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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.