Learn Play Thrive The Podcast

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
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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]

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

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

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

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