The Bloom Room: An Early Childhood Podcast

Children can't regulate feelings they don't know how to feel. In part one of this three-part mini-series - that I'm affectionately calling Big Feelings 101 - I'm providing a compassionate, practical look at what emotional competence actually is (hint: it’s much more than just regulation), why it’s essential to how we understand and support children’s behaviour and the eight skills involved. I'll also provide a deep(ish) dive into the first two skills and how to bring them to life in your practice. You’ll hear: 🐰 What emotional competence really means and why it’s often misunderstood 🐰 The first two foundational skills: recognising your own feelings and recognising them in others 🐰 The deep interconnection between how we recognise emotions in ourselves and in others 🐰 How interoception and theory of mind shape emotional awareness 🐰 Micro-moment that support these skills through everyday connection This episode sets the groundwork for guiding big feelings without shame, power-over, or rewards and gives you the language to name what children actually need to become emotionally competent individuals. PS: Very (very) mild coarse language features in this episode.   Helpful links Connect with me on Instagram @littlebloom.consultancy Visit my website www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au   Articles Implications of Carolyn Saarni’s work for preschoolers’ emotional competence Early childhood teachers as socializers of young children’s emotional competence Early childhood teachers’ socialization of children’s emotional competence

What if movement was the missing piece in learning to read? For too long, we’ve asked young children to sit still and focus when their brains are wired for motion. In this powerful episode, I chat with Stefanie Hohl, creator of ABC See, Hear, Do, about how movement can transform early literacy, especially for children who’ve struggled with traditional methods. Stefanie Hohl is the creator of ABC See, Hear, Do - an innovative phonics program that helps children learn to read through movement and fun. As a literacy advocate, author, and educator, she has helped thousands of children develop a love for reading. Stefanie is passionate about making learning engaging, especially for active children. You'll hear: 👋🏼 Why expecting children to sit still is actually hindering their learning. 👋🏼 How movement enhances phonics and creates stronger neural pathways. 👋🏼 The shocking gap in teacher training around reading instruction — and how it impacts classroom confidence. 👋🏼 What teachers can do today to weave purposeful movement into literacy learning. 👋🏼 Real stories of children who couldn’t read - until movement made it click. This episode opens up a new, evidence-aligned path and is especially valuable for educators curious about the science of reading, phonics instruction, and meeting learners where they are.   Helpful Links Visit Stefanie's website ABC See, Hear, Do Check out Stefanie's products on Amazon Connect with me on Instagram @littlebloom.consultancy Visit my website www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au

Real inclusion isn’t about ticking boxes. Phwoar. This conversation is a powerful one. I welcome Sarah Middleton and her 12-year-old son, Charlie (the first child on the show - yay!), to The Bloom Room for a critical conversation around why it’s time to move beyond Whole Body Listening towards inclusive listening practices. Charlie shares his lived experience of Whole Body Listening, reflecting on the consequences of this approach that were naked to the invisible eye.  This year, Sarah and Charlie undertook their first grass roots advocacy campaign - the Force 4 Good campaign - which fast became a movement, bringing like-minded people together to petition against the widespread use of Whole Body Listening in classrooms (learn more about this in the episode). In this discussion, Sarah shares the challenges encountered with their campaign (some quite surprising), and the hope that has come with connecting with others. You’ll hear: 🌏 How the typical ‘teacher look’ can feel for a child with high sensitivity 🌏 Why quiet doesn’t always mean engaged 🌏 The importance of questioning “how things have always been done” and why ticking boxes doesn’t lead to long-lasting change 🌏 The links between whole-body listening, masking and belonging 🌏 How to advocate for change - and why quietly modelling inclusive listening practices might be the key to creating change in your environment If you aren't already convinced that we need to move past Whole Body Listening - hearing Charlie's lived experience will get you over the line.   Helpful Links Connect with Sarah on Instagram @sarah.middleton.blg Visit the Force 4 Good campaign website Charlie's Letter Read Dr. Connie Buckingham's blog Whole Body Listening: A First Attempt to Find the Science to Back a Change Connect with me on Instagram @littlebloom.consultancy Visit my website www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au  

 Forced sharing is out. Scaffolded turn taking is in.  Eeeep - we’ve all said it - "sharing is caring". Two children are locked in battle over a toy, voices rising and out comes the phrase we hope will fix it fast. But what if “sharing is caring” is doing more harm than good? In this episode, I unpack the very real consequences of forced sharing, why it doesn’t teach what we think it does, and what to do instead. Spoiler: it’s not about children giving up the goods, nor is it about permissiveness. It’s about building trust, patience, and genuine empathy. 🦕 Why “sharing is caring” might actually teach self-sacrifice, not kindness. 🦕 The subtle but powerful difference between sharing and turn-taking. 🦕 The mixed messages we send when we say “You’ve had it long enough” or “Who had it first?” 🦕 How scaffolded turn-taking supports regulation and social growth. 🦕 Practical scripts for tricky moments - that honour both children’s needs. This episode is for anyone who’s felt caught in the tug-of-war and just wants to handle it better next time - with calm, clarity, and a whole lot more trust in children’s capacity to grow.   Helpful Links Download my freebie Is Sharing Really Caring? Connect with me on Instagram @littlebloom.consultancy Visit my website www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au

Emotional intelligence is the cornerstone of effective teaching. This chat with Em Gentle will be like a hug for the parts of you telling you that you're not doing enough. Em shares so much of her wisdom in this discussion centred on emotionally intelligen edicators - what emotional intelligence is, why it's important, how we live it, and why it's the crux of all we do in our work with children (or should be!). Em is former teacher and Assistant Principal turned Emotional Intelligence Coach driven by a mission to transform the way we teach and lead. She helps educators and leaders prioritise emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation as the foundation for thriving school communities. She is committed to equipping support staff, teachers, and leaders with the knowledge and practical tools they need to build compassionate, connected, and emotionally safe learning environments. You’ll hear: ☀️ Why conversations about teacher wellbeing and student wellbeing need to happen together, not separately ☀️ The links between the nervous system and behaviour ☀️ The first step to take in your journey with emotional intelligence ☀️ The importance of regulating routines to support children's self-regulation ☀️ Vulnerable stories about when we get it 'wrong' This conversation is your permission to be more self-compassionate and to let go of the idea of perfection - and to move towards emotional intelligence. PS: Very (very) mild coarse language features in this episode.   Helpful Links Connect with Em on Instagram @em_gentle Visit Em's website emmagentle.com.au Connect with me on Instagram @littlebloom.consultancy Visit my website www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au

Holding a boundary is not about ‘being the boss.’  Boundaries are often thrown around as one of those behaviour support tools that’s the magic bullet for getting children to do what you want. Womp womp, friend - magic bullets for behaviour don’t exist. The good news? When done well, boundaries can be an excellent tool for behaviour guidance and for showing children where our line is. You’ll hear: 🍎 What a boundary really is - and what happens when we confuse them with limits 🍎 The three most common traps we fall into when setting boundaries 🍎 Why big feelings in response to your boundaries don’t mean your boundary has failed 🍎 A framework for knowing which boundaries to remain steadfast on and which you can drop 🍎 The myth of consistency meaning 100% of the time This episode’s for those of you feeling like your boundaries could do with a little spring clean (or maybe even a complete makeover). PS: Very (very) mild coarse language features in this episode.    Helpful Links Check out my behaviour bites guide Leading from the Middle Connect with me on Instagram @littlebloom.consultancy Visit my website www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au

Children deserve to take up space. In this inspiring episode I speak with Anna Skates, a passionate advocate for children's rights, about the importance of truly seeing and listening to children. We unpack how adult discomfort, language, and societal structures can either uplift or silence children and how we make space for them. Anna Skates is a children’s advocate, entrepreneur, and creator on a mission to help the world take kids seriously - and treat them accordingly. Whether she's hosting kid book clubs, creating content, leading youth camps, or building experiences like The Story Booth or Every Little Step, everything she does is built on the belief that kids are full people right now. Not someday. Not “when they can articulate it.” Right now. You’ll hear: 🐞 Why children are full human beings right now 🐞 The need to get comfortable with the discomfort that comes with advocacy and being courageous 🐞 What it means to truly listen to children - with all of our senses 🐞 How shifting the way that we see, understand and relate to children and childhood could change the world 🐞 A frank conversation around the harm of the obsession with data in education If you’re ready to hear powerful insights on empathy, advocacy, and the transformative potential of viewing children as valuable members of society, this is the episode for you.    Helpful Links Connect with Anna on Instagram @anna_skates Connect with me on Instagram @littlebloom.consultancy Visit my website www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au

Play isn’t a warm-up to the real work. It is the work. In this energising chat with Simon Airey, we explore neurodivergent play through a radically affirming lens - one where movement, stimming, flow states, and autonomy aren’t side notes, but centre stage. If you’ve ever wondered how to support neurodivergent play without overriding it, this episode is for you. Simon is a neurodiversity and inclusion specialist with over 25 years of experience in education. Through his content, talks, and podcast, Simon shares practical strategies that support the diverse needs of neurodivergent children in real, everyday classroom settings. You’ll hear: 🌛 How certain forms of play are actually powerful self-regulation tools 🌛 How movement, repetition, and regulation show up in authentic play 🌛 Why adult-led agendas can interfere with connection and safety 🌛 Challenging the idea that play needs to fit into neat, expected boxes 🌛 How to create an environment that makes room for all kinds of play If you’re ready to let go of the Pinterest version of play and make room for deeper connection, curiosity, and co-regulation, this conversation will stay with you.   Helpful Links Connect with Simon on Instagram @simoninclusionteacher Connect with me on Instagram @littlebloom.consultancy Visit my website www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au

Children's rights are not an 'add-on' - they're the foundation. In this powerful conversation with Lauren Mittell - a mother, teacher and advocate for children who embeds social justice and children's rights into her parenting and pedagogy - we dive deep into what it really means to uphold children’s rights in our practice. Beyond posters and policies, this episode is about how we show up every day - in our language, our decisions, and the way we hold space for children’s voices. Lauren shares how her teaching philosophy is grounded in children’s rights, social justice, and anti-oppression. Rather than seeing education as a way to control or prepare children for the workforce, she advocates for creating learning spaces where children feel seen, heard, and empowered. You’ll hear: 💫 The importance of critically reflecting on systems and traditions in education  💫 Unpacking the power dynamics between teachers and students and shifting from control to collaboration and shared power 💫 Practical, concrete, accessible changes you can make to uphold children’s rights 💫 A reminder that transformation starts with reconsidering how we see children 💫 How to shift from tokenism to truly listening, respecting, and including children If you’re ready to go beyond buzzwords and reflect honestly on how your practice upholds (or overlooks) children’s rights, this episode is essential listening.   Helpful Links Connect with Lauren on Instagram @ms_lauren_eve Take a look at the book It's Not Fair by Eloise Rickman Connect with me on Instagram @littlebloom.consultancy Visit my website www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au

Death by a thousand papercuts. If you’ve ever ended a school day feeling utterly drained by the tiny behaviours that chip away at your patience, this episode is for you. We're tackling low-level behaviours - the eye-rolls, the pencil taps, the incessant chattering - and unpacking why they're anything but low-impact. You’ll hear: 💫 Why I don’t actually like the term 'low-level behaviours' and what we should be calling them instead 💫 How small behaviours send big signals about disconnection, disengagement, or overwhelm 💫 Three common myths that stop educators from responding to these behaviours effectively 💫 Practical strategies for responding without escalating or ignoring  💫 Why proactive measures are invaluable for preserving your own energy whilst maintaining classroom culture and connection If you’re sick of micromanaging every. little. behaviour. and want to build your toolkit, this episode is your starting point.   Helpful Links Purchase a ticket to my August 21 workshop Tiny Behaviours, Big Impact  Download my *free* checklist Keeping Low-Level Behaviours Low Connect with me on Instagram @littlebloom.consultancy Visit my website www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au

A beanbag and a poster do not make a calm corner. If your calm space is feeling more like a soft time-out than a supportive sanctuary, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew. I unpack why calm corners often miss the markand what to shift so they actually support emotional regulation. You’ll hear: 💫 Why many calm corners become time-out in disguise 💫 The role of co-regulation and adult presence in calm corners 💫 What calm corners truly need to be effective (hint: it's more than breathing posters) 💫 How to build a calm corner with children, not just for them 💫 What to do when a child resists the space, and how to preserve autonomy This one’s for educators and carers who are ready to rethink calm down strategies and build spaces that truly support emotional growth.   Helpful Links Check out my behaviour bites guide Building Emotional Competence Connect with me on Instagram @littlebloom.consultancy Visit my website www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au

Aaaaah, behaviour charts. Love them or hate them (I'm the latter), it feels like they're here to stay. I'm often met with exasperation - but HOW do we support behaviour without them? It feels impossible, but it isn't. I did it for most of my teaching career (bar one year). I cover: Why behaviour charts don’t actually teach behaviour and what they do instead. How children internalise their placement on behaviour charts, shaping their self-worth and peer relationships. The connection between behaviour charts and social bias, including their disproportionate impact on neurodivergent children and children of colour. Four alternative strategies to support behaviour - clear expectations, teaching missing skills, connection and problem-solving, and having a plan for tricky behaviours. How to shift from compliance to skill-building, fostering self-regulation, responsibility, and a positive classroom culture.  There are ways to support behaviour while fostering connection, fostering skill building and helping children feel good about themselves - without the need for behaviour charts. Promise. 💫 Read through When the Clips are Down 💫 Download my free guide: Navingating Rewards When You're Expected to Use Reward Systems 💫 If you'd like some 1:1 support, take a look at my mentoring packages 💫 Send me an email: hello@littlebloomconsultancy.com.au  💫 Find me on Instagram: @littlebloom.consultancy

Self-doubt creeps in when we least expect it. Whether it’s comparing yourself to other teachers, feeling like you’re not good enough, or questioning whether you really belong in this field - these thoughts can be exhausting. The thing is - you’re not alone. I'm convinced every teacher experiences self-doubt at some point. I cover: How social media, unrealistic expectations, and 'shoulds' impact teachers falling into the comparison trap. Looking at imposter syndrome and questioning where it might come from. How to challenge the thoughts that make you feel “not good enough” by reframing your limiting beliefs. How to recognise when you're overgeneralising, catastrophising, and speaking in absolutes. Embracing authenticity, leaning into strengths, and stepping into your true teacher self. If you've ever felt less-than in your work, this episode is for you. 💫 Find Your Marigold: The One Essential Rule for New Teachers 💫 Peep my post on Marigold Teachers 💫 If you'd like some 1:1 support, take a look at my mentoring packages 💫 Send me an email: hello@littlebloomconsultancy.com.au  💫 Find me on Instagram: @littlebloom.consultancy

Building strong relationships with families at the start of the year is the foundation of a successful classroom. But let’s be real - it’s not always easy to navigate the nuances of communication, cultural differences, or setting boundaries. In this episode, I’m sharing the 'Ins' and 'Outs' of building meaningful connections with families. I’ll explore 8 things that are IN in order to foster trust, collaboration, and open dialogue, as well as 6 things that are OUT that can unintentionally act as roadblocks for your relationships. I cover: The importance of starting the year with strong family relationships. Ways to help families feel welcome and included from day one. Building trust through clear communication and proactive engagement. Why families should have a voice in their child’s classroom journey. Being intentional with information shared with families. Working with families isn't as scary as it seems, promise.  💫 Download a *free* copy of my transitions checklist: Supporting Effective Transitions 💫 Purchase my comprehensive transitions roadmap: Beyond the Welcome Email 💫 Send me an email: hello@littlebloomconsultancy.com.au  💫 Find me on Instagram: @littlebloom.consultancy

In today’s episode, I explore classroom design. However, this isn’t just another guide to setting up your classroom - it's an exploration of an amazing research article I came across: 'Children’s voices: Inclusive early childhood placemaking with children.' I cover: The importance of inclusive environments. Amplifying children's sense of belonging. Children as placemakers. Why children should have a voice in shaping their learning spaces. The role of authenticity in learning spaces. If you've never considered the learning environment through children's eyes before, this episode is going to leave you with a lot to reflect on - in the best possible way. 💫 Purchase the Clarity & Culture Back to School Workshops 💫 Read through  Children’s voices: Inclusive early childhood placemaking with children 💫 Send me an email: hello@littlebloomconsultancy.com.au  💫 Find me on Instagram: @littlebloom.consultancy

In today’s episode, I unpack classroom agreements and how we can co-construct these with the children in our class. I cover: Why classroom agreements are much more than a list of rules. The importance of balancing expectations to be firm, fair, flexible, and developmentally appropriate for children. Debunking myths about classroom agreements. A rant about the idea that we shouldn't co-construct expectations with children 'because they get too silly.' Some ideas for exploring rights and responsibilities and creating classroom agreements. If you've never created a co-constructed classroom agreement before, let me tell you - these are powerful! You won't look at rules the same. 💫 Purchase the Clarity & Culture Back to School Workshops 💫 Send me an email: hello@littlebloomconsultancy.com.au  💫 Find me on Instagram: @littlebloom.consultancy

In today’s episode, we consider the elements needed for a calm and successful first day back. I cover: Planning for logistics and setup: How to organise booklist items. Delegating roles. Navigating tears when children separate from their caregivers. Structuring your first-day schedule. Ideas for simple relationship-building and name-learning activities. The importance of day one reflections. If day one feels mega daunting (so normal, btw), this episode will give you some solid pointers to turn that overwhelm into intention.  💫 6 books about starting school 💫 Purchase my comprehensive transitions roadmap for a smooth day one: Beyond the Welcome Email 💫 Purchase the Clarity & Culture Back to School Workshops 💫 Send me an email: hello@littlebloomconsultancy.com.au  💫 Find me on Instagram: @littlebloom.consultancy

In today’s episode, I walk you through how to establish routines that will transform your classroom into a calm, predictable, and thriving environment. I cover: What routines are and why they’re essential for classroom success. How routines build a sense of safety and belonging for children. Five key reasons routines are the foundation of every effective classroom. A 5-step framework for teaching routines. Why investing time in routines early in the year saves you a heap of time, energy and frustration in the long run. If routines have ever felt like an afterthought, this episode will show you why they’re the cornerstone of a smooth, successful school year.  💫 Purchase the Clarity & Culture Back to School Workshops 💫 5 mistakes I made with routines when I started teaching 💫 A 5-step framework to setting routines 💫 Send me an email: hello@littlebloomconsultancy.com.au  💫 Find me on Instagram: @littlebloom.consultancy  

In today’s episode, I walk you through how to make transitions meaningful and effective with a well thought out plan for welcoming children and families into the classroom. I cover: What effective transitions are. Why transitions set the tone for a successful school year. Essential information to share with families to build trust and reduce anxiety. How to prepare children and families for day one. The importance of children's participation in the transition process. 💫 Download a *free* copy of my transitions checklist: Supporting Effective Transitions 💫 Purchase my comprehensive transitions roadmap: Beyond the Welcome Email 💫 Send me an email: hello@littlebloomconsultancy.com.au  💫 Find me on Instagram: @littlebloom.consultancy 💫 Check out the Courageous Kids app (affiliate link)

On today’s episode I speak with Elise Disher, early childhood consultant and advocate for thoughtful, child-centered practices. Elise dives into the concept of progressive mealtimes in early learning settings, breaking down how they work, why they matter, and how to implement them in ways that are both meaningful and practical. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to reimagine mealtime routines as opportunities for connection and learning.   Elise and I speak about: 🌸 What progressive mealtimes are and how they differ from traditional group mealtimes. 🌸 How mealtimes can shift from being rushed routines to meaningful rituals that foster connection and learning. 🌸 The role of autonomy, choice, and agency in progressive mealtimes. 🌸 Practical strategies to make progressive mealtimes work. 🌸 Addressing common challenges such as food safety, chaotic transitions, and preparing children for structured school settings. 🌸 Why intentionality and context matter - ain't no one-size-fits-all approach around here.   Elise is a mum of two and an Early Childhood Consultant and Teacher. Her mission is to create a movement in the way we educate and raise children so together we can improve the mental health outcomes of our next generation. Elise is passionate about promoting the importance of healthy attachment and developmentally responsive and attuned approaches in the first five years of life - she is BIG ON LITTLE PEOPLE!    Word of caution - this episode contains very mild explicit language.    Connect with Elise: 💫 Send her an email: hello@elisedisher.com  💫 Find her on Instagram: @elisedisher.ed 💫 Visit her website: Elise Disher   Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Download a *free* copy of The Guidance Toolkit 💫 Send me an email: hello@littlebloomconsultancy.com.au  💫 Find me on Instagram: @littlebloom.consultancy 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: Danica See 💫 Visit my website: Little Bloom Consultancy