The ECE Classroom with Susie Beghin – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host Susie Beghin interviews Rusty Keeler, a natural playscape designer and advocate for nature play. They discuss the importance of nature play for children's development and how to incorporate nature into outdoor play spaces.

Rusty emphasizes the need for small steps, such as adding planter boxes or loose parts, to create a more natural environment. They also touch on the concept of risky play and the benefits it offers. But before you acquire materials to transform your outdoor space, Rusty suggests the most important thing to do is to evaluate what you will allow - what you say "yes" to!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:50 The Importance of Nature Play

05:00 Incorporating Nature into Outdoor Play Spaces

12:05 Must-have Play Equipment to Improve Outdoor Spaces

16:03 What Loose Parts to Add to Outdoor Spaces

19:34 Addressing Concerns about Messy Play and Risky Play

28:55 Susie’s Reflection and Takeaways About Nature Play and Improving Outdoor Play Spaces

About Rusty Keeler

Rusty Keeler is a designer, author, and speaker with a unique sensitivity to the sights, sounds and experiences of childhood. For over 30 years Rusty has traveled the world designing natural outdoor play environments and speaking about the benefits and beauty of saying “yes” to children’s play. Creating a sense of place and playful connections to the natural world are at the heart of Rusty’s design work. Described as a cross between Mr Rogers and Jerry Garcia, Rusty is the author of multiple books on play and playscapes including his new book Adventures in Risky Play: What is Your Yes? (Exchange Press: 2020)
Rusty is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter at conferences, communities, and colleges worldwide — but he also likes being home enjoying a creative life with his family in his backyard and the creeks and gorges of Ithaca, NY.

www.rustykeeler.com

Free OUTDOOR LOOSE PARTS Guide

https://rustykeeler.com/loosepartslistfd/

@rusty_keeler_designs

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In this episode, host Susie Beghin interviews Ana Valle Rivera, a public speaker and workshop facilitator, about the importance of lifelong learning and professional development for early childhood educators. They discuss the impact of professional development on educators' well-being and its positive effect on children's learning. They also explore different ways of learning, including in-person workshops, virtual learning, and communities of practice. Ana emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and being open to new learning opportunities. They also discuss strategies for implementing new knowledge into practice and encouraging educators to become lifelong learners.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:18 The Importance of Professional Development

04:58 Different Ways of Learning

11:26 Virtual vs In-person Learning

17:00 How to Implement What You Learn in your Practice

19:07 How to Encourage Lifelong Learning

21:46 The Difference Between Professional Learning and Professional Development

About Our Guest

Ana is a proud mother of three, a public speaker, a consultant, and the founder of Early Years Thriving. Since 2007 Ana has gained experience working with children and families using inclusive and trauma-informed approaches. Through her passion for teaching, Ana has also facilitated hundreds of educational workshops for thousands of ECEs, teachers, caregivers, and parents. Ana has a background in ECE, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care, and is completing a Master's in Professional Education in ECE. Link to a free workshop on making the most of your professional learning can be found here: https://workshops.earlyyearsthriving.com/courses/making-the-most-of-pd

www.earlyyearsthriving.com

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In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Erica Saccoccio, the owner of a multi-location child care center, about play-based learning. Erica explains that play-based learning should be fun and engaging while also having a learning goal in mind. She emphasizes the importance of intentional materials and guiding children in their learning. Erica also discusses the use of observation-based learning and the importance of teacher engagement and enjoyment in the learning process. The conversation covers topics such as the role of routines in play-based learning, the importance of autonomy for children, and how to communicate the benefits of play-based learning to parents.

Play-based learning is more than just unstructured free play. It requires intent and purpose. Susie Beghin shares five key principles of play: following the child's lead, engaging in meaningful conversation, asking open-ended questions, playing at the child's physical level, and engaging in both free play and intentional play. These principles create a safe space for children to learn, explore, and express themselves.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:34 Defining Play-Based Learning

03:35 How to Encourage Educators to Play

7:28 How to make Routines Playful and Child-Directed

9:25 Fostering Autonomy and Belonging in the Classroom

12:35 Communicating the Benefits of Play-Based Learning to Parents

20:02 Susie’s Reflection on Creating Engaging and Intentional Play Experiences using the 5 Key Principles of Play

About Our Guest

Erica is a motivational speaker with 23+ years of experience as an entrepreneur. Erica is the owner of a multi-location child care centre called “Family Tree” in Rhode Island, USA. Erica is a passionate leader in the early childhood education industry and hosts a podcast called, The Child Care Director’s Chair.

www.stellarbusinessconcepts.com

https://www.instagram.com/ccdcpodcast https://www.youtube.com/@childcaredirectorschair690

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In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Carla Ward, an early childhood educator and host of The Everything ECE Podcast, about creating an inviting classroom environment with plants. They discuss the importance of the environment in early childhood education, the benefits of incorporating nature into the classroom, and strategies for introducing and caring for plants. Carla emphasizes the role of the environment in creating a sense of belonging for children and highlights the calming and nurturing effects of plants. She also provides practical tips for selecting and caring for plants in the classroom.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Background

02:39 Environment as the Third Teacher

04:58 Safety and Toxicity of Plants

07:28 Plants Bring Out Children’s Nurturing Side

09:57 Getting Started with Plants in the Classroom

13:10 Choosing the Location for Plants

15:38 Plants Create a Calm Environment

18:14 Experimenting with Plants Can Be Fun

20:30 Plants Provide Learning Opportunities

Carla is an experienced Early Childhood Educator and the visionary founder of Early Learning Foundations, a business dedicated to promoting education and elevating the profession of Early Childhood Education. Carla is dedicated to the Early Childhood Education profession in many ways, including hosting The Everything ECE Podcast, offering professional development workshops and ECE consulting.

@Elfoundations on Instagram

www.elfoundations.com

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The first episode focuses on the most important thing about early childhood education, and that is the educators. We want to give a special shout out to all the Early Childhood Educators and this episode is dedicated to all ECEs.

In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Anisha Angella, an early childhood education coach and trainer, about educator engagement. They discuss the struggles that early childhood educators face, such as burnout and lack of creativity, especially in the context of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anisha provides strategies for educators to improve engagement, including reconnecting with their why, creating a supportive team dynamic, and finding joy in the small moments. They also touch on the importance of leaders and parents supporting educators and the need for work-life harmony.

In the second segment, Susie reflects on educator engagement and provides tips and strategies on how to deal with feelings of dysregulation or stress. She discusses her self-regulation techniques using the acronym: F-A-C-E, which has helped her to feel grounded and to really experience joy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:04 Welcome Special Guest: Anisha Angela

03:06 Struggles of Educators: Burnout, Lack of Creativity, Impact of COVID-19

07:55 Strategies for Educator Engagement: Embracing a New Norm after COVID-19, Create a Culture of Appreciation

11:35 Reconnecting with Your Why, Find your Spark, Leaving a Legacy

14:34 Team Dynamic, Workplace Harmony

17:15 Leaders Support Educators, Working with Parents as a Team

20:20 Finding Joy in Small Moments

22:59 Self-Regulation and Stress Management Techniques for Educators

Special Guest: Anisha Angella is an Early Childhood Education (ECE) coach and expert who has been in the industry for over 14+ years. She is the CEO and Founder of her business, "The Early Childhood Coach + Co" — a powerhouse for all things childcare consulting, coaching, and training. Instagram: @anishaangella.co
Facebook: @AnishaAngella.co
Youtube: @Anisha Angella - YouTube

Website: www.anishaangellabooks.ca

General Email: info@anishaangellabooks.ca

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In this trailer episode, Susie talks about what to expect from the ECE classroom podcast.

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In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Amanda DaCosta, a supervisor at Alpha's Discovery Kids Preschool and Daycare, about how to educate parents on the importance of play and how to engage with their children. They discuss the need for educators to empathize with parents and understand that they may not have the same knowledge or tools. They also emphasize the role of parents as the first and best educators for their children. The conversation covers the use of everyday household items for play and learning, the four pillars of learning (language and literacy, STEAM, physical activity and nutrition, and mindful awareness), and the importance of communication between educators and parents to show the value of play-based learning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:04 Empathizing with Parents and Understanding Their Perspective

02:45 The Role of Parents as the First Educators

04:27 Using Everyday Household Items for Play and Learning

08:04 The Four Pillars of Learning: Language and Literacy, STEAM, Physical Activity and Nutrition, Mindful Awareness

13:08 Favorite Activities for Parents to Do with Their Children

16:12 The Importance of Communication in Showing the Value of Play-Based Learning

21:15 The Spark that Keeps us Learning

23:51 Susie's new book launch: Parents Learn To Play Too

Parents Learn To Play Too: A Parent's Guide to the Early Years is available on Amazon or on Susie's website at www.susiebeghin.com

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In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host Susie Beghin speaks with Mary Plain, a speech and language pathologist from Hello Speech. They discuss the importance of early identification of speech delays in children, strategies for educators to support language development, and how to approach parents about potential concerns. Mary emphasizes the distinction between speech and language, the significance of early intervention, and the resources available for educators and parents to enhance communication skills in children.

Susie further explores the differences between speech and language and emphasizes the importance of language development in early childhood education. She highlights the impact of daycare programs on speech and language development and the benefits of a classroom environment. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the de-stigmatization of speech and language services in education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Hello Speech Developmental Services

02:15 Identifying Speech Delays in Early Childhood Education

06:25 Approaching Parents About Speech Services

10:10 Strategies for Supporting Children with Speech Delays

11:56 Understanding the Difference Between Speech and Language

16:45 Enhancing Communication with Visual Aids and Sign Language

20:52 The Impact of Daycare Programs on Speech and Language Development

22:54 Looking Beyond Words: Assessing Communication in Children

About Mary Plain (Hello Speech)

Mary Plain is a Master’s level Speech-Language Pathologist and is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). Since 2005, she has been practicing with specialties in the areas of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Motor Speech Disorders, Social-Communication challenges, Late Talkers, and Language Disorders.

www.hellospeechgta.com

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In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host Susie Beghin speaks with Cameile Henry, co-founder of Strengthen Hands and author of several children's books focused on emotional regulation.

They discuss the importance of understanding children's emotions, recognizing signs of emotional struggles, and the role of books in helping children express their feelings. Cameile shares insights from her workshops for parents and educators, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in supporting children's emotional development. The conversation highlights the significance of community and resources in fostering emotional literacy and well-being in children.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Regulation and Strengthen Hands

02:11 Common Signs that a Child is Struggling with their Emotions

11:22 The Role of Storytelling in Emotional Regulation

20:37 Workshops and Community Engagement for Parents and Educators

27:27 Susie's Reflection on Emotional Regulation in the Early Years

About Cameile Henry

As an ECE professor she has facilitated numerous learning opportunities to enrich the lives of preservice educators. She has supported children from infancy to 12 years of age as an ECE. She is a registered facilitator for Circle of Security, an international program that supports primary care providers with the tools to enhance building strong attachments with children. She also serves as an educational consultant for the CBC animation series ‘Jeremy and Jazzy’.

Instagram - StrengthenHands

Youtube - @StrengthenHandsEDU

Website - www.strengthenhands.com

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In this holiday episode of the ECE Classroom, host Susie Beghin addresses pressing questions from early childhood educators about managing challenging behaviors in the classroom, effective parent communication, classroom strategies and team dynamics.

The episode covers challenging behavior topics such as aggressive behavior, tantrums, biting, speech difficulties and handling conflict between children.

Susie discusses effective communication with parents while emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding child development, and building trust with both children and parents to create a supportive learning environment and great relationships with parents.

In this episode, Susie Beghin addresses key questions related to early childhood classrooms, focusing on managing transitions, the importance of messy play, fostering inclusion, effective team dynamics, addressing educator burnout, and the challenges of opening a daycare.

She provides practical strategies and insights for educators to enhance their teaching practices and support their students' development.

More information about Susie Beghin is available at www.susiebeghin.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Holiday Episode and Q&A Format

01:00 Strategies for Managing Aggressive Behavior

06:10 Strategies to Deal with a Tantrum

07:11 Strategies for Children who are Biting

11:08 Strategies to Support Children with Speech Difficulties

12:30 Supporting Conflict Between Children

15:05 How to Stop Children from Using Inappropriate Language

17:07 How to Support New Children in the Classroom

19:30 Lingering Parents at Drop-off Time

21:16 Effective Parent Communication

23:29 Managing Transitions in Early Childhood Education

26:33 How to Manage Messy Play

30:03 Fostering Inclusion in the Classroom

31:50 Team Communication and Celebrating our Differences

36:30 Addressing Educator Burnout

39:00 Challenges of Opening a New Daycare

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