Educator Yarns Season Four with Jessica Staines & Belinda Huntriss

What Educators are Saying About Educator Yarns

Your Podcast Has Made My day!

“I have been listening to your podcast during my travels across the North West for work. On the way from a campaign in Ballina I was listening to this podcast when your cohost mentioned Yaegyl Country as I drove past Yamba and Grafton and then you mentioned Wauchope preschool.

These yarns took me to these places as I drove through them! Amazing timing perhaps!

I just wanted to share my support for your work and to encourage you to continue to share and provide support to the early childhood sector.”

- Tony Kee

I Have Learnt So Much!

"I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to Educator Yarns. Jessica Staines’ passion and support for educators underpins each yarn.

I have learnt so much about embedding Aboriginal perspectives and highly recommend this top quality podcast."

- Karen Curling

Makes The Time Fly By!

"I just want to start off by sharing so much appreciation and gratitude for all that you have created with Koori Curriculum.

When I moved to my current centre I was worried how I would go with the longer commute. However, your Educator Yarns podcast makes the time fly by, and has sparked so much reflection and ideas both for my own practice and for opening up new conversations with my co-workers and managers.

Your season 4 episodes with the deep dive into the RAP process also led to me being invited to join our RAP working group which I am so excited about."

- Emma Kervin

Definitely Worth Listening Too!

"Thanks very much for sharing your knowledge and expertise and that of your guests.

I have learnt so much practical information, it’s been very thought-provoking due to listening to your podcast and reading your book."

Flower in the sky

Educator Yarns S04 EP01: Navigating Reconciliation and Aboriginal Perspectives in Early Education

Dive into a Educator Yarns Season 4 Episode One with Jessica Staines, the visionary behind Koori Curriculum, and her co host Belinda Huntriss, a trailblazer in Aboriginal education. This episode marks the
beginning of an innovative season for "Educator Yarns," setting the stage for a series of compelling discussions on integrating Aboriginal perspectives in early learning environments.

Discover the dynamic synergy between Jessica and Belinda as they unite to answer pressing community questions and share expert insights on incorporating Aboriginal pedagogy.

Access show notes and transcript here

Educator Yarns S04 EP02: Planning for success with your RAP

Welcome to another enriching episode of "Educator Yarns," where we delve into the essence of integrating Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) actions into early learning settings.
Hosted by Jessica Staines, and joined by esteemed co-host Belinda Huntriss, an advocate for Aboriginal education, we embark on a journey to uncover practical strategies, shared experiences, and insightful discussions aimed at empowering educators to foster inclusive and culturally responsive environments.

Access show notes and transcript here

Educator Yarns Season 4 Episode 3: RAP Actions and Visible Respect in Early Education

Welcome to Episode 3 of "Educator Yarns," where hosts Jessica Staines and Belinda share their expertise on bolstering Early Education environments through Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) initiatives. In this episode we delve into practical ways educators can visibly demonstrate respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, care for country, and support Indigenous businesses.

Access show notes and transcript here

Educator Yarns Season 4 Episode 4: Cultural Confidence in the Classroom: Strategies for Success

In episode four of Educator Yarns, Jessica Staines from Koori Curriculum and Belinda Huntriss from Freshwater Education delve into the crucial topic of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in educational settings.

With a focus on the practical application of Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) actions and the enrichment of early learning environments, Jessica and Belinda offer a treasure trove of insights, wisdom, and actionable advice. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a call to action for educators at all levels seeking to foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and reconciliation within their practices.

Access show notes and transcript here

Educator Yarns Season 4 Episode 5: Foundations for the Future: Curriculum Planning and Reconciliation

In this deeply engaging episode of Educator Yarns, Jessica Staines and co-host Belinda Huntriss explore the intricacies of curriculum planning within the framework of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs).

As both delve into the significance of incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures across all educational levels, listeners are treated to a wealth of knowledge, experience, and practical advice.

This episode, centred on curriculum planning and its role in the reconciliation journey, promises to shed light on making meaningful and impactful changes in educational environments.

Access show notes and transcript here

Educator Yarns Season 4 Episode 6: Integrating Indigenous Perspectives in Early Learning through the new EYLF

In this captivating episode of Educator Yarns, host Jessica Staines, alongside co-host Belinda Huntress from Freshwater Education, embark on an insightful exploration of integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into the new EYLF.

Dive into this enlightening episode to discover how you can bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives to life in your early learning environment. Embrace the journey towards a more inclusive, respectful, and culturally rich curriculum, and stay tuned for more episodes that will guide you every step of the way.

Access show notes and transcript here

Educator Yarns Season 4 Episode 7: Rewind: Educator Yarns Season 2 Interview with Rebecca Burch

In this throwback episode from season two of Educator Yarns, we are delighted to revisit one of our most popular discussions, featuring an insightful dialogue with Rebecca Burch.

Rebecca is a passionate advocate for nature play and a seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience, leading the team at Cotton Wood Learning. Rebecca's pioneering nature-based education program not only aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework but transcends conventional education paradigms by integrating Aboriginal perspectives and sustainable practices into every facet of its curriculum.

This episode serves as a window into the transformative synergy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and sustainability principles, offering educators a unique glance at practical, meaning-driven ways to weave these foundational elements into their pedagogy and practice.

Access show notes and transcript here

Educator Yarns Season 4 Episode 8: EYLF Outcome Two and Handling Racism: Backlash in Teaching Aboriginal History

Welcome to episode eight of Educator Yarns, co-hosts Jessica Staines and Belinda Huntriss explore the challenging but critical aspects of social justice in education and the significant backlash faced by educators when addressing Aboriginal histories and contemporary issues in educational settings.

This episode is not just a reflection on challenges but a robust guide on navigating these waters with grace, backed by curriculum, and armed with resources that uphold integrity, respect, and truth. Jessica and Belinda share their personal experiences and professional strategies in response to organized attacks against educational content that includes Aboriginal perspectives, emphasizing the importance of political awareness within educational frameworks.

Access show notes and transcript here

Educator Yarns Season 4 Episode 9: Enhancing Well-being: Integrating EYLF Outcome Three with Indigenous Insights

Welcome to a pivotal episode of Educator Yarns, where hosts Jessica Staines and Belinda Huntriss delve into the integral aspects of Outcome Three of the Early Years Learning Framework, focusing on fostering children's sense of well-being with a nuanced incorporation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

This episode not only unpacks these educational prerequisites but also offers a profound discussion on creating culturally safe environments within early learning settings. Jessica and Belinda explore powerful themes such as maintaining high expectations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and the multifaceted nature of cultural safety through direct experiences and applied strategies.

Access show notes and transcript here

Educator Yarns Season 4 Episode 10: Indigenous Insights into Education and Outcome Four of the EYLF

Welcome to another enriching episode of Educator Yarns, where Jessica Staines and Belinda Huntriss dive deep into Outcome 4 of the Early Years Learning Framework, focusing on "Children are confident and involved learners."

This episode offers an in-depth exploration of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives can be seamlessly integrated into Outcome Four of the EYLF, enhancing the learning environments for young minds.

In this episode, Jessica and Belinda unpack various aspects of the framework, emphasizing practices and philosophies that celebrate and incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. They explore the relationship between a culturally enriched curriculum and the developmental benefits it offers to children from all backgrounds.

Access show notes and transcript here

Educator Yarns Season 4 Episode 11: Community, Culture, and Classroom: Building Connections That Educate

In this compelling final episode of season four of "Educator Yarns," co-hosts Jessica Staines and Belinda Huntriss, renowned for their work with Indigenous perspectives, thoroughly explore the implementation and significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in early childhood education.

The episode explores Outcome Five of the EYLF, storytelling as a tool for education and cultural continuity, the importance of authentic resource selection, and the need for genuine community engagement.

Jessica and Belinda discuss practical approaches to incorporate these rich cultural histories and perspectives into everyday educational frameworks, ensuring they are not confined to occasions like NAIDOC Week but are celebrated and acknowledged consistently throughout the year.

Access show notes and transcript here