Play Before Pencils

We know that when learning happens in context, there is a much greater chance that it will stick. But sometimes, children are interested in topics that fall outside of the context of their current environments or experiences--is following that lead OK? Find out my thoughts on today's episode!

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

There are so many resources out there about how to teach literacy in early childhood classrooms, but Stacy Benge gets to the heart of how that developmental process actually unfolds for young children in her book "The Whole Child Alphabet". Her easy-to-read style of writing makes this resource a must-have for every early childhood educator and my interview with her today will provide you with insights and ideas that you'll be able to immediately implement in your classroom.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

Sharing is such an integral part of learning in early childhood and a LOT of children struggle to grasp this concept. But the good news? This is also a time when they’re incredibly curious and eager to learn. We just need to guide them in the right direction. In today's episode I discuss a small change I made in my classroom that had a big pay-off when it came to children navigating the complicated task of sharing and turn-taking.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

JaneAnn Benson is a wealth of information when it comes to building strong early childhood teams. Kick off your new school year with some extra knowledge and skills that will help you find success in creating a collaborative and healthy working relationship with fellow team members in your classroom.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

Have you ever taken the time to consider that just because something is common does not necessarily mean it's appropriate? Today I hit on several very common practices in early childhood classrooms and discuss whether they are actually appropriate for the children in our care.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podast

There are a tremendous number of benefits to incorporating storytelling into early childhood settings, but not all of us are comfortable stepping outside of simply reading a book and really getting into the good stuff. In today's episode, Laura Shea talks about the various components of storytelling, why it is an important practice when working with young children, and how to start introducing it into your classroom in simple and accessible ways.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

You asked, now here it is! The #1 requested topic I've had for the podcast is an episode on the Reggio Emilia approach. I'm pleased to have Abby Bucher, a veteran teacher who has studied and used the Reggio philosophy in her classroom for 20 years, join me to give a crash course on what this popular approach is all about and how you can begin bringing it into your classroom today.

Show notes:

www.playeforepencils.com/podcast

"Process over product" is likely a familiar term that you've heard over and over again. It's a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of focusing on the journey or method of achieving a goal rather than solely on the end result or outcome. Early childhood classrooms serve as fertile ground for nurturing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. It is within these environments that the seeds of lifelong learning are sown. By embracing the principle of process over product, educators foster an atmosphere where children are encouraged to engage deeply with tasks, explore various approaches, and revel in the joy of discovery.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

We all know that working in the early childhood field can be demanding and draining, and for some, that stress reaches burnout levels. Join me as I talk with Katie Heiser about her recent experience with burnout as an early childhood educator, how she chose to navigate it, and where she is now.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

While on the surface you might not even distinguish between a schedule and a routine, there is a difference! Join me as I discuss that difference and encourage you to favor one over the other for the benefit of your students.

Show Notes:

https://playbeforepencils.com/podcast/