TTS Talking Early Years TTS

In this episode, Alistair Bryce-Clegg and Ben Kingston-Hughes dive into the importance of humour in play and its vital social function. They discuss how humour requires a lot of imagination and creativity, making it a powerful tool for engaging children and enhancing learning.  






Alistair and Ben highlight how humour in play encourages pro-social behaviour, even if what children find funny seems silly to adults. With a more creative and relaxed environment created by humour, children’s wellbeing and openness to learning is boosted. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice on incorporating humour into play, helping children become creative and socially adept.   


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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  






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Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined once again by Ben Kingston-Hughes to explore the essential role of physical play in children’s development. Outdoor play is highlighted for its unique benefits, including fostering independence and allowing for safe risk-taking. Additionally, they discuss how physical play can actually benefit children’s mental health into adulthood.  






Alistair and Ben delve further into the crucial skills children develop through physical play, such as spatial awareness and improved social interactions. They emphasise that when children enjoy the experience of learning through play, they are more likely to absorb and retain information. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for practitioners on encouraging physical play.   


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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  






Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by Ben Kingston-Hughes, international keynote speaker, author and multi award-winning trainer. In this episode, they discuss the transformative power of imaginative play, and its role in building confidence, fostering creativity and shaping future problem-solvers.  






They highlight how encouraging children to use items unconventionally becomes a critical part of children’s development. They also stress the role of adults in facilitating rather than directing play, allowing children to experiment and create freely. This episode offers practical advice for practitioners on nurturing creativity and encouraging imaginative play, ensuring children grow up to be innovative and adaptable thinkers.  


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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  






Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Alistair Bryce-Clegg, Julie Pearson & Richard Knight return for a final episode to summarise their discussion so far on transitions. This time they bring it all together with the topic of emotional intelligence.  


They emphasise the idea that parents also struggle with transitions, for example moving to a new school after building trust at another. Strategies for supporting parents through these transitions are discussed, such as a ‘drip feed’ approach, slowly building a relationship with parents, and ensuring everyone is on the same page about what ‘transitions’ are.  


The importance of getting communication right is also considered, especially when it comes to more challenging conversations with parents, and opening up a non-judgemental dialogue around emotional intelligence and empathy for children.  






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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  






Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

In this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years podcast, Alistair Bryce-Clegg continues the conversation around transitions with Richard Knight and Julie Pearson.  


They delve into how to approach difficult transitions and bigger life events with children. Whether it’s answering questions about death, or simply acknowledging the fact that it’s okay to feel sad. They also explore the importance of letting educators and key people know when a big transition has happened, accounting for a child’s change in behaviour and mood.  






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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  






Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined once again by Julie Pearson and Richard Knight from the Early Years Alliance. In this episode, they cover some of the bigger changes children tend to experience, and what practitioners can do to support them through these.  


They emphasise the importance of making transitions exciting, whether that’s through using the right language, or making a new space as unthreatening and attractive as you can. They discuss using transitional objects to help too, such as a cuddly toy, and using digital recordings and visuals so a child knows what to expect.  






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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  






Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.