In this episode, Play Provocations returns with a deep dive into Small World Play. Host Linda Harrison is joined by Centre Director Aimee Hansen to discuss how miniature environments—filled with tiny figurines, recycled loose parts, and natural materials—are powerful vehicles for child-led learning. We explore how small world play allows children to act out complex emotions and make sense of the world around them. Aimee and Linda share three inspiring play provocation set-ups. You'll h...
May 18
13 min
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand broadcasts live from the ECA Regional, Rural & Remote Forum to tackle the most pressing legal and industrial shifts hitting the ECEC sector. We are joined by Leanne Cruden, a seasoned industrial relations lawyer leading the charge on gender-based undervaluation proceedings for the Australian Industry Group. Victor Lin, a senior solicitor and employment law expert from the Australian Federation of Employers and Industries also j...
May 14
18 min
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, we head to the seaside to explore the 2026 CBCA Notable picture book, Castle Crashing. Join host Linda Harrison and award-winning author Andrea Rowe as they dive into the relatable world of Bonnie, a young girl whose beach day takes a turn when her friends’ creative visions collide with her own. Beneath the beautiful, salt-sprayed illustrations by Hannah Sommerville lies an exploration of early childhood milestones, from the tricky ...
May 11
29 min
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand sits down with Andrew Paterson, CEO of Family Day Care Australia (FDCA). With over a decade of leadership at the national peak body, Andrew pulls back the curtain on the unique strengths of the family day care (FDC) model and how it serves as a high-quality pillar of the early childhood sector. We dive into FDCA’s pivotal role as a fierce advocate for quality across the sector, discussing how they represent members in national forum to s...
May 7
39 min
Welcome to a special edition of the Learn Play Thrive podcast as we launch an exciting 10-part mini-series Road Safety in Early Education. Recorded in partnership with Kids and Traffic, the Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program at Macquarie University, this series is designed to empower educators with evidence-based strategies for keeping our littlest learners safe. In this premiere episode, host Linda Harrison is joined by expert road safety education consultants Amanda Menzies and...
May 4
17 min
In this episode, we sit down with pedagogical leader Kelly Goodsir to explore the transformative power of intentional inquiry and deep listening in early learning. With over 20 years of experience, Kelly discusses how to reimagine educational leadership, moving away from "habitual" responses toward a relational, purposeful practice. She shares strategies for navigating team tensions and holding space for generative dialogue, ensuring that every decision honours the voices of both children and...
Apr 30
34 min
In this episode, host Simone Brand explores National Quality Standard 3.2 - Use of the Physical Environment. We dive into: - Element 3.2.1 and the importance of creating a sense of belonging through responsive, inclusive pedagogy. - Element 3.2.2 by exploring how carefully selected open-ended resources and natural materials can support play-based learning. - Element 3.2.3 and ways services can embed sustainability as a core pedagogical value. To help your team move toward a...
Apr 27
13 min
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 schoo...
Apr 23
27 min
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 o...
Apr 21
14 min
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 ...
Apr 20
14 min
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