There's a question at the heart of this course that every educator in the early years is grappling with, even if they haven't named it yet: what does it actually mean to teach with intention - and can you really do that through play?
The answer, explored across six rich chapters, is yes. Not just yes - but a resounding, research-backed, brain-science-supported yes. Play is not the opposite of learning. It is how learning happens. And when educators bring genuine intentionality to the spaces, relationships, and experiences they create, the impact on children is extraordinary.
This self-paced professional development course is grounded in the EYLF v2.0, current neuroscience, and real early childhood practice. It's designed for educators and leaders who want to move beyond compliance-focused routines and into something richer - a genuinely responsive, play-centred approach that honours both children's agency and the educator's vital role.
Self-paced · 12 months access · Reflection Booklet included · Certificate on completion
This course is designed for anyone working in early childhood education and care who wants to understand and strengthen their play-based practice - whether you're in the room with children every day, or leading a team who is.
Trace where the term came from, how the sector misread it, and what EYLF v2.0 clarified.
Understand why these two practices are now one - and what that shifts in how you plan and teach.
See how children's brains develop executive function through play - and why behaviour is often a brain story.
Use the environment as a third teacher - enhancing play intentionally, without always intervening.
Master serve and returns, open questioning, modelling, and the art of being genuinely playful with children.
Understand what children truly need, what the AEDC data is telling us, and why dispositions matter most.
Intentional teaching has been interpreted in ways that moved the sector away from play. This course gives you the clarity, the history, and the confidence to practise it as it was always meant to be.
Understanding how the developing brain works changes the way you see children - especially children who are struggling. This knowledge doesn't just inform your practice; it transforms it.
From serve-and-return exchanges to environment design to the "say what you see, ask a question" approach - this course gives you a genuine toolkit, not just ideas.
The combination of video content, companion reading, reflection prompts, and the Reflection Booklet is designed so that what you learn here doesn't stay in your head - it shows up in your practice.
Every chapter includes a team discussion guide for leaders and directors. Completing this course together gives your service a common framework, a shared vocabulary, and a stronger culture of intentional practice.
When educators understand the why behind play-based learning, their practice becomes more purposeful - and more joyful. That matters for you, and for the children in your care.
Welcome
How to use your program
FREE PREVIEWFinding your way around
Copyright & Your Agreement
About your facilitator - Briana Thorne
FREE PREVIEWFAQ
Your Reflections Booklet
Intentional Teaching - Where Did It Go?
Reflect: Intentional Teaching
Intentional Teaching - Where Did It Go?
Play-Based Learning and Intentionality - The Exciting Shift
Play-based learning and intentionality: true or false?
Reflect: Play-Based Learning and Intentionality
Play-based learning and Intentionality - The exciting shift
Brain Science, Executive Function and Play
What's happening in this brain?
Reflect: Brain Science and Executive Function
Brain Science, Executive Function and Play
The Role of the Educator
Your Reflection
The role of the Educator
Your response
Reflect Deeper: The Role of the Educator
Use Purposeful Strategies
Reflect: Use Purposeful Strategies
Use Purposeful Strategies
.png)
A video lesson introducing the chapter's key ideas, facilitated by Bri.
Personal reflection prompts and a team discussion guide for leaders.
A deep-dive companion page with research, frameworks, and practice examples.
"Play supports children's skills in reflection, executive function and emotional growth. Let's protect play. Let's champion it. Play is how brains grow, and how children become who they're meant to be."
Self-paced · 12 months access · Reflection Booklet included · Certificate on completion
Includes team discussion guides for leaders and directors
