Join Linda Harrison and author/illustrator Aura Parker to explore the delightful picture book, Bowerbird Brood. This enchanting story is a heart-warming ode to nature and a mother's love, exploring themes of protection, nurturing, and belonging vital for young children.

Discover how Aura's beautiful illustrations feature 'seek-and-find' Australian insects and birds, supporting numeracy and early science concepts like bird life cycles and subitizing. Learn how the bowerbird's nest acts as a metaphor for security, giving children the confidence to explore their world.

This episode is packed with play-based, story-inspired ideas for educators! Get practical tips for implementing inquiry-based projects on bird habitats and behaviours. Tune in to gain new ideas for using Bowerbird Brood to explore STEM, belonging, and the natural environment in your early learning setting.

Find out more:
https://www.illustrated.com.au/craft
https://www.instagram.com/auraparker/?hl=en
https://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/programs/noisy-by-nature
https://streetlibrary.org.au/what-is-a-street-library/

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

Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_

- Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia

- Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

In this powerful episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Dr Red Ruby Scarlet—an activist, teacher-researcher, and academic who has spent over three decades championing quality early childhood education and care.

Red is a driving force behind the Early Childhood Education Summit 2026, a national movement born out of the exclusion of early childhood educators from the very political decisions that shape their daily practice. We explore why this summit is a critical turning point for the sector, shifting the narrative to educators as the primary resource for child safety policy in Australia.

Red breaks down the mechanics of the upcoming summit, explaining how a unique collaboration between frontline educators and researchers is turning lived experience into a set of evidence-based demands for the Australian government. We discuss the importance of raising the voices of those on the ground and how this event—held both online and in Sydney—serves as a vital platform for educators to claim their power. This conversation is a call to action for anyone committed to the future of early childhood education and care.

Tune in to learn how you can participate in this important initiative and help lead the professional debate.

Register to attend here:
https://redrubyscarlet.com.au/the-early-childhood-education-summit-2026/
https://events.humanitix.com/the-early-childhood-education-summit/tickets

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

Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_

- Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia

- Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

In this episode of Navigating the NQS, host Simone Brand discusses Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety. This episode dives deep into Standard 2.1: Health, unpacking the three core elements that drive a safe and nurturing environment for young children in ECEC settings. Learn how to move beyond policy and into practice, focusing on:
- responsive comfort
- robust illness and injury management
- intentional strategies for promoting healthy eating and physical activity.

Discover ways to achieve excellence in this area, including how to make hygiene a meaningful ritual and how to embed the 'move' component of a healthy lifestyle with intentional teaching. Simone shares practical examples from Exceeding NQS services, like transforming mealtimes into low-pressure learning opportunities and using Movement Maps to strengthen Fundamental Movement Skills. You'll also take away three critical reflection questions to help your team audit their current practices and strive for an Exceeding rating.

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

Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_

- Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au