The Speckled Bees: A Celebration of Childhood

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!Support the show

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 ourselvesJoin 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.Referenceshttps://www.the100dayproject.org/https://designobserver.com/feature/five-years-of-100-days/24678https://ceecs.education.ufl.edu/atoz/3rs/#:~:text=Some%20children%20might%20need%20more,of%20everyday%20routines%20and%20activities.https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/family-home-consumer/10-tips-for-successful-family-meetings/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-routineshttps://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/family-life/routines-rituals-relationships/family-routineshttps://www.ahaparenting.com/read/structure-routinesSupport the show

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!We end with a conversation about supporting repetition though routines, free play, learning extensions, multi-sensory instruction, self-reflection, and PATIENCE!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.pdfhttps://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/early-years/activities-and-resources/resources-parents/read-and-count/the-power-of-repetitionhttps://360behavioralhealth.com/how-to-know-when-a-childs-repetitive-behaviors-are-a-problem/Support the show

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 damageJoin us as we discuss the various levels of sun damage and the skin cancer risks involved, the best ways to avoid a sunburn, and the tools to do so Is your sunscreen covering all the bases? Do you know the difference between a mineral and chemical sunscreen? Is your sun protection broad spectrum? Are you using hats and long sleeves while outside? What sunscreens are best ranked across the board of pediatrics? Join our conversation and discover tips and tricks to best protect your children this summer while having fun in the sun! Referenceshttps://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sun-safety.htmlhttps://www.kansashealthsystem.com/news-room/blog/2021/05/children-and-too-much-sunhttps://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20approximately,with%20skin%20cancer%20every%20day.&text=Research%20estimates%20that%20nonmelanoma%20skin,3%20million%20Americans%20a%20year.https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/sun-and-your-medicine#:~:text=Some%20medicines%20contain%20ingredients%20that,or%20other%20unwanted%20side%20effects.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/5240-sun-damage-protecting-yourselfhttps://www.thehealthy.com/skin-health/sun/what-to-look-for-in-sunscreen/https://healthfully.com/1001411-songs-kids-sun-safety.htmlhttps://www.thehealthy.com/skin-health/sun/sunscreen-mistakes/https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-sunscreen-for-kids-4684705Support the show

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. She teaches us all about the benefits of caring for plants including teaching children gratitude, boosting the immune system and building tolerances to allergens, releasing serotonin and helping to stabilize mood, increasing focus, encouraging picky eaters to try new foods, establishing healthy nutritional habits, and exercising in a moderate and sustainable form. She also gives really practical ideas on how to involve children in plant care and gardening. Rachel also gives us some examples of great plants to bring to your indoor environments especially if you are new to this plant business. Rachel also gives some advice to moms about not allowing yourself to feel guilty. "Be happy with what you can accomplish, …teach your kids to love the things you love and I think it will pass on to them, and…they will grow to see the things you love and grow into that as well." Please go check her out at one of her several platforms! https://tenneyplants.com/https://www.instagram.com/tenneyplants/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNl82BnC262JNxVmaktTYAAReferences and Resources:School Gardens Enhance Academic Performance and Dietary Outcomes in Children - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/josh.12278The Effect of a School Gardening Program on the Science Achievment of Elementary Students - https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/15/3/article-p448.xmlGrowing Environmental Stewards: The Overall Effect of a School Gardening Program on Environmental Attitudes and Environmental Locus of Control of Different Demographic Groups of Elementary School Children - https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/18/2/article-p243.xmlIngestion of Mycobacterium vaccae decreases anxiety-related behavior and improves learning in mice - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635713000296Soil and Human Health: Current Status and Future Needs - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1178622120934441Support the show

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.orgThe Road to ResilienceSAMHSA.govhttps://www.apa.org/topics/journalism-facts/talking-childrenhttps://childmind.org/article/helping-children-deal-grief/https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/death.htmlhttps://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/supporting-child-through-grief-and-lossSupport the show

 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 weatherDid you know that over 90% of clothing today is dyed synthetically? This means two things when it comes to The importance of discussing dye with your children. First, it really does touch their lives constantly, because the clothing they wear has been dyed in someway. This creates a fascinating conversation with your children, in regards to color and the identity of the clothing we wear. Join our conversation on why we dye clothing, the best way to do so, and how to get your child excited about natural dye techniques this summerReferences https://acecleanuk.co.uk/the-history-of-fabric-dye/#:~:text=The%20first%20recorded%20mention%20of,of%20clothing%20is%20dyed%20synthetically.https://blog.patra.com/2016/09/07/to-dye-for-a-history-of-natural-and-synthetic-dyes/https://theartling.com/en/artzine/what-are-cyanotypes-brilliant-blue-print/https://www.compostandcava.com/home/reasons-natural-dye-failedhttps://ourgoodbrands.com/guide-natural-fabric-dyes-alchemy-textile-artists/https://www.diynatural.com/natural-fabric-dyes/https://dyekween.com/pages/about-adb-botanical-colorSupport the show

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!In this introductory episode, we introduce ourselves and offer our credentials, discuss the reasons that we are starting a podcast, shout out our biggest supporters, and tell you where you can find us!Buzzsprout signup link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1783088https://thespeckledbees.buzzsprout.com/https://www.instagram.com/thespeckledbees/https://m.facebook.com/thespeckledbeespodcasthttps://www.tiktok.com/@thespeckledbees"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show

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! We start with a list about why you should  let and even ENCOURAGE children to play with bugs and insects. Children learn scientific principles, practice environmental stewardship, develop compassion, and work on preliteracy skills. We talk about a few activities for varying levels of comfort and then we provide some tips for adults (especially those who are a little squeamish about these things, haha!)Books:The Disgusting Critters Serieshttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/DCR/disgusting-crittersThe Honeybee Hardcover – by Kirsten Hall  (Author), Isabelle Arsenault References and Resources:https://spelloutloud.com/observing-worms-with-preschoolers.html (worm observation tank)https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/spider-science/https://purposefulmommy.com/let-kids-play-with-bugs/#:~:text=When%20you%20let%20your%20kids%20play%20with%20bugs%2C%20they%20learn,us%20from%20having%20too%20many!https://www.perfectbee.com/learn-about-bees/the-science-of-bees/science-bees-overviewSupport the show

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. Join us as we discuss-activities to better engage your child in natural appreciations-natural wonders that best pique artistic interests-artists that marry nature in their pieces-how to create natural dyes and brushes-hands on activities that you can try at homeHow do you best combine art and nature when educating your child ?Join the conversation!References https://www.diynatural.com/homemade-paint-for-kids/https://theartofeducation.edu/2019/03/27/10-amazing-artists-to-inspire-nature-related-art-projects/https://artfulparent.com/nature-art-for-kids/https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/natural-wonder-bucket-list/index.htmlhttp://www.learnplayimagine.com/2014/03/mud-paint-recipe.htm lSupport the show

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!We talk about the benefits of children being barefoot, especially outside. Barefoot walking helps with building body awareness, preventing injuries, promoting proper development of foot structure and gross motor skills, encouraging healthy emotional regulation and mindfulness, grounding/earthing, and having fun!It also helps build those valuable risk assessment skills! We talk about how to implement all of this safely in your homes and classrooms and how to get others on board! Are you a barefoot believer??References and Resources:Affiliate Link for Xeroshoeshttps://xeroshoes.com/go/JonritterVivobarefootMerrellTen LittleSupport the show

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. Join us as we discuss the steps towards a happy integration of child and pet, considering ideas such as building safe spaces for either party, and encouraging respect above all else! Have you recently added a pet to your family, or are you considering doing so? Have you had learning experiences introducing your child to other peoples animals? Leave your comments below or in our socials accounts! ReferencesHow to Introduce a New Pet to Kids - Paws en route21 Fun Tips to Help Teach Kids to Respect Animals Today | Shield My PetPet exposure may reduce allergy and obesity: Research shows having a dog early in life may alter gut bacteria in immune-boosting ways -- ScienceDailySupport the show

 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?If any of these questions apply to or intrigue you, we encourage you to delve into this weeks episode, discussing the ins and outs of pets  in a child's life. We open by discussing our personal history with pets and animals, and hope that you the readers can relate and share your own experiences. From there, we dive into the intricate and lengthy benefits behind pet ownership- whether its a furry,  scaley, or feathered friend! Due to the in depth nature of this weeks topic, we have broken the subject into two episodes! Stay tuned for next weeks follow up conversation ReferencesHaving a dog can help your heart — literally - Harvard HealthHow to Introduce Your Pet to Your New Baby | Rescue Animals (iloverescueanimals.org)https://topdogtips.com/growing-dog-reduce-childs-risk-developing-asthma/https://www.livescience.com/8633-kids-dogs-active.htmlhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170406143845.htmhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/04/14/want-to-raise-empathetic-kids-get-them-a-dog/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/02/us/health-pet-owners-go-to-the-doctor-less.htmlhttp://www.center4research.org/benefits-pets-human-health/https://www.lifegate.com/people/lifestyle/pets-improve-child-developmenthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2018/04/11/a-new-study-shows-what-many-of-us-already-think-pet-dogs-are-good-for-kids/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780080422848https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/add-adhd/faqs-about-pets-for-kids-with-adhdhttps://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/03/30/children-reveal-close-relationship-with-pets-than-siblings.aspxhttps://www.mnn.com/family/pets/blogs/kids-who-grow-up-with-dogs-and-cats-are-more-emotionally-intelligent-and'http://theweek.com/articles/481325/dogs-reduce-bullying-schoolshttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/201501/3-things-being-cat-person-or-dog-person-reveals-about-youhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animals-and-us/201707/why-kids-pets-are-betterhttps://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-parents/articles/2017-03-17/could-a-pet-improve-your-teens-well-beinghttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4348044/https://topdogtips.com/why-kids-need-a-dog/https://topdogtips.com/adopting-dog-have-kids/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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.pdfhttps://web.cortland.edu/andersmd/learning/mi%20table.htm#:~:text=Existential%20Intelligence,how%20did%20we%20get%20herehttps://thesystemsthinker.com/spiritual-intelligence-a-new-paradigm-for-collaborative-action/#:~:text=Spiritual%20intelligence%20is%20an%20ability,richer%20and%20more%20creative%20lives.https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences.shtmlhttps://www.simplypsychology.org/multiple-intelligences.html#:~:text=Multiple%20intelligences%20theory%20states%20that,they%20are%20the%20most%20intelligent.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-liveSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

In todays episode, we are discussing the creation of an art space- a studio space- for your little creators. “A Child has 100 languages” and an appropriate studio space in your home and classroom can help your children to explore each of these languages. 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.Join us as we breakdown the creation of a studio space into three easy partsWHY you should build a studio spaceWHAT to include in your childs studio spaceHOW to create a stress free and productive space for you and child/children to grow and learnDoes your classroom or home environment contain a functional art studio space? We want to hear your answers! Leave a review, your comments, and concerns with one of our social media pages and JOIN the conversationResources-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)Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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?What is something you want to try? Take a picture and tag us in it on facebook and instagram!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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.  Spencer shouts out the Planet Word Museum in DC ( https://planetwordmuseum.org/ ) and we play a super nerdy but super cool game where we try to guess the definition of some of the top rarest words! Do you know them?Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1783088References:https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SpecialEducation/Speech/Documents/The%20Speech%20and%20Language%20Development%20Continuum.pdfhttps://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=1https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/everyday-steps-reading-and-writinghttp://literacy.nationaldb.org/index.php/literacy-development-continuum/https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/PSREAD98.PDFhttps://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/nov2017/emergent-writinghttps://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/read-together-support-early-literacyhttps://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/language-and-speech/meaning-preliteracy.html#:~:text=Motivation%20to%20read%20and%20 self,pleasures%20that%20reading%20can%20bring.http://monocolibraries.org/files/6%20early%20literacy%20skills.pdfhttps://www.readingrockets.org/article/early-literacy-policy-and-practice-preschool-yearsSupport the show

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. Some easy and hands on STEAM activities you can try at home or in the classroomChromatography Butterflieshttps://buggyandbuddy.com/chromatography-butterflies-separating-colors-in-markers/Coral Reef Scultpureshttps://www.thekeeperofthememories.com/stringing-coral-reefs-preschool-ocean-investigation-station/Ice Paintinghttps://www.thekeeperofthememories.com/ice-painting/Salt Crystal artMaterials:1 Cup of Epsom Salts1 Cup of water1 Tsp. of Liquid WatercolorsGlass JarDirections: Mix warm water with epsom salts and stir for one minute. Add the watercolors if desired. Put your concoction into the glass jar and put the jar in the back of the refrigerator. Let the jar sit over night and when it comes out in the morning you can study the crystal formation and the colors of light reflecting.Painting with Balls AND Gravityhttps://earlylearningideas.com/art-for-preschoolers-painting-with-marbles-and-ballItems to help you start STEAMThe STRAWBEES Steam starter kithttps://strawbees.com/product/steam-starter-kit/Fort building kithttps://www.amazon.com/STEM-STEAM-Construction-Structures-Playhouse/dp/B09175HYBL/ref=sr_1_4?crid=31LR5OQZWNJ61&keywords=steam+toys&qid=1644704080&sprefix=steam+toys%2Caps%2C253&sr=8-4Magnet blockshttps://www.amazon.com/gp/slredirect/picassoRedirect.html/ref=pa_sp_search_thematic_aps_sr_pg1_2?ie=UTF8&adId=A07456063BJCY44OZRZHR&url=%2FMagna-Qubix-18019-19Piece-Set%2Fdp%2FB07FBJF3TH%2Fref%3Dsxin_13_pa_sp_search_tSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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.References and Resources“Evaluate Your Block Center Around 21st Century Skills: A Checklist for Teachers" https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2015/using-blockshttps://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/what-research-tells-us-about-block-play-and-stem-learninghttps://docs.msl.mt.gov/librariesweb/documents/Ready2Read/PlaySpace/pg_rrps_stagesinblockplay.pdfhttps://www.scld.org/7-stages-of-block-play-building-and-early-learning/https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/blockshttps://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2020/rocking-and-rolling-building-new-skills-block-construction-toddlerhttps://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2015/using-blocksSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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. Join us as we explore the facets of Ms. Leones experience in the musical arts, and how her personal experiences as a mother led her down the path of education in music. From small business ownership, to preschool and afterschool education, to her core memories raising her own children with music in their lives- Susan Leones experiences are fascinating and limitless as the music she discusses. Have you been curious to know where you child should start in their musical interests? Can you pursue music without innate talents? What's the best  instrument to begin learning with? What are the best first musicals to watch and listen to? Is it beneficial to play music for your baby in the womb? Join us as we delve into these ideas, and more! References:http://users.rider.edu/~vrme/v9n1/vision/Mishra%20Final.pdfhttps://www.mother.ly/pregnancy/your-baby-is-listening-to-you-mama-even-in-the-womb/https://www.savethemusic.org/blog/schools-cutting-music-programs/MusicalsLion KingWickedInto the WoodsSundays in the ParkNINEArtistGiacomo Puccini https://open.spotify.com/artist/0OzxPXyowUEQ532c9AmHUR?autoplay=trueSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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 playWe 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 classroomWe will touch on Susan Hillyards SPICE theory of classroom dramatic play integration, offer ideas to begin a physical dramatic play center, and touch on the importance of PLAY itself!For a special bonus, tune in as we discuss the ins and outs of modern MIMING! How does this wordless play incorporate into our episode? You'll have to listen and find out...References and Resources https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/5-ideas-dramatic-play-early-childhood/https://www.pennfoster.edu/blog/2016/december/benefits-of-dramatic-play-in-ece#:~:text=Dramatic%20play%20is%20a%20type,to%20tackle%20real%20life%20situations.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340264873_Influence_of_dramatic_play_in_the_development_of_playfulness_in_early_childhoodhttps://children.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Importance-of-Play-article.pdfhttps://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/what-dramatic-play-and-how-does-it-support-literacy-development-preschool/https://www.onestopenglish.com/stories-and-poems/teaching-young-learners-how-to-use-dramatic-play-in-the-classroom/556619.articlehttps://empoweredparents.co/stages-of-pretend-play/https://www.worldmime.org/en/Support the show

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?Tangrams, mirrors, stencils, compasses, beadsRulers, calculators, clocksBoard and card games, diceCuttingBlocksCooking/EatingMusic (patterns and symmetry, fractionsOpen-ended questions and Math Talk (https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/math-talk-infants-and-toddlers)Books:A Very Hungry Caterpillar Eric CarleOne Earth by Eileen Spinelli illustrated by Rogério CoelhoInch by Inch by Leo LionniMac Barnett Shape Series Illustrated by Jon Klassen (Triangle, Square, Circle)Perfect Square by Michael HallReferences and Resources:https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/math-talk-infants-and-toddlershttps://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/psmath.pdfhttp://www.ccs.fau.edu/hbbl3/wp-content/uploads/publications/KelsoFuchs2016_mobileconjugate.pdfhttps://www.understood.org/articles/en/math-skills-what-to-expect-at-different-ageshttps://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/practiceguide/18https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Docs/practiceguide/early_math_pg_111313.pdfhttp://www.floridaearlylearning.com/Content/Uploads/floridaearlylearning.com/files/5%20Evidence-Based%20Recommendations%20for%20Teaching%20Math%20to%20Young%20Children.pdfhttps://inventorsoftomorrow.com/2018/02/26/math-development/https://www.pbs.org/parents/learn-grow/all-ages/mathSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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.We are taking a little break during January, so we will meet up with y'all again in February, 2022! BOOK LIST:Dreams Come True, All They Need Is You by Mike DooleySalt in his shoes by Deloris JordanThe Girl and the Bicycle by Mark PettLINKS:book: https://www.amazon.com/UnSelfie-Empathetic-Succeed-All-About-Me-World/dp/1501110071https://www.familyeducation.com/life/new-years-resolutions/top-10-new-years-resolutions-familieshttps://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/style/how-to-teach-kids-perseverance-goal-setting/https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/opinion/ct-ptb-silverman-guest-column-st-0211-20180208-story.htmlSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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 involvementWe explore the paths Mrs Hiday took towards becoming a speech pathologist- from work in Operation Smile oversees, to over ten years of honing her skills in the public school systemsKim Hiday explores the ways in which speech effects many courses of child  development- from reading and writing abilities, to social aptitude. Listen to our conversation today, and consider how services can affect your child's development  Mclean Speech and Language Services http://mcleanspeech.com/Explanation of Cleft palette https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cleft-palate.htmlDonate to https://www.operationsmile.org/Check out Cameron's Chocolates https://every1canwork.com/collectionsSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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.After discussing the benefits, Lucy provides tips for parents and teachers to navigate cold weather with children. She talks us through fabrics and clothing options, different fun activities, and how to take the first step!Tag us in your cold weather play pictures and videos!Resources:https://www.scarymommy.com/need-recess-wet-cold-weather/?fbclid=IwAR34jBBzHzWqVTHPb5aaM1CYMjLpnmpPltOmtpSzsAsic4VAqvoES1elwbwhttp://rainorshinemamma.com/why-scandinavians-leave-their-babies-out-in-the-cold/?fbclid=IwAR0rRwLXix0NEgcmRP3eZHgbEvbV6DbsMCG5dpvtJo6TwJrP-KR1ZvuQakEhttps://www.bbc.com/future/article/20151016-the-real-reason-germs-spread-in-the-winterhttps://rhythmsofplay.com/20-ways-to-play-in-the-rain/https://www.redtedart.com/snow-day-activities-outdoors/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

****TW: We talk a small bit about abuse and consent in this episode****It's the first week of December and the second day of Advent- YAY! This holiday season, I wanted to address the spirit of this season- the season of giving! As our young children develop into empathetic and kind humans, we want to aid this process along by providing them the tools to approach the world in a generous manner. Spencer gives us a fascinating history of our giving holidays then gives us some awesome tips! The key elements to teach themes of charity, empathy, and giving to our children is to model the behavior, talk about it often, and openly encourage it.Books :The Giving TreeStrega Nona's HarvestPass it OnHave you filled a Bucket Today?Rainbow FishHats of FaithThe Invisible Boy Links, lists, and ReferencesWe have SO much awesome content this episode that we couldn't fit it all on the show notes! Go check out our Google doc for all of the clicks and lists!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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. Happy Holidays! We are so grateful for you!Gratitude Study:https://wanderersway.com/blogs/wanderers-way/the-science-behind-gratitude-journalingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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!I am sure we will have Mary back on at some point since there is SO much to talk about! We cover the division of responsibility, Baby Led Weaning, struggles with feeding young children, and tips to overcome those. Mary teaches about a child's innate ability to control energy intake and listen to fullness cues and she gives some awesome ways to promote a healthy relationship with food in children. Mary also gives specific examples (and shares some resources!) of what children can eat at what stages; of ways to include extra nutrients in foods for children with allergies, aversions, and specialized diets; and of nutritious and inexpensive snack options.Since Mary is also a bomb mom who balances work and family, we end our discussion by talking about following your passions and achieving goals while being a parent. She gives some advice and some encouragement to young parents.Resources:If you have any questions, Mary is a wealth of knowledge! Reach at to her on Instagram @mcbecerraEatright.orgkidseatincolor.com (Instagram: @kidseatincolor)Shannon Tripp: https://hoo.be/shantrippmy.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9693-feeding-your-baby-the-first-yearcdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-to-introduce-solid-foods.htmlStudies regarding children's innate ability to regulate food intake:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16376632/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4798905/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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. We can find so much wonderful inspiration for these projects by familiarizing ourselves with our local tribes! For our project, we looked at the Doeg/Dogue Tribe and worked to build Yi-hakans (stick structures covered with woven mats). We then collaborated to make a sculpture inspired by western Native American houses called Wickiups. The children picked grass and dug dirt to add to water and then mixed it up to make a clay to build up on the stick 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.Don't forget to Leave Your Leaves this year!!Picture Book List:Shelter by Celine ClaireOnce I was Very Scared by Chandra Ghosh IppenA House is a House For Me by Mary Ann Hoberman, Betty Fraser Chapter Books:Magic Tree House Books by Mary Pope OsborneBridge to Terabithia  by Katherine PatersonThe Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett The Egypt Game by  Zilpha Keatley Snyderhttps://native-land.ca/https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2019/09-25-19-Leave-the-Leaveshttps://www.paulaspencerscott.com/single-post/kids-fortshttps://phillywaldorf.com/building-forts-minds-importance-child-built-space/https://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/Houses_in_Early_Virginia_Indian_Societyhttps://www.journalofplay.org/sites/www.journalofplay.org/files/pdf-articles/10-2-Article4-role-playing-childrens-literature.pdfhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z_vc7769QPludzCXU33MmkKOdQcLeX3f/view?usp=sharinghttps://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"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

*Trigger warning! Marked as explicit because we talk about sexual assault (minutes 7:30 to 10:30) in discussing Chuck Close.November is National Native American Heritage Month! One way we can honor and celebrate Indigenous and other minority cultures is by better acquainted with artisans from these communities.  Our resident atelierista, Spencer, discusses some amazing artists who are relatable to children. Georgia O'Keeffe - Her sweeping imagery of nature and bright colors are very enjoyable for kids. - “My name is Georgia”  Frida Kahlo - She is one of the best artists to introduce children to ideas of portraiture. - “The Story of Frida Kahlo” Jean Michel Basquiat - His use of bright colors and sketch-like drawings are appealing to children. - “Life Doesn't Frighten Me” Yayoi Kusama - She is an extraordinary artist who uses polka dots. She is perfect to bring up this time of year because of her use of pumpkins and gourds! - http://yayoi-kusama.jp/e/information/Maria Tallchief - America's first prima ballerina was a Native American woman! - “Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina”- Video Vashti Harrison - She is an author/illustrator with a cartoonish style who depicts young black children taking on the world.Hair Love BookHair Love Video Isamu Noguchi - A Japanese-American artist known for his sculpture, public artworks, stage sets, and several mass-produced lamps and furniture pieces.What do you think of us making this a monthly minisode? Resources:The map of Indigenous People - https://native-land.ca/https://www.ncai.org/initiatives/native-american-heritage-monthhttps://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2019/may/21/museum-art-collections-study-very-male-very-whitehttps://www.apollo-magazine.com/native-american-art-hasnt-changed-museums-have/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/museums-and-historical-spaces-disrespect-native-american-historyhttps://artsandculture.google.com/story/5-native-american-artists-you-should-know/hwICZEKk3E5BJwhttps://ruthmillington.co.uk/important-black-visual-artists/https://www.vmfa.museum/about/rumors-of-war/https://ruthmillington.co.uk/women-in-art-11-female-artists-to-know-past-to-present/"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

"The light is everywhere,  but to “see it”, paradoxically, it must be turned on in the mind”- Loris MalaguzziWe were inspired by the Jack-o'-lantern for this week's episode. The extreme sensory experience of the lighted up pumpkin really sets the tone for the Halloween season. That launched us into a discussion on light focused holidays! We go through Halloween, The Autumn Festival (yum, moon cakes!), Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, Iemanja, Christmas, Lunar New Year, Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr, and Saint Lucia Day. Light seems to be a universal way to bring emotion, tradition, and symbolism into holidays. We hope we were able to convey the respect we have for the different cultures we talked about.We then talk about using light and shadow play as a really impactful tool. In fact, it is considered one of the Hundred Languages of Children in the Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum. It is an important  way children explore, communicate, and learn about the world. It hits socioemotional by adding warmth, addressing sensory overload, and providing a platform to have conversations about fear; cognitive by letting children see things in a “new light”, introducing perspective and paradigms, promoting sense of self, and body awareness; STEM through introducing the scientific method and introducing shapes, density, color, size, and length; language by introducing new vocabulary like transparent, translucent, opaque, shadow, diffusing, transmitting, reflection, and patterns; and community by talking about routines, cultures, and traditions.We also made a list of ways to bring light and shadow play into classrooms and homes:1. Light Tables, Flashlights, Candles, battery operated tea lights, and string lights2. Sidewalk shadow tracing3. Build a Shadow Theater4. Shadow Tag5. Shadow Dancing, Glow Light Dance Party6. Study Lights in HolidaysSpencer goes through an amazing project she oversaw as the atelierista where the children put on a whole light show inspired by artists: https://www.thecompassschool.com/locations/manassas/?keyword=the%20compass%20school%20manassas&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8eOLBhC1ARIsAOzx5cEeX_qCX6eW4vXXX8MrgSLcpRGRtZD_LWTcGI1sXmCHYp8Ddka3_G8aAuMoEALw_wcB The bottom of that page shows some gorgeous pictures of it!How do you use lights in your holiday celebrations? Do you use lanterns, candles, fireworks, twinkle lights? Did we miss any holidays that you think should be on the list?References:https://childcareeducationexpo.co.uk/learning-from-the-reggio-approach-light-and-reflection/https://www.cosa.k12.or.us/sites/default/files/materials/events/8_big_ideas_cosa_feb_2016.pdfhttps://www.msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world/traditions/holidays-of-light/https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/ramadan3.htmhttp://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/china_general_lunar.htm https://www.mass.edu/stem/documents/prSupport the show

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. This was definitely the case with Ms. Spencer's art project study on masks! We talk about how the topic came about organically and how she ran with it. She introduced a different category of masks each week. They started out talking about masks used for celebrations like Venetian carnival masks, Dinayang masks, African Fatima masks, Junkanoo masks, Day of the Dead masks and facial paint, Dancing Devil masks of Venezuela, and Red Goblin masks of Japan. The children each made a masquerade mask.Next, they talked about ritual and ceremonial masks like the  Egyptian priest masks and African ritual masks (which the children were inspired by for their own masks). For this topic, they talked a lot about symbolism and color theory. Then they moved on to performance masks. They talked about masks of Greek theater, THALIA, Japanese Kabuki masks, and Beijing opera masks (which were the project that the children made). They also talked a little bit of modern theater like The Lion King on Broadway and even Pinkfong Baby Shark with the little hats.To transition into the last category, they talked about sports masks since they combine performance with protection. That got them ready to talk about how masks keep us safe. Spencer finishes up our discussion by taking us through some of the health and safety histories of masks. We talk about the surprising origins of the Plague Doctor masks and discuss how this is a great way to introduce hope to children as this is not the first epidemic in history. She showed the children the first firefighter helmet (The Nealy Smoke Mask) and the cowboy bandana. That led into the development of medical masks and even their role during the Spanish Flu. There are pictures from that time that almost look just like our society today. They ended the project by decorating their own reusable safety masks.Don't forget to show us pictures of your favorite masks!Resources:Mask Presentation - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18WPcr0W_hk-lIf2-Z-_H90TrCvnyQsjcF_jILhQtmnE/edit?usp=sharingThe Color Game - https://color.method.ac/African Masks - https://www.artyfactory.com/africanmasks/History of Medical Masks - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7255306/"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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. They discuss common difficulties with brushing and flossing for children. Sara gives some awesome tips to help out! She mentions using books and television characters to help with brushing teeth and going to the dentist. Here is a list of the "Top Five Books to Teach Kids about Brushing Their Teeth"!https://childrensdentalcentersf.com/five-books-about-brushing-teeth/She also talks about how old they should be before brushing all on their own. It might be older than you think! On a similar note of long term effects, they discuss thumb sucking and falling asleep with a bottle in the mouth. Of course, we had to cover Halloween. As a candy lover herself, Sara goes through the science of WHY candy causes a problem and how you should navigate it without just throwing all the candy out. This also led to the origin story of how she joined the Tooth Fairy ranks!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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. We list the benefits of magical thinking, dramatic play, and dress up and even talk about gun play and superhero play and give ideas to help redirect to help it be productive and to keep it evolving. We then go into a specific list of why it is important to have traditions and celebrate holidays. We talk about how to encourage imaginative thinking and play including going along with their games and imagination (pick your battles and trust children), offering open-ended toys and dress up clothes, letting your children experience boredom (limit screen time), and reading to your child. We make a list of some great books about monsters and Halloween. We end with talking about the transition out of the preoperational stage and what that means. This is when children really develop a conscience and start to develop empathy. That is why sharing is so hard before this, and is not developmentally appropriate to force. What magical experience did you have as a child? What whimsy have you maintained into your adult life?References:https://theconversation.com/why-its-ok-for-kids-to-believe-in-santa-128170https://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/featurednews/title_697103_en.htmlhttps://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/ages-stages-how-children-use-magical-thinking/https://www.simplypsychology.org/preoperational.htmlhttps://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-lifespandevelopment/chapter/cognitive-development-2/"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

**TRIGGER WARNING**We marked this episode as explicit because we talk about abuse and use proper names for body parts.This week, we start our holiday topics! We tackled a difficult subject as Spencer shares some important ideas to help keep children safe. Holidays are a break from routine and add some chaos into the mix, so accidents are more likely and it is easier to lose track of a child. Before things start to get too crazy, now is a great time to reflect on the safety plans that you have in place in your schools and homes. The National Center for Missing and Exploited  Children (https://www.missingkids.org/HOME) was an amazing resource while coving this subject. They have tons of worksheets and activities to practice safe and preventative behavior. Go check them out and be sure to follow them on social media! Share your getting lost stories over on our instagram @thespeckledbees or on our facebook page!"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show

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. We talk about how early intervention positively impacts children as they grow and about parent and family support for the child. We discuss how the teacher sets up the culture of acceptance in the classroom and peer acceptance plays a huge role in  a child's success. We talk about diagnosis, IEPs, and integration and inclusion and what these look like in classrooms.Since Erin's specialty is Autism, we talk about its prevalence and the vastness of the spectrum. We even play a game to see how almost everyone falls on the spectrum in some way or another! Erin also gave us her top favorite books for read-a-louds and discussions with children:“Nathan's Autism Spectrum Superpowers” by Lori Leigh Yarborough“All My Stripes” by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer“My Brother Charlie” by Holly Robinson Peete “Uniquely Wired: A Story About Autism and Its Gifts” by Julia Cook“The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin”“Ethan's Story; My Life With Autism” “Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes” “I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism “While your at it, go buy a fun pair of socks from John's Crazy SocksThank you for listening and thank you for being a part of our growing community!"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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!Resources:FLIP-ithttps://centerforresilientchildren.org/dcrc-shop/flip-it/Mrs. Piggle-Wigglehttps://www.abebooks.com/Mrs-Piggle-Wiggle-Betty-MacDonald-Hilary-Knight/30651704558/bd?cm_mmc=ggl-_-US_Shopp_Trade-_-product_id=COM9780590413862USED-_-keyword=&gclid=Cj0KCQjws4aKBhDPARIsAIWH0JW0QBYbdNiI_vVHOoTimNuUVNvIiLZMyAsydsmxV_eugdhgguq_AhgaAlMHEALw_wcBSMALL BUSINESS SHOUT OUT:Idle Hands Bread Company - Richmond, VAhttps://www.idlehandsbreadcompany.com/Music:"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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.We go into some useful phrases when talking to children about their art to encourage them instead of jumping to conclusions about what they made. We have a discussion on coloring pages and have mixed feelings. Let us know your opinion!Lastly, Spencer provides a magical list of books you can use to introduce lines to children. They would be great for provocations!  Here are the products and books we talk about:Tombow Penshttps://www.tombowusa.com/fudenosuke-brush-pen-4-pack.htmlhttps://www.tombowusa.com/mono-drawing-pen-6-pack.htmlHarold and the Purple Crayonhttps://www.amazon.com/Harold-Purple-Crayon-Books/dp/0064430227Lines that Wigglehttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lines-that-wiggle-candace-whitman/1014512911The Linehttps://www.amazon.com/Line-Paula-Bossio/dp/189478684XIshhttps://www.amazon.com/Ish-Creatrilogy-Peter-H-Reynolds/dp/076362344XIn case you are as nerdy as us, here are a TON of resources to check out:Black Line Drawingshttp://www.thomasmuir.e-dunbarton.sch.uk/media/11945/black-line-drawing-info-for-parents.pdfOutlines and Black Lineshttps://www.blog.montessoriforeveryone.com/outlines-creativity.htmlDrawing: Stages and Healthhttp://www.healthofchildren.com/D/Drawings.html#ixzz714rZ2tB0What Children's Drawings Meanhttps://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1112653/childs-drawings-and-their-meanings/Viktor Lowenfeldhttps://www.jstor.org/stable/1319997Rhoda Kellogghttps://childdevelopmentandart.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/rhoda-kellogg-theorist/Waldorf Formhttps://www.waldorfteacherresources.com/index.php?grade=1&page=formdrawing"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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.What do you do if a child is behind typical developing peers? This can be overwhelming and so many of us parents and teachers don't even know where to begin, so we brought on Lauren to walk us through the process! We discuss what early intervention is and why  it is important.  We talk about what parents/teachers should looking for and what to do when a worry arises. She gives us some awesome resources that I will link below! We also talk about the stress of finding a quality early childhood program.Lauren also lists some super great strategies to help aid in a child's development. We end with talking about the benefits of having people who think and look differently than us in our classrooms and homes.Lauren BarrickInstagram @lauren_barrickYoutube: 2STEPSDevelopmental Milestonehttps://pathways.org/Ages and Stages Questionnaireshttps://agesandstagesresearch.com/enLauren sent me an awesome PDF with all of this information in it. Reach out to us over Instagram or Facebook if you'd like me to send it to you.Google 'Infant and Toddler Early Intervention + your state' and that should give you the number to call!Support the show

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!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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. Shout Outs:Yayoi Kusama - Avant-garde sculptor, painter and novelistSchool's Out Kids - Free Activity Plans for Kids by @ruthiesays -- Instagram: @schoolsoutkidsManzanita Kids - Sustainable, heirloom wood toys handmade in Washington--Instagram: @manzanitakidsReferences:Pencil Grips Hand and Finger Skills of Your PreschoolerMilestones During The First 2 YearsThe Effect of Finger Painting towards Fine Motor Skill of Intellectual Disability"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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! Krissy answers questions about water safety (TEACH CHILDREN TO WAIT BEFORE GETTING IN THE WATER), the benefits of starting swimming early (Swimbabies are smart babies), tips to help children develop a relationship with water, and parenthood. Links to Resources and References:Swimkids Swim SchoolThe Griffith StudyAn awesome resource Krissy shared with me:K&K Online Baby Swim Lessonsinstagram: @kkonlineswim"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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!facebook: @thespeckledbeespodcastinstagram: @thespeckledbeesIt also brings up the concept of working with children who need extra assistance which will play out in many of our interviews over the next few weeks. Links:Greenwood Studios - David and Marielle Jensenhttps://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenwoodStudiosUSInstagram: @_greenwood_studiosBig Body Play - Frances Carlsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Big-Body-Play-Frances-Carlson/dp/1928896715/ref=asc_df_1928896715/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312029822325&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6144713556163945665&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008247&hvtargid=pla-522390386089&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61316180319&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312029822325&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6144713556163945665&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008247&hvtargid=pla-522390386089The Nuggethttps://nuggetcomfort.com/products/the-nuggetReferences:Rajagopalan, Archana et al. “Understanding the links between vestibular and limbic systems regulating emotions.” Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine vol. 8,1 (2017): 11-15. doi:10.4103/0976-9668.198350Noddings, PhD, Alicia. "Classroom Solutions for Sensory-Sensitive Students." Montessori Resources for Schools, Teachers, Families and Parents. American Montessori Society, 2017. Web. 01 July 2021.Carlson, Frances. "What Is Big Body Play and Why Is It Important?" NAEYC. National Association for the Education of Young Children. Web. 01 July 2021. ."Wholesome"‌ ‌Kevin‌ ‌MacLeod‌ ‌(incompetech.com)‌ ‌Licensed‌ ‌under‌ ‌Creative‌ ‌Commons:‌ ‌By‌ ‌Attribution‌ ‌4.0‌ ‌License‌ ‌http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/‌ Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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!DIY Scent Studios - Fairfax Virginiahttps://www.diyscentstudio.com/Duncan, S. and M. Salcedo, “Are Your Children in Times Square? Moving from Sensory Overload to Sensory Engagement,” Senses Exchange, 2012, pg. 48.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13504622.2016.1250149?casa_token=6TNNogLeq1kAAAAA%3AWFprpX3xl6ZJeJjGlBsAySpfrpe6oQVB9uHIHxsNK4BWwBZVjkIzQOja4df4eFiov9hIzW09Ubl2"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/KSupport the show

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!Simone Carvalho - Little Biny Mindful Kids Yogahttps://littlebiny.com/Instagram: @littlebiny.yogaMusic: "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show

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. Run Baby Run · Caspar Babypantshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFnYq2pMDbsCourtney Egan - CF Mom SupporterInstagram @herewegoeganJennifer Anderson - Registered Dietitianhttps://kidseatincolor.com/Instagram @kidseatincolorONUPGO 5 Pieces Kids Kitchen Knives https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DSSMNRN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_shareBrussoni, Mariana et al. “Risky play and children's safety: balancing priorities for optimal child development.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 9,9 3134-48. 30 Aug. 2012, doi:10.3390/ijerph9093134Sandseter, Ellen Beate Hansen. (2009). Characteristics of risky play. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. 9. 3-21. 10.1080/14729670802702762.Sandseter, Ellen Beate Hansen & Kennair, Leif Edward. (2011). Children's Risky Play from an Evolutionary Perspective: The Anti-Phobic Effects of Thrilling Experiences. Evolutionary psychology : an international journal of evolutionary approaches to psychology and behavior. 9. 257-84. 10.1177/147470491100900212."Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

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! Music:"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speckeledbees)

We had some problem with the sound. Please grant us some grace as we learn the ropes!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!In this introductory episode, we introduce ourselves and offer our credentials (P.S. my degree is from Brigham Young University -Idaho, haha!) and discuss the reasons that we are starting a podcast. Music:"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the show