Learn Play Thrive The Podcast

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:[email protected] https://debikeytehartland.com https://www.facebook.com/debi.keytehartland.early.years.ed?locale=en_Ghttps://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 [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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 [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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 [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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 [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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 [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]