Hello, Pre-KSpot Talk listeners! In today's episode, Melysa Mei dives into the topic of theme-less and decoration-less early childhood classrooms. Below you'll find some key highlights and resources mentioned during the episode.

**Key Highlights:**

1. *The Power of Unthemed Learning*: Melysa explores the concept of classrooms without a central theme, arguing that this allows for more organic, child-led learning and avoids the potential limitations of a one-size-fits-all theme.

2. *The Downside of Over-Decoration*: Melysa discusses how over-decorated classrooms can become overwhelming and distracting, potentially hindering children's ability to focus on learning.

3. *Child-Centered Decor*: Melysa promotes the idea of classrooms decorated by the children themselves, offering a more personal and engaging environment for young learners.

4. *Intentional Use of Space*: Melysa emphasizes the importance of the intentional use of space in the classroom to cater to various types of learning and activities.

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This episode is a fun quick book review on Purposeful Play by Kristi Mraz, Allison Porcelli, and Cheryl Tyler

Here's a quick snapshot of what we discussed in this episode:

-Introduction and book summary: We start off by outlining what "Purposeful Play" is all about. The book firmly stands by the idea that play and learning are intertwined and can be a potent mechanism to instill meaningful learning experiences.

- Why 'Purposeful Play' is a must-read for early educators: We delve into the reason why this book is essential for early childhood educators. The book effortlessly combines research-supported content with practical strategies, helping educators implement play-based learning effectively. 

- Why 'Purposeful Play' is a great book about play: We highlight the elements that make "Purposeful Play" a standout book about play. The authors emphasize the value of intentional and planned play in promoting learning. 

- Applying insights from 'Purposeful Play' in classrooms: We discuss how early educators can take the information from the book and apply it to their classrooms. From creating a play-based learning environment to integrating academic goals into play, the book provides comprehensive guidance. 

- Conclusion: Wrapping up the episode, we reiterate the significance of "Purposeful Play" as an enlightening tool that redefines our understanding of play and its role in learning. 

**Mentioned in this episode:**

- "Purposeful Play" by Mraz, Porcelli, and Tyler

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We all know free play is best, but let's face it, you can only sit with your kid ad play hot wheels for so long or so many hours in a row. Sometimes its fun to plan an engaging integrated interactive activity with your child to change things up a bit. 

Welcome to another fantastic episode of Pre-K Spot Talks! In this episode, your host Melysa Mei shares three comprehensive lists of fun and educational summer activities for Pre-K students. These activities not only keep the kids entertained during the summer break but also help them prepare for Kindergarten. 

Key Points:

1. **Summer Activities for Play and Learning:**

Melysa shared 25 simple and easy activities for kids during the summer. These include a nature scavenger hunt, sidewalk chalk art, water play, gardening, and outdoor story time. These activities engage children in fun, play-based experiences that stimulate their senses, develop motor skills, and encourage learning.

2. **Uncommon Ideas for Summer Play:**

 In this segment, Melysa discussed some uncommon ideas for summer play that go beyond traditional activities. These ideas encourage creativity and curiosity in children and include activities such as creating a shadow puppet theatre, building a bug hotel, and making homemade wind chimes.

3. **Cooking with Kids:**

Finally, Melysa discussed how cooking can be a fun and educational activity for Pre-K students. She shared five simple recipes that children can help with, including making fruit kebabs, homemade popsicles, mini pizzas, fruit and yogurt parfaits, and rainbow veggie wraps.

Melysa emphasized the importance of play in child development, stating that it aids in motor skills development, creativity enhancement, and social skills cultivation. These activities are designed to ensure children are not just entertained, but engaged in playful learning experiences that prepare them for the next level - Kindergarten.

Resources:

Find the detailed lists and more information about the activities discussed in the podcast on our website.

Knives Set - this is the kit I use at home and in my classroom

Popsicle Recipes

Popsicle Molds - don't forget to run a little hot water or sit out for a short period before unmolding!

Chalk

Sensory Fillers for a Year List

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In this episode we talk all about how to create and why we create safe spaces in our classroom. We talk all about how to make our classroom as a whole a safe space for all children.

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This episode is all about some sensory info and ideas for providing multiple sensory experiences within the classroom to help children remain regulated.

This blog post provides lots of helpful information.

Grab your free list of Sensory Table Fillers for a Year.

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It's time to check in on the visual clutter in the classroom. Let's talk about why its a problem and how to make changes.

Here are a few articles to help:

Stop Classroom Clutter

Heavily Decorated Classroom Disrupt Attention and Learning In Young Children

Visual Perception

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In this episode I talk all about the hot topic that is kindergarten readiness.

Does it need to be a thing? Can we shift the language around it? You bet we can.

I share ideas for what is considered readiness and why we need to stop teaching K material to anyone but kindergarteners.

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In this first episode of season 3 I share with you how our day goes and some insight into my thought process during the school day.

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We know as teachers and teacher parents that life can be crazy and chaotic when working and living with children. I share 5 tips I use daily to help you achieve what feels almost impossible, the ever illusive, work/life balance.

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I this episode we chat a little bit about why you need a teacher beastie and how to take care of that person.

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