In this episode, Liz Ludden and Sue Egersdorff, founders of Ready Generations, a charity that supports intergenerational practice and care in the early years, join Alice Sharp to introduce the concept of intergenerational learning and practice. 

Passionate about this approach to learning, Liz and Sue discuss why they believe this approach is so important for child development in the early years. 

Liz and Sue explain that although still a relatively new approach in current practice, intergenerational practice is a way of learning that dates to many years ago, where we regularly had communities and generations of all ages interacting with each other. This type of collaboration creates a sense of community and belonging, with also improved wellbeing and development across all parties involved and throughout this episode, Sue and Liz share examples of this in practice.

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) 

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Mariana Carazo, a play-based learning advocate, joins Alice Sharp for one final time. In this episode, Mariana and Alice discuss the role of executive functions, what they are and what strategies can be used to support children’s executive functioning in the early years. 

Executive functions EXPLODE through the different types of open-ended play Mariana discusses in previous podcast episodes. When children engage into high-level play experiences, children develop critical skills such as the ability to self-regulate, be organised, problem-solve or adapt to change, plus so much more!

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Alice Sharp is joined again by play-based learning advocate, Mariana Carazo to discuss learning environments. How do we enrich, entice and elevate the thinking of our children in the spaces they learn within? 

Alice asks Mariana to share her guidance on how practitioners can make the environments engaging and exciting. How do we refresh the home corners, the construction areas or art stations to invite children to play, collaborate and develop 21st-century skills?

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Alice Sharp is joined again by play-based learning advocate, Mariana Carazo to discuss the impact play-based learning has on developing key foundation skills in the early years.

Mariana explains the vital role educators play in opening the door to new opportunities across all areas of learning in the early years. This episode encourages practitioners to follow the relevant frameworks (also referred to as standards internationally), but to also be hands-on and immersed in the children’s learning, to scaffold and shape more meaningful experiences. 

Mariana highlights 3 key takeaways for educators: 

🔑 Collaborative learning is key 

️❓ Ask questions and consider at the bigger picture 

✍️ Simplify – don't overcomplicate the learning!

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) 

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Mariana Carazo, a play-based learning advocate, joins Alice Sharp to explore what play-based learning is and why she believes it is so crucial to develop children’s key skills in the Early Years. 

Mariana defines play as a universal language. She explains that play evolves over time and never ends. It is an approach that should be interpreted differently with each child, learning environment and supporting resource to develop new skills and enhance children’s learning outcomes in the early years.  

Alice probes the question as to whether play-based learning should have a structure to it, or whether the play itself is enough to inspire and ignite new learning opportunities. 

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) 

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In this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp is re-joined by Kate Freeman to inspire you with practical ways to extend children’s vocabulary in the Early Years. 

Kate explains the reasons why interaction is so key in the early stages of child development. She talks about this not only from a learning perspective but also from a social and emotional perspective, helping children to engage in society, support with their ability to nurture and make connections, as well as express their feelings and emotions. 

The conversation will provide you with insights on simple (but highly effective) techniques to support children with their vocabulary and love for language right from the Early Years.

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In this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp is rejoined by Kate Freeman, Speech and Language therapist, to discuss the different type of speech and language support and resources that are available for educators and parents when supporting young children.  

Knowing what training is available, how to pick what is most appropriate and where to access it can be extremely daunting not only to newly qualified practitioners but experienced too. 

This episode has been developed with Kate and Alice to signpost some of the different training, resources and organisations available, as recommended by Kate. From free resources, accessible learning programmes and toolkits to support practitioners on their journey, Kate suggests a variety of different options that will enable continuing professional development and enhance children’s early language development.  

In this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp welcomes back Speech and Language Therapist, Kate Freeman to shares some of the ways that educators can identify gaps in children’s early speech development.  

Throughout this episode, Kate shares: 

• The different types of speech, language and communication – what are they and when should we be’ worried’?  
• What might some of the signs look like to a practitioner, parent or carer? 
• What techniques may support in closing those gaps?  
• Practical ways to get parents and carers involved in supporting developmental gaps. 

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In this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp is joined by Kate Freeman, Speech and Language therapist, to discuss the impact of the pandemic on children’s speech and language. 

Kate explains how the word gap has become increasingly wider since the outbreak of COVID-19 due to factors such as mask-wearing, limited interaction, increased screen-time and social isolation. 

Touching on her own experience, Kate shares the areas of speech and language that have been impacted the most, and what techniques can be used to rectify some of the issues and challenges that both practitioners and parents face in narrowing the word gap.

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Alice is joined by Simon Airey for the final time to talk all things continuous provision, also referenced to as continuous play. Simon begins by explaining what continuous play is, why it’s so important in the Early Years, but also the benefits of taking this approach beyond the EYFS too. 

Throughout the episode Simon shares best examples of continuous play and experiences that have shaped his approach to collaborative play and the impact this has on children’s learning outcomes.

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