In this episode, host Simone Brand sits down with Meg Parnell, Principal Researcher at the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), to explore the transformative power of intentional teaching in early childhood education and care. Meg unpacks AERO’s groundbreaking research showing how intentional teaching maximises learning opportunities—particularly for children from equity cohorts—and addresses why this core curriculum concept is so often misunderstood in daily practice. Listeners will gain an inside look at AERO’s Early Childhood Intentional Teaching Model, developed through nine months of design-based research alongside educators in diverse communities to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical, everyday application.

The conversation dives deep into what intentionality looks like in real-world settings, demonstrating how intentional teaching seamlessly complements play-based learning to balance adult-led strategies with child-led exploration and spontaneous teachable moments. Meg shares key lessons on practice change, highlighting how fostering a "culture of intentionality" and trusting educators as professionals empowers services to elevate quality. Packed with inspiring insights and practical takeaways, this episode reveals how educators across Australia helped shape a model that is now freely accessible to support every service, educator, child, and family.

Find out more:
https://www.edresearch.edu.au/guides-resources/practice-resources/early-childhood-intentional-teaching-model

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In this second episode of Building Your Village—a special 10-part mini-series for the Learn Play Thrive podcast—host Simone Brand rejoins Kathryn Stoneman and Harriet Blannin-Ferguson from The Village Collective to deliver a practical "how-to" guide on intentionally constructing a support network during pregnancy. The discussion challenges the common habit of shifting focus toward support only after a newborn arrives and exhaustion sets in. Kathryn and Harriet explain why expectant parents should pivot from solely purchasing baby gear to actively investing in people, laying out a proactive blueprint for care that protects a mother's physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing long before her due date.

The conversation demystifies the diverse landscape of antenatal care providers, clearly breaking down the distinct roles of midwives, obstetricians, doulas, and allied health professionals so families can determine the right fit for their unique needs. Listeners will gain three simple, actionable steps to begin building their village immediately, ensuring they have trusted relationships in place well before navigating late-night postpartum challenges. Tune in for an empowering, practical guide that reframes support as an essential foundation for a confident and stable transition into parenthood.

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

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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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In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive: Early Education podcast, we welcome Dr. Claire Warden and tackle the thought-provoking question - "Is nature overrated?" Claire reframes the conversation by challenging how we define nature, arguing that viewing it as an external destination rather than an integral part of human existence creates an artificial divide. Drawing on Tim Ingold’s concept of "meshwork," she explains how young children naturally perceive the world through entangled, non-linear relationships with their environments. Rather than viewing natural elements as objects to be controlled or visited, children view them as entities with equivalent rights—a relational perspective deeply rooted in First Nations ways of knowing and increasingly recognised in modern environmental policy.

Translating these philosophical ideas into practical early childhood pedagogy, Claire contrasts rigid, linear planning with flexible, inquiry-led learning. She shares how strategies like her signature floorbooks allow educators to document children's divergent, unpredictable thinking while balancing regulatory frameworks. Through stories from her nature kindergarten practice, she highlights how slowing down, embracing "teachable moments," and fostering democratic daily rituals allow children to become active agents of change. The episode concludes with three key takeaways for educators: visualising learning as an entangled meshwork, using simple open-ended objects to invite child-led inquiry, and honouring children as complex, empathetic thinkers.

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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- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

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