Edu-Kate

Today's special guest is Sophie Smith-Tong, an experienced primary educator, speaker, and advocate for teacher autonomy and wellbeing. With over 15 years in education, she focuses on empowering teachers to make meaningful classroom decisions that support student learning and creativity. She is the author of Teacher Autonomy: Where Has It Gone and Why We Need It Back, a powerful exploration of how increasing accountability and rigid systems have reduced teacher independence—and what educators can do to reclaim it.

Today’s special guest is someone who’s built his career on a simple but powerful idea: movement changes lives. On today’s show we are going to talk about why movement is particularly important for kids, not only for their physical and mental wellbeing, but also to help them learn.Nick spent a decade as a teacher before going on to found Chi Education, a multi-award-winning organisation dedicated to reimagining how children engage with learning, wellbeing, and physical activity. Now, as Director of Confident Healthy Active Me — or CHAM — he’s leading impactful work that uses movement not just for fitness, but as a tool for confidence, connection, and mental health support.Through programmes like Active Assemblies, Confidently Active, and inclusive sports courses, Nick and his team are helping children, families, and communities rediscover the joy and power of movement — whether that’s in schools, during holidays, or through outreach with those facing real adversity.What stands out about Nick’s work is that it goes far beyond traditional approaches. This is about building physical literacy as a foundation for resilience, self-esteem, and belonging — especially for those who are often left behind.In this conversation, we explore Nick’s journey from the classroom to leading a growing movement, the philosophy behind CHAM, and why embedding movement into everyday life might be one of the most important shifts we can make for future generations.If you’re interested in education, wellbeing, or the transformative power of human connection, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Let’s get into it. 🌐 www.chieducation.co.uk | www.confidentactive.com

Meghan Stewart is a certified mindfulness coach based in Ottawa and founder of Mindfulness Meghan, focused on inclusive wellness and harm reduction through mindfulness. Meghan is dedicated to helping children and adults build connection and emotional resilience in their everyday lives. She shares practical, accessible mindfulness strategies that can be used in classrooms and homes, supporting wellbeing in ways that feel simple, realistic, and impactful. Through her work, Meghan empowers educators, parents, and young people to slow down, tune in, and thrive—both in learning and in life.Connect with Meghan: Instagram: @mindfulnessmeghan YouTube: youtube.com/@MindfulnessMeghan Website: mindfulnessmeghan.com

Today’s special guest is Dr Mariana Brussoni. She is a developmental psychologist and injury prevention researcher passionate about bringing risky play back to children's lives. Her research sits at the intersection between child development, injury prevention, and outdoor play.  We discuss her new book Embracing Risky Play at School (co-written by Dr. Megan Zeni). Mariana points out how today’s children are missing out on a vital developmental need and how educators need to allow the space, time and freedom for the phenomenon of risky play to occur. Instead of keeping children “as safe as possible” we should aim to keep them “as safe as necessary."Check out www.teacher.outsideplay.org for useful resources.

This is a rebroadcast. I recorded this episode with Dr. Chris Winter way back in April 2023. This was back when I started the podcast and put it on the back burner for a while while life happened! This year the podcast is up and running and here for the long haul! I wanted to rebroadcast this episode because I feel one of the most important things we can do to improve our own health and that of our children is sleep! Something so simple and yet so often overlooked!Dr. Chris Winter is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist dedicated to helping people improve their sleep and overall well-being. He is the author of The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child, and has worked with professional athletes, families, and organizations to optimize performance through better sleep. He also hosts Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter, an active podcast where he shares practical insights and the latest research on sleep. Known for translating complex science into clear, actionable strategies, Dr. Winter helps parents and educators better understand and support children’s sleep.On this episode of the Edu-Kate Podcast, we unpack common sleep challenges facing children today and why quality rest is essential for success both at home and in the classroom. With practical, research-backed insights, Dr. Winter shares strategies that parents and educators can use to better support healthy sleep habits and help children thrive.

In this episode, I’m joined by Tammy McMorrow, a first-grade teacher from Kuna, Idaho with more than 30 years of experience in elementary education. Tammy is the creator and host of the podcast Little Minds Big Thinkers and the founder of the K–2 Building Thinking Classrooms Facebook group.Inspired by the work of Peter Liljedahl, Tammy shares practical strategies and real classroom experiences that help young learners think deeply, collaborate in math, and build confidence as problem solvers.We talk about how Building Thinking Classrooms in elementary math, especially in Kindergarten through Grade 2, can transform the way students engage with mathematics. Tammy offers simple, practical ways teachers can introduce thinking tasks, vertical non-permanent surfaces, collaborative problem solving, and student-centered math instruction in primary classrooms.Whether you’ve already started implementing Building Thinking Classrooms, or you’re wondering how to bring math thinking routines, inquiry-based learning, and problem-based math instruction into your classroom, this episode is full of actionable ideas and encouragement.

Today’s special guest is Dr. Melanie Wong, a professor at University of British Columbia. She is an applied linguist and teacher educator widely recognized for her innovative work in digital literacies and teacher education, and for helping educators design more inclusive, future-ready classrooms.In this episode, we explore what AI looks like in elementary classrooms today. Whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay — so sit back, relax, and listen in.

Today’s special guest is Matt Glover, a former principal, consultant, and author who works with teachers and schools to strengthen writing instruction in elementary classrooms. He is widely known for his work in early literacy, writing workshop, and craft and process studies. Matt is the author and co-author of several professional books, including his most recent book How to Become a Better Writing Teacher (co-authored with Carl Anderson).Matt discusses how to move beyond rigid formulas and promote personal interests through allowing children to choose writing genres and create classrooms where children see themselves as capable writers.

Today, we’re joined by Lee Edward Fodi—children’s author, illustrator, and educator. In this episode Lee shares practical ways teachers and parents can nurture imagination and creative confidence in children. He explains why creativity is essential and shouldn’t be treated as an add-on. We also discuss the importance of play and how we as adults need to get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable and value the process of creating over the final product.

Joining us on today's episode is Lauren MacLean – teacher, author, and founder of Teach Outdoors. With over a decade of experience in primary teaching and outdoor education, she’s passionate about helping educators bring learning to life in nature.Lauren shares practical, step-by-step tips for teachers to start using sit spots with their students, plus realistic ways to overcome common barriers to getting outside – no matter the weather, space, or schedule.

Today we’re joined by Brittney Townrow, proud member of the Heiltsuk Nation, Indigenous Education Coordinator and a PhD student in Curriculum Studies. She is a renowned speaker on bringing Indigenous teachings to life through land-based learning, supporting educators and students across BC. In this episode, we'll explore how Indigenous ways of knowing can deepen our connection to place, how to approach the harder conversations around Orange Shirt Day and residential school history with care, and what genuine reciprocity and moving forward together really look like in classrooms and communities.

Today’s guest is Dr. Rebecca London, Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, author of the groundbreaking book Rethinking Recess, and co-founder of the Global Recess Alliance.Dr. London is a leading voice in the movement to recognize recess not as a luxury or privilege, but as a fundamental human right and an essential component of children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.In this episode, we explore the research behind why quality recess matters, the consequences when it’s withheld or poorly implemented, and actionable steps schools and communities can take to ensure every child has equitable access to the profound benefits of free, joyful play.Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Dr. Rebecca London on why recess is so much more than a break—it’s a cornerstone of childhood.

Today’s guest is Matt Soule: Wim Hof Method Trainer, martial arts school owner, and author. In this episode we discuss how exposing children to the cold, through play and curiosity, increases levels of brown fat leading to better health. We also talk about the importance of learning to breathe properly and how just fifteen minutes a day can help children become more resilient for life. Matt explains the benefits of running martial arts classes at school to teach children to become more disciplined and in-tune with their bodies. In a world full of stress, listen on to find out the best tools to respond.   To find out more visit: Website - www.mattsoule.com Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @matt.soulesr5

Today’s guest is Dr. Chris Winter – sleep specialist, neurologist, and author of ‘The Rested Child’. On this episode, we discuss the importance of sleep for children, and the effect it has on their health and well-being. We talk about the pressure surrounding sleep and how there is no magic pill. We delve into school start times, children’s busy schedules and how sometimes you just need a “cheeky day off” to catch up! But don’t panic – if your child is struggling with their sleep, Dr. Chris explains how to create a positive sleep identity and the golden rule that sleep IS inevitable! Check out the following by Dr. Chris Winter: Sleep Unplugged Podcast The Sleep Solution The Rested Child Follow on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter - drchriswinter

Today’s guest is Victoria Hackett, M.Ed. Founder of outdoor-classrooms.com . Her mission is to “Inspire educators to teach outdoors, cultivate nature-based curriculum and create one-of-a-kind outdoor classrooms.” We discuss the benefits of getting children outside and ways to overcome the barriers that we may face. Contact Victoria Hackett www.outdoor-classrooms.com Email: [email protected]

Today’s guest is Megan Zeni, an experienced teacher in nature and tireless outdoor play advocate. She discusses the importance of risky play and how to get children and adults alike to feel ‘safe’ to push themselves within their limits. She discusses how to work safely in environments by having an understanding of the land and developing trusting relationships with the children. Megan highlights the lack of recess time and encourages teachers to get creative in order to get the kids outside. meganzeni.com https://www.instagram.com/roomtoplay/ https://www.facebook.com/roomtoplay.ca/ https://twitter.com/roomtoplay

Leah Carmichael is today's guest. With her two young sons (3 year old and 6 year old) she has home-schooled from day one. However, when Covid struck, she took the opportunity to sell up and buy a catamaran to live the adventurous life with her family. Now a seasoned 'boat-schooler' Leah discusses the pros and cons to living a life less normal! Contact Leah: [email protected] Facebook - Leah Carmichael Insta - luckybatworldz TikTok - luckybatworld

When it comes to education, Finland appears to be leading the way. But what is it that they are doing so differently to the rest of the world, and what can we learn from them? Many schools today are dominated by the neoliberal values of standardization and accountability - but is it time for a change? My guest today is Milton Aldrete from Polar Partners. We discuss what Polar Partners is doing to create positive changes in education globally. Polar Partners Ltd is a fast-growing pioneer in designing high-quality schools based on the Finnish education model. They have the world’s largest network of Finnish educational experts working to design the schools of the future.

Introduction to Edu-Kate