Provoking Minds - An Early Childhood Podcast

Spotlight on Suspended Intrusions and Disrupted Thinking with Karen Hope

marketing@ku.com.au (Karen Hope, Laure Hislop) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:35:10 +0000

This episode encourages you to ask ‘why’. Why do we do, what we do, and who is advantaged and disadvantaged by the decisions we make in an early childhood education and care service? What will you do differently after listening to this discussion?

Spotlight on Minimising Food Waste with Karen Philp and Sarah Moore

marketing@ku.com.au (Sarah Moore, Laure Hislop, Karen Philp) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:09:57 +0000

What happens in the kitchen can be a reflection of what happens in the rest of an early childhood education and care service. This episode explores the processes and practices that help make the kitchen an integral part of the service program.

Spotlight on Children’s Interests with Kirsty Liljegren

marketing@ku.com.au (Kirsty Liljegren, Laure Hislop) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 03:13:30 +0000

Kirsty Liljigren invites us to pay careful attention to what lies beneath children’s interests and the opportunities they present. She asks us to ‘raise our antennae’ and listen to the opportunities to create nurturing environments that support individual and collective inquiry and understanding.

Spotlight on the What and Why of Philosophy

marketing@ku.com.au (Laure Hislop, Fran Bastion, Jan Faulkner) — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:07:49 +0000

How do we elevate the importance of a service philosophy and collaboratively use it to guide practice?

10 Minutes on Critical Reflection in Action with Jan Faulkner

marketing@ku.com.au (Laure Hislop, Jan Faulkner) — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 06:27:36 +0000

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.

Spotlight on Music for Education with James Madsen

marketing@ku.com.au (James Madsen, Laure Hislop) — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 06:24:04 +0000

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.

Spotlight on Supporting Children and Families from Diverse Backgrounds

marketing@ku.com.au (Dr Criss Jones Diaz, Laure Hislop) — Fri, 5 Apr 2024 04:22:49 +0000

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?

Spotlight on Contemporary Pedagogy with Sally Beesley

marketing@ku.com.au (Sally Beesley, Laure Hislop) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 01:07:47 +0000

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.

10 Minutes on Building a Positive Team Culture with Amanda Alderman

marketing@ku.com.au (Amanda Alderman, Laure Hislop) — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 06:56:27 +0000

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.

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

marketing@ku.com.au (Sally Beesley, Laure Hislop) — Mon, 4 Sep 2023 04:58:18 +0000

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.

Spotlight on Documenting Differently with Nicole Sheath

marketing@ku.com.au (Nicole Sheath, Laure Hislop) — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:59:27 +0000

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.

10 Minutes on the Questions of Critical Reflection

marketing@ku.com.au (Jan Faulkner, Fiona Harris) — Fri, 2 Jun 2023 06:52:23 +0000

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

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

marketing@ku.com.au (Fran Bastion, Fiona Harris) — Wed, 24 May 2023 07:55:10 +0000

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.

10 Minutes: All You Need to Know About Sensory Processing

marketing@ku.com.au (Caitlin Duckworth, Laure Hislop) — Mon, 8 May 2023 08:25:16 +0000

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.

Spotlight on Leadership and One on Ones with Lisa Coghlan

marketing@ku.com.au (Lisa Coghlan, Laure Hislop) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 06:13:36 +0000

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.

10 Minutes Exploring the Becoming Eco Smart Together Program

marketing@ku.com.au (Deb Watson, Katrina Hendry, Fiona Harris) — Wed, 2 Mar 2022 23:55:04 +0000

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.

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

marketing@ku.com.au (Fran Bastion, Lynn Farrell) — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 05:45:54 +0000

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.

Spotlight on Secure Relationships with Megan Dodds

marketing@ku.com.au (Megan Dodds, Laure Hislop) — Wed, 8 Dec 2021 04:07:29 +0000

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'.

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

marketing@ku.com.au (Fiona Harris, Deb Watson) — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 03:25:38 +0000

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

Meet the Educators: Children Leading Their Own Learning

marketing@ku.com.au (Laure Hislop, Bei Bei Liu, Susan Allen) — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 02:51:47 +0000

“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.

10 Minutes on Developing Speech with Speech Pathologist Vickie Ren

marketing@ku.com.au (Larraine Brown, Vickie Ren) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 07:29:06 +0000

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.

10 Minutes on Children Leading Their Own Learning

marketing@ku.com.au (Laure Hislop, Fran Bastion) — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 23:58:30 +0000

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.

Spotlight on Rituals with Jan Faulkner and Laure Hislop

marketing@ku.com.au (Jan Faulkner, Laure Hislop) — Sun, 30 May 2021 23:13:44 +0000

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.

10 Minutes on Gender with Associate Professor Kylie Smith

marketing@ku.com.au (Associate Professor Kylie Smith, Marg McLeish) — Thu, 13 May 2021 23:48:55 +0000

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.

Spotlight on the Art of Teaching with Dr Gai Lindsay

marketing@ku.com.au (Dr Gai Lindsay, Jan Faulkner) — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 06:03:37 +0000

Listen to Dr Gai Lindsay’s inspirational reflections on the importance of the arts in the lives of young children. Hear her talk about why children have the right to an early childhood education that is rich in the joy of art.

A Story Worth Telling with Ann Pelo – Part 3 Sam's Story - Episode 2

marketing@ku.com.au (Fran Bastion, Ann Pelo, Amal Nasr, Caitlin Burns) — Sat, 6 Mar 2021 00:30:00 +0000

In the final episode of this series, Ann Pelo discusses Sam’s Story using the Thinking Lens to guide educators to dive deeply into Sam’s identity. Amal Nsar and Caitlin Burns from The Joey Club Sydney will reflect upon the Thinking Lens as a protocol for writing and as a generative tool for rich and robust professional conversations.

A Story Worth Telling with Ann Pelo – Part 3 Sam's Story - Episode 1

marketing@ku.com.au (Fran Bastion, Ann Pelo, Amal Nasr, Caitlin Burns) — Thu, 4 Mar 2021 00:30:00 +0000

Ann Pelo illuminates the world of the toddler in the story she shares of time spent with Sam at The Joey Club Sydney, capturing incidental moments that tell rich stories of identity, community connection, thinking and learning. Amal Nasr, Director of The Joey Club, and Caitlin Burns, Early Childhood Teacher working with the infant and toddlers, will then discuss Sam’s story, the immediacy and intimacy of the connection between Sam and Ann and the potent picture she crafted in telling of Sam’s Story – a story that matters.

A Story Worth Telling with Ann Pelo - Part 2 Lily’s Story - Episode 2

marketing@ku.com.au (Ann Pelo, Fran Bastion, Kelly Slip) — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:48:06 +0000

Ann Pelo revisits Lily’s Story using the thinking lens as a protocol to guide us to reflect and document purposefully with care and insight. Fran Bastion and Kelly Slip, Director of KU Isobel Pulsford Preschool, consider together the thinking lens as a protocol or discipline that enriches the opportunity for educators to write with care and reverence the stories that matter.

A Story Worth Telling with Ann Pelo - Part 2 Lily’s Story - Episode 1

marketing@ku.com.au (Ann Pelo, Kelly Slip, Fran Bastion) — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Ann Pelo extends an invitation to educators to be present and attuned to the children in our care. She offers a beautifully crafted narrative of Lily in companionship with Ann – a moment of connection and synchronicity. Her offering again asks the question, ‘Why is this a story worth telling?’ Fran Bastion and Kelly Slip, Director of KU Isobel Pulsford Preschool, discuss the thoughtful nuances in the life of the story, delighting in seeing Lily through Ann’s eyes.

A Story Worth Telling with Ann Pelo - Part 1 Kids and Cars - Episode 2

marketing@ku.com.au (Kelly Slip, Fran Bastion, Ann Pelo) — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Ann Pelo revisits the tenets of the story ‘Kids and Cars’ and offers the Thinking Lens as a protocol for thinking, writing and reflection. Fran Bastion is again joined by Kelly Slip, Director of KU Isobel Pulsford Preschool, and they continue their conversation about pedagogical documentation and discuss using protocols such as the Thinking Lens to reframe the documentation process.

A Story Worth Telling with Ann Pelo - Part 1 Kids and Cars - Episode 1

marketing@ku.com.au (Kelly Slip, Ann Pelo, Fran Bastion) — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:58:46 +0000

In the first episode of this series, renowned thinker and author Ann Pelo shares a story ‘Kids and Cars’ – a story of play and connection at KU Isobel Pulsford Preschool. Joining her attentions to the children’s attention she poses the question, ‘Why is this a story worth telling?’ Fran Bastion and Kelly Slip, Director of KU Isobel Pulsford Preschool, discuss Ann’s narration and the implications for reflective practice and meaningful documentation.

Spotlight on Children’s Literature with Laure Hislop and Fran Bastion

marketing@ku.com.au (Fran Bastion, Laure Hislop) — Thu, 1 Oct 2020 07:52:56 +0000

Fran Bastion and Laure Hislop share their memories and thoughtful reflections on children’s literature as well as inspirational tips for choosing and sharing books in early childhood programs.

KU Centre of Influence: Pay It Forward

marketing@ku.com.au (Kathy Hatcher, Deb Watson) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 07:08:20 +0000

KU Chatswood Community Preschool undertook practitioner research to enhance the orientation process. Director Kathy Hatcher shares with us their highly successful strategy, which is based on gratitude and holds relevance for many, including this culturally and linguistically diverse community.

10 Minutes on Attachment Theory with Dr Robyn Dolby

marketing@ku.com.au (Laure Hislop, Dr Robyn Dolby) — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 02:38:33 +0000

Dr Robyn Dolby, a psychologist with 40 years’ experience in infant mental health, discusses the importance of attachment to children’s learning and connections and gives some tips for how early childhood educators can apply this theory to practice.

10 Minutes with Education for Sustainability Facilitator Deb Watson

marketing@ku.com.au (Jan Faulkner, Deb Watson) — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:28:45 +0000

Deb Watson’s childhood experiences in nature sparked a lifelong passion for the environment. She considers why connecting young children to the natural world continues to matter, and offers inspiration on incorporating it sustainably within an early childhood education program.

10 Minutes on Critical Reflection with Jan Faulkner and Marg McLeish

marketing@ku.com.au (Jan Faulkner, Marg McLeish, Fiona Harris) — Wed, 3 Jun 2020 08:04:48 +0000

Why is critical reflection important? Marg McLeish and Jan Faulkner discuss what it means to our practice as early childhood educators, and share some tips to get started.

10 Minutes with Infant and Toddler Care Expert Lynn Farrell

marketing@ku.com.au (Marg McLeish, Lynn Farrell) — Fri, 1 May 2020 01:40:00 +0000

In our first episode of Provoking Minds - An Early Childhood Podcast, we chat with Lynn Farrell about Infant-Toddler Relationships and Wellbeing, reflecting on her professional growth and learning, research and child rights.