Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast

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.
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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!
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Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au
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In this episode of Navigating the NQS, host Simone Brand dives into Quality Area 5, Standard 5.2 to explore how early childhood settings support children in building sensitive, responsive peer relationships. Moving beyond basic group work, Simone breaks down Element 5.2.1 on collaborative learning, highlighting how educators can foster peer mentorship and facilitate long-term, child-led inquiry projects where children act as co-constructors of knowledge. Through practical insights and real-world centre stories, she demonstrates how stepping back allows children to teach, inspire, and support one another.  

Shifting the focus to Element 5.2.2, the conversation examines self-regulation and restorative conflict resolution. Simone details how Exceeding services support children through emotional cues, co-regulation strategies, and peaceful negotiation. Complete with critical reflection questions for early childhood teams, this episode offers actionable strategies for designing environments and routines that reduce social friction and empower young learners with lifelong social-emotional skills.
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Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au
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In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand sits down with leading researcher Professor Sandie Wong to unpack groundbreaking ARC-funded research on the early childhood workforce crisis. Moving beyond stereotypes that undervalue early childhood education, Professor Wong provides hard evidence on the immense complexity, rapid task-switching, and specialised skills required of educators—highlighting the unique, irreplaceable contributions degree-qualified Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) bring to children's learning and wellbeing.

The conversation reveals the essential ingredients behind Exceeding rated services, detailing the structural conditions—such as strong leadership, fair pay, and dedicated time for critical reflection—that allow educators to flourish. Listeners will discover how creating supportive, high-quality work cultures directly drives educator retention, proving that investing in quality is the ultimate key to solving the sector's workforce shortage.
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
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- Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, host Linda Harrison sits down with acclaimed children's author Adelle Frittitta to discuss her heartwarming picture book 'My Nonno Loves'—a 2026 CBCA shortlisted title in the Early Childhood category. 

This story explores intergenerational relationships and the non-verbal, everyday ways families communicate love across language and age barriers. Together, Linda and Adelle dive into how real-world stories validate children's lived experiences, foster cultural identity, and align with EYLF V2.0 outcomes by strengthening a child's sense of belonging.

The conversation offers early childhood educators a rich array of pedagogical insights and story-inspired play ideas to bring the book to life in the classroom. From boosting early literacy using dual-language Italian vocabulary -- to setting up open-ended clay studios and treasure collections. This episode is packed with practical inspiration to nurture a lifelong love of reading in young learners!
Download the Learn Play Thrive 'Reading, Playing Learning: Using Quality Literature in Early Childhood' curriculum toolkit for story-inspred, play-based ideas using this picture book and other CBCA 2026 Book of the Year Awards shortlisted titles in the Early Childhood category.
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
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- Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia
- Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au