Thriving Language - Early Years
Education & Explainer
About
We are the Beckies, we work together mentoring and coaching early years professionals to be the best they can be and create happier brighter futures for themselves and the children they work with. Our podcasts offer easy to use top tips to help ease your workload and build confidence in practice. Speech and Language Therapy and Early Years are what we love, so join us and discover how to make your life and career happier.
Episodes
- Here The Beckies talk with Trisha Lee all about the power of storytelling, music and poetry with children
The Beckies talk with Trisha Lee, founder of Make Believe Arts Charity, about the power of storytelling, music, and poetry for children. They discuss how Helicopter Stories, developed with Vivian Gussin Paley, boost communication skills by…
- The Beckies chat all about Thriving Smiles – Small Habits, Big Impact for Teams & Tiny Teeth – with Flosst
The Beckies interview Leanne and Lydia, co-founders of Flosst, discussing the importance of wellbeing and oral health for babies, children, and adults. They share tips for building consistent daily habits and explain how the Flosst App use…
- Mother's Day Episode - Here Becky & Mindy chat with two amazing forest school Mumma's
In this Mother's Day episode, hosts chat with two forest school mothers about their experiences, the benefits of outdoor play, and embracing all weather conditions. They discuss how forest school helps children thrive, fosters independence…
- Why being Outside when pregnant and also with your newborn baby can help you both to Thrive
Becky and Mindy discuss the benefits of being outdoors for pregnant individuals and newborns. The episode covers how nature can lower cortisol, boost serotonin, aid maternal-fetal connection, and positively impact brain function and eyesig…
- How do we create communities where Mumma's and babies thrive - Becky & Mindy chat about their own experiences of pregnancy and being a new Mumma
In this episode, Becky and Mindy share their personal experiences with pregnancy and early parenthood. They discuss simple practices that contribute to perinatal wellbeing, such as social connection and open communication, and highlight th…
- Here the Beckies talk with Jo Davies the awesome founder of Recycling Resources for All
Jo Davies, founder of Recycling Resources for All, shares her expertise in early years and primary education, specializing in sustainability by creating curriculum-based resources from repurposed and natural objects. She also hosts monthly…
- The Beckies chat with Dr Janet Rose all about shaping children's brains
Dr. Janet Rose explains to The Beckies how communication profoundly shapes children's brains, emphasizing that responsive interactions and tone of voice are crucial for neuro-wiring. She highlights the significant role educators play in cr…
- Speak up and Speak out - What does being an advocate for children really mean
This episode discusses the importance of advocating for children, defining the role of educators and adults in supporting children's needs. It emphasizes observing children's communication, centering them in their curriculum, and speaking…
- The Beckies chat with Sarah Watkins - all about wildness, the outdoors and embracing natural play
Sarah Watkins joins The Beckies to discuss outdoor environments, 'risky play,' and 'productive uncertainty' in children's learning and exploration. The episode explores making outdoor spaces wild, even small ones, and the adult's role in t…
- Here The Beckies talk with Natalie all about Simple Social Word Songs - discover how music connects us with children
Natalie Scarlett, founder of Simple Social Word Songs, shares her experience using music and songs to create connections with children, aiding their speech and language development. Her songs provide accessible repetition of social words,…
- The Beckies chat with Clare founder of Hampton Childcare Agency
Clare, founder of Hampton Childcare Agency and an experienced early years teacher, discusses with The Beckies the agency's role in connecting educators and families with suitable childcare settings. The conversation highlights the importan…
- The Beckies chat with Kate Burgess co-creator of the Pippin App - what is this all about and how can it support speech and language development
Kate Burgess, co-creator of the Pippin App and Speech and Language Therapist, explains how the app supports parents in fostering environments for communication development. The app offers videos with tips and strategies for adults interact…
- Here The Beckies discover more about the team at PATA with an in-depth look at how they support early years
Rachel and Helen share insights into their roles at PATA, discussing the support they offer to early years educators and the importance of continuous professional development. Helen details her role as Operations Manager, highlighting how…
- PATA who works with them and what do they do ? - Meet the team as they chat with The Beckies
The Beckies speak with Michelle and Kate from PATA about their professional roles and the organization's involvement in the early years curriculum. The discussion covers how PATA supports educators and children's early education across the…
- The Beckies chat with Rachel an amazing educator who works from home as a professional childminder
Rachel Perks, owner of Mitton Minis Childcare, shares her 25+ years of experience in early years education. She discusses the advantages of running a small, home-based childcare setting and offers advice for those considering a career chan…
- Here the Beckies talk with Alison all about the EYFS curriculum and how the child drives this
The Beckies speak with Alison Featherbe about the Early Years Curriculum, exploring the adult's role in children's play and supporting development through children's interests. Alison Featherbe is an specialist in this field.
- Here the Beckies talk with Michelle and Helen about their key roles in PATA
The Beckies interviewed Michelle and Helen from PATA, an early years trust founded by and for families. PATA offers training, administrative, and business support to the early years sector.
- Life as an Early Years Childhood Studies Student - The Beckies chat with Hollie 1st Year Student
This episode features Hollie, a first-year Early Years Childhood Studies student, discussing her university course, research involvement, and motivations. The conversation touches on career paths supported by the degree and different learn…
- The Beckies chat with Karen Nemeth this time all about multilingual learners
Karen Nemeth rejoins The Beckies to share practical, research-based strategies for supporting children learning multiple languages. The tips are designed for everyday use, involve families, and are free to implement.
- The Beckies chat with Tamsin Grimmer and discover all about a 'loving pedagogy'
Tamsin Grimmer, an Early Years Consultant and Author, discusses the concept of 'loving pedagogy' with The Beckies, exploring its significance, implementation in early years environments, and her personal journey as an educator. The convers…
- PATA career and training opportunities - The Beckies talk with Paula CEO at PATA
Paula Hayball, CEO of PATA, talks with The Beckies about career and training opportunities in early years education, PATA's role in supporting educators, and her own career transition into the sector.
- Montessori in practice what does this really mean - The Beckies chat with Ailsa Monk The Principle of Cotswold Montessori Schools
Ailsa Monk explains the principles of the Montessori approach in early years settings, highlighting the importance of trusting children and creating a child-led environment to promote autonomy and independence. The discussion also touches…
- The Beckies chat with Karen Nemeth all about multiple language learners
Karen Nemeth joins The Beckies to discuss supporting children learning multiple languages in early years settings. The conversation highlights the importance of creating secure environments and integrating children's home languages into th…
- Matthew Ford from Signature talks with The Beckies - we learn all about communication and sign language
Matthew Ford from Signature, a UK charity for deaf communication and language qualifications, spoke about learning sign language and its benefits. The discussion included the introduction of the BSL GCSE and the importance of early years c…
- The Beckies talk with Catherine Ensby - All about the life of an Outdoor Teacher
Catherine Ensby, an Outdoor Teacher, shares insights on the importance of outdoor environments for children's learning and development. She discusses her experiences on a family farm, the therapeutic benefits of nature and animals, and how…
- Here the Beckies talk with Ashley Wilson from The Ministry of Outdoor Education - The importance of being outdoors
Ashley Wilson of The Ministry of Outdoor Education speaks with The Beckies about the importance of outdoor experiences for children, the benefits of natural resources, and teaching sustainability from an early age.
- The Beckies chat with Early Years Alliance Early Years Development Manager Alison Heseltine
Alison Heseltine, Early Years Development Manager at the Early Years Alliance, discusses her role and the organization's work supporting families and educators. The conversation highlights the crucial value of early years development for f…
- An Accidental Headship - The Beckies chat with Helen an amazing educator, author and advocate for children
Helen Glass, author of "An Accidental Headship," shares her path in education, from Steiner beginnings to leading secondary schools. The episode highlights the importance of curiosity and the love of learning for children and educators ali…
- The Beckies chat with Julia Rose from Famly - all about career journeys and opportunities in Early Years
Julia Rose, Education Editor at Famly, shares her journey in early years education, covering career evolution, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and progression routes for educators. The discussion, hosted by The Beckies on Thrivi…
- Childcare and Education Expo - what its is all about and why does it help educators to thrive
The Childcare and Education Expo offers seminars and networking opportunities for educators to enhance their professional development. The episode discusses the expo's benefits, including focusing on speech, language, and communication, an…
- The Universal Language of Nursery Rhymes - Inclusion, diversity and communication
This episode discusses the significance of nursery rhymes in children's play for language development, communication, and fostering an understanding of diversity and inclusion. Nazneen Yasin shares insights on creating language-rich enviro…
- The Beckies chat with Hayley Rice Child Psychotherapist - and discover what do children and families need to thrive
Hayley Rice, a child psychotherapist, discusses with The Beckies the importance of supporting children's emotions and building trusting relationships, exploring topics like childhood anxiety and anger as responses to fear.
- Outstanding practice - what does this really mean and what does it feel like ?
Lynne, an outstanding childminder, discusses her recent Ofsted visit with the Beckies on Thriving Language. The episode covers how interactions, relationships, and fostering independence through activities like snack preparation contribute…
- The Thriving New Year - The Beckies and Thriving Language 2023
In this episode, Becs and Becca, also known as The Beckies, reflect on 2023 and the future of early years speech, language, and communication. They discuss supporting children
- How should we communicate with children - how do we enable children to thrive
Becs and Becky discuss the critical role of kind and professional communication in early years education. They highlight the responsibility educators have to understand children, advocate for them, and create safe, nurturing environments,…
- Make it Wild - Helen chats with The Beckies all about nature connectedness for adults and children
Helen, founder of Make it Wild, shares insights on nature connectedness for all ages, drawing from her career change as a doctor to focus on nature. The episode explores the importance of playing in nature for wellbeing and discusses pract…
- The power of movement and communication - Dr Lala Manners and The Beckies
This episode discusses movement as a child's primary form of communication from birth, emphasizing its connection to sensory development, reading, and singing. It highlights how observing a child's physical state and body language provides…
- The Beckies chat with Lynette Brock Director of SchemaPlay CIC - Discover why understanding schemas underpins children's confidence
Lynette Brock of SchemaPlay CIC joins The Beckies to discuss how understanding schemas is fundamental to building children's confidence. The conversation highlights the importance of responding to children's communications and ensuring the…
- The Beckies talk with Brett Wigdortz OBE, founder and CEO tiney - discover why high quality early education matters
Brett Wigdortz OBE, founder of tiney, shares his vision for accessible, high-quality early education. The episode explores how tiney supports childminders with community, professional development, and administrative tasks, aiming to elevat…
- Professional development what does this look like and is there something out there for me?
Michelle and Mandy from the University of Worcester discuss short courses and continuing professional development (CPD) within their children and families department. The episode covers who the courses are for, the benefits of professional…
- The Muddy Puddle Teacher - discover why we can all learn more outside
Sarah, founder of the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach, explains how to teach the national curriculum outdoors. The discussion covers nature-based education, the benefits for children and teachers, and the importance of wellbeing and mental h…
- Recycling Education with The Recycling Shop CIC - finding sustainable treasure for awesome educational environments
Becky speaks with Jo, an Educational Resource specialist, about the principles of recycling, reusing, and fostering sustainability in early years education. They discuss using open-ended, non-plastic objects and the benefits of understandi…
- How do we understand the unique child - how to support the child in their choice of learning
The podcast episode explores the importance of recognizing and supporting each childs unique talents and learning styles, advocating for an educational approach that values the whole child over standardized testing. It highlights the cruci…
- The life and journey of a student teacher - what is it really like to be back in school
Aggie, a student teacher pursuing a PGCE for primary education, discusses her path to teaching, working with children in early years settings, and managing holiday camps. She shares insights into the university workload, the importance of…
- Proprioception what does this mean and why we really need to know
This episode of Thriving Language explores proprioception and its importance in early childhood development. The Beckies discuss the benefits of sensory experiences, such as walking barefoot, and how to empower children's risk assessment a…
- Soul School and the importance of wellbeing in education for children, their teachers and their families
This episode of Thriving Language - Early Years features Mandy, founder of Soul School, who discusses the importance of wellbeing and mindfulness in education. They explore how prioritizing mental health for children and educators can crea…
- Stuttering and Stammering - what we really need to know
This episode of Thriving Language, featuring The Beckies, discusses stuttering and stammering in children, explaining concepts like "blocking" and changes in breathing patterns. It offers advice on how to support children experiencing thes…
- Research - Speech Therapy, Communication & Play in an outdoor environment
The Beckies discuss their outdoor Speech & Communication Play sessions for families, noting how natural environments support child-led play and communication. They reflect on observations of children's interactions and communication in out…
- New Research - The impact of environments on children's development, play & learning
Gemma Goldenberg shares her research on the effects of learning environments on children, exploring how indoor and outdoor settings impact stress, attention, learning, behaviors, and speech and language. The discussion highlights the impor…
- Early Years Practitioners -What does it feel like to practice outdoors ?
Becs and Becky talk about the experience of early years practitioners working outdoors, focusing on gaining confidence, fostering quality interactions, and building trusting relationships with children to support their engagement and devel…