, and the shift to learning at home, this episode offers reassurance, practical strategies, and a sense of calm for parents and caregivers. From understanding children’s emotional needs to creating simple, meaningful learning experiences at home, Afaf shares how preschoolers can continue to feel safe, connected, and ready to...

In this episode of Early Years Explorers , we unpack one of the most common questions families ask when looking at early childhood education: “If my child is just playing, why is there so much documentation and reporting?” Join us as we explore the powerful learning that happens through play and why educators carefully observe, document, and reflect on children’s experiences. We discuss how play r...

In this episode of Early Years Explorers , we explore a reality many parents and early years educators experience but rarely talk about openly — the pressure of constant check-ins, the expectation of immediate responses, and the anxiety that can quietly sit beneath it all. Together, we reflect on where this need for reassurance comes from, how it impacts teachers who are caring for whole classroom...

Discipline doesn’t have to mean power struggles, punishments, or constant reminders that leave everyone feeling exhausted. In this episode of Early Years Explorers , we dive into what positive discipline really looks like in the early years—and how it can support children’s behaviour and their emotional development. We explore practical, age-appropriate strategies that actually work in real homes...

Screen time doesn’t have to come with guilt. In this episode of Early Years Explorers , early years educator and parent Afaf Zaidan breaks down what experts really recommend when it comes to young children and screens—using research from Australia, Qatar, and the UK . We talk about why screen limits are hard to stick to, what recent global research tells us about child development, how classrooms...

In this episode of Early Years Explorers , we take a real, honest look behind those picture-perfect learning invitations and talk about what actually makes them meaningful in real classrooms. If you’ve ever spent time carefully setting up a beautiful provocation only to watch it turn into something completely unexpected within minutes—this episode is for you. We explore what learning invitations t...

In this parent-focused episode, we explore the heart of social and emotional learning in the early years. Episode 14 features a recorded parent video session that unpacks why emotional development is just as important as academic learning, and how everyday moments at home play a powerful role in shaping confident, resilient children. Whether you’re navigating big feelings, supporting friendships,...

In this episode of Early Years Explorers , host Afaf Zaidan unpacks what assessment really means in early childhood — beyond checklists and clipboards. From observing children’s play and curiosity to capturing learning through stories, Afaf explores how assessment can be authentic, joyful, and deeply meaningful. Discover how everyday moments — a block tower that just won’t stand, a paint mix gone...

Get ready to tap your toes and move your hearts! In this episode of Early Years Explorers , Afaf Zaidan dives into the rhythm and wonder of music and movement in early childhood. From spontaneous dance parties to the magic of a well-timed cleanup song, discover how rhythm, repetition, and joy become powerful tools for learning. We’ll explore what research says about how music supports brain develo...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most important aspects of early childhood education — social-emotional development. From building friendships and learning to share, to managing big feelings and developing empathy, these early years lay the foundation for children’s well-being and future success. Join me as I explore practical strategies, classroom stories, and research-based insights that...

The first six weeks of preschool are a whirlwind — for teachers, parents, and especially for our tiny learners. In this episode of Early Years Explorers , Afaf Zaidan dives into the ups, downs, and unexpected moments that make this “settling-in” period so important. From snack times that turn into mini buffets to parents staking out the classroom window, Afaf shares the humor and heart of those ea...

In this playful and thought-provoking episode, we dive into the magical world of manipulatives and loose parts in early childhood education. How do simple materials like buttons, pebbles, lids, or fabric scraps spark complex thinking and creativity in young learners? Join us as we explore how open-ended, hands-on play with manipulatives encourages problem-solving, language development, fine motor...

In this episode of Early Years Explorers , we delve into a key question many educators and parents face: Should young children be playing, practicing—or both? Join me as we unpack the importance of balancing free play with intentional practice in early childhood settings. We’ll explore how child-led exploration nurtures creativity and social-emotional skills, while guided practice helps develop fo...

Dive into Episode 7 of Early Years Explorers with me, Afaf Zaidan—“Little Listeners, Big Feelings.” We’re unpacking all those preschool moments that leave us equal parts “aww” and “argh”: banana-breakdown meltdowns, mini-dinosaur stomps, and the ever-handy battle cry of “ay carumba!” as a catch-all for shock, surprise, or sheer frustration. I’ll share the real-life classroom wins (and giggles) tha...

Pack your (imaginary) bags and grab your glitter glue, because in this episode of Early Years Explorers , we’re traveling the world—without ever leaving the classroom! Join host Afaf Zaidan as we dive into how preschoolers, snack crumbs and all, can begin their journey as global citizens. From dot-painting didgeridoos in Australia to dancing dabkeh in Lebanon (and discovering that Scotland’s natio...

In this episode of Early Years Explores , I’m diving into a question I get asked a lot: what is early literacy really all about? Spoiler alert—it’s not just about knowing the alphabet or being able to trace letters on a worksheet. Early literacy begins long before a child picks up a pencil. It’s built on connection, language, imagination, and play. I’ll be sharing how those silly voices you use du...

In this episode of Early Years Explores , I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most powerful forces in early childhood education: play. I dive into the research, the classroom magic, and the lived reality of what children are really doing when they’re “just playing.” From building cognitive skills in the block corner to developing emotional resilience during dramatic play, I’ll show you how...

Ever feel like circle time is part magic, part mayhem? In this episode of Early Years Explorers , we pull back the curtain on what really goes down during those precious morning moments. From whispered puppet secrets to snack-time negotiations, I’m sharing my go-to tips, honest laughs, and tried-and-true strategies for making circle time meaningful—even when attention spans are bouncing off the ru...

Listening to What Children Really Tell Us – Letting Go to Let Learning Happen In this episode, we explore what happens when educators pause, observe, and truly listen to the voices—spoken and unspoken—of young children. From playful moments in the home corner to discoveries with magnifying glasses, we reflect on how letting go of control creates space for magical, meaningful learning. Join us as w...

Welcome to the very first episode of Early Years Explorers — the podcast where messy play meets meaningful learning! I'm Afaf Zaidan , a preschool lead teacher with nearly two decades in education (and a permanent dusting of glitter to prove it). In this episode, we dive into why the early years — from birth to age 7 — are so much more than finger painting and snack time. From brain developmen...