The Intentional ECE

What does it look like when we move away from the image of the teacher as knowledge holder - towards something more human, relational, more present? In this episode, I explore the question of when to teach - weaving together ideas from Suzanne Axelsson, Gai Lindsay's Art, Play and Inquiry, and Parker Palmer's The Courage to Teach alongside two stories from my own practice. This is an episode about identity, integrity, and the evolution that teaching asks of us.

Resources:The Original Learning Approach by Suzanne AxelssonArt, Play and Inquiry by Gai Lindsay, Sarah Probine, Rachel Denee, Denise Savins

What becomes possible when children are invited to explore mathematics through curiosity, inquiry, and meaningful problem-solving? In this conversation with William Polan, we explore how inquiry-based mathematics can support confidence, conceptual understanding, and more equitable learning experiences - helping children develop a stronger sense of ownership over their mathematical thinking.

To learn more/connect with William:

www.inquirymath.com

IG:  @the_math_inquirer

Have you ever rested and still felt depleted? In this episode, Cathy explores what it actually means to restore yourself, weaving together Deb Dana's concept of glimmers, Dr. Pooja Lakshmin's work on values-aligned self-care, and a question worth sitting with: are your choices reflecting what you actually value? A gentle, reflective episode for educators who give a great deal - and deserve to thrive.

Anchored by Deb Dana

Real Self-Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

The Intentional Educator

What becomes possible when children are invited to think like designers? In this conversation with Maïa Tarassoff, we explore how architecture and design experiences nurture creativity, confidence, and problem-solving—while empowering children to see themselves as capable contributors to their environments and communities.

Learn more about Maia’s work:

Petit Architect

IG:  @petitarchitect

In this episode, Crystal Lucha invites us to think about beauty as an essential part of children’s learning experiences. Together, we explore how the atelier, loose parts, and process-focused art experiences create opportunities for children to express ideas, make meaning, and engage deeply with the world around them - while considering small, intentional ways educators can begin bringing more beauty into their everyday practice.

To learn more about Crystal’s work:
IG: Adventures in the Atelier

Play invites courage - from children and educators alike. In this episode, Suzanne Axelsson shares how play, learning, and teaching are deeply connected, and why creating brave spaces is essential to honouring children’s rights and voices.

To learn more about Suzanne and her work:

The Original Learning Approach

IG:  Interaction Imagination

Substack:  Original Learning

Playarista Training

Do your materials have enough possibilities to keep play alive? In this episode, we explore playability - the idea that open-ended materials are active agents, whose affordances meet children's curiosity and imagination to invite, sustain, and deepen play. This episode is an invitation to look at your own environment through the lens of possibility, openness, and connection.

Summer Coaching

When we slow down, there’s space for children to show us who they are. In this episode, Heather Jackson shares her Reggio-inspired journey, exploring how inquiry, collaboration, and reflective dialogue support both children’s thinking and educators’ growth - while creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

To learn more/connect with Heather:

The Sunflower School

IG:  The Sunflower Studio, The Sunflower School

Actions of Play

What becomes possible when we slow down and truly see before and after school care as meaningful learning spaces? Jamie Wagler shares how relationships, choice, and curiosity can shape rich experiences for children - and why stronger communication between educators can support a more connected, wholistic view of each child.

Learn more about/connect with Jamie:

https://www.missjamieconsulting.com/

Instagram

LinkedIn

Care, relationship, and responsiveness are at the heart of infant and toddler education - but they’re not always recognized as pedagogy. In this episode, Paige Wernick invites us to see these everyday moments with more clarity, and to consider how naming our “why” can strengthen both practice and identity.

Learn more/connect with Paige:

Instagram