Shows
Play Before PencilsMaking the Case for Play: How to Talk About Play-Focused Learning with Skeptical Parents and EducatorsHow do you explain the power of play to those who still see it as “just fun”? In this episode, we explore how to have meaningful, empathetic conversations with parents and fellow educators who are unsure about using play as the foundation for early learning. We’ll unpack the research, the real-world results, and the practical language you can use to bridge the gap between developmental theory and classroom reality.Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or advocate for childhood, you’ll come away with renewed confidence in your practice—and the words to help others see that play is...
2025-10-2215 minPlay Before PencilsAssessment in Play-focused ClassroomsIn this episode, we explore what assessment looks like in a play-focused preschool classroom. Rather than relying on checklists or tests, we talk about how teachers become researchers—documenting children’s words, actions, and creations to understand their thinking and guide curriculum.Show Notes:www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2025-09-2408 minPlay Before PencilsSupporting Preschoolers Through Separation AnxietyA new school year has begun and separation anxiety is something you've likely been dealing with as a preschool teacher. In today's episode we'll discuss the important role of teachers and parents in supporting young children through those tough, but developmentally normal, periods of separation anxiety. Show Notes:www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2025-09-1009 minPlay Before PencilsWhat Employers are Really Looking ForWhat do current hiring practices have to do with preschool? Today we explore the skills that today's employers are looking for in potential hires and how the work we do in early childhood education has a big impact on preparing children for future employment opportunities. Show Notes:www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2025-08-2014 minPlay Before PencilsHaving Difficult ConversationsIn the last episode, we talked about communicating with parents, and in this follow-up episode we will focus on having difficult conversations--how to handle situations when you need to discuss emotionally-charged topics with parents and what to do if you have a parent that is simply difficult to work with. Show Notes:www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2025-07-1613 minPlay Before PencilsCommunicating Effectively with ParentsWhether you’re a preschool teacher, daycare provider, or administrator, the connection you build with parents can make or break a child’s success in your care. Today we'll discuss why strong communication with parents is so critical in early childhood education and how we can communicate well, even when we’re juggling 1000 other things!
2025-06-0414 minPlay Before PencilsOne Year LaterCelebrate the one year anniversary of the launch of the Play Before Pencils Podcast with me! We'll take a look back over the year and what it's taught us about the importance of play in early childhood classrooms. Show Notes:www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2025-05-0706 minPlay Before PencilsTransitioning from Chaos to CalmIn today's episode, we take a look at transitions--why they are hard for young children and how we can approach them with more strategy to minimize the impact they have on the students in your early childhood classroom. Show Notes:www.playbeforepencils.com
2025-04-2308 minPlay Before Pencils3 Things That DO NOT Prepare Children for KindergartenAs the school year nears an end, early childhood teachers are often asked the question "Is my child ready for kindergarten?" If we've done our jobs well, we can confidently say "YES!" without ever having engaged in 3 common preschool practices that actually work against a child being ready to move on in school. Show Notes:www.playbeforepencils.com
2025-04-0910 minPlay Before PencilsWhole Body ListeningWhole Body Listening….is it helpful or harmful in today’s early childhood classrooms? Join host Jenn Zollinger as she explores the answer to that question in this episode of the Play Before Pencils Podcast. Show Notes:www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2025-03-2616 minPlay Before PencilsDitch the Worksheets!Emergent writing is a process that requires far more support than a worksheet could ever provide. Join me as I discuss a few of the foundational skills necessary for young children to become successful writers and how to create a classroom environment that supports those skills WITHOUT the use of worksheets!Click HERE to save 20% on my course Ditch the Worksheets: Emergent Writing in Play-based Classrooms, or visit the show notes below.Show Notes:www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2025-03-1213 minPlay Before PencilsBehavior Charts in Early Childhood ClassroomsBehavior charts are designed to help children visualize their behavior in real time and they are popular because they are simple to implement and seem to keep classrooms running smoothly. But beneath the surface, there is a darker side to these systems and they can wind up undermining a child's intrinsic motivation to do good and leave them feeling emotionally unstable in the classroom. Join me as I discuss better ways to elicit the positive behavior you want from the students in your classroom. Show Notes:www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2025-02-1910 minPlay Before PencilsFreedom to CreateIn today's episode I talk about the importance of giving children freedom to create. We’ll explore why creativity matters, how freedom fuels it, and simple ways you can encourage the imagination of the children in your classroom every day.
Visit the show notes for links to some of the resources I use in my art cart.
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2025-02-0513 min
Stories That StickEmergent Writing and Storytelling with Jenn ZollingerToday, I’m joined by Jenn Zollinger from Play Before Pencils to talk about emergent writing and its deep connection to storytelling. As an early childhood educator and advocate for play-based learning, Jenn shares how she transitioned from a teacher-led, academic-focused preschool setting to a more child-led, developmentally responsive approach. We explore the magic that happens when children are given space to explore writing organically—through storytelling, play, and meaningful experiences.
Highlights:
What is Emergent Writing? Jenn explains how children naturally progress through stages of emergent writing, from scribbles to phonetic spelling, and why these early mark...
2025-02-0452 minPlay Before PencilsMy Favorite ThingsIn this episode I share some of my favorite resources and supplies as an ECE. Link are below!
Books:
The Whole Child Alphabet
What if Everybody Understood Child Development?
Let the Children Play
Podcasts:
Not Just Cute
The Early Childhood Research Podcast
Kindergarten Ready
Instagram Accounts:
Cream City Teacher
Confident Kids Therapy
The Intentional Educator
Music:
Kira Willey
2025-01-2216 minPlay Before PencilsImplementing Guided PlayIn this episode we'll explore the topic of guided play, the role it has in a child-led classroom, and how to expertly execute it.
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2025-01-0811 minPlay Before PencilsUnintended Consequences Pt. 4: RelationshipsIn the final episode of my Unintended Consequences of Teacher-led Classrooms, I explore the topic of building relationships in the early childhood classroom and comparing how relationships might differ in teacher-led classrooms vs. child-led classrooms.
2024-10-3008 minPlay Before PencilsUnintended Consequences Pt. 3: ObservationTeacher-led classrooms are so focused on instruction that there is often little time left for observation. When this powerful tool is left out of the assessment equation, teachers are at a disadvantage in understanding what their students actually know and where they could use some extra support.
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-10-2308 minPlay Before PencilsUnintended Consequences Pt. 2: PlayWelcome to week 2 of my series "Unintended Consequences of Teacher-led Classrooms". Today we'll take a closer look at play in teacher-led environments and how a focus on following instructions and completing tasks can have a negative impact on a child's development when they take precedence over play.
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-10-1609 minPlay Before PencilsUnintended Consequences Pt. 1: ChoiceIn this 4-part series, we will explore the unintended consequences of teacher-led models of education in early childhood classrooms. This week we are exploring the consequences of not offering choice to students and how a child-led model better supports their growth and development through choice.
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-10-0911 minPlay Before PencilsLearning Out of ContextWe know that when learning happens in context, there is a much greater chance that it will stick. But sometimes, children are interested in topics that fall outside of the context of their current environments or experiences--is following that lead OK? Find out my thoughts on today's episode!
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-10-0207 minPlay Before PencilsThe Whole Child Alphabet with Stacy BengeThere are so many resources out there about how to teach literacy in early childhood classrooms, but Stacy Benge gets to the heart of how that developmental process actually unfolds for young children in her book "The Whole Child Alphabet". Her easy-to-read style of writing makes this resource a must-have for every early childhood educator and my interview with her today will provide you with insights and ideas that you'll be able to immediately implement in your classroom.
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-09-2546 minPlay Before PencilsYou Need to Share That!Sharing is such an integral part of learning in early childhood and a LOT of children struggle to grasp this concept. But the good news? This is also a time when they’re incredibly curious and eager to learn. We just need to guide them in the right direction. In today's episode I discuss a small change I made in my classroom that had a big pay-off when it came to children navigating the complicated task of sharing and turn-taking.
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-09-1810 minPlay Before PencilsBuilding Strong Early Childhood Teams w/JaneAnn BensonJaneAnn Benson is a wealth of information when it comes to building strong early childhood teams. Kick off your new school year with some extra knowledge and skills that will help you find success in creating a collaborative and healthy working relationship with fellow team members in your classroom.
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-09-1146 minPlay Before PencilsCommon Does Not Equal AppropriateHave you ever taken the time to consider that just because something is common does not necessarily mean it's appropriate? Today I hit on several very common practices in early childhood classrooms and discuss whether they are actually appropriate for the children in our care.
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podast
2024-09-0408 minPlay Before PencilsStorytelling w/Laura SheaThere are a tremendous number of benefits to incorporating storytelling into early childhood settings, but not all of us are comfortable stepping outside of simply reading a book and really getting into the good stuff. In today's episode, Laura Shea talks about the various components of storytelling, why it is an important practice when working with young children, and how to start introducing it into your classroom in simple and accessible ways.
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-08-2843 minPlay Before PencilsReggio 101You asked, now here it is! The #1 requested topic I've had for the podcast is an episode on the Reggio Emilia approach. I'm pleased to have Abby Bucher, a veteran teacher who has studied and used the Reggio philosophy in her classroom for 20 years, join me to give a crash course on what this popular approach is all about and how you can begin bringing it into your classroom today.
Show notes:
www.playeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-08-2145 minPlay Before PencilsProcess over Product"Process over product" is likely a familiar term that you've heard over and over again. It's a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of focusing on the journey or method of achieving a goal rather than solely on the end result or outcome. Early childhood classrooms serve as fertile ground for nurturing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. It is within these environments that the seeds of lifelong learning are sown. By embracing the principle of process over product, educators foster an atmosphere where children are encouraged to engage deeply with tasks, explore various approaches, and revel in the joy of...
2024-08-1412 minPlay Before PencilsNavigating Burnout with Katie HeiserWe all know that working in the early childhood field can be demanding and draining, and for some, that stress reaches burnout levels. Join me as I talk with Katie Heiser about her recent experience with burnout as an early childhood educator, how she chose to navigate it, and where she is now.
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-08-0746 minPlay Before PencilsSchedule vs. RoutineWhile on the surface you might not even distinguish between a schedule and a routine, there is a difference! Join me as I discuss that difference and encourage you to favor one over the other for the benefit of your students.
Show Notes:
https://playbeforepencils.com/podcast/
2024-07-3113 minPlay Before PencilsPlay in Public School ClassroomsPublics schools often have the reputation of being all work and no play, but Amber Unger, The Cream City Teacher, has created a completely different reality in her classroom. Listen as she shares her tips and tricks for incorporating more play into public school classrooms while still targeting the standards and expectations set by the school system.
Show Notes:
https://playbeforepencils.com/podcast/
2024-07-2450 minPlay Before PencilsStop Interrupting Children's Play!How often do we give children long, uninterrupted stretches of play, either at home or at school? Unless you are being very intentional about the playtime in your classroom, they probably aren't getting as much as you think.
2024-07-1708 minPlay Before PencilsDoes Play Prepare for Kindergarten?The term "kindergarten ready" has infiltrated preschool classrooms and perhaps caused us to focus more on the skills that children need to acquire later rather than the skills that they need now. A shift in focus to "preschool mastery" can make a world of difference in how you approach your teaching!
Show Notes:
https://playbeforepencils.com/podcast/
2024-07-1009 minPlay Before PencilsSome Thoughts on ThemesThemes have been a mainstay of preschool programs for decades, but what if they are actually limiting what your students are capable of learning? In this episode we will explore that question and consider how changing your approach to themes has the potential to unlock greater creativity and exploration for the children in your classroom.
Show Notes:
https://playbeforepencils.com/podcast/
2024-07-0312 minPlay Before PencilsShare Your Journey: Anna CrabbThe Share Your Journey series will take us into the worlds of early childhood educators at various stages of their journeys. Be inspired as we hear from Anna Crabb, who knew from the age of 19 that early childhood education and advocacy was her calling in life. Anna has created a beautiful child-led program that you'll want to learn more about!
Show Notes:
www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-06-2635 minPlay Before PencilsPreschoolers Don't Care About Your Lesson PlanLesson planning in a child-led program looks a lot different than it does in a teacher-led program. It can be an intimidating and confusing change to make. Join me as I walk you through 4 key elements that have helped make my lesson planning a simple and reflective process.
Show Notes:
https://playbeforepencils.com/podcast/
2024-06-1916 minPlay Before PencilsDesigning Effective Outdoor SpacesThis week's episode is a follow-up to episode 4, Get Outside, where we learned the benefits of outdoor play. In Episode 6, Kristy DeGraaf is going to teach us the basics of designing our outdoor spaces in order to help us maximize those benefits.
Show Notes:
https://playbeforepencils.com/podcast/
2024-06-1233 minPlay Before PencilsNeurodivergent PlayIn today's episode I talk with Simon Airey about neurodivergence and how it might affect play in an early childhood classroom.
Show Notes:
https://playbeforepencils.com/podcast
2024-06-0534 minPlay Before PencilsGet Outside!Join me as I chat with Christi Warr of Dirt Learning about the importance of getting children outside.
Show Notes:
https://playbeforepencils.com/podcast/
2024-05-2933 minPlay Before PencilsWe Don't Just Educate ChildrenWhen parents have high expectations for academic learning in preschool, some of the blame falls on us as educators. If they believe that academic skills taught in a traditional "school way" are what is most important, it's because we have failed to communicate otherwise. Our job is not simply to teach children, it is to educate parents on what effective, developmentally appropriate learning looks like during the preschool years.
Show Notes:
https://playbeforepencils.com/podcast/
2024-05-2212 minPlay Before PencilsWhat About Academics?Play and academics are perfect companions! In this episode we’ll discuss some of the friction between play advocates and play skeptics and how they can come together to ensure that children are receiving academic instruction in developmentally appropriate ways. I explain the concept of “back door learning” and why it is such an effective way for children to learn new skills without resorting to the drills that have become so common in preschool programs.
Show Notes
https://playbeforepencils.com/episode-2-what-about-academics/
2024-05-1513 minPlay Before PencilsThe Importance of PlayIn the inaugural episode of the Play Before Pencils podcast we will take a bird’s eye view of play and why it is so critical during the early childhood years. We will explore 3 ways that early childhood educators can increase their understanding of play and advocate for it with parents and fellow professionals.
Show Notes
2024-05-0811 minPlay Before PencilsPilotWelcome to Play Before Pencils, where we shift the focus from preparing for kindergarten to mastering preschool!
2024-05-0105 min