The ECE Classroom with Susie Beghin

In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Amanda DaCosta, a supervisor at Alpha's Discovery Kids Preschool and Daycare, about how to educate parents on the importance of play and how to engage with their children. They discuss the need for educators to empathize with parents and understand that they may not have the same knowledge or tools. They also emphasize the role of parents as the first and best educators for their children. The conversation covers the use of everyday household items for play and learning, the four pillars of learning (language and literacy, STEAM, physical activity and nutrition, and mindful awareness), and the importance of communication between educators and parents to show the value of play-based learning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:04 Empathizing with Parents and Understanding Their Perspective 02:45 The Role of Parents as the First Educators 04:27 Using Everyday Household Items for Play and Learning 08:04 The Four Pillars of Learning: Language and Literacy, STEAM, Physical Activity and Nutrition, Mindful Awareness 13:08 Favorite Activities for Parents to Do with Their Children 16:12 The Importance of Communication in Showing the Value of Play-Based Learning 21:15 The Spark that Keeps us Learning 23:51 Susie's new book launch: Parents Learn To Play Too Parents Learn To Play Too: A Parent's Guide to the Early Years is available on Amazon or on Susie's website at www.susiebeghin.com Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host Susie Beghin interviews Rusty Keeler, a natural playscape designer and advocate for nature play. They discuss the importance of nature play for children's development and how to incorporate nature into outdoor play spaces. Rusty emphasizes the need for small steps, such as adding planter boxes or loose parts, to create a more natural environment. They also touch on the concept of risky play and the benefits it offers. But before you acquire materials to transform your outdoor space, Rusty suggests the most important thing to do is to evaluate what you will allow - what you say "yes" to! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:50 The Importance of Nature Play 05:00 Incorporating Nature into Outdoor Play Spaces 12:05 Must-have Play Equipment to Improve Outdoor Spaces 16:03 What Loose Parts to Add to Outdoor Spaces 19:34 Addressing Concerns about Messy Play and Risky Play 28:55 Susie’s Reflection and Takeaways About Nature Play and Improving Outdoor Play Spaces About Rusty Keeler Rusty Keeler is a designer, author, and speaker with a unique sensitivity to the sights, sounds and experiences of childhood. For over 30 years Rusty has traveled the world designing natural outdoor play environments and speaking about the benefits and beauty of saying “yes” to children’s play. Creating a sense of place and playful connections to the natural world are at the heart of Rusty’s design work. Described as a cross between Mr Rogers and Jerry Garcia, Rusty is the author of multiple books on play and playscapes including his new book Adventures in Risky Play: What is Your Yes? (Exchange Press: 2020)Rusty is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter at conferences, communities, and colleges worldwide — but he also likes being home enjoying a creative life with his family in his backyard and the creeks and gorges of Ithaca, NY. www.rustykeeler.com Free OUTDOOR LOOSE PARTS Guide https://rustykeeler.com/loosepartslistfd/ @rusty_keeler_designs Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode, host Susie Beghin interviews Ana Valle Rivera, a public speaker and workshop facilitator, about the importance of lifelong learning and professional development for early childhood educators. They discuss the impact of professional development on educators' well-being and its positive effect on children's learning. They also explore different ways of learning, including in-person workshops, virtual learning, and communities of practice. Ana emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and being open to new learning opportunities. They also discuss strategies for implementing new knowledge into practice and encouraging educators to become lifelong learners. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:18 The Importance of Professional Development 04:58 Different Ways of Learning 11:26 Virtual vs In-person Learning 17:00 How to Implement What You Learn in your Practice 19:07 How to Encourage Lifelong Learning 21:46 The Difference Between Professional Learning and Professional Development About Our Guest Ana is a proud mother of three, a public speaker, a consultant, and the founder of Early Years Thriving. Since 2007 Ana has gained experience working with children and families using inclusive and trauma-informed approaches. Through her passion for teaching, Ana has also facilitated hundreds of educational workshops for thousands of ECEs, teachers, caregivers, and parents. Ana has a background in ECE, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care, and is completing a Master's in Professional Education in ECE. Link to a free workshop on making the most of your professional learning can be found here: https://workshops.earlyyearsthriving.com/courses/making-the-most-of-pd www.earlyyearsthriving.com Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Erica Saccoccio, the owner of a multi-location child care center, about play-based learning. Erica explains that play-based learning should be fun and engaging while also having a learning goal in mind. She emphasizes the importance of intentional materials and guiding children in their learning. Erica also discusses the use of observation-based learning and the importance of teacher engagement and enjoyment in the learning process. The conversation covers topics such as the role of routines in play-based learning, the importance of autonomy for children, and how to communicate the benefits of play-based learning to parents. Play-based learning is more than just unstructured free play. It requires intent and purpose. Susie Beghin shares five key principles of play: following the child's lead, engaging in meaningful conversation, asking open-ended questions, playing at the child's physical level, and engaging in both free play and intentional play. These principles create a safe space for children to learn, explore, and express themselves. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:34 Defining Play-Based Learning 03:35 How to Encourage Educators to Play 7:28 How to make Routines Playful and Child-Directed 9:25 Fostering Autonomy and Belonging in the Classroom 12:35 Communicating the Benefits of Play-Based Learning to Parents 20:02 Susie’s Reflection on Creating Engaging and Intentional Play Experiences using the 5 Key Principles of Play About Our Guest Erica is a motivational speaker with 23+ years of experience as an entrepreneur. Erica is the owner of a multi-location child care centre called “Family Tree” in Rhode Island, USA. Erica is a passionate leader in the early childhood education industry and hosts a podcast called, The Child Care Director’s Chair. www.stellarbusinessconcepts.com https://www.instagram.com/ccdcpodcast https://www.youtube.com/@childcaredirectorschair690 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Carla Ward, an early childhood educator and host of The Everything ECE Podcast, about creating an inviting classroom environment with plants. They discuss the importance of the environment in early childhood education, the benefits of incorporating nature into the classroom, and strategies for introducing and caring for plants. Carla emphasizes the role of the environment in creating a sense of belonging for children and highlights the calming and nurturing effects of plants. She also provides practical tips for selecting and caring for plants in the classroom. Chapters  00:00 Introduction and Background 02:39 Environment as the Third Teacher 04:58 Safety and Toxicity of Plants 07:28 Plants Bring Out Children’s Nurturing Side 09:57 Getting Started with Plants in the Classroom 13:10 Choosing the Location for Plants 15:38 Plants Create a Calm Environment 18:14 Experimenting with Plants Can Be Fun 20:30 Plants Provide Learning Opportunities Carla is an experienced Early Childhood Educator and the visionary founder of Early Learning Foundations, a business dedicated to promoting education and elevating the profession of Early Childhood Education. Carla is dedicated to the Early Childhood Education profession in many ways, including hosting The Everything ECE Podcast, offering professional development workshops and ECE consulting. @Elfoundations on Instagram www.elfoundations.com Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA