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In this moving episode, host Lili-Ann Kriegler speaks with Rosemary Paul, an early childhood educator from Lagos, Nigeria. Rosemary shares her remarkable journey into education, beginning with her experience of caring for her ten younger siblings at age 16 after losing her mother. Now an experienced educator, she offers profound insights into early childhood education in Nigeria, where traditional views often clash with modern educational approaches.

Through heartfelt stories and practical examples, Rosemary illuminates how she uses play-based learning to reach every child, navigate cultural differences, and build trust with families. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of teaching in Nigeria's diverse cultural landscape, where three major languages—Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo—intersect in the classroom.

Particularly touching is Rosemary's description of using traditional games like 'Ayo' to teach mathematics and her passionate belief that "play is the father of children." Her innovative approaches to teaching and unwavering commitment to understanding each child's unique needs showcase the transformative power of culturally sensitive early childhood education.

This episode offers valuable insights for educators worldwide about patience, cultural awareness, and the universal language of play in early learning. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply interested in understanding how early childhood education operates in different cultural contexts, this conversation will inspire and enlighten you.

Duration: 45 minutes Series: For Your Ears from the Early Years: Episode 20

#EarlyChildhoodEducation #GlobalEducation #TeachingAndLearning #NigerianEducation #PlayBasedLearning

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For more information about Lili-Ann Kriegler, go to:

Kriegler-Education

https://www.kriegler-education.com

+61438489032

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I respect the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land of the Kulin Nation groups, the Boonwurrung and Bunurong people, where I live, learn, and work.

Lili-Ann Kriegler (B. A Hons, H. Dip. Ed, M.Ed.) is an award-winning author and Melbourne-based education consultant. Her books are 'The Power of Play' for educators and 'Roots and Wings' for parents. Lili-Ann’ is a leader in early childhood education (birth to years), leadership and optimising human thinking and cognition. She runs her consultancy, Kriegler-Education. She is passionate about the early childhood sector and believes in the transformational power of education.
Find out more at https://www.kriegler-education.com.

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In this special edition episode, we explore two brand-new, transformative books for early childhood educators:

· Developing Executive Function in the Early Years: SOWATT Can I Do?
by Dr Rosalyn Muir and

· The Power of Play: Mastering the 7 Dynamic Learning Zones
by Lili-Ann Kriegler.

These ready-to-use resources are designed to inspire, guide, and empower educators without adding to their workload. Instead, they provide a clear roadmap showing how play naturally supports executive function and holistic development.

Both books emphasise that every moment matters, and their insights will leave educators feeling energised and equipped to make a difference.

This special episode also celebrates the tireless dedication of Alicia Cohen from AMBA Press, whose mission is to bring outstanding educational resources to educators across all contexts. Alicia’s unwavering support for these books demonstrates her belief in the transformative power of the early years.

A special summer reading bundle is available for a limited time—perfect for professional development or a thoughtful gift for an early childhood team. Available from AMBA Press or directly from the authors, this bundle promises to enrich your practice and deepen your understanding of early learning through executive function and the magic of play.

Key Takeaways from Rosalyn Muir (

• How to identify and support the development of executive function skills in young children.
• Practical strategies for embedding executive function activities into everyday routines.
• Insights into the link between executive function and lifelong success.
• Tools for creating environments that promote self-regulation, memory, and cognitive flexibility.

Key Takeaways from Lili-Ann Kriegler

• An introduction to the 7 Dynamic Learning Zones and their role in deep learning through play.
• How to balance structured and unstructured play to maximise engagement and creativity.
• The importance of intentional teaching and how to embed it into playful interactions.
• Strategies to build strong educator-child relationships that support emotional and cognitive growth.

Be the change you want to see in your teaching environment.

#EarlyYearsEducation #ExecutiveFunction #PlayBasedLearning #ProjectBasedLearning #AMBApress #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #IntentionalTeaching #ChildDevelopment

Support the show

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive valuable insights and discussions in the future!

For more information about Lili-Ann Kriegler, go to:

Kriegler-Education

https://www.kriegler-education.com

+61438489032

Follow Lili-Ann

I respect the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land of the Kulin Nation groups, the Boonwurrung and Bunurong people, where I live, learn, and work.

Lili-Ann Kriegler (B. A Hons, H. Dip. Ed, M.Ed.) is an award-winning author and Melbourne-based education consultant. Her books are 'The Power of Play' for educators and 'Roots and Wings' for parents. Lili-Ann’ is a leader in early childhood education (birth to years), leadership and optimising human thinking and cognition. She runs her consultancy, Kriegler-Education. She is passionate about the early childhood sector and believes in the transformational power of education.
Find out more at https://www.kriegler-education.com.

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Shaping Teams, Shaping Futures: A Reflective Vision for Leadership (Ep 18)

🎙️ For Your Ears from the Early Years presents an inspiring conversation with Adam Christie, an early childhood education consultant and systems leader with 17 years of diverse experience. In this episode, Adam shares his insights on leadership, pedagogy, and the transformative power of reflective practice.

Listeners will gain an understanding of:
✨ The evolution of systems leadership and its impact on early years education.
✨ How Hogan Personality Assessments shape team dynamics and leadership growth.
✨ Pedagogical documentation as an ever-evolving tool for learning and reflection.
✨ Leadership qualities that resonate in today’s challenging early years education landscape.
✨ Tips for staying mindful amidst the fast-paced demands of professional life.

Adam’s thoughtful reflections, grounded in curiosity and wonder, offer a compelling lens on how ethical leadership and intentional practice shape the future of education. Whether you're an educator, leader, or advocate for young children, this episode will inspire you to rethink what’s possible in early childhood education.

💡 Don’t miss this engaging conversation that celebrates the art of leadership, inquiry, and connection.

🎧 Listen now and join the dialogue!

#ForYourEarsFromTheEarlyYears #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ProfessionalCourage #PedagogicalLeadership #SystemsLeadership #ReggioInspired #IntentionalPractice #MindfulLeadership

Support the show

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive valuable insights and discussions in the future!

For more information about Lili-Ann Kriegler, go to:

Kriegler-Education

https://www.kriegler-education.com

+61438489032

Follow Lili-Ann

I respect the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land of the Kulin Nation groups, the Boonwurrung and Bunurong people, where I live, learn, and work.

Lili-Ann Kriegler (B. A Hons, H. Dip. Ed, M.Ed.) is an award-winning author and Melbourne-based education consultant. Her books are 'The Power of Play' for educators and 'Roots and Wings' for parents. Lili-Ann’ is a leader in early childhood education (birth to years), leadership and optimising human thinking and cognition. She runs her consultancy, Kriegler-Education. She is passionate about the early childhood sector and believes in the transformational power of education.
Find out more at https://www.kriegler-education.com.