TTS Talking Early Years

Alice is joined by Liz Ludden and Sue Egersdorff for one final time in the very last episode of series 2! In this episode, Alice asks Liz and Sue to reflect on their experiences of intergenerational practice so far and why they're so passionate about a lifelong future for this approach to learning and care.  Liz and Sue reflect on the joyful moments they continue to experience each day, alongside the enhanced learning outcomes visible in children who are exposed to this approach. Although further research, understanding and resource is needed to roll this out nationally and globally, Liz and Sue are confident that conversations such as this will help to make a difference and transform our approach to early years education.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.   Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.  (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.)  Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

In today’s episode, Alice Sharp is joined by Liz Ludden and Sue Egersdorff again to explore the benefits of an intergenerational approach in the early years.   From the key benefits such as improving children's vocabulary and communication skills to forming new relationships and combating social isolation, Liz and Sue explore the multitude of benefits associated with intergenerational practice. From this episode, you’ll discover real-life and heart-warming examples of why this approach is crucial, as well as ideas for integrating this style of learning into your own practice and every day. 📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.   Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.  (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.)  Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

In this episode, Alice Sharp is joined by Liz Ludden and Sue Egersdorff again, but this time, they’re switching their focus to the learning opportunities available through intergenerational care and practice.  Alice asks Liz and Sue to explain what techniques and activities (or invitations as Liz and Sue refer to in this podcast) best support this practice and how easy is it to incorporate this style of learning into settings? 📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.   Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.  (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.)  Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

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. 📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.   Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.  (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.)  Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

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! 📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.   Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.  (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.)  Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

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? 📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.   Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.  (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.)  Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

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! 📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.   Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.  (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.)  Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

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.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.   Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.  (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.)  Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

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. 📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.   Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.  (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.)  Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

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.