Circle Time

In this episode of Circle Time, Colin and Yolanda explore the topic of discussing Santa Claus with young children and navigating holiday traditions with extended family. As parents and early childhood educators, they know firsthand the importance of being thoughtful and intentional about how we introduce holiday traditions to young children, and how to navigate the complexities of celebrating with loved ones from different backgrounds and perspectives.

Join us as we discuss Yolanda's family's tradition of honoring Saint Nicholas, and how to approach discussions about Santa Claus with honesty and sensitivity to wanting to tell the truth.

Whether you're a new parent, an experienced educator, or somewhere in between, this episode of Circle Time has something for everyone as we dive deep into all things little over the first five years. We hope that our discussion made the first five years just a little easier. Be sure to check the show notes for additional tips and tricks, and subscribe to Circle Time on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Circle Time is a product of SproutFive, a nonprofit that since 1922 has been working to reimagine early education. You can learn more about our work at sproutfive.org. 

We're closing out the year by kicking off Season 3 of Circle Time! In this episode, we are excited to introduce you to our new cohost, Yoland Owens.  We chat a bit with Yoland about her journey and what inspired her to join Circle Time. We'll also be discussing our plans for the upcoming season.

As always, thank you for joining for another episode of Circle Time. Be sure to check the show notes for additional tips and tricks, and subscribe to Circle Time on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Circle Time is a product of SproutFive, a nonprofit that since 1922 has been working to reimagine early education. You can learn more about our work at sproutfive.org. 

On the show today we're throwing a fit over this week's episode that will make you want to scream. With joy that is over all the tips and insights provided by our cohost. Dr. Tyanna Snyder, a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Every day she is working with families on a range of topics from picky eaters to sleep problems. In this week's episode, Dr. Snyder, unpacks temper tantrums, and provides a host of tools that can be used in and out of the classroom when helping overcome big emotions.

On the show today we’re talking changes, making mistakes, and getting STEM-y as we dive into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math with early learners.  This episodes guest co-host comes to us from the College Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University. Dr. Mandy McCormick Smith is an Assistant Professor of STEM Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning. Dr. McCormick Smith’s work focuses on Culturally Informed Pedagogies, Play-based Science Instruction, and Early Childhood/Elementary Science Education. Be sure to stick around for the end of the episode where we provide a few experiments you can do with your littles at home. 

Ah - Bu - Kuh - Du. How well do we actually know our ABCs, and how effective are we at teaching this critical first step in reading to our littles? 

Today’s guest, Dr. Shayne Piasta, is an Associate Professor of Reading and Literature in Early and Middle Childhood in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the Ohio State University. She also is a faculty fellow at the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy. Her research focuses on early literacy development and how it is best supported during preschool and elementary years. 

Dr. Piasta is an acclaimed scholar, and the reason I got into child development and early education. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to ask Shayne about alphabet knowledge and better understand how we can be more effective when teaching littles about letters.

Today’s guest co-host is making a home visit and answering your questions on pediatric wellness. Dr. Sarah Denny is an attending physician in the Division of Primary Care Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and as an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. She is the Co-Chair of Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention for the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and  at the national level, serves on the Executive Committee for the Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Denny is Co-Director for Resident Advocacy Education at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and enjoys teaching pediatric residents how pediatricians can effectively advocate for the needs of their patients. I asked Sarah to join me on Circle Time to answer your questions on health and wellness during the first 2,000 days. 

From kitchen refrigerators to city skyscrapers, guest co-host, and president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Tom Katzenmeyer knows the importance of art for our littles in our community. 

This special arts edition of Circle Time is part of our month-long art celebration "ARTober!" You can join in on the ARTober fun by joining our virtual gallery opening and auction on October 28 at 7 PM. For more information and to RSVP visit southsidelearning.org/little-art-gallery, or bid on art at southsidelearning.org/auction! All proceeds benefit high-quality early learning in Columbus, Ohio.