Stories That Stick

Today, I'm joined by Beck Goodman who is an early childhood learning expert specializing in early literacy. Her company's mission is to end the preschool power struggles around learning by equipping grownups with the tools they need to use play-based approaches that foster connection, not conflict. We discuss joy and child interest as the cornerstone to supporting early literacy development. Highlights: Silliness as a Tool for Engagement: Beck emphasizes the power of silliness—whether it's making up ridiculous words with magnetic letters or engaging in playful language games. Children are naturally silly—let's embrace that playfulness. Using Children's Interests to Drive Learning: Both Beck and Laura discuss the importance of leaning into a child's interest and disinterest. Whether it's saying yes to a request for ketchup at mealtime or experimenting with different ways to engage a child during literacy activities, honoring what excites them can build trust and create more opportunities for learning. Letting Children Take the Lead: Learn how to avoid power struggles and encourage more collaborative problem-solving. Laura and Beck discuss how giving children a voice in problem-solving situations can help build autonomy and investment in the learning process. If you've ever wondered how to meet children where they are and embrace their interests and silliness, this episode is for you. Beck's strategies will help you navigate the delicate balance between structured learning and free play, ultimately creating an environment where children feel empowered to explore language and literacy on their terms. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Connect with Beck: Instagram: @growwithbeck Website: growwithbeck.com

Today, I'm joined by Jenn Zollinger from Play Before Pencils to talk about emergent writing and its deep connection to storytelling. As an early childhood educator and advocate for play-based learning, Jenn shares how she transitioned from a teacher-led, academic-focused preschool setting to a more child-led, developmentally responsive approach. We explore the magic that happens when children are given space to explore writing organically—through storytelling, play, and meaningful experiences. Highlights: What is Emergent Writing? Jenn explains how children naturally progress through stages of emergent writing, from scribbles to phonetic spelling, and why these early marks are crucial to literacy development. The Role of Play in Writing Development: Jenn and I discuss how open-ended materials and opportunities for storytelling supports children in seeing themselves as writers—long before they master letter formation. Oral Storytelling: Jenn shares how incorporating oral storytelling in her classroom led to incredible engagement, creativity, and a stronger connection to written language. If you're tired of how limiting traditional literacy instruction is with worksheets and scripted small groups, tune in and find out how to create an environment where writing feels meaningful and accessible to all children. If you've ever wondered how to nurture early writing skills without forcing them or want to explore the magic of storytelling in your classroom, this episode is for you! Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Connect with Jenni: Instagram: @play_before_pencils Website: playbeforepencils.com

Jean-Mari Dagarin, from The Early Childhood POV, joins me today to talk about a growing concern in early education: 'schoolification'—the push to bring formal academic practices into early childhood spaces. With over 30 years of experience as an early childhood advocate, administrator, college professor, and developmentally appropriate practice expert, Jean Marie has seen firsthand how these pressures impact young learners. Today, we're unpacking what schoolification means, why it's problematic, and, more importantly, how educators can combat it while staying true to developmentally appropriate practices. Highlights: Defining Schoolification: Jean Marie breaks down the concept of "schoolification" in early childhood, discussing how academic pressures are being pushed down to younger ages and why this is often developmentally inappropriate. Examples of Inappropriate Early Literacy Practices: Jean Marie shares specific examples of early literacy practices that do not align with developmentally appropriate principles, highlighting the need for a child-centered approach. Laura shares some that she did before she knew better Natural Literacy Development in Play-Based Learning: Jean Marie and Laura provide insights into how early literacy skills can unfold naturally through play, offering practical strategies for fostering language and literacy in a way that supports children's developmental stages. If you want to think deeper about early literacy, what's often done wrong, and how teachers can nurture children's natural literacy development through play, this episode is for you! So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's jump into this eye-opening conversation with Jean-Mari. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Learn more with the Play-Based Literacy Masterclass Connect with Jean-Mari: Instagram: @the.early.childhood.pov Website: earlychildhoodpov.com Learn more with DAP 101

In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Julia B. Lindsey, Ph.D., a leading expert in foundational literacy and the author of Reading Above the Fray: Research-based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills. With a wealth of experience as both an educator and researcher, Dr. Lindsey has made significant contributions to the field of literacy, including the creation of widely used knowledge-rich decodable texts. Together we simplify and break down all the different aspects of early literacy using research. Highlights: Explicit Reading Instruction: Hear some concrete reasons why some literacy skills have to be explicitly taught and the research that supports this. Learn simple ways to do this with young children in a play-based setting. Phonemic Awareness: Julia simply explains the difference between phonemic and phonological awareness and their role in developing early literacy skills. How It's All Connected: Laura and Julia discuss how reading and writing is deeply interconnected with language. They also share how joyful literacy learning can be for young children as they start to make sense of the code that they see all around them. If you're ready to start building in 5-7 minutes of explicit literacy instruction a day and aren't sure where to start, this episode is for you. Find out how and why you should be doing this and what the current research says. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Learn more with the Play-Based Literacy Masterclass Connect with Dr. Julia Lindsey: Instagram: @juliablindsey Website: www.juliablindsey.com Her book: Reading Above the Fray

Laura welcomes Dr. Jasmine Moses, an anti-bias early childhood educator dedicated to promoting anti-bias and anti-racist practices within early childhood education. Jasmine shares insights into how anti-bias education can help raise more aware, kind, and forgiving children. This chat covers the importance of addressing biases, involving the community in this collective effort, and using children's literature as a powerful tool to promote diversity, inclusivity, and critical thinking among young children. Highlights: Defining Anti-Bias Education: Laura and Jasmine discuss their shared understanding of this complex topic and the four aspects of this work. Incorporating Anti-Bias Education into ECE: Learn how anti-bias work seamlessly fits into early childhood education. Jasmine provides insights into the important work adults must do to engage in learning alongside children. Using Children's Literature: Laura and Jasmine share resources, favorite books, prompts to use, and questions to ask yourself (and children). If you're ready to start being proactive rather than reactive when addressing topics of culture, race, gender, and more, this episode will help. Jasmine shares practical tips on selecting diverse books and offers an extensive list of recommended reads for both children and adults engaging in anti-bias education. Additionally, you'll learn some places to start and how to start decentering yourself and centering this work. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Free Guidebook: Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Storytelling Connect with Jasmine: Instagram: @theantibiasece Website: The Anti-Bias ECE Free Guide: Now We're Talking Resources: Social Justice Books Guide for selecting children's books Book lists Some of the Books Mentioned: Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves by Louise Derman-Sparks Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate, Anti-Racist, Justice-Minded Kids in an Unjust World by Traci Baxley Raising Anti Racist Children: A practical guide by Britt Hawthorne First Conversations books Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder Big by Vashti Harrison

In this episode of “Stories That Stick,” Laura and Ms. Ashley chat about storytelling and how it supports children to learn about the world around them. Ashley is THE early childhood enthusiast and creator of Nguzo Babies. She's dedicated to exposing children to new cultures and languages through storytelling and puppetry. Together Laura and Ashley explore how storytelling can build connections and teach important social concepts to kids. Highlights: Continuous Learning: Ashley shares about the importance of cultural respect in language learning and how adults must shift their perspective on teaching. Authenticity: Laura and Ashley discuss why children need to be exposed to different cultures and how to do this with authentic resources and stories. Fostering Understanding: At the heart of all social studies is supporting others in celebrating diverse stories, background, and cultures. Through puppetry and character development, Ashley shares strategies to foster understanding and compassion with children. If you have been looking for ways to build more cultures and social studies into your early learning environment, this episode is just what you need! Tune in to this episode to learn about Nguzo Babies and the ideas behind how puppetry and cultural exploration helps children to connect with diverse backgrounds and languages. Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Free guidebook ‘Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Storytelling': Download here! Connect with Ashley: @NguzoBabies, Nguzo Babies YouTube Channel & Nguzobabies.com Learn more on teaching Social Studies with Young Children: Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves by Louise Derman-Sparks

In this episode of “Stories That Stick,” Laura and Nyetta chat about homeschooling with their children and how they understand the Science of Reading. Nyetta is the self-proclaimed Mom Playologist and founder of The Activity Playhouse. Nyetta shares about her journey as a stay-at-home mom and homeschooling parents that naturally learned the importance of play in children's development. Highlights: Different Journeys: Nyetta shares about how she became a stay-at-home mom that homeschools her three children. Laura and Nyetta reflect on what brought them to homeschool and draw parallels between their experiences. Play and Early Literacy: Laura and Nyetta discuss the importance of play in early childhood education and how fostering early literacy is critical for later reading success. Unpacking the Science of Reading: Laura and Nyetta know that although explicit instruction and following a scope and sequence is necessary, building background knowledge, vocabulary and comprehension is just as important. They both give examples from their lives of how these skills develop naturally through play. If you have been hearing about the Science of Reading, but you're not sure how it applies to you as an early childhood educator, tune in to this episode. Along with learning some practical ways to embrace literacy learning through child-led play, you may also be inspired to explore additional ways to support learning outside of the classroom. Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Free guide with 50 ideas to incorporate literacy into play: Download here! Connect with Nyetta: @TheActivityPlayhouse & website Check out Nyetta's podcast: Let Kids Play!

Tune in and listen as Laura shares part 2 to the story of Tea and Honey (listen to Tea & Honey: Part 1 first!)! She's fully invested in the family of robins that built a nest outside her kitchen window. Find out what happened after they built their nest. If you're ready to start telling stories of your own, but need a little nudge, you can grab some story cards here to help! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

In this episode, Laura welcomes Dr. Ben Mardell, a mentor who has profoundly influenced her understanding of storytelling and story acting. Dr. Mardell, the Atelierista and Pedagogista at the Newtown School, shares his extensive experience in early childhood education. Together they talk about the excitement and learning that storytelling brings to young children. Highlights: Power Dynamics: Laura and Ben discuss the importance of shifting the power dynamics when learning alongside children. Ben explains how empowering children enhances the overall power and capability of a classroom or family, rather than diminishing adult authority. Storytelling as Play: Laura and Ben met through their work with Storytelling and Storyacting. They chat about how storytelling is inherently playful, allowing children to express agency and creativity. Being a Storytelling: Ben shares a memorable storytelling experience from year ago, where he discovered the power of storytelling in engaging children. Laura and Ben discuss the importance of being present and engaged while telling stories. Storytelling is essential in early childhood education. You need to incorporate it into your daily rhythms. You can start small and embrace all the imperfections of storytelling, practice leads to improvement and deeper connections with children! If you're looking for some practical advice on embracing being a storyteller, or how to bring storytelling to life in your classroom, listen up! Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Learn more about Storytelling and Storyacting with this free handout Download a PDF of the book “A Pedagogy of Play: Supporting playful learning in classrooms and schools” by Ben Mardell, Jen Ryan, Mara Krechevsky, Megina Baker, Savhannah Schulz, and Yvonne Liu Constant

This story is for one of "Stories That Stick" biggest fans. Enjoy Manu, thanks for all your support. If you're ready to start telling stories of your own, but need a little nudge, you can grab some story prompts here to help! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, Laura is joined by Kisa Marks, founder of The Play Lab Foundation. Together, they explore how stories support humans through trauma. Kisa shares her commitment to addressing the needs of underserved children, offering them the opportunities they need to flourish. When Kisa first came across Laura's storytelling style, she realized she has always been a storyteller and began to fully embrace it. Highlights: Personal Stories of Growth and Support: Kisa gives a glimpse into her childhood and Laura discusses her current struggles as a mother. Both women share how trauma has impacted them and children in their lives. Understanding Trauma and Healing: Laura and Kisa share their understanding of trauma and describe it as unresolved experiences that can manifest physically and emotionally over time. They discuss the importance of addressing trauma and providing children with safe spaces to process their experiences. Healing and Connection Through Storytelling: Kisa and Laura highlight the power of storytelling in helping children understand and process challenging events. They share personal anecdotes about using stories to explain and cope with grief, such as the death of a pet. Have children experienced challenging things and you're not sure how to support them through? Have you ever wondered if you should talk about the pet that died or why you were crying at lunch? If so, this episode will give you just enough courage to embrace telling stories, or listening to stories from children, that capture uncomfortable experiences. Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Connect with Kisa Marx: iam_still_learning Podcast episode referenced: Unlocking Resilience With Fairy Tales and Storyacting: A journey with Dr. Stephanie Goloway Dr. Stephanie Goloway's book: Happily Ever Resilient

Imagine seahorses that live in the sky amongst the clouds and rainbows. There you'll find a family of seaunicorns. But one day, one of the seaunicorns wakes up to a problem. Her horn is gone! Tune in to find out what happened to it. If you're ready to start telling stories of your own, but need a little nudge, you can grab some story cards here to help! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Laura chats with Melysa Mei, of PreK Spot, to discuss the challenges and rewards of implementing play-based learning in public schools with box curricula. Melysa has administrative and family support to follow the children's lead in her NYC Pre-K classroom. With this she adapts her teaching to foster play and storytelling in her classroom. Highlights: Boxed Curricula: Laura and Melysa both have used Creative Curriculum. They share the pros and cons and ways they've adapted it to meet the needs of their play-based classrooms. “Justifying” Play-Based Teaching Methods: Laura and Melysa share about the importance of documenting to show learning that is taking place. By capturing small moments of play, you can help others see all that is unfolding while children engage in their own play. Fantasy Play: Melysa and Laura give examples of imaginative play that they recently saw unfold. In both instances, children were using materials unconventionally and instead of intervening, they allowed the play to unfold. Listen in to get insights into Melysa's experiences as a New York City public school Pre-K teacher and how play is a vital part of children's learning and development. If you're ready to take some small steps towards implementing play-based learning in an environment that has a mandated curriculum, this episode is for you! Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & littlestoriesthatstick.com Connect with Melysa Mei: @prek.spot & www.pre-kspot.com

Have you ever heard of an Ankylosaurus who's favorite food is letters of the alphabet? When you have children that are interested in letters and LOVE dinosaurs, why not mix the two into a simple, short story? Remember stories don't have to be elaborate, you can tell them in 1 or 2 minutes. If you're ready to start telling stories of your own, but need a little nudge, you can grab some story prompts here to help! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Laura chats with Jocelyn Manzanarez, founder of Circle Time Success and incredible singer. Through her Seattle based early childhood music education program and online resources, Jocelyn is bringing the fun back to teaching and learning with music and movement. Laura found Jocelyn a few years ago and has since been incorporating her music into her stories. Together they discuss the impactful blend of storytelling and music. Highlights: Benefits: Laura and Jocelyn discuss how incorporating music and stories in educational settings can engage children, foster creativity, and build foundational skills Practical Tips: They share practical tips for educators and caregivers on embracing their creative side, using music and stories to capture children's attention, and utilizing resources like books and instruments to make learning dynamic and inclusive. Personal Reflections: Laura and Jocelyn share about how they found storytelling and its role in their lives as they grew. This conversation emphasizes storytelling's power in creating lasting memories and inspiring imaginative thinking. Tune in to hear a rundown of the importance of storytelling and music in education and ways to blend them together. Grab some insights and encouragement to incorporate these elements into your teaching or caregiving practices. Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Connect with Jocelyn Manzanarez: @Circle_Time_Success_Kids & circletimesuccess.com; musicallyminded.net Books referenced: Three Singing Pigs: Traditional stories Once Upon a Time: Using Storytelling, Creative Drama, and Reader's Theater with Children in Grades Prek-6 by Judy Freeman We Are The Dinosaurs! by Laurie Berkner Dinosaurumpus! by Tony Mitten One Duck Stuck: A mucky ducky counting book by Phyllis Root

Tune in and listen as Laura shares a story from her life that's happening right now! She's following the journey of a family of robins from outside her kitchen window. Find out what happened when they tried to build their nest. If you're ready to start telling stories of your own, but need a little nudge, you can grab some story cards here to help! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick https://www.instagram.com/little.stories.that.stick/ Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Laura invites Melissa McCall of Moving Little Minds to chat about early literacy, play, and explicit instruction. Both Laura and Melissa have experience in preschool classrooms where there are curricula that must be implemented to explicitly teach early literacy skills like phonological awareness. Together they discuss how to embrace a play-based approach, while also recognizing that some skills have to be directly taught by adults. Highlights: Components of Early Literacy: Melissa discusses the six components of early literacy and shares about which are really important to be taught explicitly. Multi-sensory Activities: Laura and Melissa give some ideas on ways to incorporate explicit instruction into playful activities. They share about how there is a polarizing idea that someone cannot be play based and also have teacher led learning. Resources: Laura shares about some of Melissa's resources that she's found helpful with her own children. Melissa explains her “100 Days of Literacy” calendar and how just 5 minutes a day can make a difference! If you find yourself wondering what teaching literacy to young children looks and sounds like, this episode is a great place to start! Want to know more and how to embrace being play-based and following the science of reading? Follow them both for lots more on this topic. Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & littlestoriesthatstick.com Get on a waitlist for the Play-Based Literacy Masterclass: here Connect with Melissa:@movinglittleminds & www.movinglittleminds.com

Tune in to hear Laura tell a story that she has a familiar character and storyline. She tells this story regularly but changes parts of it along the way. The elf and it's problem is always the same, but how the elf breaks the magic spell can chance each time. If you're ready to start telling stories of your own, but need a little nudge, you can grab some story prompts here to help! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Laura chats with her pal and co-facilitator of The Nature and Play Based Consortium, Ade Hofmann. Ade is the founder of Nature Play All Day and she left over a decade of traditional teaching experience behind when she traded fluorescent lights for sunshine. Her philosophy for early childhood education is that living is learning and that play is an essential right to for all! Together Laura and Ade talk about two things they love, stories and outdoor play. They also explore adult control and how this presents barriers for free play. Highlights: Co-Create Materials Together: Ade shares about how she creates some storytelling materials alongside children rather than providing them for them. Play Barriers: Laura and Ade discuss how they are recovering perfectionists and their inner dialogue can become a play barrier that can stunt our creativity. Rewriting: Listen in as Ade shares some ways to get out of your own way and rewrite the narrative to truly share space with children. Learn how play barriers can inhibit our ability to be present with children or listen to their stories. Find out some ways to let go of control and embrace creative storytelling! Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Connect with Ade: @natureplayallday & follow her podcast The Outside the Box Grab Ade's freebie: Play matters more, Kindergarten Readiness is a Myth

Tune in to hear Laura tell a story inspired by the time she witnessed a female leather backed sea turtle laying eggs in Tortugera, a village on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. This story is a great way to incorporate new vocabulary and initiate conversations about the behaviors and habits of animals. If you're ready to start telling stories of your own, but need a little nudge, you can grab some story prompts here to help! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Laura chats with her life-long mentor, Marina Boni, a fierce storytelling advocate and program director in the Early Childhood Department in Boston Public Schools. Through their work with Boston Public Schools, Laura and Marina had the joy and privilege to learn and work with Vivian Paley. Together, they share the importance of adults telling stories to young children and encourage listeners to try it out. Highlights: The Origins of Boston Listens: Laura and Marina tell about the birth of Boston Listens, a project aimed at amplifying children's voices through storytelling and storyacting. Learn how this can be replicated in programs and districts. The Simplicity of Storytelling: Shift your mindset on being a storyteller. Learn from Laura and Marina how simple and accessible telling stories can be as they share personal stories. Embracing and Adapting Stories: As a community of storytellers is created, the benefits for student relationships and social-emotional development becomes clear. Laura and Marina discuss the challenges and successes of implementing storytelling and storyacting along with tips to engage diverse learners. Tune in for some motivation and inspiration to start telling more stories today. Marina encourages all educators to embrace storytelling as a means of empowering students and fostering a culture of creativity and connection in the classroom. If you ever wondered about how to get started with telling stories to young children, this episode is a must listen! Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Podcast episode: Become a Storytelling Pro: 3 tips for telling spontaneous stories Connect with Marina Boni & the work of the ECD in Boston:Boston Listens Resources Additional links referenced: Storytelling/Storyacting Progression Ben Cunningham - storyteller

Tune in to hear Laura tell a story that incorporates a repeating refrain. Change the grizzly monster to any character easily! Children love chiming in with the refrain and may start to incorporate it into their play. If you're ready to start telling stories of your own, but need a little nudge, you can grab some story prompts here to help! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

In the second guest interview of season 2 of "Stories That Stick," Laura engages in a conversation with Stacy Benge, an early childhood speaker and author, who believes in the power of simple, authentic experiences for children's learning. Both Stacy and Laura advocate for child-led play as a cornerstone for solid foundational development in children. They explore the fascinating concept of how children naturally develop literacy skills, even in the absence of traditional literacy materials like books, letters, and adult-led activities. Highlights: Developing the Whole Child: Laura and Stacy share personal insights into the impact of child-led play on nurturing foundational skills crucial for literacy development. You'll hear anecdotes and experiences that illustrate how child-led play fosters holistic growth, setting the stage for literacy success. Child-Led Exploration: Laura and Stacy discuss the intuitive nature of children as they navigate their developmental journey, guided by their innate curiosity and exploration. They discuss the importance of shifting perspectives to recognize and value children's autonomous learning processes. Balance: Laura brings up the delicate balance educators must strike between facilitating child-led exploration and providing explicit instruction to support literacy development. Stacy provides insights into her book "The Whole Child Alphabet: How Children Actually Develop Literacy," addressing the essential need for this balance in early childhood education. As Stacy aptly points out, observing children engaging in seemingly unrelated play activities, such as hanging upside down on monkey bars, can offer valuable insights into how play experiences naturally support literacy development. It's time to trust in the inherent value of play and its significant impact on children's literacy journeys. Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Sign up for a free training on March 11th, 2024: 5 Strategies for Literacy Observation in Child-Led Play Connect with Stacy Benge: @stacybengems & website Get her book: The Whole Child Alphabet: How Children Actually Develop Literacy

Tune in to hear Laura tell one of her go to stories about a walking, talking banana. This story lends itself to being told and retold with different characters and outcomes each time. Children love to recreate this story in their play or as they tell their own versions. Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

In this season 2 opener of “Stories That Stick,” Laura engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. Stephanie Goloway, a lifelong explorer of child development through the lens of storytelling and imagination. Dr. Goloway's extensive experiences traverse decades of research and practice, unveiling the profound impact of fairy tales on resilience in children. Together, Laura and Stephanie reminisce about using Vivian Paley's Storytelling and Storyacting approach and encourage listeners to try it out. Highlights: The Power of Fairy Tales: Listen in as Stephanie shares why these classic stories, with their clear-cut moral conflicts and triumphant resolutions, resonate deeply with young minds. Storytelling as Risky Play: Gain a new perspective on storytelling as a form of mental risky play. Stephanie encourages adults to expose children to tales of challenge and triumph as this mirrors the neural responses of real-life experiences. Building Community Through Storytelling: Laura and Stephanie share anecdotes from their own experiences in the classroom, illustrating how storytelling cultivates community, empathy, and shared narratives among learners. Join us on a journey into the enchanting realm of storytelling and resilience. If you support risky play by allowing children to climb up the slide, it's also time to support mental risky play by giving children the opportunity to explore how to overcome challenges in stories. Listen in and then go tell a child a fairy tale today! Connect with Laura on Instagram @little.stories.that.stick & her website Grab a free resource to get started with Storytelling and Storyacting: Get Started Connect with Dr. Stephanie Goloway on Instagram @DrGlitterway & her website Purchase Dr. Stephanie Goloway's book: Happily Ever Resilient Download a PDF of the book “A Pedagogy of Play: Supporting playful learning in classrooms and schools” by Ben Mardell, Jen Ryan, Mara Krechevsky, Megina Baker, Savhannah Schulz, and Yvonne Liu Constant

In this episode, Laura shares easy, actionable tips to transport the joy of storytelling into the great outdoors. She shares engaging ideas for co-creating stories and props with children while fostering a deeper connection with nature Highlights: Explore diverse narratives through different versions of “We're Going On a Bear Hunt”. Witness author Michael Rosen perform his classic children's book for added inspiration. Engage children in crafting storytelling stones together, promoting interactive storytelling experiences. Learn the art of narrating nature stories as they unfold around you, letting the environment inspire your tales. Discover the enchantment of bringing felt pieces outside to enhance storytelling activities. Embrace the warmth of community by gathering around a fire (or heat source) for shared storytelling moments. Don't miss this inspiring episode! Try these outdoor storytelling ideas right away and share your favorite. Tag Laura on Instagram or leave a comment! Get your free PDF guide with outdoor storytelling tips and book recommendations here! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Tune in to hear Laura tell her version of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff." This story is a favorite to act out while playing outside. Children loved to be chased by the troll and defeat the troll at the end! Before you listen, you can grab the story and visuals in a simple downloadable PDF here so you can incorporate some props for you or the children. Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Are you familiar with the star cluster Pleiades? In this episode of "Stories That Stick," Laura dives into diverse narratives that explain this natural phenomena across various cultures from Japanese, Maasai, Aboriginal, Cherokee, and Greek folklore. Laura highlights the significance of learning these diverse narratives and challenges listeners to explore these stories further. She encourages listeners to share these narratives with children to enhance their understanding of different cultures and oral traditions. 5 Reasons to Explore Star Stories: Cultural Connection: These narratives provide insight into cultural values and societal perspectives. Critical Thinking: Encourages children to think critically and challenge dominant narratives. Plurality of Perspectives: Acknowledges multiple perspectives, empowering children to appreciate diverse viewpoints. Identity and Belonging: Preserves cultural heritage, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. Engagement and Wonderment: Inspires wonderment and curiosity about the cosmos, connecting people to something greater. Don't miss this captivating episode that delves into the universal appeal of star stories and the importance of diverse narratives across cultures. Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Ready to authentically document and honor children's stories? In this episode of "Stories That Stick," Laura will begin to share about one of the components of Vivian Paley's groundbreaking teaching approach: Storytelling and Storyacting. She will break down what it means to scribe a child's story and give you 5 convincing reasons why you should be asking children to tell you a story. 1. Imagination Stimulation 2. Language Development 3. Bond Strengthening 4. Honoring Cultural Identity 5. Emotional Expression This episode offers practical insights into scribing children's stories, highlighting its significant impact on children's development. Be sure to listen in and grab a notebook. Get the free download on How To Get Started. Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Tune in to hear a story about a mouse that is just a bit too loud. "Loud Mouth" is a great story to learn and make your own. Children will naturally want to chime in with the parts that repeat. Add a mouse finger puppet and you have a great story in your back pocket that can be told in 3-10 minutes! Watch me tell it on YouTube too! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Tune in to hear Laura tell a modified version of a story she's been telling for years. "Cody's Star" lends itself to repetition, drama, and visuals. Before you listen, be sure you have an apple and a knife close by because children are going to want you to cut one open! This multi-sensory story is for everyone. You can grab the story and visuals in a simple downloadable PDF here so you tell it yourself! You can watch on YouTube too to see the visuals in action! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Are you ready to become a storytelling pro? In Episode 3 of "Stories That Stick," Laura will give you the motivation you need to become a more confident and engaging storyteller, especially when it comes to children. Your host, Laura, will shares her secrets and tips for crafting captivating stories, and you won't want to miss it. Key Takeaways: You're Already a Storyteller: Discover why you're already a storyteller in your daily life, even if you don't realize it. Storytelling is an inherent skill in all of us, and this episode helps you unlock it. It's About Connection: Learn the powerful truth that the content of your stories isn't the primary focus. It's all about the connection you make with your young audience. Three Game-Changing Tips: Laura introduces three practical tips to help you level up your storytelling game. These tips are suitable for both prepared stories and on-the-spot creations, making them versatile for any situation. 1. Start with a Hook: Learn a bit about grabbing your audience's attention with a strong beginning. 2. Relatable Characters: Discover the secrets of creating characters that kids can connect with. 3. Clear Story Structure: Learn the "Somebody wanted something, but then" structure, a roadmap for your stories that keeps kids engaged. Listen until the end to hear Laura make up a story on the spot using these techniques. Sign up for the newsletter here and get the story starters in your welcome email! The Story Chest Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Tune in to hear a classic retelling of "Cheese and Crackers." This story is a perfect one to learn and make your own. Children will naturally want to chime in with the parts that repeat and love to act it out too. Watch me tell it on YouTube too! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

In this first episode, learn about the importance of storytelling in early childhood development and why you should be telling them! You'll also hear some stories about the host, Laura, and what has brought her to this work. Plus, get a sneak peek at what's coming up in future 'Stories That Stick' episodes. Don't miss the chance to grab your free guidebook on telling culturally responsive and inclusive stories. Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Get a sneak peek at the upcoming podcast "Stories That Stick."