Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast

Simone Brand
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Courses
  • Updated weekly

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, and professional growth for early childhood educators.

  1. 2 days ago

    Why Health Literacy Starts in the Early Years

    In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand sits down with Lisa Woodward and Michelle Weisbaum from Life Ed Australia—the powerhouse team behind the iconic Healthy Harold programs—to explore the evolving landscape of health, wellbeing, and innovation in early childhood. Together, they unpack what health literacy looks like in action for young children today. The discussion highlights the critical role early learning centres play in fostering safe spaces for age-appropriate critical thinking, touching on essential themes like body boundaries, online safety, respectful relationships, and a whole-of-community approach that connects educators, families, and children. The episode also highlights practical strategies for supporting young learners through key developmental milestones, featuring a preview of Life Ed’s new transition module 'Harold’s Big School'. Listeners will gain valuable takeaways on why early preventative health education is vital, as well as the fundamental role social emotional learning (SEL) plays in building confidence and easing school transitions. Tune in to discover how empowering young children with SEL skills helps them navigate an increasingly complex world with resilience, self-assurance and a strong sense of belonging! Find out more: https://lifeed.org.au/ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

  2. 5 days ago

    Play Provocations #10: Sensory Play

    In this episode of Play Provocations, host Linda Harrison is joined by lead early childhood educator Michelle Jackson to explore the vital role of sensory play as a cornerstone of early learning. Grounded in research, the conversation highlights how intentional, open-ended sensory experiences form the neural baseline for children's holistic development.  Linda and Michelle discuss the importance of recognising individual sensory profiles—exploring how educators can thoughtfully design early learning environments that cater to both high-input "sensory seekers" and children who thrive in lower-intensity, calming spaces. The episode moves into practical application as Michelle and Linda share three step-by-step, age-appropriate play provocations - a light and sheer fabric canopy over floor mirrors for infants; a tactile mark-making studio with natural tools for toddlers; and an olfactory botanical clay studio for preschoolers. From building fine motor control and self-regulation, to enriching descriptive language and spark curiosity -- this discussion provides educators with actionable strategies to transform everyday materials into deeply engaging, multidimensional learning journeys. If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    Play Provocations #10: Sensory Play

  3. 3 Sept

    Tamworth Pedagogy in Practice: Early Education Conference Panel

    In this special panel episode recorded live at the Pedagogy in Practice: Early Education Conference in Tamworth, the Learn Play Thrive podcast brings together four leading voices in early childhood education to explore the small, intentional decisions that shape transformative practice.  Consultant Kirsty Liljegren of The Creative Collection follows with an inspiring look at how educators can make small yet powerful pedagogical choices daily to unlock richer possibilities for children’s creative expression, critical thinking, and active participation. The discussion deepens as Dr. Red Ruby Scarlet from The Inclusion Room challenges standard routines by asking where music truly begins and ends in an early childhood setting, reframing music as a continuous, culturally expressive thread woven throughout the day.  Grounding the panel in deep community connection, Rachael Phillips, Director of Birrelee MACS, shares invaluable, practical guidance on how early learning services can respectfully and authentically engage Aboriginal families and community leaders when designing culturally inclusive play spaces.  And Linda Harrison from Learn Play Thrive introduces the core concepts of dialogic reading, offering practical strategies to turn storytime into interactive, language-rich conversations. Packed with wisdom, lived experience, and actionable insights, this conversation is an essential listen for any educator looking to elevate their daily pedagogical choices! If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

  4. 31 Aug

    Navigating the NQS #11: Standard 5.2 - Relationships between children

    In this episode of Navigating the NQS, host Simone Brand dives into Quality Area 5, Standard 5.2 to explore how early childhood settings support children in building sensitive, responsive peer relationships. Moving beyond basic group work, Simone breaks down Element 5.2.1 on collaborative learning, highlighting how educators can foster peer mentorship and facilitate long-term, child-led inquiry projects where children act as co-constructors of knowledge. Through practical insights and real-world centre stories, she demonstrates how stepping back allows children to teach, inspire, and support one another.   Shifting the focus to Element 5.2.2, the conversation examines self-regulation and restorative conflict resolution. Simone details how Exceeding services support children through emotional cues, co-regulation strategies, and peaceful negotiation. Complete with critical reflection questions for early childhood teams, this episode offers actionable strategies for designing environments and routines that reduce social friction and empower young learners with lifelong social-emotional skills. If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    Navigating the NQS #11: Standard 5.2 - Relationships between children

  5. 27 Aug

    Attracting, Sustaining and Preparing Quality Teachers in Early Childhood

    In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand sits down with leading researcher Professor Sandie Wong to unpack groundbreaking ARC-funded research on the early childhood workforce crisis. Moving beyond stereotypes that undervalue early childhood education, Professor Wong provides hard evidence on the immense complexity, rapid task-switching, and specialised skills required of educators—highlighting the unique, irreplaceable contributions degree-qualified Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) bring to children's learning and wellbeing. The conversation reveals the essential ingredients behind Exceeding rated services, detailing the structural conditions—such as strong leadership, fair pay, and dedicated time for critical reflection—that allow educators to flourish. Listeners will discover how creating supportive, high-quality work cultures directly drives educator retention, proving that investing in quality is the ultimate key to solving the sector's workforce shortage. If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

  6. 24 Aug

    S2E6 Little Library: My Nonno Loves

    In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, host Linda Harrison sits down with acclaimed children's author Adelle Frittitta to discuss her heartwarming picture book 'My Nonno Loves'—a 2026 CBCA shortlisted title in the Early Childhood category.  This story explores intergenerational relationships and the non-verbal, everyday ways families communicate love across language and age barriers. Together, Linda and Adelle dive into how real-world stories validate children's lived experiences, foster cultural identity, and align with EYLF V2.0 outcomes by strengthening a child's sense of belonging. The conversation offers early childhood educators a rich array of pedagogical insights and story-inspired play ideas to bring the book to life in the classroom. From boosting early literacy using dual-language Italian vocabulary -- to setting up open-ended clay studios and treasure collections. This episode is packed with practical inspiration to nurture a lifelong love of reading in young learners! Download the Learn Play Thrive 'Reading, Playing Learning: Using Quality Literature in Early Childhood' curriculum toolkit for story-inspred, play-based ideas using this picture book and other CBCA 2026 Book of the Year Awards shortlisted titles in the Early Childhood category. https://www.learnplaythrive.com.au/resources If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    S2E6 Little Library: My Nonno Loves

  7. 20 Aug

    Embedding Diverse Languages in ECEC

    In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, host Simone Brand sits down with Amanda MacDonald, Early Learning Specialist at Education Services Australia (ESA). They discuss the national expansion of Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA), a government-backed, play-based digital language program into Foundation to Year 2 classrooms. Amanda shares how ELLA’s suite of 11 immersive, curriculum-aligned apps—offering 13 different languages—helps young learners build confidence, curiosity, and intercultural understanding right from their earliest years of education. Whether you are a language specialist or an early childhood educator, this episode is packed with practical strategies to lower the barrier to language teaching. Amanda explores how digital play, music, storytelling, and everyday routines like greetings and counting can weave new languages into your daily program. Tune in to discover why early language acquisition is a critical foundation for equity and belonging in today's interconnected world, and how ELLA's evidence-backed resources can inspire your children to see language as a vibrant tool for human connection. Find out more: https://www.ella.edu.au/ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

  8. 17 Aug

    Road Safety in Early Education #5: Early Numeracy in Everyday Travel

    In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive mini-series on Road Safety in Early Education, we welcome back Amanda Menzies and Bec Dunn from Kids and Traffic—the Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program at Macquarie University. We explore how everyday travel and road safety education provide a meaningful context to spark children's early numeracy understandings. From tallying travel modes using 3D bar graphs, to exploring spatial concepts through small-world safe play -- the conversation highlights how play-based data collection can support children's numeracy and road safety learning. The discussion also dives into intentional teaching strategies and play provocations that weave essential road safety messages into everyday mathematical inquiry. Amanda and Bec share practical ways to scaffold vocabulary using interactive games like road safety dominoes, lotto, and memory matching. Packed with teaching and learning ideas, this episode equips educators and families to turn every journey into a rich, play-based opportunity for both mathematical discovery and lifelong road safety. Find out more: https://kidsandtraffic.mq.edu.au/ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    Road Safety in Early Education #5: Early Numeracy in Everyday Travel
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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, and professional growth for early childhood educators.

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