Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, host Linda Harrison welcomes multi-talented author Anne Donaldson to celebrate her CBCA award-winning picture book, Derek (illustrated by Matt Shanks and published by Little Hare). The conversation delves into the charming world of Derek, a curious goldfish in a pet shop whose quest to answer life's big scientific questions leads to a deeper, emotional journey about courage, loneliness, and finding connection. Aligned with EYLF V2.0, the discussion highlights how picture books act as a powerful springboard for early childhood educators to engage preschoolers in meaningful dialogues about big feelings, social agency, and self-expression.

The episode also highlights visual literacy, early vocabulary growth, and inquiry-based learning, demonstrating how educators can use Matt Shanks' clever use of scale and perspective to build spatial and mathematical thinking. Listeners will gain practical inspiration from three story-inspired play-based learning setup ideas—including a STEM bubble investigation, a puppet and pet shop dramatic play area, and a 3D small-world fish habitat project. Packed with author insights, a live passage reading, and rich curriculum connections, this episode is a must-listen for educators seeking to nurture curiosity and emotional resilience in early childhood settings.

Find out more:
- Order a copy of the picture book Derek here https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/derek-by-anne-donaldson/9781761215537
- Download the accompanying Learn Play Thrive curriculum toolkit here https://www.learnplaythrive.com.au/resources
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

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand welcomes back Pedagogical Coordinator Clare Comedoy for part two of an insightful discussion on infant and toddler pedagogy, focusing on the spaces we curate for our youngest learners. Clare breaks down why there is no single "recipe" for designing the perfect early childhood room, highlighting how architectural features, natural light, room shape, and community context shape physical environments. Together, they discuss how educators can move past copying popular trends and instead develop a clear, intentional rationale for their indoor and outdoor setups.

Clare invites listeners to reflect deeply on the relationship between children, materials, and learning environments, encouraging educators to audit their spaces with intention. By asking critical questions about the purpose, audience, and possibilities of every piece of furniture and material, teams can better align their physical spaces with their underlying image of the child. Tune in for a practical and inspiring conversation that will help you narrow the gap between your pedagogical values and the everyday experiences of infants and toddlers.
Find out more:
https://www.thinkagainseeagain.com/about
https://www.instagram.com/thinkagainseeagain/
https://www.reggiochildren.it/en/rc/publishing/books-and-audiovisuals/art-and-creativity-in-reggio-emilia/
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

In this debut episode of Building Your Village—an exclusive 10-part mini-series for the Learn Play Thrive podcast—host Simone Brand introduces Kathryn Stoneman (birth and postpartum doula) and Harriet Blannin-Ferguson (midwife, IBCLC lactation consultant, and early years nurse), the founders of The Village Collective. Together, they address the modern landscape of motherhood, exploring why so many women feel isolated in today's fragmented healthcare and social systems. This introductory episode unpacks what it truly means to intentionally build a support network, shifting the narrative from navigating early parenthood in isolation to proactively cultivating a sustained community of care from pregnancy through the first year postpartum.

Throughout the conversation, Kathryn and Harriet share the vision behind The Village Collective on the Central Coast of NSW and preview the essential topics this mini-series will navigate—including birth preparation, feeding, maternal recovery, early postpartum realities, and discerning "common vs. normal" physical and emotional changes. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on seeking support not as a sign of struggle, but as a deliberate act of strength for both mother and child. Tune in to kick off this transformational series and discover how you can begin building your own village, brick by brick, before baby even arrives.

Find out more:
https://thevillagecollective.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/the.village.collective__/

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

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand welcomes Pedagogical Coordinator Clare Comedoy to explore the profound impact physical and relational environments have on infants and toddlers. Clare shares her deep perspective on early childhood pedagogy, unpacking why room design and learning spaces go far beyond basic setup and aesthetics. Together, they discuss how environments shape a young child’s sense of belonging and wellbeing, communicate a teaching team's core values, and foster rich connections—not only between people, but also with nature, materials, and place.

Clare challenges educators to bridge the gap between their stated beliefs about children and what children actually experience each day. Grounded in both theory and actionable advice, she shares key insights for auditing early learning spaces—including a recommendation for Vea Vecchi’s Art and Creativity in Reggio Emilia—and asks educators to reflect on whether every item in their room earns its place. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will prompt you to design spaces that trust, challenge, and honour the capabilities of young children.
Find out more:
https://www.thinkagainseeagain.com/about
https://www.instagram.com/thinkagainseeagain/
https://www.reggiochildren.it/en/rc/publishing/books-and-audiovisuals/art-and-creativity-in-reggio-emilia/
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

Welcome back to our Road Safety in Early Education mini-series. where host Linda Harrison chats with road safety education experts Amanda Menzies and Bec Dunn from Kids and Traffic., In this epsiode, we explore how digital technology—when guided by intentional pedagogy and aligned with the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Statement on Young Children and Digital Technologies—can serve as a powerful, creative tool for exploring real-world traffic environments. Moving beyond passive media consumption, the discussion highlights how co-creating digital content empowers young children to become active creators. From capturing real-world streetscapes to integrating popular culture like Bluey to spark family conversations about holding hands and car-seat safety, Amanda and Bec demonstrate how digital play bridges the gap between early learning settings and home.

The episode is packed with practical ideas for combining hands-on play with age-appropriate technology, showcasing stop-motion animation, small-world construction play, and early coding with floor robots like Bee-Bots to make safety concepts concrete. Listeners will discover how these multi-modal experiences build early literacy, numeracy, and spatial awareness while giving children a platform to document their own safe-travel understanding. Finally, Amanda and Bec share how digital tools foster inclusion, allowing services to translate key safety messages, e-books, and audio resources into over 50 home languages to ensure every family feels connected. Tune in to discover how thoughtful digital play can empower young children with life-saving road safety skills!
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