Play Skillfully

In this podcast episode, Kathy Eggers discusses the importance of finding a family rhythm that works for each unique household, especially when it comes to homeschooling children of various ages. She emphasizes the significance of engaging children in sensory and physical activities in the morning to prepare them for learning. Kathy advocates for a play-based approach to education, encouraging parents to maintain a lighthearted atmosphere while fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills. She also provides insights on integrating subjects like history and science in a concrete manner, managing multi-age learning, and building a foundation of curiosity through exploration and hands-on experiences.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at [email protected] or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

In this episode, Kathy shares the value of using play to teach children to read, write, and enjoy math. Through stories and encouragement, Kathy conveys the message of waiting until children are ready before tackling these subjects. This episode will help you feel confident and prepared as you strive to teach these basic learning skills to your young learner.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at [email protected] or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

In this podcast episode, Kathy Eggers discusses the importance of orderliness as a character trait for children, highlighting its cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. She shares personal experiences and practical strategies for creating order in the home, emphasizing the role of routines and systems. Kathy encourages parents to involve their children in the process of maintaining orderliness and to make it a fun and engaging experience. The episode concludes with a call to action for parents to be intentional about fostering orderliness in their children's lives.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at [email protected] or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

In this engaging conversation, Kathy Eggers and Hugh Hanley explore the profound impact of music on early childhood education. They discuss their personal journeys, the importance of musical play, and how music fosters social and emotional development in children. Hugh shares practical tips for parents and educators on incorporating music into daily routines and adapting songs based on children's input. The discussion emphasizes the significance of starting music education from infancy and the joy it brings to both children and adults.

To learn more about Hugh's music classes and his CD songbooks, check out his website, www.hughhanley.com. You can also watch Hugh on his YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/@hughhanley1403. 

Thanks for listening!

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at [email protected] or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

In this episode of the Play Skillfully podcast, Kathy Eggers discusses the significance of character traits in children's development, focusing on the trait of wonder. She emphasizes the importance of allowing children to discover, experience, and explore the world around them to cultivate their curiosity and creativity. Kathy shares practical tips for parents on how to encourage a sense of wonder in their children, including giving them time, permission, and resources to explore their interests. The conversation highlights the role of wonder in learning and personal growth, urging parents to be intentional in fostering this trait.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at [email protected] or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers and MaryAnn Kohl discuss the importance of process art and its benefits for children. They emphasize the need for self-expression, creativity, and trust in oneself. Maryann shares her journey into art and how she became an advocate for process art. They discuss the purpose of art and how it builds better humans who can think, solve problems, and lead society forward. They also talk about the importance of allowing children to explore different materials and tools, and the cognitive benefits of art for children's development. In this conversation, MaryAnn Kohl and Kathy Eggers discuss the importance of process art for children's development. They emphasize the need for adults to give children permission to explore and be creative with art materials. They also highlight the benefits of process art, such as problem-solving skills and confidence-building. MaryAnn shares examples of art activities that engage children's senses and foster discovery. They discuss the role of adults as facilitators and the importance of allowing children to make their own decisions. MaryAnn also mentions her books on process art and provides resources for finding them.

Learn more about MaryAnn's books  and check out her Facebook group, Process Art with MaryAnn Kohl. 

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at [email protected] or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

Ya'll, this new podcast is going to be AMAZING. Gray Roots officially launches 10/01, but you all get a sneak peak and get to know Kathy a little better at the same time.

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers shares her journey to becoming a mother and her experiences as a parent and grandparent. She discusses her initial impressions of her friends and how they met, as well as her unique path to motherhood through adoption. Kathy also opens up about the tragic loss of one of her children and how it has shaped her perspective on life and parenting. She emphasizes the importance of loving fiercely, forgiving quickly, and cherishing every moment with loved ones. Kathy's passion for children and early childhood development is evident as she shares her career in child development and her love for connecting with children. She also discusses her role as a speaker and trainer, sharing her knowledge and expertise with parents and educators. Kathy Eggers shares her passion for children and the importance of giving them a childhood full of wonder and discovery. She discusses her love for tennis and her goal of attending all the tennis slams. Kathy also reflects on her favorite season of life, which is the present, and the joy of watching her children grow and become the people they were meant to be. She talks about the transition of sending her youngest child off to college and the surreal experience of adjusting to an empty nest. Kathy explains the motivation behind starting the Gray Roots podcast and the desire to make a difference in relationships between mothers and daughters-in-law. The conversation ends with memories of laughter and the importance of being real and finding genuine connections in life.

Follow us on Instagram at GrayRootsPodcast! Can't wait to go on this multigenerational journey with you all!!

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at [email protected] or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

Hey all, I am getting ready to launch our new season of the Play Skillfully podcast so I thought I would re-release this timely one from last year, Enjoy!!!

In this episode, Kathy talks about the approaching school year and offers tips and suggestions for making the transition a smooth one for preschoolers. 

1. Start by setting goals for you and your family. Kathy’s favorite way of doing this is to gather magazines, pencils, paper and glue and invite children to make goal posters and include topics they would like to learn about. 

2. Keep it FLEXIBLE: Consider your season of life when planning. Moves, new babies, and health issues have all caused Kathy to adjust her school goals over the years. Flexibility and the willingness to pivot will help parents and children keep their sanity during times of transition. After considering your season of life, adjust goals and create a routine. Remember, routines often work better than schedules, especially for preschoolers (and free spirit mommas). 

3. Keep it CONCRETE: Young children learn through their senses. They need to touch it, smell it, taste it, hear it, and see it for their brain to connect with it. Encourage curiosity and be willing to follow that curiosity to completion. 

4. Keep it SIMPLE: Preschoolers do not need hours with worksheets. In fact, research shows that preschoolers don’t need worksheets at all. Helping children fall in love with words, books and stories will inspire children to fall in love with reading. Math can be done as you go… cooking, cleaning, sorting and exploring are all ways to teach basic math concepts. Sensory and Science are a must for building a strong foundation in the brain for abstract learning. Give children plenty of time for discovery, experience, and wonder if you want to develop lifelong learners. 

Have fun and have a delightful year of wonder!!!

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at [email protected] or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

Dr. Christy Montes joins Kathy to discuss the impact of food on children's brain function, learning, and emotional well-being. She emphasizes the importance of providing the body with unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods to fuel optimal brain function. While it can be challenging to navigate social situations and balance healthy eating, Dr. Montes suggests finding a balance and providing alternatives when possible. She also addresses the effects of sugar and artificial dyes on children's behavior and recommends focusing on positive food choices and educating children about the benefits of nutritious foods. Dr. Montes highlights the benefits of raw honey and suggests being aware of food sensitivities and their potential impact on behavior and overall health. She provides guidance on identifying sensitivities and offers various testing options. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between food and children's well-being and making informed choices for their nutrition. In this conversation, Christy Montes and Kathy Eggers discuss the importance of nutrition and self-care for parents and children. They emphasize the need to cultivate a relationship with children and understand their individual needs. They also highlight the impact of a regulated nervous system on parenting and the importance of self-care for mothers. The conversation covers topics such as reading labels, choosing natural products, and making healthier food choices. They encourage parents to make wise choices and teach their children to make balanced decisions.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at [email protected] or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers and Keri Vasek discuss the joys and challenges of parenting and homeschooling. They reflect on the importance of trusting one's intuition and not letting outside voices dictate parenting decisions. They also explore the bittersweet experience of watching children grow up and the grief that comes with it. The conversation touches on the duality of parenting, the need for self-compassion, and the power of modeling happiness for children. They also discuss Keri's journey of writing and publishing her first children's book, 'Kisses from Space,' which is about a mother dragon who has to leave her children and finds ways to stay connected with them.

You can purchase Kisses from Space from your favorite Book Outlet.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at [email protected] or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.