Podcast

Episode #33: How to Make Play Yours with Kayla Souza

Episode 33 - The Magic of Littles Podcast

Today’s episode features Kayla Souza, an early childhood educator for almost twenty years. Last year, she transitioned out of the regular preschool classroom setting and opened a play-based home preschool.

For the past few years, she has been on a journey to learn more about play-based learning and the benefits it has for children, especially in the early years. Her motivation for doing this was her own child, who is now 3.5, and a student in her preschool program. Her child was a micro-preemie…

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Episode #32: Is it just me???

Episode 32 - The Magic of Littles Podcast

After the past 18+ months we’ve had, I feel myself asking the question, “Is it just me?” The Littles coming into the classroom seem to be at a different maturity level. The transition hasn’t been easy for our Littles or us as teachers. So, what is fair right now? 

In this episode, I talk to you about how to make time and space in your routine to understand where our Littles are at emotionally so we can break down our bigger goals to create smaller, more palatable changes!

Mentions:

In this ep…

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Episode #31: Teaming Up Together with Dana Rosenbloom

Episode 31 - The Magic of Littles Podcast

 

Welcome back to Season 3 of the Magic of Littles Podcast! Today’s episode is with Dana Rosenbloom of Dana’s Kids! Dana is a child and parent educator and I know you’ll love the nuggets she drops in this interview. 

There are lots of question marks going into another school year with COVID-19, which is a confusing time for children, parents, and teachers. We talk about what Dana does, the benefits of working closely with parents, how to advocate, conflict resolution, and some of our favorite …

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Episode #30: Three tips to deal with Frustration Tolerance

Episode 30 - The Magic of Littles Podcast

Hi, Teachers of Littles out there! 

In this episode, I share insights into frustration tolerance and some helpful tips to recognize and help a frustrated child. Learn about these new tips and tricks with me today, such as frustration logging, supportive play, and body mapping.

Mentions:

In this episode, we learn about:

  • A little girl’s frustration in a Montessori classroom. (1:10)

  • A frustration log can help you recognize patterns and frustration triggers! (3:00)

  • Build a child’s …

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Episode #29: Play Activation and The Free to Play Summit with Sally Haughey

Episode 29 - The Magic of Littles Podcast

Today’s episode is the last episode of Season 2! I talked with Sally Haughey, the Founder and CEO of Fairy Dust Teaching. We talked about how children need to be lifted and celebrated instead of shamed and compared.

We also talk about the importance of children having the right to play, and we don’t need to take them out of that! I’m so excited to talk more about her Free to Play Summit that is happening online on July 12-16. There were so many great nuggets during this interview with Sally, an…

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Episode #28: Unusually Transitions: Prepping for Next Year

Episode 28 - The Magic of Littles Podcast

Today, I’m talking to you about prepping for the next school year, as we’ve been told things might get back to normal. We talk about social-emotional learning, how to get organized for next year, and a few book recommendations you can add to your summer reading list!

Mentions:

In this episode, we learn about:

  • I reflected on what I would take from this year to take into next year.(1:25)

  • Prepping my space for next year and how to make it feel inviting and peaceful, yet a space to get…

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Episode #27: Reflecting on this Past School Year

Episode 27 - The Magic of Littles Podcast

In this episode, I’m reflecting on this past school year, and how I’ve grown, you’ve grown, and our children have grown in new ways. Let’s commend ourselves on the new skills we’ve all learned and how we’ve gotten through this school year. Celebrate those wins!

Mentions:

In this episode, we learn about:

  • This was not a lost year! (1:43)

  • This year made me approach my teaching practice and as a mom in a different way. (2:13)

  • What I learned this year around asking for help and col…

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Episode #26: Adding Musical Play to our Little’s Lives with JoEllyn Sumner

Episode 26 - The Magic of Littles Podcast

Today’s podcast is with music teacher JoEllyn Sumner. JoEllyn has formed choirs, world music drumming ensembles, percussion ensembles, and after-school parent-child music classes so that her students and their families have countless positive musical experiences. 

During this episode, we learn about how to create a tuneful home, whether for your own family or as a Teacher of Littles.

Mentions:

In this episode, we learn about:

  • What is a tuneful home? (1:10)

  • Singing is a gift, not a…

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Episode #25: Teacher Appreciation All Year Long

Episode 25 - The Magic of Littles Podcast

Today’s podcast is just me talking about the pandemic and boundaries and reflecting on the past school year in reflection of Teacher Appreciation Day. Teachers believe we should be (or are expected to be) superheroes, but taking the time to reflect, set boundaries, and make sure you’re taking care of yourself is SO important for teachers all year round.

Make sure to check out the Facebook group and let me know what you think of the episode!

Mentions:

In this episode, we learn about:

  • Te…

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Episode #24: Emotional Security and Co-regulation with Katie Crosby

Episode 24 - The Magic of Littles Podcast

Today I have Katie Crosby back on the show - we talked about big emotions back on Episode 9! Katie is an OT who specializes in relational healing and development through daily interaction. Her training is in play therapy, trauma-informed methods, sensory processing, DIRFloortime, and integrative listening therapies. 

In our conversation today, Katie and I discussed co-regulation and emotional security. While most schools and connections are happening online, we’re seeing some struggles around e…

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