Provoking Minds - An Early Childhood Podcast

Drawing on over 125 years of experience, we explore and discuss meaningful topics in early childhood education with some of the sector's most experienced educators and subject matter experts. With each short episode, our aim is to provoke minds and inspire excellence in early childhood education. Brought to you by KU Children's Services.

10 Minutes on Critical Reflection in Action with Jan Faulkner

What is critical reflection and how do you make this a part of your service practice? Critical reflection is a team sport. Join Jan as she helps clarify the common misconceptions of critical reflection and offers some practical tips to transform practice.

10-14
11:27

Spotlight on Music for Education with James Madsen

Music for entertainment or education? Join composer and music educator James Madsen as he talks about why music education is such an important part of a child's life and why intentionality in music is essential.

10-14
24:40

Spotlight on Supporting Children and Families from Diverse Backgrounds

Listen to Dr Criss Jones Diaz talk about why it is essential to support children to maintain their home language. What are the benefits and how do we provide language rich environments for children who speak languages other than English?

04-05
21:19

Spotlight on Contemporary Pedagogy with Sally Beesley

What are the contemporary pedagogy issues facing early childhood educators today? Spend time with Sally Beesley as she shares an example of practice, reflecting on gender curiosity and authentic partnerships.

03-12
17:17

10 Minutes on Building a Positive Team Culture with Amanda Alderman

What does a positive team culture look and feel like? Join KU Croydon Director Amanda Alderman as she shares her tips and strategies on how, as the leader in the space, she began the journey towards building a positive team culture.

01-30
11:21

Spotlight on Diversity, Lived Experience and the Power of Words with Sally Beesley

Sally Beesley talks about her lived experience as a person living with a physical disability. She gives powerful insights into hidden messages behind our words and actions and what they can mean for the children and families in our services.

09-04
30:25

Spotlight on Documenting Differently with Nicole Sheath

Documenting differently starts with thinking differently. Hear how Nicole uses the simplicity of the words ‘see, think and wonder’ to write a story that ends with more questions than answers, focusses on what she really sees, and consequently elevates parent engagement.

08-28
18:02

10 Minutes on the Questions of Critical Reflection

In this episode, Jan Faulkner and Fiona Harris explore questions that encourage stories of practice – stories that inspire us to engage in critical reflection.

06-02
09:56

10 Minutes on Children in Their Community with Fiona Harris and Fran Bastion

Listen to Fran and Fiona discuss how to support children’s emerging identities as active citizens in their neighbourhoods and communities. Reflect on how, in your service, you match ideals for community connections to everyday practice.

05-24
11:00

10 Minutes: All You Need to Know About Sensory Processing

In this episode, Occupational Therapist Caitlin Duckworth talks about sensory processing and its impact on children’s play. She provides some practical tips on how to spot red flags and support children’s sensory awareness.

05-08
12:55

Spotlight on Leadership and One on Ones with Lisa Coghlan

What is the greatest gift a leader can offer the team? Dedicated time. Join Lisa Coghlan, an Education and Quality Manager with KU, as she shares her surprises and offers her tips for introducing individual weekly ‘catch-ups’ with her team.

01-17
17:06

10 Minutes Exploring the Becoming Eco Smart Together Program

A world that cares for people must also care for the planet while ensuring a fair share for all, including current and future generations of children. Educators have a duty of care to support children’s right to live within a well world. Join KU Sustainability Manager Deb Watson and KU West Pymble Preschool Director Katrina Hendry as they explore Becoming Eco Smart Together, a journey of continual growth for the early childhood community that steps towards a more sustainable world.

03-02
10:46

Spotlight on Infant and Toddler Agency with Fran Bastion and Lynn Farrell

In this episode Lynn Farrell and Fran Bastion discuss agency from a children’s rights perspective. They also explore what an infant and toddler program might look and feel like when our youngest children are afforded agency.

12-13
18:31

Spotlight on Secure Relationships with Megan Dodds

Laure Hislop talks with Megan Dodds about how she has maintained her sustained commitment to the teachings of Circle of Security. She talks about her enthusiasm for professional learning and how she continues to look at improved ways to 'be with' children. Hear how she mentors her team as they work through a 'Curriculum of Feelings'.

12-08
28:53

10 Minutes with Deb Watson on Education for Sustainability - Because We Care

'Because We Care - Education for Sustainability in Action' can be purchased at https://ku-professional-services-and-learning.myshopify.com/products/because-we-care

09-14
09:09

Meet the Educators: Children Leading Their Own Learning

“A career highlight,” says Susan James. This episode invites listeners to hear about the project ‘Inside Mary Elizabeth’s House’ from the teachers’ perspective. Susan James and Bei Bei Liu offer some critical insights into the evolution of the project, and interrogate some key practices that enabled collaborative thinking and theorising and the co-construction of inquiry based curriculum.

08-17
17:12

10 Minutes on Developing Speech with Speech Pathologist Vickie Ren

Vickie Ren provides insights into what a speech pathologist does and explores how language develops in young children. She also gives some tips for early childhood educators on what to look out for as children’s language develops.

08-13
10:28

10 Minutes on Children Leading Their Own Learning

This episode is an invitation to share a story of an unexpected, co-created project and investigation. Inside Mary Elizabeth’s House will offer listeners an insight into the pursuit of big ideas undertaken by children with educators – a story of co-constructed curriculum at its best.

06-15
10:33

Spotlight on Rituals with Jan Faulkner and Laure Hislop

Why are routines and rituals important in our early childhood programs? Jan Faulkner and Laure Hislop unpack this question and discuss the special significance they have to children’s wellbeing, relationships and sense of belonging.

05-30
14:02

10 Minutes on Gender with Associate Professor Kylie Smith

We are joined by Associate Professor Kylie Smith to explore the topic of gender and play. Kylie shares insight into how young children develop their understanding of gender and the important role early educators have in noticing and challenging gender stereotypes and bias.

05-13
11:41

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