In this episode of 'Reimagine Childhood,' hosted by Monica Healer of the Early Childhood Christian Network, guest Dr. Nicole Wilke discusses trauma, early adversity, and resilience in children. Dr. Wilke, a researcher, author, and missionary, shares insights on how negative experiences impact child development and how resilience can be built through faith, science, and practical strategies. The discussion emphasizes the importance of stability, routines, and relationships in supporting children through adversity. Dr. Wilke also touches on the significance of educators in influencing both children and their families. The conversation is infused with practical advice, such as the value of growth mindset statements and creating protective factors for children. The episode encourages educators to recognize their critical role and provides actionable steps to support resilience in young learners.

00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood

00:40 Meet Dr. Nicole Wilke

01:21 Understanding Trauma, Adversity, and Resilience

05:39 The Intersection of Faith and Science

09:00 Building Resilience in Children

19:01 Practical Strategies for Educators

32:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Show Links

·       Learn more about Overcoming and Caleb Koala's Comeback Ride

·       Purchase the book Overcoming: What Scripture & Science Say About Resilience

·       Purchase the book Caleb Koala's Comeback Ride: A Journey to Overcoming

·       Follow Dr. Nicole Wilke on Instagram

·       Find Dr. Nicole Wilke on LinkedIn

·       Learn more about Dr. Nicole Wilke on the CAFO Website

·       Learn more about the Christian Alliance for Orphans

In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, hosted by Monica Healer, the focus is on how church and weekday ministries can partner effectively to reach young families in the community. Monica is joined by Hope and Jason Huddleston from First Baptist Church in Elgin, Texas. Jason, the senior pastor, and Hope, the preschool and weekday director, share their journey of revitalizing a declining church by making families the central focus. They discuss practical strategies, including integrating weekday programs with church activities, breaking down generational walls, and fostering a church culture that values children. The episode emphasizes the importance of being united in ministry to make a lasting impact and advance the kingdom of God. Key insights include the value of high-fiving children, engaging community outreach programs like Easter egg hunts, and ensuring all church ministries align with the overarching mission of family transformation.

00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood

00:41 Meet Hope and Jason Huddleston

01:55 Transforming Church Culture

06:08 Focusing on Family Ministry

21:34 Embracing Jesus' Mission for Children

21:59 Practical Benefits of Ministry Collaboration

23:58 Transforming Church Culture for Families

36:58 Reimagining Childhood in Church

PAVE podcast - The Power of Story

An ECCN Resource to help connect weekday families to the church community: Nurturing Faith:Weekday Preschool as a Bridge for Your Families

In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, host Monica Healer from the Early Childhood Christian Network welcomes Josh Zello, a seasoned early childhood educator and family pastor. Josh shares his expertise on creating engaging story times for young children, emphasizing the importance of movement and practical tips for handling group activities for ages two to five. He also discusses his experiences in Baltimore, highlighting the necessity of building trust within the community through secular story times at church to eventually share the good news. The episode concludes with a preview of an upcoming live training series for early childhood educators led by Josh.

00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood

00:38 Meet Josh Zello: Passionate Preschool Ministry Leader

02:12 Understanding Children's Learning Styles

06:24 Practical Tips for Engaging Story Time

19:21 The Importance of Preparation and Engagement

20:46 Respecting and Understanding Children

24:19 Building Trust Through Community Story Time

32:30 Reimagining Early Childhood Education

Link to Pastor Josh's website - https://www.jesuslovespreschoolers.com/

Link to the cohort registration page on our website — https://earlychildhoodchristiannetwork.com/product/ec-101-live-cohort/

In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, host Monica Healer interviews Jean Thomason, known as Miss Patty Cake, sharing her 30-plus years of experience in music, worship, and children's ministry. They discuss practical strategies to teach preschoolers about praise, touching on the depth and variety of engagement in worship described in Hebrew scripture. Jean shares her journey into children's ministry, insights into biblical praise as various Hebrew words, and emphasizes the importance of encouraging children's natural joy and exuberance as a form of worship. This episode is packed with resources and ideas to help educators and parents alike to foster a spiritual foundation in young children.

00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood

00:42 Meet Jean Thomason aka Miss Patty Cake

01:40 The Importance of Praise in Early Childhood

05:38 Understanding Biblical Praise

25:11 Summer Conference Promo

27:05 Understanding Different Forms of Praise

29:33 The Power of Praise in Our Lives

33:15 Teaching Children the Joy of Praise

41:13 Resources and Encouragement for Teachers

https://www.misspattycake.com/

https://www.jeanthomason.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/misspattycaketv

The book - Sharing God's BIG LOVE with Little Lives - https://www.shopmisspattycake.com/collections/books-and-resources/products/sharing-gods-big-love-with-little-lives

Link to the document with all the scripture - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3c3efkm1ulk4zek3tv35j/PULLING-PRESCHOOLERS-outline.pdf?rlkey=su7mab3oh1qwde2miverysz0v&dl=0

This episode of Reimagine Childhood by the Early Childhood Christian Network features a conversation between host Monica Healer and Dr. Tyler Groves, head of school at Whitefield Academy in Louisville, Kentucky and co-author of 'Growing With One Another.' The discussion centers on social and emotional learning (SEL) with a Christian perspective, emphasizing the importance of integrating faith-based principles into SEL programs for young children. They touch on practical strategies for educators to develop emotional regulation and discuss the importance of adults modeling proper emotional responses. Monica and Tyler also explore misconceptions about SEL, its biblical basis, and the importance of understanding and addressing children's emotions in a God-honoring manner. The episode encourages educators to reflect on their own social and emotional maturity and provides practical steps for self-improvement over the summer, prayer, proactivity, and preparation.

00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood

00:39 Meet Dr. Tyler Groves

02:18 Understanding Social and Emotional Learning

04:13 Biblical Approach to Emotions

07:25 Practical Strategies for Educators

14:49 State Conference Promo

16:43 Preparing for the New School Year

26:46 Conclusion and Resources

Tyler's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-groves-ed-d-1b9197232/

Tyler's website - https://www.faithwiseconsulting.com/

Tyler's book -Growing with One Another - Social & Emotional Learning in Christian Perspective

In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, host Monica Healer explores the evolving landscape of parenting with guests Ruthie Havard, a young mother and former educator, and her mother-in-law, LeRay Havard, a parent coach and high school teacher. They discuss the unique challenges and experiences of parenting across generations, the impact of technology, the significance of co-regulation, and the importance of staying informed with current brain science. The episode emphasizes the importance of empathy, continual learning, and building strong parent-child relationships, offering valuable tips for parents and early childhood educators.

00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood

00:41 Meet the Guests: LeRay & Ruthie Havard

02:37 Parenting Journeys: Then and Now

07:12 The Role of Technology in Modern Parenting

18:09 State Conference Ad

20:04 Screen Time and Parenting Challenges

26:17 Advice for Early Childhood Educators Steadfast Parenting - steadfastparenting.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/steadfastparent/

Ruthie's bakery - https://www.instagram.com/friendly_crumb/

In this episode of 'Reimagined Childhood,' host Monica Healer, from Early Childhood Christian Network, discusses practical strategies for integrating faith into early childhood education with guest Hannah Collado. Hannah, with over a decade of experience and a master's in early childhood education, shares her thoughts on how faith formation extends beyond Bible stories and coloring sheets to impact every aspect of child development. Through meaningful interactions and play, she emphasizes that faith should be interwoven into all daily activities, thereby fostering a holistic development approach. The episode also explores the developmental stages of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, providing insights on how faith can be nurtured in alignment with their natural growth. Additionally, Hannah highlights valuable resources like Frolic and The Adapted Way that can aid educators and parents in supporting children's spiritual growth. The conversation serves as a reminder that faith is a continuous, all-encompassing part of life, encouraging listeners to be intentional about integrating it into everyday classroom interactions.

00:00 Introduction to Reimagined Childhood

00:41 Meet Our Guest: Hannah Collado

01:13 Understanding Faith Formation in Early Childhood

04:41 Integrating Faith into Daily Activities

13:34 Summer Conference Promo

15:32 Developmental Stages and Faith Formation

23:43 Practical Resources for Faith Formation

28:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frolic early childhood resources and curriculum - https://www.wearesparkhouse.org/store/category/286738/Frolic

The Adapted Way - resource for additional needs/disability ministries

https://www.instagram.com/theadaptedway/

https://www.theadaptedway.com/

In this engaging episode of 'Reimagined Childhood,' host Monica Healer talks with Lisa Nelson about the significant role of laughter and humor in early childhood classrooms. They define the differences between laughter and humor, discuss the science behind why laughter supports learning, and share practical tips for incorporating more humor into teaching. The conversation underscores how laughter helps reduce stress, improves cognitive function, and facilitates stronger relationships. Lisa shares valuable insights and examples, including a creative way to harness a child's natural humor in a supportive manner. This episode is a reminder of the importance of joy in the classroom and offers actionable strategies to foster a laughter-filled learning environment.

00:00 Introduction to Reimagined Childhood

00:40 The Power of Laughter in Early Childhood

01:42 Introducing Lisa Nelson

02:43 Defining Humor and Laughter

04:46 Benefits and Challenges of Laughter in Classrooms

16:58 Summer Promo

18:53 Practical Tips for Incorporating Laughter

24:51 Conclusion

In this episode of 'Reimagined Childhood,' we are joined by Louisa Ferguson, a seasoned educator and curriculum specialist, to delve into the importance of transitions in early childhood education. Louisa shares practical and engaging strategies such as chants, songs, props, and games to make transitions smoother and more effective. The conversation highlights the significance of structured transitions for children's learning and emotional safety, emphasizing that these moments can be an opportunity for additional instruction rather than mere fillers. Louisa also discusses the challenges educators face and offers insights into using transitions to foster developmental growth. Don't miss out on her valuable tips and the reminder that every moment counts in the classroom.

00:00 Introduction to Louisa Ferguson

01:48 Understanding Transitions in Early Childhood

12:41 Practical Tips for Smooth Transitions

20:41 Engaging Transition Activities for Young Children

21:56 Summer Conferences

23:48 Incorporating Learning into Transitions

30:02 Reflecting on the Importance of Transitions

39:54 Thank you Louisa Forguson

We have a set of printable call-and-response cards on our website :

https://earlychildhoodchristiannetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Call-And-Response-Cards.pdf

In this episode of 'Reimagined Childhood' brought to you by the Early Childhood Christian Network, host Monica Healer and guest Stephanie Rogers explore practical strategies for making early childhood education engaging and effective. They discuss seven foundational ways children learn: through satisfaction, curiosity, relationships, sensory engagement, play, imitation, and repetition. The conversation underscores the challenges teachers face, including the impact of screen time on attention spans, and offers creative solutions such as introducing novel items like record players and encouraging sensory play. Stephanie also emphasizes the importance of slowing down and focusing on developmental appropriateness to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. This episode aims to rejuvenate educators who feel stuck in a rut, providing innovative ideas for banishing boredom and enhancing classroom engagement.

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Guest Introduction

01:32 Welcome, Stephanie Rogers

12:24 Summer Conference

14:44 Continuing with Stephanie Rogers

29:41 Conversation Wrap-Up

30:56 Conclusion