Shine On - an Early Childhood Education Podcast

(Originally published Nov 2023) Alex and Sophie are in conversation with Nicole Lees. Nicole  is a consultant for Be You with Early Childhood Australia. Nicole’s background includes educator and leadership roles, consultancy and research. She spent several years working in the education sector in Japan and South Korea. Nicole’s experience in early childhood education across three different countri...

(Originally published Nov 2023) Kathryn Foley is kindergarten teacher at Nyah West Kindergarten, where she has taught for 35 years. In this episode, Alex and Sophie speak with Kathryn about making every moment matter in early childhood, being brave in trying new things, what it means to be 'school ready', inquiry based projects, coaching in early childhood spaces and so much more! 

(Originally published Nov 2023)  In this episode Crystal and Alex speak to Shine Bright Maiden Gully Early Years Hub manager Belinda Quinn. This conversation covers Belinda's career journey, balancing the demands of leadership, the experience of establishing a brand new early learning centre and all she has learnt along the way.  Belinda shares with us the details of an exciting research proj...

(Orginially published Oct 2023)  In this episode, Crystal and Sophie are in conversation with Amelia Johnson.  Amelia Johnson is a social worker, art therapist and PhD student. She is also a proud mother of 3 adult children, a daughter, sister, niece, aunty, friend and lover of making, creating and enjoying the simple things. She began her career in family support and co-ordinating mentor programs...

(Originally published Oct 2023) Have you ever thought about establishing a bush kinder program? In this episode, Alex and Sophie are in conversation with Nicole Howie. We explore what bush kinder looks like at Shine Bright Huntly Kindergarten, the incredible benefits and learning outcomes for children,  and the challenges that arise from time to time. With some beautiful anecdotes along the way, t...

We are so excited to bring you this conversation with Dr Justin Coulson for our season finale! Dr Justin Coulson has a phD in Psychology, and is one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. Justin is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au.   He is the author of multiple books about raising children and is a trusted voice...

Educators have often wondered how the COVID pandemic impacted children's learning and development. The research is starting to emerge, and in this episode Crystal and Sophie take you through what the data is telling us, how it connects to your stories from the classroom, and what we should focus on to support children and families to thrive. This episode will appeal to early childhood educato...

Alex and Sophie are in conversation with Adrian Pattra-McLean in this episode, discussing how we can utilise skills we already have as educators to enhance teamwork, relationships, communication and accountability.  With over 15-years of experience, Adrian is a well-respected professional consultant and educator with a Master of Education (Ed. Psychology) and a Bachelor of Education (Human Resourc...

In this episode, we chat with Adele Brown , an inspiring early childhood educator who has upskilled from her Diploma of Early Childhood Education to her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education . Adele shares what motivated her to return to study, the challenges she’s faced while balancing work, life, and learning, and the incredible support that’s helped her along the way. As she prepares to complet...

Crystal is back in the recording studio with some books she's been itching to share! Join us for our third book club episode and get your pens ready - you'll want to take note of the books we're recommending today. Head over to our socials and let us know if you pick these titles up!  Books discussed: The Magic Is In You by Brooke Vitale and Colin Hosten, illustrated by Grace Lee Bi...

Find yourself doing the same learning experiences over and over? Looking for some inspiration on different activities you can try? Welcome to the Educator Toolkit series from Shine On Podcast, where our Shine Bright educators share their practice, inspiration and ideas. First up - fine motor skills and group games!  Thank you to Jas, Belinda, Katie and Shez for sharing their practice with us! Do y...

They say it takes a village to raise a child... but how do we build the village? Wendy Irving and Mim Brown join us in this episode to discuss the benefits of the Shine Bright Supported Playgroup model and other family-centered projects run by Communities For Children Bendigo.  Throughout the conversation we’ll explore Wendy and Mim’s important roles within the community, what their projects look...

Welcome to this special episode of Shine On, where we explore Advice From Little Experts. We know that child’s voice is crucial to high quality early childhood education, so in this episode, we took some questions from educators and children, and asked our little experts for their input. You’ll hear a busy classroom in the background, children at work, and the beautiful chaos of learning with chil...

In this episode, Alex, Crystal and Sophie are recording together for the first time in over a year! We’ll catch you up on what’s next for the pod, what we’ve been up to and share some early childhood recommendations. We’ve got some exciting episodes planned which we are SURE you will love! Head over to our social media @shineon_podcast to tell us the early childhood resources you can’t get enough...

Curious about simple and creative ways you can use an iPad for documentation in early childhood programs? Listen in as Rachel Minns  from Tech Play Teach talks us through tips and tricks you can start using right now. Rachel is an experienced early years educator with a passion for integrating technology in purposeful, age-appropriate, and creative ways. As an Apple Professional Learning Specialis...

Need a new book recommendation? Alex and Sophie have got you covered with five titles that are sure to be a hit with the children. Listen in to see why we love Come Over to My House by Sally Rippin and Eliza Hull, Owl Babies by Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson, Finding Our Heart by Thomas Mayor and Blak Douglas, The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak, and The Five Rules of Friendship with Jess San...

Vicki Hall is in conversation with Sophie and Alex, discussing gender justice and the significance of this work in early childhood education.  In a time where gender-based violence is on the rise in Australia, the significance of this work cannot be overstated. Gender equity starts in early childhood, and in this episode Vicki talks us through how they are standing up for children – and how you ca...

On this episode we hear from Ana-Luisa Franco from Little Scientists. Come and hear fantastic examples of STEM in early childhood, the inquiry cycle, and Little Scientists recent experience partnering with Play School! Ana-Luisa Franco is the Training Facilitator and Content Developer at Little Scientists. As an Early Childhood Teacher, she believes in fostering educational environments that encou...

Alex and Sophie chat with Koralynn Dodds, Early Years Manager of Berrimba Childcare Centre in Echuca.  Koralynn is a Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri and Maori woman who has been an early childhood educator for 7 years. She is the mother of 8 young children, and attended Berrimba childcare herself as a child and now the Early Years Manager Koralynn has a strong passion for culture and children, and has been...

Welcome to the Shine On Book Club! Alex and Sophie share some book recommendations that could be great to use in your early childhood educational programs.  (These books are recommendations only, please use your discretion when deciding whether or not these will be right for your children). 

Dr Red Ruby Scarlet is an activist, early childhood teacher-researcher, consultant, artist and academic. She holds numerous degrees in early childhood education and performing arts. Red has been working in early childhood for over 30 years and is devoted to creative, imaginative, inclusive practices that promote dignity and integrity in early childhood. Red has developed curriculum and learning fr...

Alex and Crystal are in conversation with mental health social worker Tracey Farrell. Tracey is known for her passion in supporting infants, children, young people and their families to achieve a felt sense of safety when accessing therapeutic support. Over the past 12 years, Tracey has worked across various children mental health and family services with the common thread of bringing an attachmen...

Alex and Sophie are in conversation with Susan Glencross, an educational and developmental psychologist at Strathmore Kids, which is a private practice that she runs with her partner Lauren.  Susan grew up in the rural area of Darwin and completed her undergraduate studies there, but ended up in Melbourne pursuing her postgraduate training at the University of Melbourne. Susan came to the early ch...

Sophie and Crystal are in conversation with Georgina Goddard. Georgie is a teacher, Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader at Marong Kindergarten.   Before becoming an early childhood teacher, Georgie worked within the disability field for 14 years. From a young age she was lucky enough to experience advocating for, working alongside, and communicating with a large variety of children, teenag...

Sophie is on the other side of the microphone in this episode, as Crystal interviews Sophie and kindergarten teacher Milly Ruff about a style of planning and programming. This is an emergent planning style that Sophie developed and has since been implemented at multiple early childhood education services. It has been tried and tested, with the tick of approval from children, educators AND the Depa...