Reimagine Childhood

Our guest today, Kristin Mathis, is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with expertise in sensory, learning, behavior, and attachment issues in children. With a background as a weekday teacher and former Weekday Director at FBC Carrollton, TX, Kristin holds degrees in Family and Child Development from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman's University. Currently pursuing a PhD in Child Development and Early Education at TWU, Kristin's research focuses on self-regulation, play, attachment, and the development of prosocial skills. Her passion is connecting recent studies and theory with practical solutions.

During today's episode, Kristin dives into the often overlooked but crucial topic of conflict resolution in early childhood classrooms. She talks about the skills children learn as they engage in appropriate conflict resolution, and discusses why conflict shouldn't be seen as an interruption, but rather a critical part of teaching. Discover valuable lessons children (and teachers!) learn through conflict resolution in this episode.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Our guest today, Julie Hamilton, is an educator with a diverse background. She has served as an elementary physical education teacher, church preschool teacher, Mother's Day Out program director, Head Start teacher, and the list goes on! Currently, she consults with churches and private programs, assisting them with program analysis and facility design. She is passionate about learning through outdoor classrooms, and she's happiest when she and her students are covered in mud, goo, and water!

During today's episode, Julie shares how to create sensory rich, engaging spaces and experiences without breaking the bank. She discusses the value in stepping back and letting children lead their play, and encourages us to consider how less may actually be more!

Julie Hamilton is joining us at several of our conferences this year! For more information, click HERE.

She also has several courses featured in our Learning Library, including "Nursery Rhymes Matter" and "Learning Math Through Play".

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Our guest today, Stephanie Chase, has worn many hats over the past 25 years. She has served as a teacher, director, writer, trainer, and national speaker–all in the education space! Currently, she serves as the Global Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX. She's fun! She's feisty! And if you know her, you love her!

During today's episode, Stephanie shares practical tips for teaching the Bible to preschoolers in ways that stick. She also discusses how to stay the course in ministry–even when the road is bumpy!

Learn more about Stephanie HERE. Connect with Stephanie on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Today, we're bringing you a BONUS episode featuring a conversation between two of our friends: Melissa Dutton and Melissa Townsend!

Melissa Dutton currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Preschool Ministries at University Baptist Church in Houston, TX. Having previously served as a director of a weekday education program and as an assistant principal, Melissa brings an abundance of expertise and wisdom to her position.

After receiving her Masters of Education from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Melissa Townsend quickly began working for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) in Galveston County. She is passionate about helping parents and educators recognize developmental milestones, identify potential concerns, and initiate conversations about effective intervention strategies.

During this BONUS episode, Melissa Dutton and Melissa Townsend talk about developmental milestones, how to identify potential red flags, and effective strategies for building family trust and communication.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Our guest today, Dr. Shelly Melia, is the Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Ministry and Program Director for Children and Family at Dallas Baptist University. She holds a Master of Arts in Religious Education and Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a PhD in Childhood Education from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, she specializes in parental bereavement and fostering resilience in children.

During this episode, Shelly takes a deep dive into the newest generation on the block: Generation Alpha. She discusses distinctive qualities that set them apart, and explores practical strategies for providing optimal care. She emphasizes the importance of building solid relationships with children and their parents, and she shares how collaborative environments are more conducive for learning than competitive environments. Gain valuable insights into fostering well-being and growth of Generation Alpha in this informative conversation!

You can connect with Shelly on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Our guest today, Dr. Melissa Ewing, is an inspiring force in child development. With a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Texas, and as a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, Dr. Ewing is passionate about promoting and providing optimal strategies for the growth of both children and families. She currently serves as an adjunct professor of Psychology at Dallas Baptist University.

During this episode, Dr. Ewing talks about how to help children recognize, and express emotions in healthy ways. She shares valuable strategies for equipping children with the vocabulary and skills they need to recognize, identify and express emotions. She describes the power of breathing in self regulation, and talks about the importance of the caregiver's ability to regulate their own emotions.

Dr. Ewing has several courses featured in our Learning Library, including "All the Feels" and "Managing Stress So It Doesn't Manage You".

You can also connect with Melissa on Facebook HERE.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Our guest today, Dr. Charlene Woodham Brickman, is an early childhood consultant and recess and play researcher. With a PhD in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University and a passion for children, advocacy, play, and developmentally appropriate practice, Charlene is recognized as a thought leader in her field. She is a firm believer in the positive power of play and her research focuses on exploring the benefits of play and recess in educational settings.

During today's episode, Charlene discusses how we can effectively nurture and teach children as they navigate life post COVID-19. She urges us to consider the potential reality that children born during the pandemic might have never encountered fluorescent lights (that are now found in almost every classroom) or set foot in a grocery store, and the implications this has on a child's ability to integrate sensory stimuli. Charlene offers actionable insights on how to create classroom environments that minimize sensory overload, emphasizing the significance of granting children autonomy and choice in the process.

Connect with Dr. Charlene Woodham Brickman on Instagram HERE or visit her website HERE.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Our guest today, Kadie Seweryn, is a young wife and mother. Currently serving as the Program Support Specialist for FBC Kyle's Mother's Day Out and Christian Preschool, Kadie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. With a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Sciences, a Master's degree in Child Development, and a passion to help children build social-emotional skills through brain-based learning, Kadie is a powerful advocate for whole-child development. Her favorite topics include curriculum development, family discipleship, social-emotional skill building, Biblical discipline, and brain-based learning.

During this episode, Kadie delves into the concept of brain-based learning and shares practical ways to incorporate it into your classroom. She highlights the significance of anchoring our teaching practices in God's word, emphasizing the vital role it plays in guiding our approach as educators, discusses what brain-based learning is and how you can easily apply it to your classroom. Kadie's insights serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact we have on the lives of our students and the responsibility we hold in nurturing their growth and development.

Kadie mentions the book Brain-Based Learning: Teaching the Way Students Really Learn by Eric Jensen and Liesl McConchie as a great resource to learn more about brain-based teaching.

The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson is another great resource for learning about whole-child approaches.

Learn more about Brain Based Learning from Kadie via our Course Library.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Our guest today, Mary Ann Bradberry, has a rich background in early childhood education. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Early Childhood Education. As the former Executive Director of Texas Baptist Church Weekday Education Association, Editor in Chief in the Childhood Publishing department at LifeWay, and adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University, Mary Ann brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to early childhood classrooms.

Mary Ann Bradberry has spent hundreds of hours in nature with her granddaughter and has witnessed the depth of learning that occurs outside. After introducing a basket of sticks and leaves to a chaotic Sunday School classroom and witnessing the transformative impact it had on the children's learning, Mary Ann Bradberry quickly recognized nature's crucial role in every early childhood classroom.

During today's episode, Mary Ann discusses nature and its undeniable benefits for children. She shares simple ways to introduce natural elements into your classroom, and she explains how incorporating natural elements into your classroom can transform your children's learning.

We are so lucky to have Mary Ann Bradberry join ECCN as a keynote speaker at our state conferences this summer. For more information, visit our website HERE.

Mary Ann mentioned several books in this episode. Here are links to a couple of them:

Big Book of Bugs

Can You Hear The Trees Talking

Environmental design books by Sandra Duncan

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Our guest today, Kristen Landry, is passionate about turning ordinary days into extraordinary experiences. As a seasoned educator and current teacher of a cooking and science class at a preschool in San Antonio, Kristen's mission is to create memorable experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom.

During today's episode, Kristen describes easy ways to turn ordinary moments into rich learning opportunities–from car washes to superhero days. She emphasizes the benefits of adding a little extra WOW! to the classroom, and shares how extraordinary moments not only engage and excite children, but also foster team building and collaboration among staff.

Find more great ideas from Kristen in our course library:

Out of the Mouths of Babes: Language Activities for Little Learners https://earlychildhoodchristiannetwork.com/courses/out-of-the-mouths-of-babes-kristen-landry/

Little Hands Can Do Big Work: Fine Motor Activities for 18-36 mos https://earlychildhoodchristiannetwork.com/courses/little-hands-can-do-big-work-2/

For more practical ways to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary days, follow us on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.