S1Ep7 Thriving in Nature with Gillian Powell

S1Ep7 Thriving in Nature with Gillian Powell

Author: Paula Walshe & Celine Govern September 8, 2022 Duration: 23:53
In this episode Paula and Celine interview Gillian Powell, author of the Thrive series of books on outdoor play and nature and ECE lecturer. We discuss why access to nature and the outdoors is vital to children's mental health and wellbeing and is a fundamental part of quality ECE. Gillian gives her insights into what a quality outdoor area in ECE looks like and we consider what the barriers to outdoor play might be.

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Paula Walshe and Celine Govern are your guides through the complex, rewarding world of early childhood education. Their The ECE Quality Ireland Podcast sits at the heart of a vital conversation for educators, practitioners, and anyone invested in the care of young children. Rather than offering simple answers, each episode delves into the nuanced realities of quality and professional practice, creating a space for genuine reflection and shared learning. You’ll hear discussions that feel like a thoughtful staff room dialogue, covering practical strategies, evolving pedagogical approaches, and the broader landscape of ECEC both in Ireland and internationally. This podcast serves as a dedicated forum for dissecting what truly makes a difference in early years settings, moving beyond theory to examine the everyday decisions that shape a child's experience. Tune in for a consistently insightful and grounded perspective that treats early childhood education with the depth and seriousness it deserves, all while fostering a sense of community among those committed to this essential work.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 37

The ECE Quality Ireland Podcast
Podcast Episodes
S5Ep3: Bridging the Gap Between Research and ECEC Practice in Germany [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:06
We chat with Sarah Girlich about ECEC in Germany and the LaKoS project where researchers and ECEC educators in Saxony collaborate in the area of early literacy to develop resources, training and other supports for eviden…
S5Ep2: Identifying and Communicating Developmental Concerns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:33
An insightful and interesting chat with Jenny Nechvatal, a parent of adult children with additional needs and an experienced early childhood educator, about practical strategies for supporting early intervention, sharing…
S5Ep1: Purposeful Play [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:34
In this first episode of season 5 we chat with Shannan Mulrooney, founder of Maia Purposeful Play, on the importance of facilitating intentional opportunities for open ended playful learning opportunities for young child…
S4Ep5: The Graduation Ceremony - Who is it for? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:46
We discuss the end of year preschool graduation ceremony. Should we do it, how should we do it? Is it adult led or child led? Whose needs are we meeting and how can we find a balance to meet the needs of all stakeholders…
S4Ep4: STEAM in the Early Childhood Environment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:48
In this episode we talk about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths) in early childhood education. How and why would should we incorporate more STEAM into our ECEC practice, thinking of technology a…
S4Ep3: Risky Play and Guns in Early Childhood Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:59
We have a really interesting chat with Leah Russell, early childhood lecturer, about what risky play is, how to provide for risky play and whether or not toy guns and gun play should be incorporated into the early childh…
S4Ep2: What is the Appropriate Age to Start Primary School? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:40
With our guest. primary school teacher Dee O'Toole, we discuss the appropriate age for children to transition from early childhood education to primary school education. Why do children in Ireland start at 5 when most ot…
S4Ep1: Quality ECEC - Síolta in Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:59
We discuss implementing and maintaining quality standards in early childhood education and how Paula's new book "Síolta in Practice" can help educators make sense of the Síolta standards and how they are already implemen…
S3Ep3: Establishing a New ECEC Service in Ireland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:13
Ever thought about opening up your own preschool ECEC setting and/or afterschool SAC setting in Ireland? Then this is the episode for you! From finding the right location and building to getting planning permission and T…
S3Ep2: Updating Aistear the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:30
In this episode we have an engaging and critical discussion as we review the proposed draft for updating the Aistear curriculum framework. We talk about the positives and provide our opinion on the changes including sugg…