Advertise on podcast: Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand welcomes Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, certified AuDHD coach, keynote speaker, advocate, and founder of Wondiverse. Diagnosed as AuDHD at 48, Madeleine draws on her deep lived experience and extensive background in the arts and community programs to help families, workplaces, and early childhood settings better understand neurodivergence. The discussion explores the immense cognitive, emotional, and administrative load carried by parents of neurodivergent children and introduces how her app, Understanding Zoe (claimable under NDIS funding), moves assessments, therapy notes, and daily observations out of fragmented folders and into one secure, parent-controlled digital hub. The conversation highlights how creating a shared "support village" transforms outcomes for neurodivergent children in early childhood classrooms and care settings. Madeleine unpacks how giving educators, co-parents, and therapists shared visibility into a child's world bridges the gap between home, therapy, and school. Grounded in lived experience, she explains why tools designed with neurodivergent people—rather than just for them—build authentic trust and usability. Packed with actionable key takeaways, this inspiring episode emphasises that lightening a parent's administrative weight gives them back the energy to focus on what matters most: connection and relationship. Find out more: https://understandingzoe.com/ https://wondiverse.com.au/ https://wondiverse.com.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 [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 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 [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, 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 [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia - Email: [email protected]

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

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

In this special compilation episode of Learn Play Thrive, we head straight to the floor of the Semann and Slattery InspireX Conference. Host Simone Brand captures game-changing insights and passionate reflections from sector leaders and early childhood educators. Co-founder Anthony Semann kicks off the episode with a powerful challenge, asking us to consider what children might say if we truly listened and how that reframes our understanding of their learning, behaviour, and intentions. Co-founder Colin Slattery follows with a timely exploration into artificial intelligence in early childhood education and care, breaking down both the practical opportunities and ethical considerations for contemporary ECEC services. The conversation deepens as conference presenters Adam Christie and Emma Liebekneckt join Simone to dissect what children are really thinking and why leading with courage is essential in today’s early learning landscape. Throughout the episode, you’ll also hear inspiring, bite-sized takeaways from delegates and educators as they share the exact strategies, lightbulb moments, and fresh perspectives they are taking straight back to their teams and services. Whether you’re looking to refresh your pedagogical practice or step into bolder leadership, this episode delivers a rich dose of inspiration from one of the sector's premier professional development events. 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]

Welcome back to Navigating the NQS, the National Quality Standard breakdown for licensed Early Childhood Education and Care settings in Australia. In this episode, host Simone Brand shifts our focus to Quality Area 6 - 'Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities', diving deep into Standard 6.1—Supportive relationships with families. Simone explores how moving beyond one-way communication and surface-level drop-off greetings allows educators to build authentic, reciprocal partnerships with families as a child's first and most influential teachers. Through real-world centre stories, the episode breaks down how Exceeding ECEC services embed family voices from enrolment, respect diverse parenting views, and create a safe, inclusive culture of belonging. The discussion unpacks key strategies for mastering Elements 6.1.1, 6.1.2, and 6.1.3, offering practical guidance on tailored orientations, collaborative problem-solving through developmental milestones, and connecting families to local allied health and community resources. Simone closes the episode with three powerful reflection questions designed for your next team meeting or room planning session to evaluate your service's orientation routines, empathy in family communication, and community resource accessibility. Tune in to discover how fostering trust and mutual respect with families creates a secure bridge between home and your early learning setting! 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]

Host Simone Brand sits down with Dina Petrakis, CEO of Ethnic Community Services (ECS), to dive into the vital role of cultural inclusion in early childhood education. Drawing on over 20 years of leadership in social justice, international aid, and refugee support, Dina shares her passion for empowering culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and advocating for equitable access across the sector. In this episode, she addresses why proactive cultural inclusion is essential for regional, rural, and remote learning environments—even in areas with less demographic diversity—and how intentional practices foster genuine belonging for every child. The conversation explores the concept of the "hidden curriculum," offering practical guidance for educators on choosing picture books that act as authentic mirrors for CALD children and meaningful windows into the wider world for all learners. Dina also breaks down how Ethnic Community Services acts as a hands-on partner for geographically isolated services, building their capacity to create culturally safe, empowered settings. Whether you are looking to audit your classroom resources or explore further steps on your service’s inclusion journey, this episode offers invaluable insights for every early childhood educator. 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]

Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas in this episode of the Learn Play Thrive Little Library! Join host Linda Harrison as she sits down with award-winning illustrator Briony Stewart to discuss her 2026 CBCA Honour-winning picture book 'The Thing About Christmas' (authored by Jo Dabrowski, published by Little Book Press). The episode explores how this heartwarming, inclusive picture book reflects family diversity, fosters a sense of belonging, and reinforces the core message that "Christmas is love. And love is enough." Briony also opens up about her visual storytelling process, incorporaing traditional and digital mediums, and shares the inspiration behind her vibrant 'Symphony of Stories' artworks created for CBCA 2026 Children's Book Week. Packed with practical early literacy insights, this episode explore how the story supports phonological awareness, rich vocabulary expansion, and emotional literacy. Educators and parents will love the actionable, story-inspired play ideas designed to support the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0)—including festive visual arts play, culturally rich dramatic play setups, and loose-parts nature trees. Tune in for a joyful, inspiring conversation that highlights the transformative power of quality Australian children’s literature to build empathy, connection, and creative expression in early childhood settings. Purchase a copy of the picture book here: https://littlebookpress.com.au/products/the-thing-about-christmas?srsltid=AfmBOor2wnVSeyYb1Ov4zF0dwMueXnuy1R0SrveX_Eg1vBx12WLD6YUg 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 the Learn Play Thrive podcast, host Simone Brand sits down with early childhood teacher, advocate, and play therapist in training -- Emma Rattenbury. Bringing over 20 years of sector experience, Emma tackles the critical challenge of building a strong professional identity in early childhood education. The conversation dives deep into why a robust professional self-image is essential for boosting educator confidence and engagement -- particularly for those navigating the unique isolation, resource constraints, and staffing pressures of regional and remote service delivery. Moving beyond surface-level solutions, Emma challenges educators and leaders to rethink professional development—shifting it away from a compliance "tick-box" and reframing it as a vital tool for empowerment and growth. She advocates for a systemic approach to wellbeing, emphasising that educator wellness is a collective workplace responsibility rooted in strong relationships, supportive leadership, and thriving team cultures. Tune in to hear Emma’s practical, evidence-informed insights on how services can create environments where educators feel truly seen, valued, and confident in the direction of their professional practice. Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/emma_in_earlychildhood/?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]

Music and movement take centre stage in this episode of Learn Play Thrive, as host Linda Harrison chats with Amanda Menzies and Bec Dunn from Macquarie University's Kids and Traffic program. Grounded in EYLF V2.0, the discussion highlights how educators can use the core elements of music—beat, tempo and timbre—to help children embody important road safety concepts through pretend play. From pacing steps to the rhythm of a tambourine, to mimicking car engines and bicycle bells with loose parts and percussion -- children build both creative expression and auditory awareness for real-world traffic environments. The conversation also explores the power of adapting familiar nursery rhymes into catchy road safety tunes -- creating a shared safety language that bridges the gap between ECEC services and homes. Amanda and Bec share how these joyful songs shared in early learning services often travel right into the back seat of the family car, acting as life-saving reminders for busy parents to double-check their child's seatbelts. To bring these musical tools into your own early education setting, access free song lyrics, tracks, and programming resources at 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 [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, host Simone Brand sits down with Lisa Woodward and Michelle Weisbaum from Life Ed Australia—the powerhouse team behind the iconic Healthy Harold programs—to explore the evolving landscape of health, wellbeing, and innovation in early childhood. Together, they unpack what health literacy looks like in action for young children today. The discussion highlights the critical role early learning centres play in fostering safe spaces for age-appropriate critical thinking, touching on essential themes like body boundaries, online safety, respectful relationships, and a whole-of-community approach that connects educators, families, and children. The episode also highlights practical strategies for supporting young learners through key developmental milestones, featuring a preview of Life Ed’s new transition module 'Harold’s Big School'. Listeners will gain valuable takeaways on why early preventative health education is vital, as well as the fundamental role social emotional learning (SEL) plays in building confidence and easing school transitions. Tune in to discover how empowering young children with SEL skills helps them navigate an increasingly complex world with resilience, self-assurance and a strong sense of belonging! Find out more: https://lifeed.org.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 [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia - Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Play Provocations, host Linda Harrison is joined by lead early childhood educator Michelle Jackson to explore the vital role of sensory play as a cornerstone of early learning. Grounded in research, the conversation highlights how intentional, open-ended sensory experiences form the neural baseline for children's holistic development.  Linda and Michelle discuss the importance of recognising individual sensory profiles—exploring how educators can thoughtfully design early learning environments that cater to both high-input "sensory seekers" and children who thrive in lower-intensity, calming spaces. The episode moves into practical application as Michelle and Linda share three step-by-step, age-appropriate play provocations - a light and sheer fabric canopy over floor mirrors for infants; a tactile mark-making studio with natural tools for toddlers; and an olfactory botanical clay studio for preschoolers. From building fine motor control and self-regulation, to enriching descriptive language and spark curiosity -- this discussion provides educators with actionable strategies to transform everyday materials into deeply engaging, multidimensional learning journeys. 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 special panel episode recorded live at the Pedagogy in Practice: Early Education Conference in Tamworth, the Learn Play Thrive podcast brings together four leading voices in early childhood education to explore the small, intentional decisions that shape transformative practice.  Consultant Kirsty Liljegren of The Creative Collection follows with an inspiring look at how educators can make small yet powerful pedagogical choices daily to unlock richer possibilities for children’s creative expression, critical thinking, and active participation. The discussion deepens as Dr. Red Ruby Scarlet from The Inclusion Room challenges standard routines by asking where music truly begins and ends in an early childhood setting, reframing music as a continuous, culturally expressive thread woven throughout the day.  Grounding the panel in deep community connection, Rachael Phillips, Director of Birrelee MACS, shares invaluable, practical guidance on how early learning services can respectfully and authentically engage Aboriginal families and community leaders when designing culturally inclusive play spaces.  And Linda Harrison from Learn Play Thrive introduces the core concepts of dialogic reading, offering practical strategies to turn storytime into interactive, language-rich conversations. Packed with wisdom, lived experience, and actionable insights, this conversation is an essential listen for any educator looking to elevate their daily pedagogical choices! 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]