In this episode’s conversation, early years leader and Playoneering creator Hayley Peacock sheds light on what it truly means to embed playful rigour into learning. Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia Approach, Hayley shares how children’s competence, curiosity, and connectedness are honoured across her early years settings and future-focused school. Together, we talk about inquiry, designing for tomorrow, and the framework that shapes children’s lives, bringing meaningful learning and growth
To learn more or connect with Hayley:
This anniversary episode reflects on one year of podcasting and the power of educators coming together in dialogue. Through conversations with guests from around the world, shared themes of trust, care, agency, play, materials, and belonging emerged—deepening understanding and offering hope. A celebration of collective learning and the relationships that shape intentional practice.
In this seasonal episode, Cathy explores the gift of slowing down through a gentle reading of Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri. As the year shifts - into winter’s stillness for some and summer’s brightness for others - this episode invites educators to pause, notice the small wonders around them, and reconnect with curiosity and connection.
A quiet moment of calm and reflection for early childhood educators everywhere.
Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmiere
In this episode, we explore what it means to re-member - to piece back together the connections that have been quieted by objectivity, efficiency, and the pressures of modern education. Drawing on the ideas of David Jardine, Shelley Brandon, and Robin Wall Kimmerer, we reflect on wholeheartedness, reciprocity, and our shared belonging with children and the world. A gentle invitation to return to relationship as the heart of our practice.
References:
To Dwell with a Boundless Heart by David Jardine
A Story of Autonomy by Suzanne Axelsson
Reimagining Heartbreak by Shelley Brandon
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
n this episode, kindergarten educator Chaylene Clarke joins the conversation to share what it means to move beyond curriculum and teach through connection. Drawing from her work in Ontario’s full-day kindergarten program, Chaylene reflects on how slowing down, listening deeply, and nurturing relationships with children and families opens space for authentic, meaningful learning. Together, we explore the beauty and challenge of choosing connection - and , while not always easy, is profoundly rewarding.
To learn more, you can find Chaylene at:
What does it mean to truly listen to children - not just with our ears, but with our eyes, presence, and curiosity? This episode explores how our capacity to listen supports children’s rights to play, participate, express, rest, and belong. We reflect on how educators can take intentional, actionable steps to uphold these rights in their practice.
Convention on the Rights of the Child
In this gentle and deeply reflective conversation, longtime Reggio-inspired educator Mary Bell invites us to slow down and notice the ordinary moments that shape our teaching and our lives.
Together, we explore how being present, building trust, and embracing imperfection help us see the beauty and meaning in everyday interactions with children. Mary reminds us that joy and connection aren’t found in grand gestures - they live in the small, authentic moments of relationship, curiosity, and care.
To learn more or contact Mary, find her at:I
IG: @marybellinspiredbychildren
IG: @theintentionaleducator_yvr
In this rich conversation with Dr. Misty Paterson, founder of Pop-Up Studio, we explore what it means to make care matter in teaching and learning. Misty invites us to move beyond transmission-based models toward inquiry, creativity, and awe - ways of engaging that honour the complexity of teaching and the wholeness of learners. Together, we reflect on how care, curiosity, and connection can shape curriculum, bridge theory and practice, and nurture both student and teacher well-becoming.
To learn more or to contact Misty, find her at:
IG: @popupstudioed
In this episode, Cathy reflects on a series of experiences that reveal the hidden systems shaping our teaching and learning. Through these stories, she explores how awareness helps us make the invisible visible — uncovering the quiet ways we teach children (and ourselves) what to value. Cathy also shares how community and collaboration among educators can offer a way forward: from consuming to creating, from isolation to solidarity, and from teaching to thinking.
From Teaching to Thinking by Ann Pelo, Margie Carter
Playarista with Suzanne Axelsson
From Teaching to Thinking Book Study Workbook
Play is more than fun - it’s foundational. In this episode, Tina Geers, play advocate and founder of the Alberta Early Childhood Play Connection Network, joins the conversation to explore play pedagogy and what it means to protect play in our learning environments and communities. Together, we reflect on how play is both simple and complex, what educators can do to connect with play, and how honouring play nurtures curiosity, connection, and joy for both children and educators.
To learn more and connect with Tina:
Alberta Early Childhood Play Connection Network
What happens when we resist the urge to step in - to help, to guide, to teach - and instead give space for a child’s experience to unfold? In this episode, Cathy reflects on the power of pausing in our work with children. Through moments of play, disappointment, and discovery, she explores how a simple pause can nurture agency, deepen connection, and invite joy back into learning.
The Intentional Educator Journal ~ monthly newsletter with resources, reflective questions, stories to support your teaching practice
What if picture books were less about teaching and more about connecting? In this episode of The Intentional ECE Podcast, we explore how stories can open spaces for laughter, wonder, and empathy — helping children make sense of their worlds and build relationships with others. Join Cathy as she reflects on how educators can use picture books as invitations for connection, curiosity, and shared meaning.
It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton
Outside My Window by Linda Ashman
In this episode, Megan Graham from Around the Birch Tree joins the conversation to share how play creates space for families to slow down, connect, and rediscover play together. From these family moments, we move to the larger circle of community - exploring how strong connections among families nurture parents, enrich children’s lives, and support collective wellbeing. It’s an invitation to reflect on play, presence, and the ways connection shapes both family life and community.
To learn more and connect with Megan:
In this episode, we’re joined by Susan Harris MacKay and Matt Karlsen from the Center for Playful Inquiry to reflect on what true growth for educators can look like. Moving beyond traditional notions of professional development, we explore how transformation emerges when educators engage in dialogue and lean into community. Together, we consider how playful inquiry can sustain us, challenge our assumptions, and help us imagine new possibilities for ourselves as educators and the children in our care.
Learn more at Center for Playful Inquiry
In this episode, we explore connection as the heartbeat of pedagogy with Bree Jackson of The Humble Educator. Together, we reflect on how authentic relationships with children and families create the foundation for meaningful learning. Bree shares insights from her 15 years in education and her role as a pedagogical leader, reminding us that when we truly see and honor each child’s world, we open pathways for growth, trust, and deep learning.
To learn more and connect with Bree:
Instagram - @the.humble.educator
Facebook - The Humble Educator
What if education was less about outcomes and more about learning how to live well together? In this episode of The Intentional ECE Podcast, we explore the deeper purpose of education—beyond curriculum and standards—through play, relationship, trust, and community. Join Cathy as she reflects on how educators can create spaces where children experience belonging, agency, and the joy of learning as fully human beings.
From Thinking to Teaching by Ann Pelo & Margie Carter
The Hungry Mind: The Origins of Curiosity with Susan Engel
What if classrooms were seen not as static places, but as living, breathing organisms that grow and adapt with children? In this episode, guest Alona Yildirim shares her 25 years of experience as an early childhood educator, leader, and co-founder of Documentation Studio Türkiye. Together, we explore how learning environments act as co-teachers—shaping curiosity, inspiring creativity, and making learning visible for both children and educators.
To Learn more and/or connect with Alona:
documentationstudioturkiye.org
LinkedIn: Alona Yildirim
Resources:
The Third Teacher: 79 ways you can use design to transform teaching and learning
Reggio Children Children, spaces, relations
Deb Curtis Designs for Living and learning
Ingrid Crowther Creating Effective Learning Environments
Sandra Duncan Inspiring Spaces for Young children, Rethinking the Classroom Landscape Through A child’s Eyes
The Space: A guide for educators
The Space: A guide for leaders
Yi Fu Tuan Spaces and Places: The Perspective of Experience
Jim Freeman Caring Spaces, Learning Places
Jure Kotnik Designing Spaces for Early Childhood Development: Sparking Learning & Creativity
Architect Faith Swickard Spatial Conditions of Emotion
In this episode, Cathy sits down with artist-educator and consultant Jesús Oviedo to explore how materials act as a language of inquiry in early childhood education. Jesús shares how encounters with “intelligent materials” open pathways for children’s thinking, expression, and collaboration — and how educators, by paying attention to this dialogue, can deepen their own practice. Together, they reflect on the role of materials in shaping ideas, sparking curiosity, support inquiry and how educators can look at children’s artwork to understand the meaningful learning that’s in process.
To learn more and/or connect with Jesús:
https://www.materialearning.com/
In this episode, we explore the power of outdoor learning with April Zajko. From noticing the wonders of nature to creating spaces where children feel a deep sense of curiosity and belonging, April reminds us that the outdoors is more than a backdrop - it’s a teacher in its own right. Together, we reflect on how embracing nature can nurture belonging, resilience, creativity, and joy for both children and educators.
To learn more and connect with April:
In this episode, Shirley Rempel—family child care provider, play advocate, and early learning leader—talks with us about the depth and value of home-based care. Shirley shares her experiences running a day home for over 16 years, her commitment to child-led, play-based learning, and the importance of advocacy for early childhood education in Alberta and beyond.
To learn more about Shirley’s work you can find her at:
https://toplayistolearndayhome.weebly.com/
IG: @toplayistolearndayhomedayhome
FB: To Play Is To Learn Day Home
Email: aandsrempel@yahoo.ca
FB: Alberta (and Beyond) Early Learning and Child Care Network