Learn Play Thrive The Podcast

Simone Brand

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. DEC 18

    Activating a Collective Ethic of Care and Co-responsibility with the Great Barrier Reef

    Join us for an inspiring discussion with two leading voices in early childhood education, Debi Keyte-Hartland and Catherine Lee. We dive into an inquiry-project, which began with a discovery made by children digging in the sandpit. This unexpected find unfolded into a rich, extended inquiry that nurtured children's ecological identity, amplified the arts as a language of learning. Discover how an initial spark of curiosity developed into a project that transcended preschool boundaries, as the children learned their find was fossilised coral from the Great Barrier Reef. The episode explores how this sustained learning experience fostered a collective ethic of care as the children became aware of climate change, leading to creative activism! We discuss how this vibrant, messy, and unpredictable journey illustrates the Reggio Emilia concept of 'progettazione' (design thinking), where learning is co-constructed, transdisciplinary, and is driven by thinking-with materials. Listen in to hear the incredible audio clip of the children’s resulting musical and movie to amplify their message - ‘Save the Reef’! Find out more: debikeytehartland@mac.com https://debikeytehartland.com https://www.facebook.com/debi.keytehartland.early.years.ed? locale=en_G https://www.linkedin.com/in/debi-keyte-hartland-420b131a/ Catherine Lee | LinkedIn 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_ - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    30 min
  2. Little Dreamers #7: Flowers

    DEC 15

    Little Dreamers #7: Flowers

    Welcome to the Little Dreamers mini-series! These monthly episodes feature specially written mindfulness stories designed to ignite young imaginations and gently guide preschoolers toward relaxation and body awareness. This month, our theme is flowers! Join host Kathryn as she leads children through gentle imagery of falling rain and growing roots. As the story unfolds, children can follow along with simple yoga poses that physically embody the story. They will grow from a tiny seed, stretching their bodies into Tabletop, Cat, Cow, Downward-Facing Dog, Mountain Pose, and finally expanding wide into Star Pose—a big, bright flower ready to bloom!  This story also encourages the wonderful practice of gratitude and helps children connect with their breath to stay present and calm. 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_ - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    11 min

  3. DEC 11

    Intentional Scaffolding: From Vygotsky to Today

    Are you ready to transform your intentional teaching and learning practices?  Join us for an essential discussion with Kate Hodgekiss, owner of Engaging Curriculum Solutions and a powerful advocate in the early childhood sector for over 25 years! This episode is your deep dive into the theory and practice of scaffolding, starting with breaking down Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and the role of the 'more knowledgeable other'. We explore how Bruner’s scaffolding theory informs modern practice and how the EYLF V2.0 aligns its definition of scaffolding with responsive teaching and NQS Standard 1.2.2. Kate helps us strike a balance between child-led play and purposeful planning, revealing that true intentional teaching is about using your input strategically to extend children's learning. Gain powerful, practical insights into what intentional scaffolding actually looks like in a busy setting! Don't miss this opportunity to refine your skills, ground your practice in theory, and discover how to make learning fun, intentional, and deeply impactful for every child in your care. Find out more: www.engagingcurriculumsolutions.com.au www.instagram.com/EngagingCurriculumSolutions/ 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_ - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    27 min
  4. Play Provocations #2: Pretend Play

    DEC 8

    Play Provocations #2: Pretend Play

    In this episode of Play Provocations, hosts Linda Harrison and Lindsay Laing unpack the power of pretend play. Learn how inventing roles and narratives is the highest form of symbolic thought in early childhood, directly activating the prefrontal cortex to boost executive function, creativity, and problem-solving.  We share ideas for creating an inviting Outer Space Play Provocation, using a picture book as a hook; together with natural & recycled resources, tinkering tools and star projectors to create an immersive environment. You'll take away innovative ideas to help you design an aesthetically inviting, narrative-anchored play space that deepens children's imaginative play! 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_ - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    14 min

  5. DEC 4

    The Magic of Mark-Making

    How do we unlock the joy of meaningful mark-making for every child? This week, we host Dr. Gai Lindsay, Senior Lecturer and long-time early childhood expert, whose research is dedicated to empowering visual arts learning. Drawing inspiration from John Dewey and the constructivist Reggio Emilia approach, Dr. Lindsay explains how mark-making is far more than just art—it's a powerful visual language and a key to children’s cognitive development. We explore the connection between the Reggio Emilia concept of the 'hundred languages of children' and the visual arts, discussing how these rich experiences foster a child’s sense of agency and contribution as a citizen culture-maker. Dr. Lindsay challenges educators to protect mark-making as a joyful and child-led process in the face of pressure to focus solely on literacy and numeracy outcomes. We discuss concrete ways to ensure visual arts learning is meaningful and empowering, not just a product-focused activity. Tune in to understand the deep philosophical underpinnings of quality arts pedagogy. You'll gain practical insights into giving children the confidence and tools to use their marks, lines, and textures to communicate, research, and express their developing ideas about the world. Find out more: https://drgai-lindsay.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/gailindsay/?hl=en 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_ - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    30 min
  6. Navigating the NQS #2: Standard 1.2 - Practice

    DEC 1

    Navigating the NQS #2: Standard 1.2 - Practice

    This exciting monthly mini-series, Navigating the NQS, continues with host Simone Brand who draws on 15 years of exceeding-rated leadership experience. In this episode, we explore Standard 1.2 – Practice, focusing on how educators facilitate and extend children's learning. Simone breaks down the three crucial elements:  1. Intentional Teaching  2. Responsive Teaching and Scaffolding  3. Child Directed Learning  Simone shares actionable ideas, including an inspiring example of children creating a 'secret garden,' and details how all three elements combine to reach the Exceeding NQS rating. She concludes with a critical reflection challenge for your team, pushing you to question if your teaching strategies are articulated, your scaffolding is effective, and if children are making meaningful decisions that genuinely impact the entire service.  Tune in to transform your daily interactions into dynamic, high-quality practice where educators and children co-construct learning together! 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_ - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    12 min

  7. NOV 27

    2025 ECA National Conference: Exhibiter Insights.mp3

    We're hitting the floor at the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) National Conference 2025 in Perth! Host Simone Brand dives into the bustling Exhibition Hall to chat with the innovators, creators, and resource providers who are driving change in early learning. This episode is your quick-fire round of the biggest ideas and must-have resources for your service! We're bringing you exclusive insights from four game-changing exhibitors: Six Bricks Learning: Get hands-on with the power of Six Bricks! Discover how this simple, affordable set of coloured blocks transforms short, sharp bursts of play into powerful tools for building literacy, numeracy, fine motor skills, and concentration in just a few minutes a day. The Resilience Project: We chat about their Early Years Program, focusing on the crucial pillars of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness (GEM). Learn how this evidence-based program provides educators with play-based strategies to proactively build positive mental health and emotional literacy in young children. Super Cheap Books: Need to refresh your service library without breaking the bank? We get the low-down on how to access a huge range of affordable, high-quality children's books to diversify your reading spaces and ignite a lifelong love of literacy! Find out more: https://sixbrickslearning.com.play4business.com/ https://theresilienceproject.com.au/ https://www.scb.com.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_ - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    29 min
  8. Little Dreamers #6: A Transport Journey to Calm

    NOV 24

    Little Dreamers #6: A Transport Journey to Calm

    Welcome back to Little Dreamers, the enchanting mini-series designed to bring calm and creativity to a young child's world! This month, get ready for an adventure as we climb aboard for a mindful journey about transport. Your preschooler will be gently guided to imagine themselves travelling in a shiny red car, a rhythmic train, a breezy bicycle, and a floating hot air balloon. This mindfulness story is packed with simple yet powerful tools to help your child find their inner calm, boost their body awareness, and spark their imaginative thinking! We also weave in the essential practices of gratitude and mindful breathing to anchor them firmly in the present moment. Inside this transport journey to calm, you'll find: A gentle guided meditation that encourages stillness and focus.Mindful breathing exercises linked to the motion of different vehicles.Easy-to-follow yoga poses to stretch and promote calm.Tune in and float away! 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_ - Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

    11 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Learn Play Thrive The Podcast
  • Show Website
    Learn Play Thrive The Podcast

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