Send us a text

What if stories and play were the bridge between children (and their grown ups) and nature? Join us as we explore this concept with Susie Spikol, a naturalist and educator whose enchanting book, Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic, serves as a portal to the wonders of the natural world. Susie shares her journey from being a Brooklyn secret fort naturalist inspired by childhood tales like Winnie the Pooh and The Hobbit to her life's work as a naturalist and storyteller in New Hampshire.

Discover how storytelling can transform outdoor adventures into magical experiences, sparking curiosity and a love for nature among kids and their grownups -- whether at home or in the classroom. We'll even share a few personal tales of fairy houses and secret forts that have left a lasting mark on our hearts.

We delve into the whimsical activities outlined in Susie's book, each designed to ignite children's creativity and connection to the environment. From crown making to potion crafting, these projects encourage imaginative play and environmental stewardship. Susie also highlights her work at the Harris Center for Conservation Education, where she nurtures a sense of wonder in both kids and adults.

Links:

• Susie's Webpage
• Order: Forest Magic for Kids and The Animal Adventurer's Guide
• Preorder: The Book of Fairies
• Connect on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Nature Resources for Early Childhood
• The Healing Power of Nature and STEAM

Chapters:

• 01:37:Forest Magic for Kids
• 03:26:Where stories, imagination, and nature collide
• 07:33:Permission to Play
• 13:14:Loose Parts Play
• 14:43:Deep diving into Forest Magic for Kids
• 17:34:Promo
• 18:34:What is a naturalist?
• 23:34:Slowing down to connect -- no global crisis needed
• 27:27:The Book of Fairies
• 28:32:Bringing nature to the classroom

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Send us a text

How can picture books and play combine to spark creativity, empathy, and joy in our youngest learners? Join the conversation with Rachel Rubin and Annie Dycus, the innovative minds behind L-M-N-O Play, a subscription service that uses open-ended play and amazing picture books to engage young minds (while sparking wonder in their grown ups as well).

“Something we really need in our world is children who think outside the box and know how to solve problems. And we think play and picture books —the marriage of the two — is the perfect solution for helping to raise kind, smart, brilliant, imaginative children.” — Annie Dycus, co-founder, L-M-N-O Play

“Not only are we always looking to find that next great kind of undiscovered potential in a great picture book, but also to share with families how they can do this at home and make these amazing moments through just a really simple act.” — Rachel Rubin, co-founder, L-M-N-O Play

Summary:

Dive into the transformative power of picture books and play in early childhood education with Rachel Rubin and Annie Dycus, co-founders of L-M-N-O Play. Learn how their unique approach to connecting play with picture books fosters creativity, problem-solving, and empathy in children, while providing a fresh perspective for adults.

From beloved childhood classics to new favorites, Rachel and Annie share insights on how interactive storytelling and playful activities create profound connections and broaden horizons. Discover the magic of storytelling as a tool for cultural awareness, and explore the timeless value of play and picture books in a digital age. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply love children's literature, this episode offers invaluable advice and inspiration to cultivate a lifetime love for reading and play in our youngest learners.

Chapters:

• 1:01: Origins of L-M-N-O Play
• 4:03:Importance of Learning Through Play
• 7:08:A Horse Named Steve: Walking Through L-M-N-O Play Process
• 13:39:Open-ended and closed-ended play
• 17:19:Social-emotional learning through books and play
• 19:51:Building core connections to picture books
• 22:13:Value of First Book Friends
• 26:57:Power of Play and Picture Books Across Ages and Stages
• 32:42:Favorite Books Featured in the L-M-N-O Play Subscription
• 34:59:Finding Hope Through Play and Empathy

Links:

L-M-N-O Play Website

Follow @lmnoplaynyc on Instagram and Facebook

Follow Annie Dycus and Rachel Rubin on LinkedIn

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Send us a text

Imagine an early childhood classroom filled with diverse books, engaging play centers, and joyful experiential learning where every child feels seen and valued. How does play-based learning help celebrate the unique strengths each child brings to the classroom? Join us this week as we talk about the importance of early childhood education in setting the stage for a lifetime of critical thinking and creative problem solving with Dr. Crystal Y. Campbell, executive director of Dorchester County First Steps and president of Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA). Dr. Crystal helps us uncover how creating empathetic and dynamic educational environments can help unlock each child's potential and lead to a brighter future for all.

In these challenging and unsettling times, Dr. Crystal shares her insights on the importance of play in education, advocating for environments that foster community, collaboration, curiosity, empathy, and joy. This episode explores how such environments prepare young learners for future success, emphasizing the need for dynamic classrooms and the art of storytelling. We also discuss the impact of early childhood education on societal values and envision an ideal early childhood environment for all kids.

Timestamps:

• 01:41: Advocating for Young Children -- Dr. Crystal Campbell's Adventures in Learning
• 03:37: The Joy of Learning Through Play
• 08:02: Dorchester County First Steps
• 10:52: SECA (Southern Early Childhood Association)
• 14:27: Building a Strong Foundation with Wonder and Empathy
• 22:30: Unleashing Children's Potential Through Engaging Experiences
• 29:20: Waving a Magic Wand for an Ideal Early Childhood Education Experience: Designing classrooms with diverse resources where we celebrate each child's unique contributions in a joyful, experiential setting.
• 43:22: The Art of Storytelling: Training educators in storytelling to bring multicultural literature to life.
• 46:09: Facing the Realities and Challenges of this Administration: Working as a community to support early childhood education. What diversity, inclusion, and equity really mean -- and why they are more important than ever.
• 52:42: Teaching and Modeling Kindess and Empathy: Shaping values in early education for a more empathetic and just society.
• 55:26: Leaning Into HOPE: Imagining a future where communities work together to overcome divisions.

Links:

Dorchester County First Steps

SECA (Southern Early Childhood Association)

Register for SECA

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.