Is your recycling bin the best toy store in the house? In this episode, I explore the magic of loose parts play and how open-ended materials like boxes, sticks and bottle caps spark creativity, problem-solving and resilience in ways no store-bought toy can match.
Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt — Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.
✨ Follow Jess on Instagram: @playhappensau
🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens wherever you listen to podcasts.
💌 Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher or carer who might need a reminder that play really is fundamental.
What does real learning look like? In this episode, I explore why play often doesn’t resemble schoolwork and why that’s not just okay, it’s ideal. You’ll learn how cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth are all deeply embedded in the messy, noisy and imaginative play children naturally gravitate toward.
Hosted by Jessica — Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.
Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau
💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave a review - it really helps others find the show.
Rough and tumble play might look chaotic, but it’s packed with developmental benefits. In this episode, I break down what roughhousing really is, why it matters and how parents can support it without fear. If you’ve ever cringed at the sight of your child rolling on the floor or tackling a friend, this one’s for you.
Hosted by Jessica — Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.
✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau
💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave a review - it really helps others find the show.
💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.
Worksheets and flashcards might look like learning, but in the early years, play does the job so much better. I unpack why hands-on play builds deeper skills than memorisation ever could - and share playful swaps that make learning stick.
Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.
✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau
✨ Share this episode with another parent, educator or caregiver who could use a reminder that worksheets aren’t the only (or best) way to learn.
💛 And remember: the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.
Messy play might look like chaos - but beneath the paint splatters and muddy hands, kids are building crucial skills. I share why messy play matters, the hidden learning behind it and practical ways to make the mess manageable (without losing your mind).
Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.
✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau
✨ If you enjoyed this episode, share it with another parent, caregiver or educator who could use a reminder that the mess is worth it.
💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.
Child-led play can feel tricky for adults who are used to leading the way - but it’s where kids shine. In this episode, I unpack what child-led play really looks like, why it matters and how you can join in without taking over.
Hosted by Jessica — Primary Educator, Play Advocate, and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.
✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau
✨ If this episode resonated, share it with another parent, caregiver, or educator who could use a fresh perspective on child-led play.
💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.
Independent play isn’t about leaving kids to fend for themselves - it’s about building confidence, creativity and resilience. In this episode of Play Happens, I share why solo play matters, what it looks like at different ages and gentle ways to encourage it at home.
Hosted by Jessica — Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.
✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau
✨ If this episode resonated, share it with another parent, caregiver, or educator who could use the reminder that independent play is both possible and powerful.
💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.
Free play might look like chaos from the outside - spinning in circles, building wobbly towers, inventing endless rules - but inside your child’s brain, it’s magic. In this episode of Play Happens, I explore why free play is one of the richest ways kids learn and how you can make more space for it at home.
Hosted by Jessica — Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.
✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau
✨ If this episode encouraged you to step back and let kids lead, share it with another parent, caregiver or educator who might need the reminder that “just play” is more than enough.
💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.
Think you don’t have time for play? Think again. In this episode of Play Happens, I share simple, everyday ways to weave play into routines you’re already doing - from cooking dinner to school runs. Discover how short bursts of silliness and connection can make a big difference, without adding more to your to-do list.
Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.
✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau
✨ For more insights and play ideas, subscribe and share the show with another parent, teacher or caregiver who could use encouragement to embrace the wonderful, sometimes nerve-wracking side of play.
💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.
Helicopter parenting comes from love - but too much hovering can hold kids back. In this episode of Play Happens, I explore why constant rescuing can actually limit children’s resilience, confidence and problem-solving skills. Learn how to “land the helicopter” with practical strategies that keep kids safe, while giving them the freedom to grow.
Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.
✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau
✨ For more insights and play ideas, subscribe and share the show with another parent, teacher or caregiver who could use encouragement to embrace the wonderful, sometimes nerve-wracking side of play.
💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.
Feeling your heart leap when your child climbs too high or runs too fast? You’re not alone. In this episode of Play Happens, I unpack why our fears around risky play are normal, but how swooping in too often can hold kids back. Discover a mindset shift and practical language swaps that help you support your child’s confidence - without ignoring your protective instincts.
Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.
✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau
✨ For more insights and play ideas, subscribe and share the show with another parent, teacher or caregiver who could use encouragement to embrace the wonderful, sometimes nerve-wracking side of play.
💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.
Risky play isn’t about danger - it’s about growth. In this episode of Play Happens, I unpack what risky play really is, why children need it for confidence, resilience and safety skills, and how adults can support it without fear. Plus, you’ll get one simple, practical tip to help you say “yes” to risky play (without your heart racing).
Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.
✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau
✨ For more insights and play ideas, subscribe and share the show with another parent, teacher or caregiver who could use encouragement to embrace the wonderful, sometimes nerve-wracking side of play.
💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.
Welcome to Play Happens! In this very first episode, I’m sharing how my passion for play began and why it’s so much more than “just fun.” I’ll talk about why I believe play is the engine of learning and I’ll leave you with a simple, practical play idea you can try out today.
What if learning looked a whole lot more like play? I’m Jess - mum, teacher, and play advocate - and I created the Play Happens podcast to show you why play isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental.
Each episode is short, practical and full of ideas you can use right away - perfect for busy parents and educators.
Come listen in - and let’s fall in love with play again!
