Dear listeners,Thank you for your support and for listening to our podcast. Please note that we will no longer be publishing new episodes after October 1, 2025. Our current site will remain open for past episodes and additional content. For new updates and more content, please visit unEdited chatter. We appreciate your continued support! Thank you!Tisha and Steph

In this session, Amy Seck introduces her new book, Pony Punch—a powerful social-emotional tool for teachers and families. Inspired by the animals on Amy’s homestead in South Central Kansas, this heartwarming story teaches children the value of kindness, patience, and empathy in a fun and unexpected way. It reminds us that because we don’t always know someone’s past, they may act, look, or respond differently than we expect. Ways to connect with Amy (Founder of Beloved Books Publishing Co.)Website: www.belovedbookspublishingco.com 

Dr. Crystal Parker will discuss the benefits of screen-based media when it is used thoughtfully with young children. Drawing from her recent research on parental perceptions of screen-based media and its influence on preschoolers, she will share practical ways to transform passive screen time into an engaging, interactive experience. By co-viewing and actively participating in your child’s media consumption, you can enhance their learning, promote positive social interactions, and create opportunities for meaningful connections.If you would like a closed captioning version of this podcast, please contact [email protected].

Kathy Banks explains that biting in infants and toddlers, though challenging for families and caregivers, is often a natural part of development as young children explore and learn about their world. She will discuss the reasons behind this behavior and offer guidance on managing it while fostering prosocial development. This conversation will help providers navigate behavior policies with a deeper understanding of biting in early childhood.If you would like a closed captioning version of this podcast, please contact [email protected].

Kelly Pitzer will introduce the First Five Program, a free daily email offering practical ideas and activities to strengthen student relationships and build a positive class community. She will highlight its three core components—connect, care, and character—and explore features such as memes, questions, at-the-door greetings, quick connects, check-ins, mindfulness, positivity, quotes, and videos. Kelly will share her favorite aspects of the program and how she integrates them into her classroom.If you would like a closed captioning version of this podcast, please contact [email protected].

Dr. Lauren Loquasto notes, “To work with young children is to expect the unexpected, often big questions asked or statements made at the most unexpected time.”  In this podcast, Dr. Lauren will help parents and educators explore how to use this natural curiosity to authentically drive deeper learning in classroom settings and also a powerful bridge to build strong trusting relationships with young children. When children's questions are encouraged and met with meaningful learning opportunities, they develop a growth mindset and gain confidence in themselves as capable, curious, and trusted learners.If you would like a closed captioning version of this podcast, please contact [email protected].

Dr. Erman Türkili discusses the importance of early childhood music education and its role in shaping creativity, emotional intelligence, and a lifelong love of learning. Drawing insights from his book, First Steps of a Little Artist, he shares practical strategies for making music accessible to all children, including those with developmental challenges, and explores how music can become a vital tool for connection and self-expression.If you would like a closed captioning version of this podcast, please contact [email protected].

Debbie Wolski explains the practicality of using pancake flipping as the visual for flipping unwanted emotions! If you wait too long to flip any pancake, it will eventually burn. Keeping in mind that every pancake has two sides, opposite sides, we can flip that negative feeling to the opposite before it burns! This should be reinforced by the adult in the child’s life being a good example and flipping their negative feelings often and successfully.

In this podcast episode, Sara McBryde explores the significant role of games in early childhood education, discussing how they facilitate cognitive, social, and emotional development. The benefits of both structured and unstructured play in games help improve problem-solving skills and encourage cooperation and creativity. Games provide a supportive environment where children can experiment, make decisions, and learn from their mistakes. Join us as we dive into practical examples and insights on how games can be an essential tool for nurturing young learners.

Rob Sanders understands that a positive classroom environment is established before the first child arrives and goes beyond the physical space. (Of course, who doesn’t learn better in a classroom that is stimulating and enjoyable?) A positive classroom environment begins in the heart and mind of an educator. A teacher’s attitudes, perspectives, and actions shape the environment, fostering connections and encouraging meaningful interactions. From personal greetings to open discussions and a sense of safety, a positive atmosphere is built through intentional choices. This positivity is contagious. Students naturally mirror what they see. Fortunately, resources like books can support this effort, and Rob will introduce us to his book, We Are a Class, and share how classroom pledges can be integral to the classroom environment.If you would like a closed captioning version of this podcast, please contact [email protected].