Are AI-powered toys helpful learning companions or could they pose risks for young children? In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Crystal Loose and Aimee Ketchum explore new research from the University of Cambridge examining how generative AI toys affect children’s play, communication, emotional development, privacy, and safety.

Drawing on observations of young children interacting with an AI-powered toy, the research found that these toys can struggle to understand children, respond appropriately to emotions, support pretend and social play, and provide meaningful emotional connection. The researchers also raise concerns about children developing parasocial relationships with AI toys, as well as unclear privacy practices and the potential for AI to replace, or interfere with important interactions with adults and peers.

Crystal and Aimee discuss what these findings mean for parents, educators, therapists, and policymakers, including recommendations for stronger safety standards, clearer privacy policies, responsible toy design, and active adult involvement when children use AI toys.

Bottom line: AI toys may have potential, but when it comes to children under five, thoughtful design, regulation, and adult guidance are essential.

What do children need before they are truly ready to learn? In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Dr. Aimee Ketchum and Dr. Crystal Loose welcome Dr. Bryan Pearlman, author, mental health therapist, educator, and former school principal, for a conversation about the foundations children need to thrive in school and in life.

Drawing on his experience in education and mental health, Dr. Pearlman explores how influential theories of child development can help parents, educators, and professionals better understand children’s behavior and learning. The conversation examines the importance of meeting children’s emotional and developmental needs before expecting academic success, the role of trauma-informed practices, and how cognitive behavioral therapy can support children’s mental health.

Dr. Pearlman also discusses ADHD, including concerns about over-identification and the influence of technology, and shares the perspective behind his book ADHD Is My Superpower. He explains the work of the Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness and offers practical strategies educators can use to help children feel safe, supported, seen, and ready to learn.

This episode is a reminder that supporting the whole child isn’t separate from education—it creates the foundation that makes learning possible.

Connect with Dr. Bryan Pearlman:

Website: BryanPearlman.com
STL Mental Health: STLmentalhealth.com
X/Twitter: @drp_principal
Facebook Group: Maslow Before Bloom
Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness: DSMHW.org

Music is much more than entertainment—it is a powerful tool for brain development, language, movement, and lifelong learning. In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Aimee Ketchum and Crystal Loose welcome veteran music educator Sonia Straley, who shares how music education has evolved over the past two decades to become more engaging, culturally responsive, and rooted in neuroscience.

Together, they explore the best approaches to early childhood music instruction, including Suzuki, Kodály, Orff, Gordon's Music Learning Theory, Feierabend's First Steps in Music, and Kindermusik, discussing how each supports young learners. Sonia explains how families and educators can nurture children's musical development from infancy, why the early years are a sensitive period for music learning, and how music strengthens literacy, executive functioning, and social-emotional skills.

The conversation also examines the role of growth mindset in the music classroom, the influence of culture on musical experiences, the use of movement and music throughout the school day, and how emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence—are changing music education. Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or simply someone who believes every child deserves opportunities to thrive, this episode will inspire you to see music not as an extracurricular activity, but as an essential part of healthy child development.

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The Body Keeps the Score

Links:
Born Musical: Early Musical Experiences Shape the Developing Brain