Early Years Explorers - Chatter on Early Childhood

Early Years Explorers - Chatter on Early Childhood

Afaf Zaidan

Episodes 23
Avg. Duration 13m
Activity Highly Active
Since Apr 2025
Latest Episode May 2026

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
20%
Hosting
anchor.fm

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

Welcome to Early Years Explorers, where play is serious business, curiosity is celebrated, and apparently where glitter makes everything better. I’m Afaf Zaidan, an early childhood educator with two decades of experience and self-proclaimed glitter magnet here to share the joy, chaos, and occasional sticky-fingered moments of the early years. Each episode takes you inside real classroom stories that will make you laugh, nod (or gasp!), insights that will keep you going, and reflections on how young children grow, connect, and explore the world — all backed by research. Whether you’re a teacher looking for inspiration or a parent curious about the magic behind those little eyes and big imaginations, there’s something here for you. So grab your coffee, hit that play button, and join me as we dive into the world of early childhood and unpack those messy, magical, and wonderfully unpredictable moments in the early years — one playful story at a time.

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Recent Episodes

Episode 23 - Raising Resilient Children (What Research Says + What It Looks Like in Real Life)

May 07, 2026 15m

In this episode of Early Years Explorers, we explore what it really means to raise resilient children—beyond buzzwords and into the reality of everyday life at home and in the classroom.Drawing on…

Episode 22: What is Concept-Based Inquiry? Is it more than just a theme… and why does it matter in the early years?

Apr 27, 2026 10m

What does concept-based inquiry actually look like in an early years classroom?In this episode of Early Years Explorers, Afaf Zaidan unpacks the difference between teaching through themes and…

Episode 21 - Supporting Cognitive Growth Through Everyday Activities

Apr 04, 2026 13m

In this episode of Early Years Explorers, Afaf Zaidan explores how cognitive development in young children is built through everyday moments—not worksheets or structured tasks, but play, curiosity,…

Episode 20: Learning at Home in Uncertain Times Supporting Children Through Change

Mar 17, 2026 13m

As families across the region navigate sudden changes, disrupted routines, and the shift to learning at home, this episode offers reassurance, practical strategies, and a sense of calm for parents…

Episode 19 - “They’re Just Playing, So Why Is There a Report"

Mar 12, 2026 14m

In this episode of Early Years Explorers, we unpack one of the most common questions families ask when looking at early childhood education: “If my child is just playing, why is there so much…

Episode 18 - When ‘Just Checking In’ Becomes Too Much: Trust, Anxiety, and True Partnership

Jan 24, 2026 11m

In this episode of Early Years Explorers, we explore a reality many parents and early years educators experience but rarely talk about openly — the pressure of constant check-ins, the expectation of…

Episode 17: Positive Discipline That Actually Works (and Feels Right)

Jan 20, 2026 19m

Discipline doesn’t have to mean power struggles, punishments, or constant reminders that leave everyone feeling exhausted. In this episode of Early Years Explorers, we dive into what positive…

Episode 16 “Screen Time Without Guilt What Early Years Experts Actually Recommend”

Jan 12, 2026 10m

Screen time doesn’t have to come with guilt.In this episode of Early Years Explorers, early years educator and parent Afaf Zaidan breaks down what experts really recommend when it comes to young…

Episode 15 – Setting Up Meaningful Learning Invitations

Jan 07, 2026 14m

In this episode of Early Years Explorers, we take a real, honest look behind those picture-perfect learning invitations and talk about what actually makes them meaningful in real classrooms. If…

Episode 14 - “Growing Hearts and Minds - Supporting Social & Emotional Learning at Home”

Jan 06, 2026 14m

In this parent-focused episode, we explore the heart of social and emotional learning in the early years. Episode 14 features a recorded parent video session that unpacks why emotional development is…

Episode 13 - Assessments in the Early Years – Seeing the Whole Child

Oct 30, 2025 16m

In this episode of Early Years Explorers, host Afaf Zaidan unpacks what assessment really means in early childhood — beyond checklists and clipboards. From observing children’s play and curiosity to…

Episode 12 - Music, Movement, and Magic

Oct 13, 2025 15m

Get ready to tap your toes and move your hearts! In this episode of Early Years Explorers, Afaf Zaidan dives into the rhythm and wonder of music and movement in early childhood. From spontaneous…

Episode 11 - Social & Emotional Development

Sep 20, 2025 15m

In this episode, we dive into one of the most important aspects of early childhood education — social-emotional development. From building friendships and learning to share, to managing big feelings…

Episode 10 - 6 Week Settling In

Aug 14, 2025 13m

The first six weeks of preschool are a whirlwind — for teachers, parents, and especially for our tiny learners. In this episode of Early Years Explorers, Afaf Zaidan dives into the ups, downs, and…

Episode 9 - Manipulatives – Bright Minds Start with Loose Parts!

May 25, 2025 13m

In this playful and thought-provoking episode, we dive into the magical world of manipulatives and loose parts in early childhood education. How do simple materials like buttons, pebbles, lids, or…

Episode 8 - Play or Practice? Finding the Balance in the Early Years

May 22, 2025 11m

In this episode of Early Years Explorers, we delve into a key question many educators and parents face: Should young children be playing, practicing—or both?Join me as we unpack the importance of…

Episode 7 - Little Listeners, Big Feelings

May 09, 2025 13m

Dive into Episode 7 of Early Years Explorers with me, Afaf Zaidan—“Little Listeners, Big Feelings.” We’re unpacking all those preschool moments that leave us equal parts “aww” and “argh”:…

Episode 6 - Tiny Citizens: Little Feet, Big World!

Apr 26, 2025 11m

Pack your (imaginary) bags and grab your glitter glue, because in this episode of Early Years Explorers, we’re traveling the world—without ever leaving the classroom!Join host Afaf Zaidan as we dive…

Episode 5 - Beyond ABCs: The Foundations of Early Literacy

Apr 19, 2025 9m

In this episode of Early Years Explores, I’m diving into a question I get asked a lot: what is early literacy really all about?Spoiler alert—it’s not just about knowing the alphabet or being able to…

S1E4 Episode 4 - Why Play Matters: Learning in Disguise

Apr 12, 2025 10m

In this episode of Early Years Explores, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most powerful forces in early childhood education: play.I dive into the research, the classroom magic, and the…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Early Years Explorers - Chatter on Early Childhood have?

Early Years Explorers - Chatter on Early Childhood has published 23 episodes since April 2025, covering topics in Education.

Is Early Years Explorers - Chatter on Early Childhood still active?

Early Years Explorers - Chatter on Early Childhood is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 13m.

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