Edu-Kate

This episode is a rebroadcast. Today’s special guest is Dr Mariana Brussoni. She is a developmental psychologist and injury prevention researcher passionate about bringing risky play back to children's lives. Her research sits at the intersection between child development, injury prevention, and outdoor play.  We discuss her new book Embracing Risky Play at School (co-written by Dr. Megan Zeni...

Today’s guest is Trevor MacKenzie—an educator, author, keynote speaker, and inquiry consultant who partners with schools around the world. He is passionate about student agency, authentic assessment, and helping educators create inquiry-driven classrooms where curiosity and deep learning thrive.  In this episode, we discuss what meaningful, authentic assessment looks like in the PYP and how educat...

In this episode of the Edu-Kate Podcast, I’m joined by Steve Andrews, who leads anti-bullying workshops in schools and works closely with children, educators, and families to create safer and more supportive learning environments. Steve shares practical insights into what bullying really is, how to recognise the signs, and the best ways to respond. We also discuss how to equip children with the co...

Today’s special guest is Jon Madian. Jon is an educator, psychotherapist, and author whose work sits at the intersection of learning science, human development, and educational technology. His focus is on rethinking curriculum, assessment, and learning environments so that they better support curiosity, creativity, and the generative nature of human learning. LinkedIn: Jon Madian | LinkedIn https:...

In today's short I share with you five things that I have stopped doing to improve my own teaching and to better support the children in my class. Maybe you have some things that you need to quit doing too. Listen in to see if any of my changes apply to you to.

Today’s guest is Dr. Fabio D’Agostin, an Australian mathematics and physics educator with more than 40 years of teaching experience. In this episode, we discuss the important role emotions play in shaping students’ mathematical mindset, and how confidence, engagement, and emotional experiences influence learning in math classrooms. This episode will certainly get you thinking about how you teach m...

Teachers are often so busy caring about everyone else that they forget to take the time to look after themselves. In this episode, I share with you some of the simple things you do to create more balance and show up as the best teacher you can be.

Today I'm joined by Kirk Martin - founder of Celebrate Calm and host of the Calm Parenting Podcast , where he supports parents and educators to respond to challenging behaviour with calm, connection, and practical strategies. Drawing on years of hands-on work with families, he focuses on reducing anxiety, defiance, and emotional overwhelm in children, helping adults create environments where s...

Today's special guest is Sophie Smith-Tong, an experienced primary educator, speaker, and advocate for teacher autonomy and wellbeing. With over 15 years in education, she focuses on empowering teachers to make meaningful classroom decisions that support student learning and creativity. She is the author of Teacher Autonomy: Where Has It Gone and Why We Need It Back , a powerful exploration of...

Today’s special guest is someone who’s built his career on a simple but powerful idea: movement changes lives. On today’s show we are going to talk about why movement is particularly important for kids, not only for their physical and mental wellbeing, but also to help them learn. Nick spent a decade as a teacher before going on to found Chi Education, a multi-award-winning organisation dedicated...

Meghan Stewart is a certified mindfulness coach based in Ottawa and founder of Mindfulness Meghan, focused on inclusive wellness and harm reduction through mindfulness. Meghan is dedicated to helping children and adults build connection and emotional resilience in their everyday lives. She shares practical, accessible mindfulness strategies that can be used in classrooms and homes, supporting well...

Today’s special guest is Dr Mariana Brussoni. She is a developmental psychologist and injury prevention researcher passionate about bringing risky play back to children's lives. Her research sits at the intersection between child development, injury prevention, and outdoor play.  We discuss her new book Embracing Risky Play at School (co-written by Dr. Megan Zeni). Mariana points out how today...

This is a rebroadcast. I recorded this episode with Dr. Chris Winter way back in April 2023. This was back when I started the podcast and put it on the back burner for a while while life happened! This year the podcast is up and running and here for the long haul! I wanted to rebroadcast this episode because I feel one of the most important things we can do to improve our own health and that of ou...

In this episode, I’m joined by Tammy McMorrow, a first-grade teacher from Kuna, Idaho with more than 30 years of experience in elementary education. Tammy is the creator and host of the podcast Little Minds Big Thinkers and the founder of the K–2 Building Thinking Classrooms Facebook group. Inspired by the work of Peter Liljedahl, Tammy shares practical strategies and real classroom experiences th...

Today’s special guest is Dr. Melanie Wong, a professor at University of British Columbia. She is an applied linguist and teacher educator widely recognized for her innovative work in digital literacies and teacher education, and for helping educators design more inclusive, future-ready classrooms. In this episode, we explore what AI looks like in elementary classrooms today. Whether we like it or...

Today’s special guest is Matt Glover, a former principal, consultant, and author who works with teachers and schools to strengthen writing instruction in elementary classrooms. He is widely known for his work in early literacy, writing workshop, and craft and process studies. Matt is the author and co-author of several professional books, including his most recent book How to Become a Better Writi...

Today, we’re joined by Lee Edward Fodi—children’s author, illustrator, and educator. In this episode Lee shares practical ways teachers and parents can nurture imagination and creative confidence in children. He explains why creativity is essential and shouldn’t be treated as an add-on. We also discuss the importance of play and how we as adults need to get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable a...

Joining us on today's episode is Lauren MacLean – teacher, author, and founder of Teach Outdoors. With over a decade of experience in primary teaching and outdoor education, she’s passionate about helping educators bring learning to life in nature. Lauren shares practical, step-by-step tips for teachers to start using sit spots with their students, plus realistic ways to overcome common barrie...

Today we’re joined by Brittney Townrow, proud member of the Heiltsuk Nation, Indigenous Education Coordinator and a PhD student in Curriculum Studies. She is a renowned speaker on bringing Indigenous teachings to life through land-based learning, supporting educators and students across BC. In this episode, we'll explore how Indigenous ways of knowing can deepen our connection to place, how to...

Today’s guest is Dr. Rebecca London, Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, author of the groundbreaking book Rethinking Recess , and co-founder of the Global Recess Alliance. Dr. London is a leading voice in the movement to recognize recess not as a luxury or privilege, but as a fundamental human right and an essential component of children’s social, emotional, and co...

Today’s guest is Matt Soule: Wim Hof Method Trainer, martial arts school owner, and author. In this episode we discuss how exposing children to the cold, through play and curiosity, increases levels of brown fat leading to better health. We also talk about the importance of learning to breathe properly and how just fifteen minutes a day can help children become more resilient for life. Matt explai...

Today’s guest is Dr. Chris Winter – sleep specialist, neurologist, and author of ‘The Rested Child’. On this episode, we discuss the importance of sleep for children, and the effect it has on their health and well-being. We talk about the pressure surrounding sleep and how there is no magic pill. We delve into school start times, children’s busy schedules and how sometimes you just need a “cheeky...

Today’s guest is Victoria Hackett, M.Ed. Founder of outdoor-classrooms.com . Her mission is to “Inspire educators to teach outdoors, cultivate nature-based curriculum and create one-of-a-kind outdoor classrooms.” We discuss the benefits of getting children outside and ways to overcome the barriers that we may face. Contact Victoria Hackett www.outdoor-classrooms.com Email: victoria@outdoor-classro...

Today’s guest is Megan Zeni, an experienced teacher in nature and tireless outdoor play advocate. She discusses the importance of risky play and how to get children and adults alike to feel ‘safe’ to push themselves within their limits. She discusses how to work safely in environments by having an understanding of the land and developing trusting relationships with the children. Megan highlights t...

Leah Carmichael is today's guest. With her two young sons (3 year old and 6 year old) she has home-schooled from day one. However, when Covid struck, she took the opportunity to sell up and buy a catamaran to live the adventurous life with her family. Now a seasoned 'boat-schooler' Leah discusses the pros and cons to living a life less normal! Contact Leah: Leahsmartie@hotmail.com Facebook - Leah...