Educators are often told to “facilitate”, or “teach” - but rarely are we invited to consider the art of knowing when to do each.

In this episode, we explore responsiveness as relational attunement in action. Using the metaphor of jazz, we reflect on moving between three stances - honouring play, supporting flow, and extending knowledge.

This episode offers both conceptual clarity and reflective questions to help educators strengthen their discernment and deepen their practice.

Because the art of being an educator is not about mastering one role - it’s about learning when to shift.

The Original Learning Approach by Suzanne Axelsson

The Intentional Educator

In this episode, Samuel Broaden and Cathy reflect on what it means to care for ourselves and one another within education systems often shaped by efficiency and compliance.

Together, they explore how tending to educator wellbeing — through courage, collaboration, and connection — allows us to show up more fully for children and for each other.

A hopeful conversation about creating early learning spaces rooted in shared humanity, safety, and collective care.

Learn more about or connect with Samuel at:

https://www.instagram.com/samuelb.theece/

In this episode of The Intentional ECE, Cathy is joined by early childhood educator and literacy specialist Laura Shea to explore how literacy grows through children’s curiosity, storytelling, and play.

Moving beyond “learning to read,” Laura shares how emerging reading and writing is woven into children’s everyday life - from play, to art, to conversation and relationship. Together, they reflect on how educators and families can nurture literacy in ways that are joyful, developmentally responsive, and grounded in children’s intent.

A gentle, practical, information rich conversation for anyone supporting young learners at school or at home.

To learn more about Laura’s work:

Little Stories that Stick

IG:  @little.stories.that.stick

In this episode of The Intentional ECE, I’m joined by Em Clark for a thoughtful conversation about children’s rights, participation, and what becomes possible when we move beyond systems rooted in control and compliance.

Together, we explore how traditional educational structures shape and constrain both children and educators, narrowing what we believe is possible in our work. Em invites us to consider what shifts when we begin to see children as already whole, and worthy of meaningful participation.

Our conversation opens space to reimagine education as an act of being human together - grounded in relationship, dignity, and collective responsibility - creating conditions where everyone can flourish.

To learn more about Em’s work:

Liberating Childhood

Why does theory matter in our day-to-day work with children? This episode explores how educational theories shape our beliefs, values, and practices, and how becoming aware of these influences can support deeper reflection, shared language, and more intentional teaching.

Resources:

Theory & Practice Reflective Tool

Reading List

Newsletter

In this episode, Ron Grady reflects on what it means to witness children’s lives with care and intention. The conversation explores the idea that children’s lives are not separate from schooling, and that educators - through their close, everyday proximity - are deeply embedded in the learning environment. Together, the episode examines observation and documentation as practices of curiosity rather than capture, reminding educators that their presence is not an interruption. Through manageable entry points and revisiting moments over time, documentation becomes a way to notice the richness already present in children’s everyday experiences.

To learn more about Ron’s work:

Childology.co
IG:  @childology.co

In this episode, Lisa Goddard invites a slowing down - a shift in how we look, listen, and make meaning with children. Together, the conversation explores how dominant narratives in early childhood education can limit our thinking, and how decentring humans opens new ways of understanding our place within the natural world and the implications for our work with children. Through attention to small gestures, intentional choices, and the practice of documentation and dialogue, this episode offers gentle provocations for becoming more comfortable with uncertainty and seeing relationships everywhere - with  light, surfaces, and more than human beings.

To learn more or connect with Lisa:

Playing in the Anthropocene:  Inquiry Group

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:

LinkedIn

Hayley Peacock Education

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.

The Intentional Educator

@theintentionaleducator_yvr

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