Learn Play Thrive The Podcast

Simone Brand
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Learn Play Thrive: The Podcast! Join us for expert insights and interviews, practical tips and inspiring stories in Early Childhood Education. 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.

  1. Road Safety In Early Education #1: Key Road Safety Messages

    2D AGO

    Road Safety In Early Education #1: Key Road Safety Messages

    Welcome to a special edition of the Learn Play Thrive podcast as we launch an exciting 10-part mini-series Road Safety in Early Education. Recorded in partnership with Kids and Traffic, the Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program at Macquarie University, this series is designed to empower educators with evidence-based strategies for keeping our littlest learners safe. In this premiere episode, host Linda Harrison is joined by expert road safety education consultants Amanda Menzies and Bec Dunn. We explore why educators are a trusted source for families and how to effectively weave road safety messages into the daily fabric of your early years setting. We break down the core Kids and Traffic philosophy, focusing on the developmental realities of why children are at risk around traffic. You’ll also be introduced to the three pillars of road safety messages - pedestrian, passenger, and safe play. Join us as we set the stage for a journey through the EYLF V2.0, numeracy, music, and excursions... all through the lens of quality road safety education. 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

    16 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Educational Leadership in ECEC

    In this episode, we sit down with pedagogical leader Kelly Goodsir to explore the transformative power of intentional inquiry and deep listening in early learning. With over 20 years of experience, Kelly discusses how to reimagine educational leadership, moving away from "habitual" responses toward a relational, purposeful practice. She shares strategies for navigating team tensions and holding space for generative dialogue, ensuring that every decision honours the voices of both children and educators. Drawing on concepts like Adam Grant’s 'rethinking cycle', Kelly offers practical advice on building a culture of curiosity. She emphasizes the importance of being "awake" to the present moment to ensure leadership remains grounded in meaning rather than just compliance. This conversation is an inspiring call to action for leaders to lead from the inside out, transforming everyday moments into profound learning opportunities. Find out more: www.kglearning.com.au https://www.facebook.com/kellygoodsirconsultancy https://www.instagram.com/kglearningece/ 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

    34 min
  3. Navigating the NQS #7: Standard 3.2 Physical Environment - Use

    APR 27

    Navigating the NQS #7: Standard 3.2 Physical Environment - Use

    In this episode, host Simone Brand explores National Quality Standard 3.2 - Use of the Physical Environment. We dive into:  - Element 3.2.1 and the importance of creating a sense of belonging through responsive, inclusive pedagogy. - Element 3.2.2 by exploring how carefully selected open-ended resources and natural materials can support play-based learning.  - Element 3.2.3 and ways services can embed sustainability as a core pedagogical value.  To help your team move toward an Exceeding rating, Simone shares critical reflection questions focused on cultural inclusion, healthy risk-taking, and environmental stewardship. We also announce our brand-new professional development course, 'The Regenerative Classroom: Empowering Young Changemakers for a Sustainable Future,' designed to help you map your practice to the EYLF V2.0. Tune in to discover how to intentionally scaffold children’s discovery of the world within a space that feels safe, secure, and deeply respectful of every child. 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

    12 min

  4. APR 23

    The Hundred Languages of Children: An Introduction to Reggio Emilia

    In this episode, we are joined by a powerhouse duo from the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) - Chairperson Kate Mount and General Manager Cara Mearns. With over six decades of combined experience, Kate and Cara explore the profound impact of the Reggio Emilia Approach in Australian early childhood settings. We dive into the heart of Loris Malaguzzi’s 'Hundred Languages of Children', discussing how this central concept challenges educators to look beyond traditional schooling and make children’s limitless thinking visible through multimodal learning and a range of creative media. The conversation also addresses the vital importance of professional nourishment for educators facing workforce shortages and burnout. Kate and Cara emphasize that valuing our workforce through reflection and democratic practice is essential for fostering safe, high-quality environments where children’s voices are truly heard. This inspiring episode is a call to collective action, reminding us that a child’s potential is best realised when families, educators, and communities work together with courage and purpose. As our guests aptly ask - "If not now, when?" Find out more: https://reggioaustralia.org.au/ Instagram:  reggioaustralia Facebook: reggioaustralia LinkedIn: Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange 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

    27 min
  5. Play Provocations #3: Risky Play for Preschoolers

    APR 21

    Play Provocations #3: Risky Play for Preschoolers

    Join hosts Linda Harrison and Lindsay Laing as they explore the vital role of Risky Play in early childhood settings! Find out why risky play is important for building a young child's resilience, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills. This episode equips educators to understand the 6 types of Risky Play in early education.   You'll take away an innovative play provocation idea with using tools at a  Woodworking and Whittling Station. Discover how to safely set up an inviting outdoor workshop using natural materials and real tools to teach responsibility, persistence, and focus. This episode will empower you to become a brave facilitator of healthy risk-taking for preschoolers in your early learning environment! 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

    13 min
  6. Play Provocations #5: Play Schemas Part Two

    APR 20

    Play Provocations #5: Play Schemas Part Two

    In the second part of our deep dive into play schemas, host Linda Harrison and Educational Leader Rachel Emms explore the final four of the 'Big Eight' patterns of behaviour - orientation, positioning, enveloping, and rotation.  By understanding these play schemas, educators can transform their physical learning environments into responsive 'third teachers' that cater to a child’s natural urge to wire their brain through repetitive, physical investigations of the world around them. The conversation offers a treasure trove of practical play provocations designed to elevate these schematic interests into deep pedagogical inquiries.  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

    13 min

  7. APR 16

    Fostering Digital Literacy with Story Box Library

    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 resources can boost literacy and communication skills by offering a rich, engaging way to read and interpret stories in our contemporary society. The conversation highlights how digital storytelling can enrich—rather than replace—hands-on play. Our guests share practical ways for educators to use multimedia stories as springboards for creativity, imaginative play, and intentional teaching. Tune in to discover how Story Box Library works to provide high-quality, inclusive literature that inspires a lifelong love of stories. Find out more: www.facebook.com/StoryBoxHub/ www.instagram.com/storyboxhub/ www.youtube.com/channel/UCLPoD8EPHgXsrR50OYvMeEg www.linkedin.com/company/storyboxlibrary/ 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

    12 min
  8. S2E1 Little Library: Laugh In The Bath

    APR 13

    S2E1 Little Library: Laugh In The Bath

    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 educators and parents, the conversation offers practical pedagogical tools like the PEER sequence for interactive reading and evidence-based strategies for boosting phonological awareness. We also share creative, story-inspired play provocations designed to bridge the gap between the book’s narrative and a child’s real-world experiences.  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

    21 min
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About

Welcome to Learn Play Thrive: The Podcast! Join us for expert insights and interviews, practical tips and inspiring stories in Early Childhood Education. 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Simone Brand
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    132
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Learn Play Thrive The Podcast
  • Show Website
    Learn Play Thrive The Podcast

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