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We are joined by two special guests from the Minnesota Children's Museum: Michelle Blodgett, Director of Experiences, and Bob Ingrassia, Vice President of External Relations. In this discussion, Michelle and Bob share their insights on designing play spaces and exhibits at the Museum, and the power of open-ended play in developing critical life skills.

Today's episode answers these questions:

• How are play and learning intertwined?
• What role does play have in developing language skills?
• What are examples of exhibits at the Museum that help children develop essential skills?
• How can play spaces encourage positive social interaction between children?
• How can parents incorporate ideas of playful learning at home?
• How can parents incorporate more nature-based play?
• What are ways of encouraging and identifying age-appropriate learning?
• How does "risky play" support learning and development?

Resources:

Ideas for how to embody Playful Parenting:

Playful Parenting - Minnesota Children's Museum

Child Care & Early Learning Activities- New Horizon Academy

All Play - Minnesota Children's Museum's income-qualified program:

All Play Membership - Minnesota Children's Museum

NAEYC- The Power of Playful Learning:

The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting | NAEYC

Michigan State University - The Value of Open-Ended Play:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_value_of_open_ended_play

Contact New Horizon Academy

• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Tik Tok
• Email us at parentingpickup@nhacademy.net
• Check out our website to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

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Meet our new host, Dr. Aimee Fearing, the Vice President of Education and Staff Development at New Horizon Academy.

This episode marks a bittersweet milestone. Cara Johnson-Bader has been a luminary for countless shared stories, hours of expert analysis, and deep connections with our guests and school families. But the meaningful discussions and insightful interviews won't end here.

Here's what we can look forward to as Cara passes the torch to Dr. Aimee:

• An emphasis on how early care and education make long-term impacts and the reverberations families may see in the K-12 years
• A deeper understanding of the role tech may play in affecting our children's ability to develop healthy emotional regulation
• A look into the importance of facilitating environments for imaginative play
• A celebratory attitude and approach directed towards all caretakers

Thank you for joining us on this learning journey. You won't want to miss what's next.

Contact New Horizon Academy

• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Tik Tok
• Email us at parentingpickup@nhacademy.net
• Check out our website to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

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Dr. Katie Lingras is a multi-talented guest -- she's a child psychologist, associate professor, author of 'A Kids Book about Mental Health', and the Director of Inclusiveness and Excellence at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Today she joins us to discuss how we can introduce the topic of mental health to kids how that topic intersects with her writing and pursuit of equity.

Today's episode answers these questions:

• What do we mean when we use the term "mental health" in the context of children?
• What are the most natural ways to start conversations about mental wellness with children?
• What can children's books do to further conversations about mental health?
• How can we help children deal with changing circumstances in their community and home environment?
• What are everyday ways to promote understanding of mental health?
• How do we discuss mental illness within our friend and family circles?

Below are resources Dr. Katie recommends for parents, guardians, educators and caretakers to continue their learning journey on mental health!

• The Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health
• The University of Minnesota Early Childhood Mental Health Toolkit
• Talking to Children about Immigration Enforcement
• Immigrant Family Resources

Order 'A Kids Book about Mental Health' here

Contact New Horizon Academy

• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Tik Tok
• Email us at parentingpickup@nhacademy.net
• Check out our website to learn more!

Thanks for listening!