Before children ever pick up a paintbrush, nature has already given them a palette.

In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we talk with Janine Kloiber, author of Nature's Palette, about how natural materials can spark creativity, deepen sensory experiences, and help children build meaningful connections with the world around them.

Janine shares how slowing down, following children's interests, and embracing open-ended exploration can transform both teaching and learning. Whether you're in a nature-rich environment or a city classroom, this conversation offers practical, accessible ways to bring the natural world into children's daily experiences.

What You'll Learn:

• Why nature-based learning supports creativity, focus, and emotional regulation
• How Montessori principles align with outdoor and sensory exploration
• The difference between process art and product-driven activities
• How to follow children's curiosity and become a co-explorer
• Simple ways to bring nature into any classroom (even without outdoor access)
• How these experiences build confidence, collaboration, and early literacy skills

Key Takeaway:
When we slow down and truly observe the natural world with children, we open the door to deeper learning, creativity, and connection.

Transitions are one of the most challenging parts of the day in early childhood settings—but what if we've been thinking about them all wrong?

In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, host Emily Garman sits down with early childhood expert Rae Pica, author of Teachable Transitions, to explore why transitions continue to be a daily struggle and how educators can approach them differently.

Together, they unpack what's really happening for young children during transitions, why these moments are so developmentally demanding, and how simple shifts in practice can transform stress into meaningful learning.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why transitions are developmental challenges, not behavior problems
• What skills children are actually using during transitions
• How predictability and preparation reduce stress and resistance
• Why movement, music, and play are powerful tools for smoother transitions
• Common mistakes educators make—and how to avoid them
• How transitions can build self-regulation, cooperation, and problem-solving skills

Key Takeaway:
Transitions aren't something to rush through—they are opportunities to support development, build skills, and create more joyful classrooms.

About the Guest:
Rae Pica is an early childhood expert and author of Teachable Transitions, a widely respected resource that helps educators turn everyday transitions into engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Learn More:
Explore Teachable Transitions and more at Gryphon House.

January is often framed as a "fresh start," but for early childhood educators, it's something very different—it's the middle of the year. After winter break, classrooms are filled with children (and adults) who may feel tired, dysregulated, emotionally tender, or disconnected from routines that once felt familiar.

In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, host Emily Garman is joined by Angela Searcy, early childhood consultant and author of Push Past It and Elevating Equity, for a deeply affirming conversation about what a true mid-year reset can look like—one rooted in compassion, realism, and care rather than pressure or perfection.

Together, Emily and Angela explore how children, educators, families, and entire school systems experience reentry after winter break—and why regulation, routines, and relationships matter more than rigid expectations during this season.

• Why post–winter break behavior shifts are normal—for children and adults

• How sensory-rich, calming environments support reentry and regulation

• Why routines should be engaging, relational, and playful—not punitive

• The importance of being visually quiet in classroom spaces

• How educators can reset without "starting over" or feeling like they've failed

• What equitable (not equal) responses look like when children return from very different home experiences

• Why adult regulation and co-regulation are always the starting point

• How systems, leadership, and colleagues can support educator well-being

• Practical ways to communicate compassionately with families during a challenging season

• Mindset shifts that help educators move through heavy, human moments—without shame

This episode offers reassurance, practical tools, and a powerful reminder: midyear isn't about pushing harder. It's about slowing down, reconnecting, and giving ourselves—and the children in our care—what we truly need.

Listen now and take a deep breath. You're not behind. You're human.