In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Beth Borowsky, founder of The Karma Class, an organisation dedicated to bringing the benefits of movement, breath, and mindfulness into early learning centers and primary schools. Beth, a former Montessori preschool teacher and one of Sydney’s most respected yoga teachers and trainers, has made…

Join the Edx Education hosts in this insightful episode as they explore the vital connection between children’s physical and mental health, highlighting how play is key to school readiness. They discuss the benefits of play-based learning in building resilience, encouraging risk assessment, and fostering self-regulation. Packed with practical strat…

In this enlightening episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are honored to welcome Sharon Buck, a proud Kamilaroi woman and Assistant Principal at Kooloora Preschool, a designated Aboriginal preschool located on Darkinjung Country in NSW’s Central Coast. Sharon leads a team committed to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in every asp…

In this inspiring episode of Learn Play Thrive, we're joined by Anthony Semann, founder of Semann & Slattery and a trailblazer in advancing ethical, equitable, innovative and transformative teaching practices. We discuss the critical role of intentionality in designing early learning environments that inspire children’s curiosity and creativity. An…

We explore the vital connection between children's physical and mental health and the pivotal role that play has in nurturing both. Edx Education hosts highlight the importance of supporting well-being through play-based learning, delving into key concepts like risk assessment, resilience, and self-regulation. We'll share practical strategies for c…

In this episode, we are joined by Louise Lambeth, an experienced surf lifesaver, children's book author, and founder of Deep Water Publishing. Through her books and innovative programs, Louise teaches children and families how to stay safe in and around water, with a focus on the importance of storytelling in education. Themes include: Water Safety…

Through this conversation Simone and Laura Kiln, a Development and Behavioural Specialist with over 30 years’ experience supporting children and their families with behavioural concerns discuss a multidisciplinary approach to supporting children with behavioural challenges, inclusive of families, children, early childhood specialists and Early Chil…

Tune in to the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast as Edx Education discusses the powerful connection between play and a child’s mental and physical health. In this episode, she unpacks how play fosters resilience, helps children manage stress, and builds essential social and emotional skills. Discover how creating a safe, supportive en…

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Karina West, a dedicated paediatric Occupational Therapist from Eat Talk Play. Karina brings her expertise in sensory integrative approaches and feeding difficulties to help children and families navigate developmental challenges. Karina offers invaluable insights into how Occupational Therapy …

Edx Education experts discuss the importance of self-regulation for children in the early years, focusing on how it affects their social and emotional development, learning, and ability to make friends. The hosts argues that understanding the five domains of self-regulation – biological, emotional, cognitive, social, and pro-social – can help paren…

In this episode, we’re joined by Susan Driscoll, president of the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). CPI is a global leader in crisis prevention training to support the care, welfare, safety, and security of the population for all ages. Susan discusses the research underpinning CPI’s professional development programs, encouraging educators to be ne…

What are the benefits of mindfulness for children, explores practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into everyday family life. The Edx Education hosts emphasizes the importance of helping children understand and manage their emotions, particularly in challenging situations. She then provides a range of exercises and activities that parents and ca…

In this episode, Simone is joined by Matt and Bryce, the co-founders of Little Leaders Australia, a program designed to instill confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset in young children. Matt, a proud dad and mental health professional, and Bryce, a primary school teacher, bring their expertise and passion for child development into their work…

Play, Learn, and Create podcast explores the value of children's play, specifically highlighting the importance of role-playing for their development. The Edx Education hosts discusses different types of role-playing: real-life situations, occupational role-playing, and fantasy role-playing. Each of these forms of play offers unique opportunities f…

In this episode, we’re joined by Angela Butler, an Educational Leader, and Michelle Jackson, an educator and former aged care worker, to explore the incredible benefits of implementing intergenerational programs in early childhood settings. Angela has been the driving force behind her center's highly successful intergenerational program, while Mich…

Welcome to another enriching episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education. In today’s episode, we discuss the vital role caregivers play in a child’s development and how fostering a playful environment can transform everyday moments into powerful learning experiences. At Edx Education, we believe that caregivers are a child’s first and most i…

EPS 19 In this episode, we are joined by Lindsey Jude, a senior Dietitian and author of the book Starting Solids. Lindsey holds a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) with 1st Class Honours from the University of Sydney and has extensive experience in both private practice and the public health system. After the birth of her first child in 2020, Lindsey…

In this episode, Simone dives into Quality Area 4 of the National Quality Standard (NQS), a key component of ensuring high standards in early childhood education and care in Australia. Our focus today is on understanding how educators, coordinators, and nominated supervisors can create positive, safe, and engaging environments that foster strong, r…

In Series 3, Episode 6 of the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast, hosts Edx Education experts sit down to discuss Heather’s insights from her book, Happy Children Play. This episode focuses on the importance of play for children with special educational needs (SEN), covering a range of conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD),…

In this episode 5 of series 3 Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, we dive into one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of early childhood education—teaching children to think. Our Edx Education hosts explore how critical and creative thinking are essential skills that lay the foundation for future success. Too often, traditional educa…

In this episode of LearnPlay Thrive, podcast host Simone Brand explores the connection between the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) exceeding themes and Quality Area 3 of the National Quality Standard. The discussion focuses on creating engaging and safe physical environments for children's learning and development. Key EYLF themes such as hol…

In this exciting episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, we discuss into the powerful role of play in developing essential social and emotional learning (SEL) skills in young children. As parents and caregivers, we all want our kids to be happy, resilient, and confident. But did you know that play is one of the most effective tools to h…

In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, the podcast, host Simone Brand is joined by Linda Harrison from Play Pathways Australia to discuss the significance of incorporating quality literature into early childhood education. They delve into various types of children's literature, such as picture books, concept books, and fairy tales, and how they ca…

"Play, Learn and Create" explores the different stages of play that children go through as they develop. Edx Education experts highlights the work of sociologist Mildred Parten who identified six stages of play: unoccupied play, solitary play, onlooker play, parallel play, associative play, and cooperative play. Welch explains that while children m…

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, Simone Brand discusses the child safe standards and their application within organisations. The podcast outlines each standard, emphasising the importance of organisational culture, family and community involvement, equity, suitable staff, child-focused complaint processes, staff training, and safe environments…

In this episode of the Learn, Play, Thrive podcast, host Simone Brand welcomes Amiee Hansen, an experienced educational leader with a master's degree in early childhood education. They discuss the evolving role of an educational leader, highlighting the importance of mentorship, reflective practices, critical reflection, and community engagement. A…

In this exciting episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, explores the powerful role that social and emotional learning (SEL) plays in early childhood and how play-based learning can help children build essential life skills. Welch breaks down the five key SEL areas—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, …

In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, host Simone welcomes Kathryn Stoneman, a trained sleep practitioner, to discuss the importance of sleep for children in early education. Kathryn shares her expertise on how sleep needs to be child-led, debunks common sleep myths, and offers practical tips for educators to help children establish healthy sleep…

In this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, discussing the Play Value, Childhood Development, free play and learning through play experts gather to discuss the incredible value of play in children's development, highlighting insights. Heather Welch passionately advocates for play as an essential tool for learning, especially during …

In this episode of 'Learn, Play, Thrive,' host Simone and guest Lizzie Sargent delve into the intricacies of school readiness and transition for young children. They discuss crucial strategies for parents and educators to support children, including positive communication about changes, maintaining prior friendships, visiting new schools, and utili…

In this episode of 'Learn, Play, Thrive' hosted by Simone Brand, the focus is on Quality Area 1 of the National Quality Framework, specifically on embedding children's decision-making in early childhood education. Simone discusses the importance of involving children in decision-making processes, critical reflection, and meaningful engagement with …

In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, host Simone and guest Lizzie Sargeant discuss the differences between school readiness and school transition, focusing on preparing children for the move from early childhood education to formal schooling. They explore important skills for children aged four to five, such as self-help skills, social…

In this episode, we delve into the world of mindfulness for young children and explore how integrating mindful practices into early years settings can support emotional regulation, focus, and overall well-being. We share practical tips and tools that educators can use to introduce mindfulness to children, helping them navigate their emotions and bu…

In this episode of 'Learn, Play, Thrive,' host Simone Brand discusses the importance and strategies of building a community within childcare services. Simone shares insights from both an approved provider and educator's perspectives, emphasising the benefits of strong community ties for effective word-of-mouth advertising and creating a supportive …

eIn this episode, host Simone welcomes Dorothee Seeto from Endless Play Studio, a sustainability expert, to discuss the importance of integrating sustainability into early childhood education. Dorothee shares her journey from a corporate career in innovation to focusing on sustainability in early education. They explore the three dimensions of sust…

There is a reason why you chose to become an educator, that beautiful spark that gets you out of bed in the morning ready and excited for the day ahead with the children you support. In this episode, we delve into your passion and enthusiasm as an educator for early childhood education. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your journ…

EPS 5 - In this episode Simone interviews Vanessa Couper who is a music therapist and also in the children's band Tip Toe Giants. Together they share the beautiful impact music can have on children and how to make music part of the early childhood setting's everyday practice. For more information on Vanessa and the children's band Tip Toe Giants yo…

In this episode of the Learn, Play, Thrive podcast, host Simone Brand and special guest Lizzie Sargent explore the key developmental stages for children aged three to five. They discuss the physical, social, language, emotional, and cognitive progressions that occur during this period, emphasizing the importance of functional skills, social-emotion…

In this enlightening episode, Simone interviews Lizzie Sargeant an Early Childhood Teacher with a Masters in Special and Inclusive Education and Bachelor in Teaching Birth to 5 years. Together they explore the critical stages of development from birth to three years old. Providing you as educators and leaders in the sectors with insights and strate…

In this episode of 'Learn, Play, Thrive,' host Simone Brand chats with Rebecca Thompson, an experienced director and consultant in the early childhood sector with a master's degree in inclusive education. They explore the benefits and implementation of nature-based pedagogy, the importance of Indigenous perspectives, and reflections on the evolving…

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Learn Play Thrive: The Podcast! In this episode, we turn the spotlight on our very own host, Simone Brand. Get to know the voice behind the mic as Simone shares her Early Childhood journey, passions, and vision for this podcast. From personal anecdotes to professional insights, this episode is a deep dive into th…

Welcome to Learn Play Thrive: The Podcast! Join us for expert insights and interviews, practical tips and inspiring stories in Early Childhood Education. Whether you are an educator or childcare centre director, this podcast is your go-to resource to discover strategies to foster learning, promote play and empower young minds to thrive. If you enjo…

Live game shows are the most exciting new genre of casino game, bar none. With hosts, augmented reality, next level graphics and inventive bonus rounds, this offshoot of live dealer games has a lot to offer. This week, Dan looks at how live game shows came about, which games are hot right now, and what new game, due for release mid-July, could just…

Crash games are new phenomenon in the mainstream online casino world but they're certainly not new to bitcoin and blockchain fans, who've been playing them for 10 years. This week, Dan explores how this unusual casino game format works and picks out some of the best new crash games to try. BeGambleAware, Play responsibly 18+ Play crash games at Pla…

Texas Hold'em was the world's most popular poker game during the online poker boom. Now Casino Hold'em is having its heyday. In this show, Dan looks at how the game works, why it's different to Texas Hold'em, and reveals his rule of thumb when it comes to deciding whether to call or fold. How to play Casino Hold'em: https://www.playojo.com/blog/cas…

This week Dan went to ICE London 2024, the gaming industry's most important event of the year, to find out what new games and features PlayOJO's players could be tring out later this year. He picks out 3 categories of casino game, all imported from outside the traditional online casino world, that are either already making waves or which could be t…

December was packed with game releases, but did any deserve more attention than a game that combines one of the GOAT slots and slick live game show action? A few weeks after its official release, Dan takes a look at Rainbow Riches Live from Authentic Gaming and asks the big question...does it do the number #1 slot of all time justice? Play Rainbow …

As the end of 2023 approaches, Dan picks his winners for his Oscars of Online Gaming, the OJO Show Awards. As you'll hear, there was a ridiculously good crop of games to choose from this year, with some outstanding contenders for Slot of the Year, Live Casino Game of the Year and Provider of the Year. But the games and providers he chose might just…

This week, Dan picks his favourite slots from the 2023 crop of Christmas casino games. No reskins here - this trio are entirely fresh cuts from some of the top providers, including one game with a name that's very close to his Parks & Rec-loving heart! Play these games in the UK at PlayOJO.com 18+ Play Responsibly BeGambleAware.org…

Dan Grant sifts through the mountain of new games content released in the past couple of months at PlayOJO and highlights 3 games that are doing it for UK players, but for very different reasons. You can read more about these games and check out some screenshots at the PlayOJO Blog. 18+, BeGambleAware…