The Intentional ECE

What does it mean to be fully yourself while in relationship with others? In this episode, we explore collective autonomy and how play becomes a space where children learn to balance agency, connection, and belonging. Through reflection and real classroom experiences, I consider how we can support children in being autonomous - together.

References:

The Original Learning Approach by Suzanne

Axelsson

Playarista

What is the Play Cycle?

The Intentional Educator

In this episode, Paola Lopez shares the story of building her schools from a place of curiosity, imagination, and deep respect for children and educators. What emerged is a culture of inquiry, joy, and possibility - where both children and adults are given time and space to follow their curiosity and grow in confidence and competency. A hopeful conversation that demonstrates the lasting impact of play, relationships, and intentional practice.

To learn more about Paola’s programs:

Kinderoo Academy

Instagram:  Kinderoo Academy

Facebook

In this episode, we explore the play cycle and how understanding the cues and responses between children can help educators see play more deeply. Through a lived observation, Cathy reflects on how play unfolds, how educators can honour and protect the flow of play, and how observing through both ludic and pedagogical lenses can support responsive teaching.

References & Resources

What is the Play Cycle?

The Intentional Educator

IG:  @theintentionaleducator_yvr

What counts as play - and how do we recognize it? In this episode, Cathy reflects on several definitions of play and uses them as a starting point to explore the many ways children engage with the world through play. From energetic social play to quiet moments of exploration, noticing these experiences more closely helps us understand what children are curious about and how they are making sense of and adapting to their world. As educators, this awareness allows us to support the development of children’s autonomy and agency through play, helping them see themselves as capable, confident participants in their own learning and in the world around them.

Suzanne Axelsson

Playarista

Dr. Stuart Brown

Peter Gray

The Intentional Educator Journal

IG:  @theintentionaleducator_yvr

In this episode, Cathy speaks with Shane Woodrow about his “Gap Year” travelling and visiting innovative schools around the world. Together, they explore what becomes possible when education is grounded in shared values, curiosity, and agency - and when schools function more like villages that inspire hope, joy, and belonging. A thoughtful conversation about reimagining the purpose of schooling, keeping relationships and heart at the centre.

To follow Shane’s journey:

Instagram 

LinkedIn

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