Little Minds, Big Ideas

This week on Little Minds, Big Ideas Ben & Emily explore the science behind how routines and habits shape early childhood development. Discover how these daily practices influence brain growth, learning, and emotional well-being, providing young minds with the structure and stability they need to thrive. Join us as we delve into the critical role that habits play in building foundational skills, fostering independence in children and developing emotional regulation, setting the stage for lifelong success.Don't forget if you enjoyed this podcast make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

In this week's exciting episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, Ben and Emily dive into the essential qualities that define the 'perfect' early years educator. From the art of communication to the necessity of inner curiosity, they explore the diverse and crucial skills that make educators truly exceptional in the wonderful world of early childhood education.What does it take to connect with young minds? How do organisation and creativity play a role in shaping a child's early experiences? Ben and Emily leave no stone unturned as they discuss the traits that contribute to creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment.Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply curious about the world of early years education, this podcast is a must-listen. Join us as we celebrate the passion, dedication, and skills that make early years educators so special. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation—tune in and discover what it takes to make a lasting impact on the next generation!Wait!! Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

In this episode of *Little Minds, Big Ideas*, Ben and Emily from The Early Years Network dive into the essential topic of school readiness. They kick off by sharing exciting updates from their learning platform and discuss a new, innovative payment concept for parents emerging from Warwickshire.The heart of the episode is all about understanding what it truly means to be 'school ready.' With insights drawn from your feedback on Instagram, Ben and Emily explore key ideas that define school readiness, while also debunking common myths surrounding child development and the primary curriculum. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply passionate about early childhood education, this episode offers a thoughtful and engaging discussion that will leave you with practical tips and a deeper understanding of how to best support the little minds in your life. Tune in for an episode full of valuable insights and a few surprises along the way!Don't forget if you enjoyed this podcast make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

In this weeks episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas Ben takes a back seat as Emily is joined by the wonderful nursery manager Rachael! This week the girls are discussing ways in which parents can provide their little one’s the very best start in nursery, or more specifically the do’s and don’ts when packing a nursery backpack. So, join two best friends explore what really should be going into an early bag, and how you as parents, can very easily make the lives of all early years educators so much easier! Don't forget if you enjoyed this podcast make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

In this episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, hosts Ben and Emily dive into Chapter 7 of Lisa Feldman Barrett's thought-provoking book "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain." Join them as they unpack the concept of social reality and explore how our brains construct the world around us through shared social understanding.Ben and Emily delve into the "5 C's" outlined in the chapter, discussing their relevance to Early Childhood Education. They provide insights into how these principles can shape the way we teach and nurture young minds, helping educators and parents alike foster more effective and empathetic learning environments.Tune in for a deep and insightful conversation that connects brain science to the foundational stages of childhood development, offering practical takeaways for anyone involved in early education.Don't forget if you enjoyed this podcast make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

Join us for a heartfelt and joyful episode of the Little Minds, Big Ideas podcast with this special edition episode as we say goodbye to our wonderful guests, Bea and Ruby, before they head off to big school in September. In this final episode, the girls share their favourite memories of nursery, the things they enjoyed most, and what they will miss the most.Listen in as Bea and Ruby discuss their feelings about starting big school, their hopes for the future, and what they dream of becoming. This farewell chat is filled with laughter, nostalgia, and the excitement of new beginnings.Tune in to celebrate Bea and Ruby’s incredible journey through nursery and wish them all the best as they embark on their next adventure!

In this exciting episode of the Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast, we jump into the world of the Olympic Games and the power of sport. We're diving headfirst into the world of the Olympic Games and uncovering how these epic events can shape our youngest minds.Remember those goosebumps while watching the Olympics as a kid? We do too!Let's relive those inspiring moments and see how sport and physical movement can spark so much learning and development during such a crucial stage of human development!Don't forget if you enjoyed this podcast make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

In this week's episode, "The Episode All About Self-Expression," hosts Ben and Emily dive into the vibrant world of self-expression and its vital role in early childhood development. Join them as they explore the importance of freedom in creativity, the necessity of emotional support, and how confidence is built through embracing individuality. They discuss how no two minds are the same and the critical role of communication and experiences in shaping unique self-expression.Their conversation extends to the debates around school uniforms, the use of makeup, and hairstyles as forms of self-expression. They even touch on the broader implications in politics and societal norms. Tune in for an insightful and lively discussion that underscores the importance of allowing young minds to flourish through self-expression. Don't miss this engaging episode of your favourite early years podcast, packed with thought-provoking insights and practical advice for parents and educators alike.Don't forget if you enjoyed this podcast make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

In this week's episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas hosts Ben and Emily take inspiration from the BBC show hosted by Frank Skinner, Room 101. Join them as they humorously and critically nominate three early years-related "things" they would love to banish forever into Room 101.From the daily struggles with pull-ups, shoelaces, and impractical clothing for babies to the broader issues of false Ofsted complaints, lifeguarding, and over-protecting children, Ben and Emily share their candid thoughts and personal experiences. They delve into why these aspects can be so frustrating and how addressing them could lead to a smoother, more effective early years environment.Expect a lively discussion filled with relatable anecdotes, thoughtful critique, and plenty of laughs. Ben and Emily tackle the quirky and sometimes maddening aspects of early childhood education, providing both entertainment and insightful commentary for educators, parents, and anyone invested in the world of early years learning. Don’t miss this engaging episode where nothing is off-limits, and everything is up for debate as Ben and Emily decide what deserves a permanent spot in Room 101.Don't forget if you enjoyed this podcast make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month!!