Play Skillfully

In this engaging conversation, Kathy Eggers, Keri Vasek, and Laurie Von Holdt discuss the nuances of teaching reading, emphasizing the importance of waiting until a child is ready to learn. They explore individual learning styles, the significance of storytelling, and the impact of parental pressure on children's self-esteem. Lauri shares her extensive background in education, particularly in helping struggling readers, while Keri reflects on her own experiences homeschooling her children. The discussion highlights the need for a personalized approach to education, celebrating small victories, and fostering a love for reading. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of understanding children's readiness for learning, particularly in reading. They emphasize the role of play in education, the need for parents to be curious about their child's learning process, and the significance of relationships in fostering a positive learning environment. The conversation also touches on the pressures of school systems and the importance of recognizing individual learning challenges without panic.

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

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

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 explores the concept of love as a fundamental trait to teach children, particularly preschoolers. She emphasizes that love is best taught through actions rather than words, highlighting the importance of modeling love in everyday life. Kathy discusses practical ways to show love, including self-love, emotional presence, and creative expressions of affection. She also addresses the significance of navigating difficult emotions and loss, encouraging open communication about feelings. Overall, the conversation serves as a guide for parents to intentionally foster love in their families.

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

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

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 Eggers discusses the character trait of peacefulness, particularly in the context of parenting and family life. She reflects on the chaos of the holiday season and emphasizes the importance of modeling peacefulness for children. Kathy shares practical strategies for creating a peaceful home environment, establishing calm routines, and teaching conflict resolution skills. She also highlights the significance of finding personal peace and the role of active listening in fostering healthy relationships within the family.

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

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

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 emphasizes the significance of kindness as a fundamental character trait that should be instilled in children. She shares personal experiences and practical advice on how to model kindness in everyday life, encouraging parents to be intentional in their actions and words. The discussion highlights the importance of kindness not only during the holiday season but as a lifelong value that shapes relationships and community interactions.

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

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

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 discusses the importance of introducing children to thankfulness from a young age. From modeling thankfulness to encouraging thankfulness through family activities, Kathy shares the value in being intentional with this character trait throughout your home.

Webster defines thankfulness as "Impressed with a sense of kindness received and ready to acknowledge it." Kathy encourages listeners to recognize when thankfulness is shown and acknowledge kindness. 

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

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

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 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 guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

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 guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

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 guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

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 guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

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 guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

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.