The Intentional ECE
Episodes
From Curiosity to Possibility: Building a Culture of Inquiry with Paola Lopez
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Paola Lopez shares the story of building her schools from a place of curiosity, imagination, and deep respect for children and educat...
Following the Rhythm of Play: Understanding the Play Cycle
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the play cycle and how understanding the cues and responses between children can help educators see play more deeply. Thro...
What Counts as Play?
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What counts as play - and how do we recognize it? In this episode, Cathy reflects on several definitions of play and uses them as a starting point to ...
Where Values Lead: Schools as Villages with Shane Woodrow
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Cathy speaks with Shane Woodrow about his “Gap Year” travelling and visiting innovative schools around the world. Together, they ...
The Art of Being an Educator: Lessons from Jazz
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Educators are often told to “facilitate”, or “teach” - but rarely are we invited to consider the art of knowing when to do each.In this episod...
Being Human Together in Early Childhood ~ with Samuel Broaden
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Samuel Broaden and Cathy reflect on what it means to care for ourselves and one another within education systems often shaped by effi...
Stories That Stick: Literacy, Play, and Joyful Learning ~ with Laura Shea
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Intentional ECE, Cathy is joined by early childhood educator and literacy specialist Laura Shea to explore how literacy grows t...
Seeing Children as Whole: A Conversation with Em Clark
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Intentional ECE, I’m joined by Em Clark for a thoughtful conversation about children’s rights, participation, and what beco...
Why Theory Matters: Reflecting on Practice in Early Childhood Education
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why does theory matter in our day-to-day work with children? This episode explores how educational theories shape our beliefs, values, and practices, ...
Honouring the Moment: We Are Part of the Story with Ron Grady
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ron Grady reflects on what it means to witness children’s lives with care and intention. The conversation explores the idea that ch...
Learning to Notice Differently with Lisa Goddard
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lisa Goddard invites a slowing down - a shift in how we look, listen, and make meaning with children. Together, the conversation expl...
Playful Rigour in a Changing World with Hayley Peacock
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode’s conversation, early years leader and Playoneering creator Hayley Peacock sheds light on what it truly means to embed playful rigou...
Living Well Together: One Year of Learning Through Conversation
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This anniversary episode reflects on one year of podcasting and the power of educators coming together in dialogue. Through conversations with guests ...
The Gift of Slowing Down: A Gentle Reading of Bear and Wolf
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this seasonal episode, Cathy explores the gift of slowing down through a gentle reading of Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri. As the year shifts - i...
Re-membering Our Way Back to Connection
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore what it means to re-member - to piece back together the connections that have been quieted by objectivity, efficiency, and...
Beyond the Curriculum: The Unhurried Classroom with Chaylene Clarke
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
n this episode, kindergarten educator Chaylene Clarke joins the conversation to share what it means to move beyond curriculum and teach through connec...
The Rights of the Child and the Art of Listening
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to truly listen to children - not just with our ears, but with our eyes, presence, and curiosity? This episode explores how our capa...
The Beauty in the Ordinary: A Conversation with Mary Bell
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this gentle and deeply reflective conversation, longtime Reggio-inspired educator Mary Bell invites us to slow down and notice the ordinary moments...
Making Care Matter: Reimagining Learning Through Inquiry and Well-Becoming with Dr. Misty Paterson
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this rich conversation with Dr. Misty Paterson, founder of Pop-Up Studio, we explore what it means to make care matter in teaching and learning. Mi...
Making the Invisible Visible: From Teaching to Thinking
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Cathy reflects on a series of experiences that reveal the hidden systems shaping our teaching and learning. Through these stories, ...
The Pedagogy of Play with Tina Geers
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Play is more than fun - it’s foundational. In this episode, Tina Geers, play advocate and founder of the Alberta Early Childhood Play Connection Net...
The Value of a Pause
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when we resist the urge to step in - to help, to guide, to teach - and instead give space for a child’s experience to unfold? In this e...
Stories as Invitations: Connection, Care, and Agency
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if picture books were less about teaching and more about connecting? In this episode of The Intentional ECE Podcast, we explore how stories can o...
Nurturing Families Through Play with Megan Graham
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Megan Graham from Around the Birch Tree joins the conversation to share how play creates space for families to slow down, connect, an...
Playful Inquiry and the Wholeness of Teaching: With Susan Harris Mackay & Matt Karlsen
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re joined by Susan Harris MacKay and Matt Karlsen from the Center for Playful Inquiry to reflect on what true growth for educato...
Connection as Pedagogy with Bree Jackson
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore connection as the heartbeat of pedagogy with Bree Jackson of The Humble Educator. Together, we reflect on how authentic re...
Living Well Together: Rethinking the Purpose of Education
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if education was less about outcomes and more about learning how to live well together? In this episode of The Intentional ECE Podcast, we explor...
Learning Spaces as Living Organisms: A Conversation with Alona Yildirim
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if classrooms were seen not as static places, but as living, breathing organisms that grow and adapt with children? In this episode, guest Alona ...
The Language of Materials: Inquiry and Expression with Jesús Oviedo
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Cathy sits down with artist-educator and consultant Jesús Oviedo to explore how materials act as a language of inquiry in early chil...
Rooted in Belonging: Nature-Inspired Teaching with April Zajko
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the power of outdoor learning with April Zajko. From noticing the wonders of nature to creating spaces where children feel...
The Work of Care: Shirley Rempel on Play, Advocacy, and Family Day Homes
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Shirley Rempel—family child care provider, play advocate, and early learning leader—talks with us about the depth and value of ho...
From Autonomy to Action: Rethinking Agency with Marta Skrzypczak
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it truly mean for children to have agency in early childhood settings? In this thought-provoking episode, Marta Skrzypczak invites us to con...
Rethinking Literacy with Stacy Benge: Playful Pathways to Meaningful Learning
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if the path to literacy doesn’t begin with letters and sounds—but with movement, play, and connection? In this episode, Stacy Benge, M.S.—e...
Layers of Seeing: How Our History Influences Observation
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore how an educator’s personal history—our beliefs, values, and lived experiences—shapes what we notice and how we inter...
Seeing Through New Eyes: Reflecting on Play, Art, and Practice
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of our play and arts series, we pause to reflect. What has surfaced through playful observation, creative expression, and time sp...
Through the Artist’s Eyes: Seeing the World Anew
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this third episode of our four-part play and arts series, we explore the art of observation as a form of play and creative expression. Through sens...
Art as Play: Rekindling Imagination in Ourselves and Our Learning Environment
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this second episode of our four-part series on play and art, we explore how developing an art mindset begins with embracing play. By reconnecting w...
The Feeling of Play
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if play isn’t just something we do, but a way of being? This episode explores play as a state of curiosity, freedom, and connection—one that ...
Seeing and Being Seen in Education with Rosalba Bortilotti
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by Rosalba Bortolotti—pedagogist, mentor, and founder of the Acorn Collaborative—for a rich conversation rooted in t...
The Joy of Professional Learning: Going Deeper, Growing Stronger
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Intentional ECE, we explore professional learning as more than just a list of strategies or a requirement to check off. When ap...
Belonging Begins Within: Creating Meaningful Spaces for Educators with Kerry Drake
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really mean for educators to feel a sense of belonging? In this heartfelt conversation, Kerry Drake of KD Talks shares her insights on cr...
From Voice to Action: Nurturing Agency Through Participation with Marta Skrzypczak
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, Marta Skrzypczak—early childhood educator and founder of Participation Coach—joins us to explore the vital connection b...
Listening as Connection: Fostering Conversations Among Children
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the heart of meaningful conversation: listening. Listening — not just hearing — is key to relationship-building, emoti...
From Control to Collaboration: Rethinking Classroom Management with Samuel Broaden
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it look like to move beyond traditional behavior management—and toward something more connected, respectful, and equitable? In this inspir...
Beyond Answers: How Dialogue Deepens Our Understanding
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Intentional ECE, we take a closer look at dialogue — not as a way to fix or solve, but as a way to connect, reflect, and grow...
Bringing Stories to Life: Sparking Imagination, Belonging, and Big Thinking
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartwarming and insightful episode, Carla Ward from the Early Learning Foundation joins me to explore how storytelling tools like felt boards...
The Heart of Reflection: Understanding the Process of Learning
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore reflection as a powerful way to better understand the process of learning. From noticing patterns in children’s play to ...
The Emotional Wave of Learning: Embracing the Process
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learning is an emotional journey—full of excitement, challenge, perseverance and joy. In this episode of The Intentional ECE, we explore the emotion...
Letting Go and Leaning In: The Power of Inquiry in Art
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share the story of a paper exploration that took an unexpected turn—and how embracing uncertainty led to deeper learning and disc...
The Power of Letting Go: Fostering Agency Through Flexibility
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're diving into the power of letting go! Discover how embracing uncertainty and staying flexible as an educator creates space for c...
Holding Uncertainty and Hope: The Role of Community in Challenging Times
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In times of rapid change and uncertainty, it’s easy to retreat into isolation—but what we need most is community. In this episode, we explore how ...
The Power of Art in Early Childhood Education
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how art can transform early childhood learning! In this episode, we explore how sensory-rich art experiences ignite curiosity, deepen connect...
The Power of Curiosity: A Mindset for Educators
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Intentional ECE, we explore how an educator’s curiosity deepens children’s learning, helping us uncover the meaning behind ...
Building Connections: How Educators Develop Relationships with Art Materials to Support Learning
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Intentional ECE, we explore how an educator's relationship with art materials impacts children's learning and creativit...
Building Trust in Professional Relationships
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Intentional ECE, we explore how trust forms the foundation of professional relationships. Using Brené Brown’s BRAVING framew...
Cultivating Professional Relationships
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the power of professional relationships and how they can support your teaching practice. From finding common ground with c...
Reconnecting with Abundance: Finding Enoughness as an Educator
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore how connecting with our inner abundance can transform the way we approach teaching and life. Drawing inspiration from Robi...
Finding Your Resting Place: Caring for Yourself Amid Life’s Chaos
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a world filled with disruption and uncertainty, life can feel overwhelming. This episode explores how reconnecting with your passions and hobbies c...
Aligning Values and Actions: A Guide to Authentic Teaching
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Intentional ECE, we explore the importance of aligning your actions with your values to create a more authentic and intentional...
The Power of Connection: Relationship, Growth and Learning
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Intentional ECE, we explore how children’s relationships with themselves, others, and their environment shape their growth an...
Clearing the Clutter: Decluttering Strategies for Educators
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling overwhelmed by teaching materials and classroom clutter? In this episode, we explore practical tips for simplifying your space at home and in ...
From Child-Led to Relationship-Centered: Redefining Teaching Practices
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Intentional ECE, we dive into what it means to shift from a child-centered to a relationship-centered teaching practice. Draw...
Connection Through Story: Building Community in the Classroom and Beyond
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Intentional ECE, Cathy reflects on choosing "connection" as her word for 2025 and explores how storytelling fosters deeper rela...
Pilot Episode
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the pilot episode of The Intentional ECE ! Host Cathy Belgrave introduces the podcast’s mission to provide fresh perspectives and practic...