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Welcome back to The Little Harmonies Podcast! In Part 1 of this mini-series, we explored the power of language exposure, the 30-million-word gap and how quality interactions shape a child’s cognitive, emotional and academic growth. (If you haven’t listened yet, check it out here!)

Now, in Part 2, we’re turning knowledge into action. We'll share practical, everyday strategies to create a language-rich environment for the children in your care—without adding more to your already busy day. From open-ended questions to music’s role in language development, this episode is packed with easy-to-implement tips that will make a lasting impact.

🔹 Haven’t listened to Ep 8: Caught, Not Taught yet? That episode lays the foundation for today’s discussion—find it here!

🎧 Tune in now and start fostering stronger language skills through simple daily interactions.

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Did you know that by the age of three, some children have heard 30 million more words than others? This word gap can impact everything from school performance to career success—and even how society is shaped. Every conversation, every lullaby and every moment of shared speech plays a critical role in shaping your child's future.

In this first episode of our two-part series on how speech can change your child’s life, we’re diving into:

🗣️ The science behind the ‘30 million word gap’ and its impact on brain development
🎶 How early music education before age seven can boost IQ and even long-term earning potential
👶 Why quality interactions matter just as much as quantity—and how to make them count

In the next episode, we'll share real-life strategies you can use every day to make the most of your child’s critical early years. If you're a parent, educator or simply fascinated by child development, this series is packed with eye-opening insights just for you.

So, hit play and join us as we explore how the words we speak today can shape a child’s tomorrow. 🎧✨

Be sure to listen to the previous episode—Ep 8: Caught, Not Taught—for the background insights that set the stage for this discussion. 🎧

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Follow us on socials for more bite-sized inspiration and ideas:

Instagram: @littleharmonies_

Facebook: @littleharmonies

TikTok: @littleharmonies_

Website: www.littleharmonies.com.au

Contact us: www.littleharmonies.com.au/contact

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Further reading and references: 

1. Hart, B., & Risley, T. R. (2003). The Early Catastrophe: The 30 Million Word Gap by Age 3. American Educator, Spring 2003. Retrieved from: aft.org
2. Weisleder, A., & Fernald, A. (2013). Talking to Children Matters: Early Language Experience Strengthens Processing and Builds Vocabulary. Psychological Science, 24(11), 2143-2152. Retrieved from: journals.sagepub.com

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Ever wondered how toddlers seem to magically pick up words, songs and even little habits—without anyone actually teaching them? They’re not memorising flashcards or sitting through lessons, yet their brains are working overtime, soaking up everything around them.

In this episode of The Little Harmonies Podcast, we’re diving into the fascinating world of early childhood learning, where knowledge isn’t taught—it’s caught. We’ll explore:

🎶 Why music and speech share the same pathways in the brain (and how to use that to your advantage!)
🗣️ How everyday conversations shape your child’s vocabulary (way more than structured lessons!)
🤲 The power of gestures—why pointing, clapping and waving can supercharge language development
💡 Easy, practical ways to help little ones absorb language and music naturally—without extra effort!

If you’re a parent, educator or just someone fascinated by how children learn, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 

Grab your drink of choice and let’s get into it! 🎧✨

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Follow us on socials for more bite-sized inspiration and ideas:

Instagram: @littleharmonies_

Facebook: @littleharmonies

TikTok: @littleharmonies_

Website: www.littleharmonies.com.au

Contact us: www.littleharmonies.com.au/contact

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Further reading and references: 

1. Kuhl, P. K. (2004). Early language acquisition: Cracking the speech code. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 5(11), 831-843.
2. Brandt, A., Gebrian, M., & Slevc, L. R. (2012). Music and early language acquisition. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 327.
3. Iverson, J. M., & Goldin-Meadow, S. (2005). Gesture paves the way for language development. Psychological Science, 16(5), 367-371.
4. Weisleder, A., & Fernald, A. (2013). Talking to children matters: Early language experience strengthens processing and vocabulary development. Psychological Science, 24(11), 2143-2152.
5. Harvard University, Center on the Developing Child. (n.d.). Serve and Return Interaction Shapes Brain Architecture. Retrieved from developingchild.harvard.edu.

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What if everything you’ve been told about fear is just… a story?

In part two of this episode on building fearlessness in children, we take a closer look at how the narratives we hold as adults can influence the courage and confidence of the little ones we care for. If you missed part one, don’t worry—you can catch up here.

This week, we explore how rewriting your own limiting stories can inspire a fearless mindset in children. Whether it’s modelling resilience, embracing failure or fostering a growth mindset through music, this episode is full of practical wisdom for parents and educators alike.

Here’s what we’ll cover:
🌈 The surprising power of rewriting limiting stories as adults
🎵 Why music is a perfect playground for trial, error and triumph
💪 Simple strategies to model courage and nurture fearlessness in kids

Plus, watch the incredible video of babies interacting fearlessly with snakes here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgsZQW7oIZM

Fearlessness is more than a trait—it’s a skill we can nurture. Let’s rediscover it in ourselves and inspire it in the children we love. 🎧 Tune in now!

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📸 Instagram: @littleharmonies_
📘 Facebook: @littleharmonies
🎶 TikTok: @littleharmonies_

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Further reading:

Music and Brain Plasticity - https://www.jneurosci.org/content/31/45/16344

Neuroplasticity in Early Musical Training -https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.689456/full

The Benefits of Early Musical Engagement -https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00869/full

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Have you ever wondered how babies and young children respond to the world around them, especially when faced with something unfamiliar? In today's episode we focus on how babies and toddlers respond to unfamiliar situations and how early exposure to music can shape their confidence, creativity and neuroplasticity. 🌱

We’ll slither into a remarkable study where babies engage with snakes—without a trace of fear—and uncover how their brains are primed for exploration at this stage of life.

Join us as we discuss:
🔍 How early music exposure builds brain connections
💪 The role of confidence in skill development
🐍 The surprising lack of fear in babies and its significance for growth

Watch the fascinating video of babies fearlessly interacting with snakes here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgsZQW7oIZM

And... this is only the beginning! Stay tuned for part 2 of this episode, coming next week! 🎧

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Imagine a world where every beat, every sway and every playful step can shape your child’s mind and heart…

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the magical blend of music and movement and how they help children learn, grow and connect with others. From rhythm games to cultural dances, we’ll unpack how these simple activities nurture social-emotional bonds and boost brain development. And the best part? You don’t need a dance floor! I’ll be sharing fun, easy ways to bring these moments to life at home or in the classroom. So, let’s turn any space into a joyful, learning-filled dance party. 

Ready to get grooving? Tune in now!

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Listen to the previous episodes of the podcast here! 

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In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of finger play and explore how simple hand and finger movements can have a HUGE impact on young children’s development. 

We’ll talk about why finger play is so important for developing fine motor skills, how it strengthens the brain-body connection and how activities like this set the foundation for future skills like writing, drawing and even playing sports or musical instruments.

You’ll also learn some practical tips and takeaways that parents, educators and caregivers can easily incorporate into their daily routines to support children’s growth. Whether you’re a parent wanting to help your child develop strong motor skills or an educator looking for new ideas to bring into the classroom, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.

Tune in for an episode that’s all about the power of small movements and big developmental strides!

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Listen to the previous episode on the value of music in sport here! 

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In this week's episode of Little Harmonies Podcast, I sit down with my younger brother, Ethan Connelly, an elite junior tennis player ranked among the top in the country. But here’s the twist—he’s also grown up with music deeply rooted in his life. 

We explore how music, from early childhood classes to playing the flute and piano, has helped Eth in unexpected ways on the tennis court. How does mastering rhythm and perseverance in music relate to top-level sport? And what’s the deal with performing under pressure—whether it’s on stage or in front of a  crowd at a tennis tournament?

Eth shares how music has shaped his discipline, confidence and creativity, and how it continues to be a mental escape from the physical grind of elite sport. 

If you’ve ever wondered how juggling two passions can make you better in both, this episode is for you. Tune in now to hear how music and sport go hand-in-hand and Ethan’s advice for young athletes balancing multiple interests!

Get ready for some laughs, some wisdom and a unique look at the crossroads of music and athletic success! 🎧

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Join us as we discuss the science behind the profound impact of music on early childhood development. Learn how exposure to music enhances cognitive skills, emotional regulation and social interaction in children aged 0-5. We’ll share science-backed, practical ways to incorporate music into your child’s daily life, supporting their growth and creativity.

Tune in and discover the power of music in shaping young minds—because when it comes to nurturing development, a little harmony goes a long way!

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In the first episode of The Little Harmonies Podcast, we delve into the incredible impact that music can have on early childhood development.

Join us as we explore the powerful benefits of music in enhancing cognitive skills and emotional growth in children aged 0-5 and learn how rhythm, melody and movement can foster lifelong learning and creativity.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode provides key insights on why early childhood music matters and how to use it to enrich young lives. Tune in and start your harmonious journey with us!

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