Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast

In this episode, we welcome Teresa Mei Macri and Haley Davis from Story Box Library to discuss how theis digital platform connects young children with diverse Australian stories. We discuss the use of technology in early learning, exploring how multimodal stories align with the EYLF V2.0 and ECA Statement on Young Children and Digital Technologies. Teresa and Haley explain how these digital resour...

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, host Linda Harrison dives into the bubbly world of Laugh in the Bath (2026 CBCA Notable picture book), together with author Rory H. Mather. From the power of rhythm and rhyme to the importance of active adult participation in play, this episode highlights how simple daily routines build a child’s sense of agency, identity, and wellbeing. For e...

In this live-recorded episode from the Pedagogy in Practice: Early Education Conference on the NSW Central Coast, host Simone Brand sits down with an powerhouse panel of sector experts including - Colin Slattery (Semann and Slattery), Dr. Gai Lindsay (Inquiry and Arty Play), Jessica Staines (Koori Curriculum), Kirsty Liljegren (The Creative Collection), Dr. Kate Highfield (University of Canberra),...

In this episode of Navigating the NQS, we explore Standard 3.1  Physical Environment - Design; and the concept of the physical environment as the "third teacher." Drawing on the Reggio Emilia approach and the insights of Lella Gandini, we discuss how a'fit for purpose' designed space goes beyond safety to promote flexibility and a young child's independence and a deep conn...

In this episode, we welcome Professor Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett, Chief Children’s Officer for Goodstart Early Learning, to discuss the neuroscience of behaviour. Cathrine challenges the traditional view of "challenging behaviour," shifting the focus to how a child’s environment and relationships impact their ability to self-regulate. By exploring the neuroscientific connection between the...

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 episode of Play Provocations, host Linda Harrison is joined by Educational Leader Rachel Emms to flip the script on "challenging" repetitive behaviors.  Together, they dive into the fascinating world of play schemas - those innate, repe...

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 ARACY (Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth). Kirrin shares her expertise in bridging the gap between research and practice, explaining how ARACY’s mission supports the foundational development of young children. We explore '...

Step into a peaceful morning on the farm with this episode of Little Dreamers, where host Kathryn leads preschoolers through a soothing mindfulness journey themed around animal yoga. The adventure begins with gentle breathwork and a gratitude practice, inviting children to imagine the sights and sounds of a paddock. By combining soft imagery with mindful movement, this episode helps young listener...

⚠️ Listener warning: Anatomical Language - Please be advised that this episode contains discussions regarding child protective behaviours and body safety strategies. As part of this important conversation, our guest uses correct anatomical names for body parts. Providing children with the correct language for their bodies is a key safety strategy in early childhood education. However, we suggest p...

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 a family through a magical year of outdoor play—from summer waves to autumn leaves. Katrina shares the heartwarming personal memories that inspired the book and explains how its vibrant, paper-collage illustrations help preschoolers connec...

In this episode, host Simone Brand welcomes Danny Pinchas from The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). We unpack how the Teacher Standards  affirm the professional identity of early childhood educators, providing national consistency and a clear framework for quality teaching across the sector. Danny explains that setting this national benchmark directly impacts childr...

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 to move beyond 'blanket supervision' toward pedagogical agility, where teams intentionally position themselves to support individual child rhythms. By treating supervision as an active, living practice rather than a perimeter-watch...

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 rural and remote communities. Amy is a passionate advocate for inclusion, reconciliation, and ensuring that every voice is heard within the early years classroom. Amy shares her deep commitment to building strong community partnerships and a cul...

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 gentle relaxation journey through a sun-drenched backyard, smelling the fresh eucalyptus leaves and feeling the soft green grass.  It’s a sensory-rich mindfulness experience designed to help little ones transition from high energy to a s...

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 Years Segment Manager, Stacey is at the forefront of bridge-building between pedagogical theory and the practical, transformative tools used in early years learning environments every day. In this conversation, we dive deep into the '...

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 nature and a mother's love, exploring themes of protection, nurturing, and belonging vital for young children. Discover how Aura's beautiful illustrations feature 'seek-and-find' Australian insects and birds, supporting...

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 decades championing quality early childhood education and care.  Red is a driving force behind the Early Childhood Education Summit 2026, a national movement born out of the exclusion of early childhood educators from the very political decision...

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: Health, unpacking the three core elements that drive a safe and nurturing environment for young children in ECEC settings. Learn how to move beyond policy and into practice, focusing on: - responsive comfort - robust illness and injury manageme...

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 upcoming Pedagogy in Practice: Early Education Conference. Tune in to hear about our incredible lineup of experts—including Colin Slattery, Dr. Gai Lindsay, Dr. Kate Highfield, Amelia Scarf, Kirsty Liljegren and Jessica Staines. You'll...

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 group of preschoolers who meet regularly with their educators to discuss real topics that matter in their everyday experiences at their long day care service. This episode gives listeners a joyful window into genuine child agency, democratic...

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 NSW) to share their expert insights. Discover how the Kids and Traffic key road safety messages function as a 'curriculum toolkit' helping educators bring road safety to life in an engaging, meaningful way. Learn how you can leve...

This episode of Little Dreamers is all about beautiful butterflies, guiding preschoolers through gentle imagery and promote deep relaxation, body awareness, and imaginative thinking. Host Kathryn uses storytelling to help children practice gratitude and breathing techniques, inviting them to imagine they are colourful butterflies with happy, thankful wings.  Tune in to practice the butterfly pose,...

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 in culturally responsive pedagogical practices. Jessica offers essential, actionable strategies for educators committed to moving beyond tokenism and cultivating genuine cultural competency. Key insights for cultural competency: - Effec...

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 childhood right now: Generative AI — should we worry or be excited? Dr Kate brings clarity, calm, and deep expertise to a topic that can feel overwhelming. Together, we explore how AI is shaping our sector, what it means for documentation, plan...

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 and Planning. This episode is essential for mastering the planning cycle—observing, analysing, planning, implementing, and reflecting—which assessors look for as the systematic bedrock of professional practice.  We also explore the keys to Ex...