In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Crystal Loose and Aimee Ketchum welcome Amy Reyes-Hauff, an early childhood education leader with more than 26 years of experience as a Montessori director, Head Start director, kindergarten teacher, and state administrator with the Wyoming Department of Education.

Amy shares why joy, play, movement, and time outdoors aren’t extras in early childhood education—they are essential ingredients for healthy development and meaningful learning. Drawing from her work with the Get Wild Wyoming initiative, which has reached more than 300 classrooms and 6,000 children, she discusses how nature-based, screen-free experiences can strengthen self-regulation, curiosity, resilience, physical health, and emotional well-being.

The conversation also explores kindergarten readiness, the growing impact of digital technology on young children, and how early childhood classrooms have changed over time. Amy challenges educators and families to consider whether increasing academic expectations and screen use are crowding out some of the experiences children need most.

Looking toward the future, Amy shares what she would prioritize in professional learning for early childhood educators and the changes she believes could have the greatest impact on the next generation of children.

Key Takeaways

• Joy is an important foundation for learning, helping children develop curiosity, resilience, confidence, and agency.
• Outdoor play supports physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
• Kindergarten readiness is about much more than early academic skills.
• Children need opportunities for active, hands-on, screen-free experiences.
• Early childhood classrooms can maintain high expectations while still protecting play, movement, exploration, and joy.
• Supporting educators in understanding child development is essential to creating learning environments where young children can thrive.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-reyes-hauff-a1b15844/Whether you are navigating meltdowns at home or managing a bustling preschool classroom, Why Did They Do That? turns everyday behavioral challenges into powerful opportunities for connection, co-regulation, and healthy cognitive development. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GN9355J5?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback