Learn Play Thrive The Podcast

In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive Australia podcast, we sit down with Kirrin Sampson, an advocate for the early years currently leading programs at ARACY (Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth). Kirrin shares her expertise in bridging the gap between research and practice, explaining how ARACY’s mission supports the foundational development of young children. We explore 'The Nest', Australia’s first evidence-based framework for child wellbeing, and discuss how educators can use its holistic approach to ensure every aspect of a child’s wellbeing is supported.

We also dive into the ARACY 'Common Approach', a practical, prevention-focused tool designed to help professionals work in partnership with families and allied health services. Kirrin explains how this flexible framework moves beyond silos to create a unified support system for young children. Whether you’re interested in policy or daily practice, this conversation offers a powerful roadmap for using evidence-based frameworks to enhance long-term wellbeing outcomes for every child.

Find out more:
www.aracy.org.au
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Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]
Connect with Us:
- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au
- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_
- Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia
- Email: [email protected]

Step into a peaceful morning on the farm with this episode of Little Dreamers, where host Kathryn leads preschoolers through a soothing mindfulness journey themed around animal yoga. The adventure begins with gentle breathwork and a gratitude practice, inviting children to imagine the sights and sounds of a paddock. By combining soft imagery with mindful movement, this episode helps young listeners transition into a state of calm, teaching them how to feel their bodies become quiet and grounded.

This month’s session features easy-to-follow instructions for cow pose and horse pose, designed for little bodies and growing imaginations. Children will learn to stretch like a cow on the grass and find their balance as a steady, strong horse in the stable. The episode concludes with a sunset visualisation, leaving children feeling safe, happy, and as peaceful. It is the perfect resource for educators and parents looking to integrate gentle physical activity with emotional regulation.
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 [email protected]
Connect with Us:
- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au
- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_
- Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia
- Email: [email protected]

⚠️ Listener warning: Anatomical Language - Please be advised that this episode contains discussions regarding child protective behaviours and body safety strategies. As part of this important conversation, our guest uses correct anatomical names for body parts. Providing children with the correct language for their bodies is a key safety strategy in early childhood education. However, we suggest pre-listening if you are in a shared space or planning to use this episode as a professional development tool with your team to ensure you are prepared for the context of the discussion.
Join us as we welcome Selma Jo Wastell, an inspirational leader with over 30 years experience in early learning and child advocacy. In this episode, Selma dives into the importance of embedding child protective strategies, sharing how educators can build a child’s autonomy and self-awareness without creating fear. As an expert in trauma-informed care and inclusion, Selma explores practical ways to integrate these safety strategies into the everyday curriculum, ensuring children’s voices remain at the heart of planning and policy.

This conversation moves beyond theory to offer empowering, practical takeaways for every early childhood professional. Selma highlights that protective behaviour programs don't require outside "experts"—they are tools every educator can implement to foster a trauma-aware environment. Selma reminds us that "knowledge does not corrupt children, it empowers them." Tune in to discover how to turn child protection into a shared, proactive commitment with your families and community.

Find out more:
Lean into Learning
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 [email protected]
Connect with Us:
- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au
- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_
- Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia
- Email: [email protected]

Join Linda Harrison and award-winning author Katrina Germein as they dive into her latest picture book, Another Year Around the Sun. This lyrical story follows a family through a magical year of outdoor play—from summer waves to autumn leaves. Katrina shares the heartwarming personal memories that inspired the book and explains how its vibrant, paper-collage illustrations help preschoolers connect with the rhythm of the seasons and the beauty of the natural world.

This episode also shares practical pedagogical insights, linking the story to EYLF V2.0 themes of 'Becoming' and the concept of time. Educators will find three story-inspred, play-based learning ideas:
1. Setting up birthday party pretend play.
2. Creating floral headband halos and mandalas.
3. Exploring rock pool small worlds.

Little Library is your essential guide for using high-quality, contemporary children's literature to spark imagination and foster early literacy skills in any early childhood setting.

Find out more:
www.katrinagermein.com
https://www.instagram.com/katrinagermein/?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 [email protected]
Connect with Us:
- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au
- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_
- Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia
- Email: [email protected]

In this episode, host Simone Brand welcomes Danny Pinchas from The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). We unpack how the Teacher Standards  affirm the professional identity of early childhood educators, providing national consistency and a clear framework for quality teaching across the sector.

Danny explains that setting this national benchmark directly impacts children's wellbeing and learning during their most formative years. We also discuss how the Teacher Standards serve as a roadmap for career progression, guiding self-reflection, mentoring, and recognition of expertise in ECEC.
 
Tune in to affirm early childhood teachers as valued professionals and raise public confidence in the sector!

Find out more:
www.aitsl.edu.au/
www.facebook.com/aitsl/
www.instagram.com/aitsleduau/
https://au.linkedin.com/company/aitsleduau
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 [email protected]
Connect with Us:
- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au
- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_
- Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia
- Email: [email protected]