In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Lea Ann Christenson and Jenny James, coauthors of Dig In: Outdoor STEM Learning for Young Children. Together, they make the case that outdoor education isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.

Lea Ann and Jenny share how nature-based learning supports whole-child development, fosters deeper engagement, and offers rich, differentiated opportunities for every type of learner. Drawing on their own experiences as an early childhood professor and a preschool director, they describe the inspiration behind their book, the research that grounds it, and the practical steps educators can take to create vibrant outdoor classrooms.

You’ll hear how their journey—from pandemic-era innovation to a fully developed outdoor curriculum—has transformed how they think about teaching and learning. Along the way, they challenge the traditional view of what school “should” look like and offer a compelling vision for how nature-rich environments nurture curiosity, problem-solving, and joy.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we welcome Dr. Rachel Larimore, an expert in nature-based early childhood education. Dr. Larimore shares her insights on why outdoor learning is essential for young children, how educators and caregivers can integrate nature into daily routines, and the long-term benefits of connecting children with the natural world.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The definition of nature-based early childhood education and how it differs from traditional approaches.

• The benefits of outdoor learning, including cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development.

• Practical ways to incorporate nature into early childhood settings, even in urban environments.

• Overcoming challenges such as weather concerns, safety considerations, and administrative buy-in.

• The role of play in outdoor learning and how educators can facilitate meaningful experiences.

• How parents and caregivers can support nature-based learning at home.

In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we welcome Dr. Angela Searcy for a deep dive into navigating difficult conversations in early childhood education. Following her recent EdWeb webinar, Pushing Past Conflicts With Adults: Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations in Early Childhood, Dr. Searcy joins the podcast to address lingering questions and expand on key strategies for managing challenging discussions with administrators, colleagues, and parents.

✔️ How to communicate effectively with administrators who may not be receptive to new ideas.
✔️ The 'Buy-In' strategy for gaining support from principals, co-teachers, and staff.
✔️ Understanding emotional responses in conversations and how to navigate them productively.
✔️ Techniques for active listening and negotiation to foster collaboration.
✔️ How to create space for dialogue and ensure that your ideas are heard and considered.

🔹 B - Beware of an amygdala hijack: Recognize when stress responses may be affecting the conversation.
🔹 U - Understand the other person's perspective: Consider what concerns or barriers may be influencing their decision-making.
🔹 Y - Yield to active listening: Ask questions before offering solutions to build trust and connection.
🔹 I - Insert ideas with permission: Ask if they’re open to hearing your thoughts before presenting solutions.
🔹 N - Negotiate the ups and downs: Be flexible and open to gradual changes rather than expecting immediate agreement.

Watch Dr. Angela Searcy’s recent EdWeb webinar: Pushing Past Conflicts With Adults

Download the worksheets and PDFs attached to this presentation

Explore Dr. Searcy’s books published by Gryphon House:

• Push Past It: A Positive Approach to Challenging Classroom Behaviors Buy Here

• Elevating Equity: Advice for Navigating Challenging Conversations in Early Childhood Programs Buy Here

In this thought-provoking episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we sit down with Dr. Tameka Ardrey and Dr. Ebonyse Mead, co-authors of Building Equitable Early Learning Programs: A Social Justice Approach, along with Gryphon House President Dr. Rebecca Berlin. Together, they delve into the challenges and opportunities of fostering equity in early childhood education, particularly in today’s complex political climate.

The conversation explores the distinction between equity and equality, the importance of culturally responsive teaching, and how discipline policies disproportionately impact marginalized children. Dr. Mead and Dr. Ardrey offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators, emphasizing the power of self-reflection, authentic family engagement, and creative approaches to overcoming systemic barriers. They also discuss ways to navigate difficult conversations with families and institutions while staying committed to inclusive practices.

✅ Equity vs. Equality – Why giving every child the same resources isn’t enough and how educators can meet children where they are.
✅ Culturally Responsive Teaching – Simple ways to incorporate children’s lived experiences into daily classroom practices.
✅ Discipline Disparities – How biases influence suspension and expulsion rates and what educators can do to disrupt harmful patterns.
✅ Family Engagement – Moving beyond token gestures to build meaningful relationships with families from diverse backgrounds.
✅ Navigating Resistance – Practical strategies for teachers working in challenging environments, including finding supportive communities and “doing the work scared.”

In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we sit down with early childhood expert, author, and speaker Kathy Lee Eggers to explore the importance of play-based learning and why reclaiming childhood is more urgent than ever.

Kathy shares insights from her decades of experience working with young children, writing books, and developing curricula that prioritize sensory-rich, hands-on experiences. She discusses the dangers of pushing academic expectations too early, how play supports brain development, social-emotional skills, and creativity, and what parents and educators can do to foster a true love of learning.

Self-care is more than just bubble baths and relaxation—it’s about reconnecting with the joy that first brought you to your work. In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we’re joined by Dr. Teresa Byington, author of Find the Joyful Leader Within, to explore how educators and leaders can cultivate joy in their work and create positive, uplifting environments for themselves and their teams.

Dr. Byington shares practical strategies for bringing joy into leadership, avoiding burnout, and building a culture that inspires both educators and children. From simple mindset shifts to actionable techniques like "joy spotting" and keeping a "joy journal," she offers a roadmap for transforming your daily work experience.

Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or childcare professional, this conversation will empower you to lead with joy and purpose.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• How joyful leadership transforms workplace culture
• Practical ways to bring joy into your daily routine
• How self-care and leadership go hand in hand
• Tips for delegating and “lightening your load” as a leader
• How fostering joy in adults impacts young children’s experiences

In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, host Emily Garman sits down with Dr. Sarah Vanover, an early childhood education expert and the author of America’s Child Care Crisis and Bridging Gaps. Dr. Vanover delves into the systemic challenges facing the child care industry in the United States, from the economic pressures on providers to the difficulties families face in accessing high-quality, affordable care.

Dr. Vanover explains why child care is not just a family issue—it’s a cornerstone of our economy. They discuss the fragile ecosystem that child care programs operate within, including how rising costs, low wages, and inadequate government support contribute to a system on the brink of collapse. Dr. Vanover also shares actionable solutions, including potential policy changes, public-private partnerships, and grassroots advocacy efforts that could pave the way toward a more equitable and sustainable child care system.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or policymaker, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of young children and their caregivers.

For more episodes of Early Childhood Chapters, visit Gryphon House Books or subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform.

In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we sit down with Keriann Wilmot, an occupational therapist, author, and toy expert affectionately known as "The Toy Queen." Keriann shares her insights on the importance of fine motor development in young children and offers practical advice for parents, educators, and caregivers.

The conversation dives into Keriann's book, Fine Motor Foundations: Tools and Techniques for Tiny Hands (published by Gryphon House Books), exploring the role of toys, play-based learning, and sensory activities in fostering foundational motor skills. The episode also addresses the impact of increased screen time on childhood development, how parents can use everyday household items to create meaningful learning experiences, and advice if you think your child needs help.

Whether you're a parent looking for ideas to help your child succeed or an educator wanting to better understand the developmental milestones of fine motor skills, this episode is packed with expert advice and actionable tips.

Highlights:

• What are fine motor skills and why are they crucial in early childhood?
• The developmental window for fine motor skills and its long-term impact.
• The role of tummy time and core strength in building motor abilities.
• How pencil grip and handwriting skills evolve over time.
• The impact of screen-based play on fine motor development.
• Practical, low-cost play ideas using everyday household items.
• How to identify and address developmental delays in fine motor skills.
• The importance of thoughtful, play-based opportunities in early education.
• Insights into the toy industry and recommendations for educational toys.

Keriann Wilmot, also known as "The Toy Queen," is an experienced occupational therapist and toy expert who specializes in fine motor development. She has spent decades working with children and collaborating with the toy industry to identify tools that promote learning through play. Keriann is the author of Fine Motor Foundations: Tools and Techniques for Tiny Hands, a comprehensive guide for parents and educators, as well as Wired Differently: A Teacher's Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Challenges."