The Magic of Littles with Renee Pena Lopez

Today's episode is with Kayla Souza, an early childhood educator of almost 20 years. This last year, she made the transition out of the regular preschool classroom setting and opened a play-based home preschool. The past few years, she has been on a journey to learn more about play-based learning and the benefits it has for children, especially in the early years. Her motivation for doing this was her own child, who is now 3.5 and a student in her preschool program. Her child was a micro-preemie and had some significant health challenges in her first months that resulted in a 3.5 month NICU stay. Since coming home, they have worked closely with the early intervention team to support her child with her ongoing development. Kayla believes that play-based learning is one of the best ways that we can help children continue to grow and develop, as well as meet their goals in intervention. We talk about the importance of play in early childhood and that parents are trying to not play with their children - they're just busy! If you want to learn more about play-based learning, then this is a great episode for you!Full episode: Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

After the past 18+ months we've had, I feel myself asking the question “is it just me?” The Littles coming into the classroom seem to be at a different maturity level.  The transition hasn't been easy for our Littles or us as teachers. So what is fair right now?In this episode I talk to you about how to make time and space in your routine to understand where our Littles are at emotionally so we can break down our bigger goals to create smaller, more palatable change!Shownotes: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-032Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Welcome back to Season 3 of the Magic of Littles Podcast! Today's episode is with Dana Rosenbloom of Dana's Kids! Dana is a child and parent educator and I know you'll love the nuggets she drops in this interview.There's lots of question marks going into another school year with Covid and a confusing time for children, parents and teachers. We talk about what Dana does, the benefits of working closely with parents, how to advocate, conflict resolution and some of our favorite resources.Shownotes: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-031Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Welcome back to Season 3 of the Magic of Littles Podcast starting on Wednesday, October 20, 2021! Look out for episodes on Wednesdays about supporting parents, supporting the needs of Littles during the pandemic plus a few solo episodes with helpful how-tos and reflections!Show notes for the podcasts can be found here: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/blogSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

In this episode, I share insights into frustration tolerance and some helpful tips to recognize and help a frustrated child. Learn about these new tips and tricks with me today such as frustration logging, supportive play, and body mapping.I also invite you to a workshop given on July 6th-8th 2021:  Get Rooted in Play: Three easy takeaways to unpack supportive playSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Today's episode is the last episode of Season 2! I talked with Sally Haughey, the Founder and CEO of Fairy Dust Teaching. We talked about how children need to be lifted and celebrated instead of shamed and compared. We also talk about the importance of children having the right to play and we don't need to take them out of that! I'm so excited to talk more about her Free to Play Summit that is happening on July 12-16 online. There's so many great nuggets during this interview with Sally and I can't wait for you to listen in.www.themagicoflittles.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Today I'm talking to you about prepping for the next school year as we're told things might get back to normal. We talk about social-emotional learning, how to get organized for next year and a few book recommendations you can add to your summer reading list!https://www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-028Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

In this episode I'm reflecting on this past school year and how I've grown, you've grown and our children have grown in new ways. Let's commend ourselves on the new skills we've all learned and how we've gotten through this school year. Celebrate those wins!www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-027Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Today's podcast is with music teacher, JoEllyn Sumner. JoEllyn has formed choirs, world music drumming ensembles, percussion ensembles, and after-school parent-child music classes, so that her students and their families have countless positive musical experiences.During this episode, we learn about how to create a tuneful home whether for your own family or as a Teacher of Littles.www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-026Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Today's podcast is just me talking about the pandemic, boundaries and reflecting on the past school year in reflection of Teacher Appreciation Day. Teachers believe we should be (or are expected to be) super heroes, but taking the time to reflect, set boundaries and make sure you're taking care of yourself is SO important for teachers all year round. https://www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-025Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Today I have Katie Crosby back on the show - we talked about big emotions back on Episode 9! Katie is an OT who specializes in relational healing and development through daily interaction. Her training is in play therapy, trauma-informed methods, sensory processing, DIRFloortime, and integrative listening therapies.www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-024Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Today's episode is with Sarah Carlisle Stewart! Sarah helps caregivers overcome codependency fueled burn out with authentically aligned, self-worth rooted boundaries. Sarah helps people in her one-on-one work as well as group coaching over at The Modern Nanny. She's been doing the Sustainable Sisterhood Series on Instagram to honor the individual aspects of caregiving, so make sure to check that out!Sarah and I talked about the importance of not skipping over taking care of ourselves and neglecting self care doesn't help us be the best caregivers we can be. We talk about boundaries, self care and why we as caregivers should always feel worthy of those things.www.themagicoflittles.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Today's episode is with Casey O'Brien Martin, LMHC, REAT, RN is the author of “Skills for Big Feelings: A Guide for Teaching Kids Relaxation, Regulation, and Coping Techniques.” Casey and I talked about her love of working at schools helping kids with their social emotional learning as a School Adjustment Counselor and how she works with kids early on with these skills. I can't wait for you all to listen in to learn more about Social Emotional Learning (SEL) today! www.themagicoflittles.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Today's podcast is with speech therapist, Jeannette Washington, M.Ed., who I met four years ago on Instagram! Jeannette Washington has worked as a speech and language pathologist, software engineer and educator. She empowers those with special abilities to pursue employment in the tech industry. Jeannette's love for technology is documented in her book “Technical Difficulties: Why Dyslexic Narratives Matter in Tech.” Currently she works within the intersection of technology, accessibility and social justice.Jeanette and I have a conversation about milestones in speech for your child and how to help your child through that process. We talk about comparison, intuition with your child's speech needs and Jeanette's expertise with speech therapy. I also talked a bit about my own personal story and my child's story with speech development. Jeanette even gives us her recommendations for strategies to help your child understand enunciating and articulating words.www.themagicoflittles.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Today's podcast is a solo episode where I am talking all about those confusing acronyms that feel like a foreign language! I chat with you about some of the most common acronyms and what they mean, carryover and preparing for meetings to advocate for the child in need. Plus, I'm offering you a freebie that will help you out so much! Get the “IEP Team Meeting Form” freebie here - I know it will be helpful!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

This week's podcast episode is a different type of interview. I usually interview teachers, service providers, and the like. This time around, I interviewed an administrator, Chantal Cox, because all voices need to be heard at this table. Chantal has been working in a special education cooperative for the past 13 years and is helping the new future of the co-op come to life.www.themagicoflittles.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

The Magic of Littles Podcast is coming back on Feb 3rd, 2021! I am super excited to talk about on how to support your Exceptionally Little under your roof, be it the classroom or homeschooling. This season we deep dive and take apart of the acronyms in Special Education, real talk about emotional support through these usually times, and finally real tips to learn how to unpack IEP goals through both guided play and guided reading together we reinvent invention .Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

It's time for back-to-school! This week I discuss how to get back into the flow and reconnect, balancing the needs of your Littles and their families with your own self-care needs. I am also dropping a secret freebie so brew yourself a cup of tea and listen in! To subscribe to the Back to School Bootcamp, do so here: https://www.subscribepage.com/magicoflittlesback2school2020Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

This week I welcomed Rachel Freeman onto the podcast and we did a deep dive on trauma and how to inform our practices with that in mind. This is something we are going through collectively, so I just knew we needed to take the time to really address how this affects our classrooms (both virtual and in-person), and to give you all some great tips and strategies to work into your prep!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

This week's episode is all about DYSLEXIA. I sat down to chat with Erica Piana, M.Ed., AMBDA, who is an educator and founder of Voices of Dyslexia. We got down to the nitty-gritty so we could give YOU the tools you need to better support and understand your Littles with learning disabilities.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

It's time to get down and dirty! This week I sat down to chat about nature school with Natasha Grogan. We discuss how and why we should all be incorporating nature play into our homes and classrooms, whether you live out in the country or right in the middle of a major city, why a play prescription might be just what the teacher ordered, and how to balance out the ever-growing presence of screens in the lives of our Littles. Grab your tea and get ready for your next nature adventure with us!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

How do movements like BLM relate to our classroom experience, and how do we broach these sensitive and uncomfortable topics with our Littles as they inevitably come up in play? Join me as I discuss how to dig deeper and work within these Big Topics without fearSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

This week I'm reflecting on what the end of the year means when it doesn't get to end on our terms, and I share some tips on how to deal with day-to-day struggles and how to get through when things are looking tough for both teachers and parents alike because remember we are in the same storm together. Brew up a cup of tea and put in those earbuds; let's close out this year together!Invitation to Can I Play Too? Collective, can be found in the FB group: The Magic of Littles Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMagicofLittlesClub/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

This week I have Sandra E. Clifton, M.Ed on the show and we discuss highly sensitive children, and how to understand and support them in and out of the classroom. So brew up that tea and listen in to learn how to “play detective” and help Littles decipher their own inner language so they can start thriving!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Ruth Rau says that ‘children see magic because they look for it' -- and open-ended toys can help them find that magic! We sat down and discussed how and why to bring open-ended play into the classroom to bring out the JOY and IMAGINATION in your Littles!Shownotes: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/post/episode-11-the-joys-of-open-ended-play-with-ruth-rauFree FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMagicofLittlesClub/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

I got a confession: I am still trying to find my footing with remote learning, but I've learned to lean into my strengths and start at the foundation, with love and presence — it all stems from here!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Emotions are *not* bad behavior, but they can still present a real challenge in the classroom! This week I chatted with occupational therapist Katie Crosby about BIG EMOTIONS, and some of the best tips and tricks to guide our Littles through, so we can all feel calmer, happier, and more connected.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

We teachers of littles have had an enormous shift in gears recently. Brew up some tea and join us this week as we chat about saying goodbye to littles we may not see again, how to support families through common new challenges, practical solutions for meltdowns, and learning to embrace imperfection along the way!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

We could all use a little help sometimes. I sat down this week to discuss strategies for dealing with challenging behaviors and to glean some wisdom from Barb O'Neil Ed.D, the expert behind www.transformchallengingbehaviors.com. So brew yourself some tea, get comfy, and listen in!Register for the Transform Challenging Behaviors Conference! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

Times are WEIRD, guys. Join me as I discuss how to be a teacher of littles from OUTSIDE the classroom, and how to offer support and resources to the families in your care while figuring out how to cope with these unexpected changes yourselves. So grab yourself a cup of tea and listen in -- we've got you covered!Get your Parent Support Document here:https://www.subscribepage.com/parentsupportdocSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

On today's show, Kimberly talks about teacher wellness from the point of view of Hygge. She speaks about the importance of self-care and how to use the tools both in and outside the classroom.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

I hear this all the time from Early Childhood Teachers, "I am not a special education teacher. What the deal with this IEP goal?" In this episode, I share an unusual point of view on how to understand an IEP is using it as related to baking and hope that we tackle this idea of IEP's in this Q and A.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

On The Heart of Play Show is Robyn Papworth of Play.Move.Improve a child Developmental Educator, Exercise Physiologist, and mum of 3 little ones and a promoter of children's learning, development, and health.I loved our conversation because we dive into one of my favorite subjects about the young brain and the importance of movement and what to look for when movement is stopping play. And one of my favorite tips is about learning styles and going beyond just knowing your Littles in our chat. I hope you enjoy our conversation. You can follow shownotes at www.madeforyoulearning.com/blogSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

I chat with my dear friend Adelyn and she interviews me even deeper into the why I created the podcast, what education means to me as a teacher and mom. You get tips and stories on how education has shaped our lives as teachers and spoiler alert we even hit at the need to break class and economic barriers as solutions to make learning work for ever learners. If you are into deep thoughts and laughter around the power of early childhood experiences and how they shape how you teach. Take a Listen! And then share a review!!!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)

On this episode, I share with you why I started this show: The Heart of Play Show! Why I use the term Teacher's of Littles and why you should pick up the battle cry if you are one.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magicoflittles)