The Speckled Bees: A Celebration of Childhood (Lucy Ritter and Spencer-Grace Hiday)
Explore every episode of The Speckled Bees: A Celebration of Childhood
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 10 Feb 2022 | E27: Dramatic Play | 01:15:44 | |
Continuing our month on classroom subjects, we are discussing a point of early education that I feel often gets overlooked as a independent center, separate from other subjects- Dramatic play We will explore the various subject matters dramatic play is consistently incorporated into, the definition of 'dramatic play', and our personal experiences in teaching dramatic play in the classroom
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| 24 Feb 2022 | E29: "Block Party!" Why Block Play is Important | 00:59:55 | |
Today, we are continuing our exploration of early childhood curriculum areas with block play! Research has consistently shown that block play supports the development of mathematical thinking, social skills, abstract thinking, creativity, and most recently literacy (Hanline, Milton, Phelps 2009). We go over a brief history of the unit block then we get in to the benefits. Of course, we have to do a developmental continuum break-down! We also talk about the adults role and how important it is for both the adult and the child. Block play has been shown to actually increase parent knowledge of early development in the areas of math and science education, while at the same time providing opportunities for young children to increase their math, science, social and literacy skills. | |||
| 17 Feb 2022 | E28: Interview with A Childhood Music Specialist Ft. Susan Leone | 00:44:05 | |
Since 1997, there has been a steady cut in public school Music education programs across the USA. Music in education has been proven time and time again to INCREASE a childs learning abilities across multiple disciplines, and in todays episode, we dive into the facets, interests, and benefits of music in early and later educations, with long time Music specialist and early childhood educator, Susan Leone. http://users.rider.edu/~vrme/v9n1/vision/Mishra%20Final.pdf https://www.mother.ly/pregnancy/your-baby-is-listening-to-you-mama-even-in-the-womb/ https://www.savethemusic.org/blog/schools-cutting-music-programs/ | |||
| 03 Mar 2022 | E30: Full STEAM ahead | 00:50:38 | |
Is it the hot air from a rushing locomotive, or the vapor rising from a hot cup of coffee? No, todays we're talking about S.T.E.A.M- Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. How does adding art to STEM learning and education bolster a childs learning? By adding an artistic approach to standard science and math based subjects, you are integrating these subject matters with meaningful ideas and imagery that might resonate better not JUST with the students, but with the teachers as well. Join us as we discuss the merits of ease of adding art to STEM fields.
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| 10 Mar 2022 | E31: PART 1 This Episode is LIT! -eriture, reading, and writing | 00:51:39 | |
Don't forget to leave us a review! Today, we are talking about maybe the most common and comfortable curriculum area: literacy centers. While this seems very straightforward, we wanted to break it down more so we can better focus our energies and not go into the ‘push-down curriculum' zone. We had SO much to cover that we had to split this episode into two parts! In part one, we go over the NAEYC's position statement and then we tackle the continuum of reading and writing development. https://www.amazon.com/Pterodactyl-Worst-Alphabet-Book-Ever/dp/1492674311/ref=pd_bxgy_img_1/131-0869157-7909015?pd_rd_w=InNfq&pf_rd_p=6b3eefea-7b16-43e9-bc45-2e332cbf99da&pf_rd_r=4NAZFYEWMJWS17ZPNHN3&pd_rd_r=0cb2ff6a-b1fc-44a6-ac33-d491d6728729&pd_rd_wg=nhrL6&pd_rd_i=1492674311&psc=1 http://literacy.nationaldb.org/index.php/literacy-development-continuum/ https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/nov2017/emergent-writing https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/read-together-support-early-literacy http://monocolibraries.org/files/6%20early%20literacy%20skills.pdf https://www.readingrockets.org/article/early-literacy-policy-and-practice-preschool-years | |||
| 17 Mar 2022 | E32: PART II This Episode is LIT! -eriture, reading, and writing | 00:37:29 | |
Welcome back for Part II of our literacy deep dive! These half is the fun half where we take what we talked about last week and give real examples of how to encourage a love of literacy in our homes and classrooms. We also discuss whether it is call a cootie catcher or a fortune teller. What do you say? | |||
| 24 Mar 2022 | E33: Building Your Childs Studio Space | 00:45:50 | |
In todays episode, we are discussing the creation of an art space- a studio space- for your little creators. Your classroom Atelier is the ultimate third teacher in the classroom, and should exist in a way that adds to your teaching and enhances your students learning experience.
Does your classroom or home environment contain a functional art studio space? We want to hear your answers! Resources-https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C4lbqFMPM_xWZRQfvsy2LAx02xB0zUBo8n7Xr1GM2U0/edit# -https://reggioemilia2015.weebly.com/the-100-languages.html -https://www.reggiochildren.it/en/ateliers/ Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees) | |||
| 31 Mar 2022 | E34: More Than One Kind of Smart | 00:43:14 | |
In this episode, we discuss Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Sometimes we talk as though intelligence is a singular concept that has a scale and we all sit at different spots on that scale. Yet we see all around us adults and children who are very smart in math but not at all good with words, musically gifted but klutzy on the athletic field and so on. Most of us, in fact, struggle with some tasks and sail through others. Although all children have the same basic needs, their learning needs are more complex and individualized. Just because all the children are well fed and loved, does not mean that they will excel while sitting at a desk and filling out worksheets. Not all children will express aptitude in this way. In fact, Howard Gardner proposed seven different categories of intelligence in his 1983 book “Frames of Mind(Helding, 2009). In his Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Gardner originally identified the following: musical, intrapersonal, interpersonal, spatial, logical-mathematical, linguistic, and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. It is undeniable that individuals have different strengths and abilities. We break down each intelligence and talk about how to grow them and support that growth in the children with whom you work. We sometimes forget that each child is valuable as we get swallowed up in the belly of academic pressures. However, ALL children benefit from information being presented in multiple ways. What intelligences stood out to you? What would you like to strengthen? Pick a child you struggle with and write down their strengths! Don't forget to follow us on social media and share your thoughts with us! References and Resources: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED508485.pdf Gardner, H. (2011). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York, NY: Basic Books. Helding, L. (2009). Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Journal of Singing, 66(2), 193. Retrieved from https://byui.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search-ebscohost-com.byui.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edo&AN=45032733&site=eds-live | |||
| 07 Apr 2022 | E35: Think PAWsitive, pets and your children PT.1 | 00:57:26 | |
Are you considering introducing a pet to your family ? Are you expecting a bundle-of-joy, and contemplating how to introduce the newest family member to your cat or dog? Does your child know how to approach an unfamiliar pet outside of the home?
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| 14 Apr 2022 | E36: Its PAWfect, pets and your children PT. 2 | 01:02:16 | |
Is your family considering adding an animal member to its ranks? Do you love animals, but don't have any pets in your own home? This episode is an introduction to parents and families in all walks of life, who are considering the best ways to acclimate their children to animals in their lives. | |||
| 21 Apr 2022 | E37: Barefoot is Best | 01:19:49 | |
We are so excited to share this episode! Lucy presents this topic at conferences, but we are publishing this for you all to listen to FOR FREE! Although, Lucy is not sharing her slides, ha! | |||
| 28 Apr 2022 | E38: The Art of Nature | 01:12:10 | |
The weather is warming up outside, and more children, their classes, and caregivers are inclined to spend a greater time in nature! While considering ways to engage children in the great outdoors, we'd like to introduce the some ideas of merging art and nature - one of the greatest pairings throughout the course of humanity. Introducing your child to the art of nature is as simple as helping them appreciate the most natural beauties around us. References
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| 05 May 2022 | E39: Children Caring for Creepy Crawlies | 00:59:18 | |
Last week we talked about the beautiful side by talking about art in nature. But nature is not always beautiful. This week, Lucy introduces a less glamorous subject, although equally intriguing, by talking about Creepy Crawlies! Hear us out! Don’t turn us off yet! This is a really amazing subject, we promise! | |||
| 12 May 2022 | Updated Intro Episode! | 00:20:23 | |
Welcome to the Speckled Bees: A Celebration of Childhood! Early childhood educators - Spencer and Lucy - discuss children, how they develop, and how teachers and guardians can support them in the hard work it takes to learn and grow! Sometimes, supporting children can get lonely and frustrating, so we are also here to help you find the fun in it! | |||
| 19 May 2022 | E40: To DYE for, fabric dyeing with your child | 00:59:38 | |
As we get closer into summer months, I begin to feel this strong urge to Tie-Dye t-shirts in the hot summer sun! Its a natural past time, summer and dyeing, and today we are talking about dye techniques, and ways to engage your child in dye based activities that are best suited for warm weather References
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| 26 May 2022 | E41:Talking about Death, Grief, and Hard Topics | 00:54:57 | |
This week, we are going to shift gears . We are talking about grief and how to discuss it with our children. As we have discussed many times before, children are capable of much more than they are often given credit for. They are sometimes more understanding than we are as adults. When we give them the respect to include them in hard topics in a calm, consistent, and age-appropriate way, we can empower them. We make a list of steps including, sharing your feelings with your child, guiding the conversation, planning what you want to say, finding a quiet moment, listening, being direct and clear, admitting when we don't know something, and - above all - reassure. We also talk about the importance of taking care of yourself, maintaining routines, allowing spaces for processing and providing outlets for expression, and seeking out help for you or your child. A licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist can assist you in developing an appropriate strategy for moving forward. Adults can’t take kids’ pain away, but they can help them cope in healthy ways. We want so badly as parents and teachers to protect our children from all of the bad. But, not only is that not an option, it would get in the way of their growth. The hard moments in our life define us. They teach us empathy, compassion, and grit. They teach us how to move forward and they are often the moments that show us our life callings. Our job is not to block these from children. Our job is to support them and love them through so that the moment doesn’t succeed in pushing them down, but can lift them higher. References and Resources: APA.org The Road to Resilience SAMHSA.gov https://www.apa.org/topics/journalism-facts/talking-children https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-deal-grief/ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/death.html https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/supporting-child-through-grief-and-loss | |||
| 02 Jun 2022 | E42: Interview with a Botanist - Planting and Gardening with Children | 00:37:11 | |
This week, we are so excited to bring you an Interview with a Botanist! Lucy interviewed Rachel Tenney (BS in Plant Science) of Plant School Podcast and Tenney Plants. Rachel is super down-to-earth, fun, and extremely passionate about plants! She makes plant care simple even for those of us with the blackest of thumbs! She is also a mother and is the perfect person to teach us about how and why to include children in our planting endeavors.
References and Resources:
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| 09 Jun 2022 | E43: Sun's Out - Sun safety with your children | 01:03:57 | |
Today, we’re going to discuss a topic that is urgent this time of the year- Sun protection! Every child needs sun protection. The lighter someone's natural skin color, the less melanin it has to absorb UV rays and protect itself. The darker a person's natural skin color, the more melanin it has. But both dark- and light-skinned kids need protection from UV rays because any tanning or burning causes skin damage https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sun-safety.html https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/news-room/blog/2021/05/children-and-too-much-sun https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/5240-sun-damage-protecting-yourself https://www.thehealthy.com/skin-health/sun/what-to-look-for-in-sunscreen/ https://healthfully.com/1001411-songs-kids-sun-safety.html https://www.thehealthy.com/skin-health/sun/sunscreen-mistakes/ https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-sunscreen-for-kids-4684705 | |||
| 16 Jun 2022 | E44: Repetition, Repetition, and a Little Compulsion | 00:56:38 | |
This week, we are talking about Repetition! Repetition comes in many forms. This may include reading the same story one hundred times, learning extensions and games that repeat the same skill, peer tutoring, or passively observing a lesson or activity completed by another child. Repetition may also come from routine or the environment. Knowing what to expect, and having things happen in an ordered way, helps children to know what to expect and feel at ease. When the environment is predictable, a child feels safe and secure, which establishes the optimal environment for learning. We go through a few studies and we talk about why repetition is an important part of learning and skill mastery! In children, these neural connections are only beginning to be formed. Repetition is a necessary building block that allows them to strengthen the connections in the brain that help them learn. "Deer paths to highways". Repetition helps to strengthen the brain’s neural processors for learning, teaches children to practice, master and retain knowledge, provides the opportunity for practice and reinforcement, is needed for skill mastery and success. Children learn through repetition and memorization: self-discipline and critical reflection, coordination, differentiation of variations and differences in the world around them, confidence to progress, internalization of concepts, synthetization, analyzation and application. Research examining motor-skill acquisition suggests that early movements vary highly but become more stable as skill develops. As the progression from variable to stable movements would indicate the shift from novice to expert, it could help adults recognize if mastery has been achieved and when a child is ready to move on to the next activity. We also discuss when repetitive behavior becomes a red flag. Check out E9: Interview with an Early Interventionist, E12: Interview with a Special Education and Autism Teacher, and E24: Interview with a Speech and Language Pathologist Ft. Kim Hiday to learn more about intervention! While a child’s inclination towards repetition is not the most charming part of childhood (and is maybe even one of the top most annoying), it is an extremely important fundamental of child development! Tell that story again, sing that song again, play that game again. When we support the child’s need for repetition, we are trusting and respecting their nature. We are supporting their learning and their development. We are celebrating childhood. And that’s what we are all about here on the Speckled Bees. https://montessoriacademy.com.au/repetition-child-development-montessori/ http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1234750.pdf https://360behavioralhealth.com/how-to-know-when-a-childs-repetitive-behaviors-are-a-problem/ | |||
| 30 Jun 2022 | E45: If at first you don’t succeed….. Routine and Perseverance with your child | 00:55:37 | |
Have you heard of the "100 Days Project"? . Developed as an arts exercise at Yale University, this exercise in creativity and perseverance individuals to incorporate a project into their routine. If we push ourselves to move beyond monotony in boredom, and to establish routine with the hire end, we are working towards bettering ourselves Join us as we discuss this fun family or individual project, and ideas of perseverance and routine with children- because establishing the ground works for hard work, is setting them up for powerful adult abilities later in life. https://www.the100dayproject.org/ https://designobserver.com/feature/five-years-of-100-days/24678 https://www.northshore.org/healthy-you/how-to-start-a-new-routine-and-stick-to-it/ https://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/family-life/routines-rituals-relationships/family-routines https://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/family-life/routines-rituals-relationships/family-routines https://www.ahaparenting.com/read/structure-routines | |||
| 07 Jul 2022 | SUMMER ANNOUNCEMENT | 00:01:32 | |
Hey all! We are having a busy summer, but we don't want to stop putting out episodes for you! So, we are switching to a bi-weekly podcast and will have episodes coming out every other week. Make sure you are subscribed so you can see when new episodes come up. We love you! | |||
| 29 Jun 2021 | Intro to The Speckled Bees | 00:20:24 | |
We had some problem with the sound. Please grant us some grace as we learn the ropes! | |||
| 08 Jul 2021 | E1: Messy Play | 00:49:56 | |
This week, Spencer and Lucy discuss the importance of Messy Play for children! Along with the benefits, they also provide a list of practical tips on how to minimize clean up and make messy play more manageable. Follow us on Instagram @thespeckledbees to join in our discussion! | |||
| 15 Jul 2021 | E2: Risky Play | 00:53:45 | |
In this episode, we discuss the importance of risky play. Although it is intimidating and sometimes stressful, it is vital to a child’s development. We outline the benefits, share tips for caregivers, and share real life experiences. | |||
| 22 Jul 2021 | E3: Yoga and Meditation Ft. Simone Carvalho | 00:42:24 | |
We had our first interview with the strong and kind Simone Carvalho! She addresses why yoga is beneficial for children, how to implement it at different ages, and gives specific ideas for adults planning on using this with the children in their care. Simone has a course to help adults teach yoga to children launching soon, so follow us (@thespeckledbees) and her on Instagram to keep an eye out for that! | |||
| 29 Jul 2021 | E4: Early Sensory Engagement | 00:47:35 | |
Spencer leads our conversation about the importance of sensory engagement in early years (particularly its impact on memory) and ways to institute it with infants and young toddlers. We differentiate sensory overload and sensory stimulation through talking about Dr. Duncan's "Time Square Effect". We also bring up ways we see this in our current culture through essential oils and Spencer using a scent studio to curate a special perfume for her upcoming nuptials! | |||
| 05 Aug 2021 | E5: Big Body Play/ Vestibular Stimulation | 00:45:38 | |
Lucy leads our discussion this week about big body play, rough and tumble play, and vestibular stimulation. We talk about the many benefits and give tips to manage and encourage this type of play. What are your reservations about Big Body Play? Reach out to us on facebook and instagram to join the discussion! Big Body Play - Frances Carlson | |||
| 12 Aug 2021 | E6: Water Safety ft. Krissy Bartlett | 00:44:28 | |
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under the age of five, so water safety is vital in early childhood! To inform us about this important subject, Lucy interviewed Krissy Bartlett. Not only is Krissy a wonderful and calming person, she is also more than qualified to discuss this topic. She is the Regional Manager and Trainer at the Swimkids Swim School in Virginia, has presented at the World Aquatic Baby Conference, and is a part of the Infant Toddler committee for the United States Swim School Association! | |||
| 19 Aug 2021 | E7: Strong Little Fingers | 00:49:53 | |
Spencer leads us in this conversation all about fingers! We discuss finger dexterity, strength, and independence. This is important for a variety of reasons, but most adults are very preoccupied with how this contributes to writing. Spencer breaks down the four different pencil grips and talks about ways we can encourage proper holds in a gentle way. We also list TONS of ways (20 ways by my count)to practice the fine motor skills used for writing besides just practicing with a pen or pencil. We talk about baby signing and finger painting. Spencer also goes through related milestones to reference what skills to be working on with your children. | |||
| 26 Aug 2021 | E8: Real Tools and Woodworking | 01:01:56 | |
Lucy leads our discussion this week in talking about different types and benefits of using real tools, the Zone of Proximal Development, the whole child, STEM, and even a little soapbox moment about circle time, haha! We had so much to say about this topic, so it ended up being a little longer than our normal episodes. Let us know your thoughts, and thank you for being a part of our community! | |||
| 02 Sep 2021 | E9: Interview with an Early Interventionist FT. Lauren Barrick | 00:49:26 | |
Re-listening to this episode gave me chills because I am SO EXCITED to share such practical and important information with you! Lauren Barrick is one of the sweetest people I know and she is so knowledgeable and passionate! She is a mom as well as an early interventionist and is experienced on all sides of the equation. | |||
| 09 Sep 2021 | E10: The Power of the Black Line | 00:58:58 | |
Spencer introduces us to important early drawing skills! We start by talking about the importance of planning and outlining first with a black marker or brush pen (linked below) and then go in to a break down the stages of drawing lines and symbols. We even go on a little tangent on gothic and gory art in teenage years and whether or not to be concerned. | |||
| 16 Sep 2021 | E11: Basic Behavior Toolkit | 00:56:48 | |
As parents and teachers, we are often told what we CAN'T do for discipline, but aren't told so much what we CAN do. That is why we put together this basic list of techniques to handle challenging behavior. We can use these in order to gently support children in developing self-regulation and self-control. Some of the 'tools' we discuss are redirection, offering choices, emotion coaching (The FLIP-it method), appropriate consequences, and making things fun! We end with talking about the most important and powerful part of guidance: the relationship. Children need to know that we are there for them and love them no matter what. There are obviously whole books, blogs, and seminars on this subject, so we could not cover everything. Let us know what your go-to is! | |||
| 23 Sep 2021 | E12: Interview with a Special Education and Autism Teacher Ft. Erin Williams-Stroh | 01:03:23 | |
To continue our discussion about Getting Help for Young Children, we brought in Erin Williams-Stroh to talk about how it looks as the child grows. Erin is a super passionate Self Contained Autism Teacher for 2-5th grade students in PWCS. She has a Bachelors in Multidisciplinary Studies (Elementary Ed.) and a Masters in Special Education from Marymount University. | |||
| 30 Sep 2021 | E13: Halloween Safety ("Stranger Danger") | 00:47:22 | |
**TRIGGER WARNING** | |||
| 07 Oct 2021 | E14: Magic, Monsters, and Make-believe | 01:03:15 | |
Does your child believe there are monsters under the bed? Is encouraging the idea of Santa lying and manipulating your children? Lucy gets her nerd on this week as we discuss the development of magical thinking! We talk about different developmental theorists and theories. We zone in on Piaget's idea of the Preoperational stage of development from about 2-8 and different characteristics that contribute to the belief in magic and monsters. https://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/featurednews/title_697103_en.html https://www.simplypsychology.org/preoperational.html https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-lifespandevelopment/chapter/cognitive-development-2/ "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) | |||
| 14 Oct 2021 | E15: Interview with a Tooth Fairy Ft. Sara Chehreh | 00:32:42 | |
The Tooth Fairy is on the Speckled Bees! Spencer interviewed the absolutely lovely Sara Chehreh - a dental student with quite a bit of experience working in pediatrics - all about how to care for our children's smiles! She clarifies the difference between a general dentist and a pediatric dentist. She covers the first visit to the dentist (Recommended by the AAPD to be when the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday) and how to make sure it is a positive experience from the get-go. There are lots of options available, so find an office that makes you comfortable and meets your unique needs. | |||
| 21 Oct 2021 | E16: Masks Up! | 00:56:30 | |
What kind of masks can you think of? Masks have developed a whole different meaning over the last couple of years. Regardless how you feel about them, masks have become a normal part of our lives and children are fascinated by them. Spencer talks about how to bring joy and culture back into the subject. We discuss themes and the problems you run into when you try to force them into your curriculum, but how powerful it is when you find a topic that the children are interested in. | |||
| 28 Oct 2021 | E17: Lights, Shadows, HOLIDAYS | 01:01:56 | |
"The light is everywhere, but to “see it”, paradoxically, it must be turned on in the mind” | |||
| 04 Nov 2021 | E18: Expanding Our Artist Vocabulary | 00:54:02 | |
*Trigger warning! Marked as explicit because we talk about sexual assault (minutes 7:30 to 10:30) in discussing Chuck Close. | |||
| 11 Nov 2021 | E19: Secret Hideouts and Shelters | 00:58:49 | |
Did you have a secret hideout when you were a kid? November is the time of that we seek out warmth, comfort, and security. It's the perfect time to build secret hide-outs with children! Creating secret forts, dens, hideouts, and playhouses isn’t just any random kind of play. Studying shelters gives the children an opportunity to explore the ideas of protection, safety, and structure. There are many benefits to making and playing in forts. Many of them overlap with previous subjects (go back to E1: Messy Play, E2: Risky Play, E8: Real Tools and Woodworking), but children need repetition to strengthen those neural pathways. It encourages independence and confidence, problem solving skills, literacy skills, social skills, motor skills, and a love of the outdoors. We provide a list of ways to encourage this type of play in your homes and in your classrooms. Picture Book List: https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2019/09-25-19-Leave-the-Leaves https://www.paulaspencerscott.com/single-post/kids-forts https://phillywaldorf.com/building-forts-minds-importance-child-built-space/ https://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/Houses_in_Early_Virginia_Indian_Society https://books.google.com/books?id=Lmg142dU3wQC&pg=PA8&lpg=PA8&dq=wickiups+covered+in+mud&source=bl&ots=X2FNNj3O9Z&sig=ACfU3U0UWV40XGBnyXFC-RGPMhyHlNWQag&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjNmrGlrcDqAhXumHIEHa4LDLAQ6AEwFHoECAsQAQ#v=onepage&q=wickiups%20covered%20in%20mud&f=false | |||
| 18 Nov 2021 | E20: Interview with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Ft. Mary Becerra | 00:58:08 | |
Holidays tend to be food-centric anyways, but they are extra heavy during this time of year. You hear a lot of conversations about food, nutrition, and weight. We thought now would be the perfect time to discuss how to approach nutrition with our children in a productive way! For this conversation, I invited Mary Becerra, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, to come talk with me! Mary is all around just a really cool person and she has so many great ideas and resources to help us out as teachers and parents! | |||
| 25 Nov 2021 | E21: Gratitude (A Short Thanksgiving Greeting) | 00:13:35 | |
Since this is coming out on Thanksgiving Day for those in the USA, we wanted to talk about the importance of gratitude and for what this year we are personally grateful! We then announce that Speckled Bee merchandise is right around the corner, woohoo! Lastly, we announce that we will be taking a short break during the month of January. | |||
| 02 Dec 2021 | E22: The Season of Giving - Developing Empathy | 01:04:10 | |
****TW: We talk a small bit about abuse and consent in this episode**** Books :
Links, lists, and References | |||
| 09 Dec 2021 | E23: Baby, It's Cold Outside - Benefits of Cold Weather Play | 01:02:09 | |
Baby, it's cold outside! Why do we prioritize outdoor play even when temperatures drop? There are so many reasons, and we try to cover a few in this episode. It boosts your immune system and helps children retain brown fat, offers amazing sensorimotor experiences, and gives opportunities to study STEM. We even talk about how babies take naps outside in freezing temperatures in Finland. Tag us in your cold weather play pictures and videos! https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20151016-the-real-reason-germs-spread-in-the-winter https://rhythmsofplay.com/20-ways-to-play-in-the-rain/ | |||
| 16 Dec 2021 | E24: Interview with a Speech and Language Pathologist Ft. Kim Hiday | 01:48:25 | |
The greatest gift you can afford your child this holiday season is the gift of therapeutic services. Join us this December in discussing speech and language services with Kim Hiday, owner and therapist at Mclean Speech and Language of Mclean, Virginia. Mrs. Hiday addresses common questions such as best times to seek speech and language services, how future SLPs can pursue a path in speech and language, and charities involved in SLP services that can benefit from your involvement | |||
| 30 Dec 2021 | E25: New Year's Resolutions with Children | 01:07:36 | |
Goals, resolutions, and ‘fresh starts’ are words we use to welcome the symbolic new year on a bright note. How can we translate these ideas for children to start their own new year with a fresh face? We talk about the goals we have, how to set up successful goals (we review SMART goals, of course), and the benefits of goal setting for children. Don't forget that goal setting IS MUCH HARDER WITH YOUNGER CHILDREN. Therefore, it takes a lot of modeling, conversation, and teamwork to create a positive and successful experience. | |||
| 03 Feb 2022 | E26: Mathtastic | 01:04:44 | |
We are so excited to be back!!! We've missed our weekly discussions on childhood! We come in hot talking about curriculum areas and decided to cover a tricky one: MATH. The bulk of this episode follows NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) position statement on Early Childhood Mathematics: Promoting Good Beginnings which is a joint position statement of (NAEYC) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) We talk about how to approach math skills and attitudes, cover math milestones, and give lots of ideas on how to incorporate math! What would you add to the list?
Books:
References and Resources: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/math-talk-infants-and-toddlers http://www.ccs.fau.edu/hbbl3/wp-content/uploads/publications/KelsoFuchs2016_mobileconjugate.pdf https://www.understood.org/articles/en/math-skills-what-to-expect-at-different-ages https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/practiceguide/18 https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Docs/practiceguide/early_math_pg_111313.pdf https://inventorsoftomorrow.com/2018/02/26/math-development/ https://www.pbs.org/parents/learn-grow/all-ages/math | |||