Pre-K Spot Talks

Discover the unsung hero of childhood—and life itself—as we explore the transformative power of play in cognitive development. Imagine every burst of laughter and pretend-play scenario as a vital workout for the brain, with renowned neuroscientists Dr. Jack Panksepp and Dr. Stuart Brown guiding us through the neurological gymnasium. We navigate the intricate interplay between the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus, revealing how play sculpts our emotional landscape and memory bank. As we channel Dr. Marion Diamond's findings into our discussion, I share my passion for early childhood education, emphasizing our role as curators of a learning environment where play is as fundamental as the air we breathe.
Let's paint with the vibrant hues of creativity and dance to the rhythm of the mind's imagination, embracing play's influence that ripples through every age and culture. This episode is an ode to the notion that play is not just child's play—it's an essential thread in the fabric of humanity, weaving together learning, joy, and innovation. Join me in celebrating this joyful journey, as we pledge to foster an atmosphere where the spirit of play thrives, ensuring that the symphony of discovery and creativity resonates in classrooms and life's grand narrative. Let the echoes of joyous play fill our world, and may we never lose sight of its power to shape, inspire, and connect us all.
Check out the Read to Play Book Club and join other like minded educators in reading and discussing play.

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Have you ever wondered about the transformative power of play on children's learning? We did too! We had the pleasure of chatting with Laura Shea from Little Stories that Stick, who shed light on the magic of play-based learning and the joys and challenges that come with it. Laura's 16-year-long adventure, from a Pre-K and K classroom teacher to creating an online community for caregivers and educators, is nothing short of inspiring. As we navigate through her experiences, we also reflect on our own parenting journeys and the art of raising little humans in today's world.
Giving children the freedom to explore and express themselves through play is a topic close to Laura's heart. She passionately shares her experiences from the Boston Public School system and later in Providence, highlighting the importance of creating a safe space for children, particularly those with disabilities. Play is nothing less than transformational, opening up fresh perspectives on children's learning and development. Laura's passion for play-based learning is infectious, and her insights offer practical advice for educators and caregivers alike.
However, introducing play in the classroom isn't a walk in the park. Laura opens up about the hurdles she faced while implementing play-based learning and how she creatively overcame them. Striking a balance between encouraging play and respecting a child's autonomy is tricky but crucial. As Laura's journey unfolds, we realize the significance of allowing children to discover their environment and cultivate creativity through play. So, join us in this enlightening conversation, as we unravel the mysteries of play.

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This is why we teach...the kids.
This week we talk all about how we focus on the students and why that is so important in the classroom.
Understanding how we view the children and how that effects the classroom and our teaching is an important idea to reflect one.
We also discuss ways to shift our focus to the children instead of all the other things being thrown at us.
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For awesome merch and more info visit Pre-KSpot.com
Lot's more topics, tips, and fun on Instagram @prek.spot
Even more free content inside out bi-weekly newsletter! Join today.
We have so many amazing resources and FREEBIES just for you.

Unlock the secret to fostering young minds through the magic of play with Zeba from Kindergarten Cafe, our esteemed guest for the season premiere of Pre-K Spot Talks. Together, we tackle the question: how do we champion the cause of play against the tide of an increasingly academic-driven curriculum? Zeba, with her wealth of experience from Massachusetts, illuminates the transformative role of play in early education and shares her strategic battle to embed play at the heart of learning. She offers insights on collaborating with educational leaders and using compelling research to advocate for play-based learning within her community. Her dedication shines through as she provides actionable tips for educators to persevere in prioritizing play, even when systemic changes lag.
In this eye-opening discussion, we also dissect the critical difference between play and playful learning, revealing the unparalleled impact genuine play has on developing literacy and social competencies. I reveal tactics for making the benefits of play visible—think creative bulletin boards that track developmental milestones—amidst the pressures of strict school schedules and administrative expectations. Then, we shift gears to discuss how cultivating social and emotional skills in preschoolers sets the foundation for academic success in kindergarten and beyond. By the end of our conversation, it's clear that teaching children how to navigate social interactions and school routines is paramount. For teachers, administrators, and advocates alike, this episode is your invitation to join us in advocating for a playful and enriching start to every child’s educational journey.
Find more from Zeba here:
Podcast: The Kindergarten Cafe Podcast

Instagram @kindergartencafe

Website: https://kindergartencafe.org/

Free Purposeful Play Planning Papers: https://kindergartencafe.org/starting-purposeful-play-in-kindergarten/

FREE Importance of Play posters: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Importance-of-Play-Posters-4890856

For awesome merch and more info visit Pre-KSpot.com
Lot's more topics, tips, and fun on Instagram @prek.spot
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Ever wondered how an ever-changing classroom environment might affect your students' learning? Brace yourselves as we deep dive into the world of material rotation in early childhood education. Guided by the seasoned educators' insights, we will explore the significance of keeping the classroom vibrant and stimulating. From understanding your students' developmental needs to aligning materials with weekly themes, we've got you covered with practical strategies and tips on implementing effective material rotation. We even discuss how to plan, create a material inventory, categorize materials, and craft an effective rotation schedule.
But we don't stop there. We also unravel how material rotation can keep the learning environment fresh and connected to the natural world. We delve into strategies for observation and creating a space that encourages exploration, creativity, and respect for materials. Above all, we highlight how material rotation can support inclusivity and diversity in the classroom, and align with broader educational philosophies. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a newbie, this episode is your ultimate guide to revamping your teaching practice with material rotation. So, get ready to ignite a spark of curiosity in young learners and foster a lifelong love for learning.

For awesome merch and more info visit Pre-KSpot.com
Lot's more topics, tips, and fun on Instagram @prek.spot
Even more free content inside out bi-weekly newsletter! Join today.
We have so many amazing resources and FREEBIES just for you.