Shows
Hot Topics!Living with a Disability (Part 18) - Dyslexia and ADHDWelcome to Hot Topics! In this episode, we welcome back Renée Peña Lopez, an early childhood inclusion specialist, to share her journey of living with dyslexia and her surprising recent diagnosis of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). While our initial focus was on dyslexia, Renée's revelation about her comorbid ADHD adds a fascinating layer to her story.Renée reflects on her childhood experiences marked by perfectionism, where her struggles with comprehension, spelling, and writing were often overshadowed by her grandfather's insistence on academic excellence. She candidly discusses her late dyslexia diagnosis in college and the...
2025-07-161h 16
Hot Topics!How to Be a Mighty Advocate for Your ChildWelcome to Hot Topics! Join host Gabrielle Crichlow in this empowering episode featuring fellow tutorpreneur Renée Peña Lopez as they discuss the essential role of advocacy in your child's development. Together, they delve into key developmental markers for preschool and elementary-aged children, providing parents with the insights needed to recognize and address their child's unique needs.In this episode, you'll learn effective strategies for advocating for your child's educational and emotional support, and discover how to navigate the systems in place to ensure they receive the help they require. Gabrielle and Renée share practical takeaways for...
2025-06-251h 08
homeroom077 – S3 E14 – "Play is connection." - Renéehomeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation.
In this episode, I speak with Renée, a learning specialist and educator—about her earliest memories of teaching herself how to read before 4 to receiving various interventions in schools for … yup, reading. We talk about the family members and school teachers and staff who helped to identify the help she needed to find academic success, and how—in a full circle moment—she became an interventionist who helps to identify students’ unique needs and collabo...
2024-12-2053 min
Returning to UsAre schools failing our kids?In today’s episode, Lauren asserts that schools are failing our kids. She looks at this through the lens of “You have to Maslow before you can Bloom.” This means that before children can learn, they must have their basic needs fulfilled which are described in Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Benjamin Bloom created three hierarchical models which classify educational learning objectives. However, if the basic needs aren’t met then a student will never reach Bloom’s learning objectives. One of the most important needs humans have is developing relationships with other people. Creating a relationship...
2022-10-2421 min
The Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #33: How to Make Play Yours: An Interview with Kayla SouzaToday’s episode is with Kayla Souza, an early childhood educator of almost 20 years. This last year, she made the transition out of the regular preschool classroom setting and opened a play-based home preschool. The past few years, she has been on a journey to learn more about play-based learning and the benefits it has for children, especially in the early years. Her motivation for doing this was her own child, who is now 3.5 and a student in her preschool program. Her child was a micro-preemie and had some significant health challenges in her first months that resulted in a...
2021-12-1530 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #32: Is it just me???After the past 18+ months we’ve had, I feel myself asking the question “is it just me?” The Littles coming into the classroom seem to be at a different maturity level. The transition hasn’t been easy for our Littles or us as teachers. So what is fair right now?In this episode I talk to you about how to make time and space in your routine to understand where our Littles are at emotionally so we can break down our bigger goals to create smaller, more palatable change!Shownotes: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes...
2021-11-0316 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #31: Teaming Up Together with Dana RosenbloomWelcome back to Season 3 of the Magic of Littles Podcast! Today’s episode is with Dana Rosenbloom of Dana’s Kids! Dana is a child and parent educator and I know you’ll love the nuggets she drops in this interview.There’s lots of question marks going into another school year with Covid and a confusing time for children, parents and teachers. We talk about what Dana does, the benefits of working closely with parents, how to advocate, conflict resolution and some of our favorite resources.Shownotes: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-031Suppor...
2021-10-2035 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezSeason 3 TrailerWelcome back to Season 3 of the Magic of Littles Podcast starting on Wednesday, October 20, 2021! Look out for episodes on Wednesdays about supporting parents, supporting the needs of Littles during the pandemic plus a few solo episodes with helpful how-tos and reflections!Show notes for the podcasts can be found here: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/blogSupport the show
2021-10-2003 min
Returning to UsPlay, Relationships & Connection: A Conversation with Early Childhood Intervention Specialist Renee Pena LopezIn this episode, Lauren has a conversation with Renee Pena Lopez, an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist in New York City and also the creator of The Magic of Littles. They discuss working with young kids, the importance of play, and the need for connection. Renee’s passion comes from her own lived experience. Her life started as a preemie born to deaf parents. She had health problems as well as a delay in language skills development. It was later discovered she was also dyslexic. She understands the importance of kids getting help as young as possible. This has...
2021-09-2850 min
The Preschool PodcastCreating a Supportive and Inclusive Environment for Children in Your ClassroomIn this episode of the Preschool Podcast, we chat with Renee Pena Lopez, Early Childhood Intervention Specialist and owner of The Magic of Littles. Renee shares with us how educators can create a supportive and inclusive classroom and shares with us the importance of modelling as an educator or parent.
2021-08-0321 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezBonus Episode #30: Three Tips to Deal with Frustration ToleranceIn this episode, I share insights into frustration tolerance and some helpful tips to recognize and help a frustrated child. Learn about these new tips and tricks with me today such as frustration logging, supportive play, and body mapping.I also invite you to a workshop given on July 6th-8th 2021: Get Rooted in Play: Three easy takeaways to unpack supportive playSupport the show
2021-07-0313 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #29: Play Activation and The Free to Play Summit with Sally HaugheyToday’s episode is the last episode of Season 2! I talked with Sally Haughey, the Founder and CEO of Fairy Dust Teaching. We talked about how children need to be lifted and celebrated instead of shamed and compared. We also talk about the importance of children having the right to play and we don’t need to take them out of that! I’m so excited to talk more about her Free to Play Summit that is happening on July 12-16 online. There’s so many great nuggets during this interview with Sally and I can’t wait for you to lis...
2021-06-3029 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #28: Unusually Transitions: Prepping for Next YearToday I’m talking to you about prepping for the next school year as we’re told things might get back to normal. We talk about social-emotional learning, how to get organized for next year and a few book recommendations you can add to your summer reading list!https://www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-028Support the show
2021-06-1616 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #27: Reflecting on this Past School YearIn this episode I’m reflecting on this past school year and how I’ve grown, you’ve grown and our children have grown in new ways. Let’s commend ourselves on the new skills we’ve all learned and how we’ve gotten through this school year. Celebrate those wins!www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-027Support the show
2021-06-0912 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #26: Adding Musical Play to our Little’s Lives with JoEllyn SumnerToday’s podcast is with music teacher, JoEllyn Sumner. JoEllyn has formed choirs, world music drumming ensembles, percussion ensembles, and after-school parent-child music classes, so that her students and their families have countless positive musical experiences.During this episode, we learn about how to create a tuneful home whether for your own family or as a Teacher of Littles.www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-026Support the show
2021-05-1225 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #25: Teacher Appreciation All Year LongToday’s podcast is just me talking about the pandemic, boundaries and reflecting on the past school year in reflection of Teacher Appreciation Day. Teachers believe we should be (or are expected to be) super heroes, but taking the time to reflect, set boundaries and make sure you’re taking care of yourself is SO important for teachers all year round. https://www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-025Support the show
2021-05-0511 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #24: Emotional Security and Co-regulation with Katie CrosbyToday I have Katie Crosby back on the show - we talked about big emotions back on Episode 9! Katie is an OT who specializes in relational healing and development through daily interaction. Her training is in play therapy, trauma-informed methods, sensory processing, DIRFloortime, and integrative listening therapies.www.themagicoflittles.com/post/shownotes-024Support the show
2021-04-2837 min
Inclusive Education Project (IEP) PodcastBeing the Biggest Champions of Our Littles with Renee Pena LopezWe can’t wait to share our wonderful conversation with you today! Our guest is Renee Pena Lopez, an Early Childhood Learning Specialist, a Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT), and the host of “The Magic of Littles” podcast!Join us as we talk about advocacy, early intervention, the importance of play, and making sure each child receives what they need.Show Highlights:Renee shares her introduction into (and passion for) early childhood education.The importance of early intervention.Renee discusses her daughter’s challenges and abilities.How teachers and pare...
2021-04-2732 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #23: Burnout and Boundaries for Caregivers with Sarah Carlisle StewartToday’s episode is with Sarah Carlisle Stewart! Sarah helps caregivers overcome codependency fueled burn out with authentically aligned, self-worth rooted boundaries. Sarah helps people in her one-on-one work as well as group coaching over at The Modern Nanny. She’s been doing the Sustainable Sisterhood Series on Instagram to honor the individual aspects of caregiving, so make sure to check that out!Sarah and I talked about the importance of not skipping over taking care of ourselves and neglecting self care doesn’t help us be the best caregivers we can be. We talk about boundaries, self c...
2021-04-1323 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #22: Social Emotional Learning with Casey O’Brien MartinToday’s episode is with Casey O’Brien Martin, LMHC, REAT, RN is the author of “Skills for Big Feelings: A Guide for Teaching Kids Relaxation, Regulation, and Coping Techniques.” Casey and I talked about her love of working at schools helping kids with their social emotional learning as a School Adjustment Counselor and how she works with kids early on with these skills. I can’t wait for you all to listen in to learn more about Social Emotional Learning (SEL) today! www.themagicoflittles.comSupport the show
2021-03-0326 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #21: Speech Development with Speech Therapist, Jeannette WashingtonToday’s podcast is with speech therapist, Jeannette Washington, M.Ed., who I met four years ago on Instagram! Jeannette Washington has worked as a speech and language pathologist, software engineer and educator. She empowers those with special abilities to pursue employment in the tech industry. Jeannette’s love for technology is documented in her book “Technical Difficulties: Why Dyslexic Narratives Matter in Tech.” Currently she works within the intersection of technology, accessibility and social justice.Jeanette and I have a conversation about milestones in speech for your child and how to help your child th...
2021-02-2433 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #20: What does that acronym stand for?Today’s podcast is a solo episode where I am talking all about those confusing acronyms that feel like a foreign language! I chat with you about some of the most common acronyms and what they mean, carryover and preparing for meetings to advocate for the child in need. Plus, I’m offering you a freebie that will help you out so much! Get the “IEP Team Meeting Form” freebie here - I know it will be helpful!Support the show
2021-02-1915 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #19: What is best for children with Chantal CoxThis week’s podcast episode is a different type of interview. I usually interview teachers, service providers, and the like. This time around, I interviewed an administrator, Chantal Cox, because all voices need to be heard at this table. Chantal has been working in a special education cooperative for the past 13 years and is helping the new future of the co-op come to life.www.themagicoflittles.comSupport the show
2021-02-0435 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezSeason Two TrailerThe Magic of Littles Podcast is coming back on Feb 3rd, 2021! I am super excited to talk about on how to support your Exceptionally Little under your roof, be it the classroom or homeschooling. This season we deep dive and take apart of the acronyms in Special Education, real talk about emotional support through these usually times, and finally real tips to learn how to unpack IEP goals through both guided play and guided reading together we reinvent invention .Support the show
2021-01-2705 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #18: How to start the school year without losing your mindIt’s time for back-to-school! This week I discuss how to get back into the flow and reconnect, balancing the needs of your Littles and their families with your own self-care needs. I am also dropping a secret freebie so brew yourself a cup of tea and listen in! To subscribe to the Back to School Bootcamp, do so here: https://www.subscribepage.com/magicoflittlesback2school2020Support the show
2020-08-2012 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #17 Bringing Trauma-Informed Practices Into the Classroom, with Rachel FreemanThis week I welcomed Rachel Freeman onto the podcast and we did a deep dive on trauma and how to inform our practices with that in mind. This is something we are going through collectively, so I just knew we needed to take the time to really address how this affects our classrooms (both virtual and in-person), and to give you all some great tips and strategies to work into your prep!Support the show
2020-08-0636 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #16: Why Dyslexia Matters in Early Childhood, With Erica PianaThis week’s episode is all about DYSLEXIA. I sat down to chat with Erica Piana, M.Ed., AMBDA, who is an educator and founder of Voices of Dyslexia. We got down to the nitty-gritty so we could give YOU the tools you need to better support and understand your Littles with learning disabilities.Support the show
2020-07-1039 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #15: Chatting about Nature School with Natasha GroganIt’s time to get down and dirty! This week I sat down to chat about nature school with Natasha Grogan. We discuss how and why we should all be incorporating nature play into our homes and classrooms, whether you live out in the country or right in the middle of a major city, why a play prescription might be just what the teacher ordered, and how to balance out the ever-growing presence of screens in the lives of our Littles. Grab your tea and get ready for your next nature adventure with us!Support the show
2020-06-2643 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #14: Using Play to address Big TopicsHow do movements like BLM relate to our classroom experience, and how do we broach these sensitive and uncomfortable topics with our Littles as they inevitably come up in play? Join me as I discuss how to dig deeper and work within these Big Topics without fearSupport the show
2020-06-1817 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #13: When you Lose Steam!This week I’m reflecting on what the end of the year means when it doesn’t get to end on our terms, and I share some tips on how to deal with day-to-day struggles and how to get through when things are looking tough for both teachers and parents alike because remember we are in the same storm together. Brew up a cup of tea and put in those earbuds; let’s close out this year together!Invitation to Can I Play Too? Collective, can be found in the FB group: The Magic of Lit...
2020-05-2918 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #12: The See-Saw of Highly Sensitive Kiddos with Sandra CliftonThis week I have Sandra E. Clifton, M.Ed on the show and we discuss highly sensitive children, and how to understand and support them in and out of the classroom. So brew up that tea and listen in to learn how to “play detective” and help Littles decipher their own inner language so they can start thriving!Support the show
2020-05-1439 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #11:The Joys of Open-Ended Play with Ruth RauRuth Rau says that ‘children see magic because they look for it’ -- and open-ended toys can help them find that magic! We sat down and discussed how and why to bring open-ended play into the classroom to bring out the JOY and IMAGINATION in your Littles!Shownotes: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/post/episode-11-the-joys-of-open-ended-play-with-ruth-rauFree FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMagicofLittlesClub/Support the show
2020-05-0734 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #10: What's Love Got To Do with it?I got a confession: I am still trying to find my footing with remote learning, but I’ve learned to lean into my strengths and start at the foundation, with love and presence — it all stems from here!Support the show
2020-05-0209 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #09: Meltdowns with Katie CosbyEmotions are *not* bad behavior, but they can still present a real challenge in the classroom! This week I chatted with occupational therapist Katie Crosby about BIG EMOTIONS, and some of the best tips and tricks to guide our Littles through, so we can all feel calmer, happier, and more connected.Support the show
2020-04-2338 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #08: Planting SeedsWe teachers of littles have had an enormous shift in gears recently. Brew up some tea and join us this week as we chat about saying goodbye to littles we may not see again, how to support families through common new challenges, practical solutions for meltdowns, and learning to embrace imperfection along the way!Support the show
2020-04-1616 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #07: Talking About Transforming Challenging Behaviors with Barb O'NeillWe could all use a little help sometimes. I sat down this week to discuss strategies for dealing with challenging behaviors and to glean some wisdom from Barb O’Neil Ed.D, the expert behind www.transformchallengingbehaviors.com. So brew yourself some tea, get comfy, and listen in!Register for the Transform Challenging Behaviors Conference! Support the show
2020-04-0929 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #06 The Kids Will Be Alright!Times are WEIRD, guys. Join me as I discuss how to be a teacher of littles from OUTSIDE the classroom, and how to offer support and resources to the families in your care while figuring out how to cope with these unexpected changes yourselves. So grab yourself a cup of tea and listen in -- we’ve got you covered!Get your Parent Support Document here:https://www.subscribepage.com/parentsupportdocSupport the show
2020-04-0108 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #05: Why hygge matters with Kimberly SmithOn today's show, Kimberly talks about teacher wellness from the point of view of Hygge. She speaks about the importance of self-care and how to use the tools both in and outside the classroom.Support the show
2019-09-2425 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #04: Tricks to Understanding an IEP GoalI hear this all the time from Early Childhood Teachers, "I am not a special education teacher. What the deal with this IEP goal?" In this episode, I share an unusual point of view on how to understand an IEP is using it as related to baking and hope that we tackle this idea of IEP's in this Q and A.Support the show
2019-09-1410 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #03: Movement is the building blocks to Play with RobynOn The Heart of Play Show is Robyn Papworth of Play.Move.Improve a child Developmental Educator, Exercise Physiologist, and mum of 3 little ones and a promoter of children’s learning, development, and health.I loved our conversation because we dive into one of my favorite subjects about the young brain and the importance of movement and what to look for when movement is stopping play. And one of my favorite tips is about learning styles and going beyond just knowing your Littles in our chat. I hope you enjoy our conversation. You can fo...
2019-06-0722 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #02: Deeper into the Why The Heart of Play MattersI chat with my dear friend Adelyn and she interviews me even deeper into the why I created the podcast, what education means to me as a teacher and mom. You get tips and stories on how education has shaped our lives as teachers and spoiler alert we even hit at the need to break class and economic barriers as solutions to make learning work for ever learners. If you are into deep thoughts and laughter around the power of early childhood experiences and how they shape how you teach. Take a Listen! And then share a review!!!
2019-05-0937 minThe Magic of Littles with Renee Pena LopezEpisode #01: What is The Heart of Play Show?On this episode, I share with you why I started this show: The Heart of Play Show! Why I use the term Teacher's of Littles and why you should pick up the battle cry if you are one.Support the show
2019-03-3004 min
Learn With LessLearning, Executive Functioning, and PlayOn this episode of the Learn With Less podcast, Ayelet sits down with Renee Peña Lopez, a special education and early childhood educator, to discuss how executive functioning is related to foundational learning and play in early childhood? We got the scoop about how to make play more purposeful to support this important part of brain development in infants, toddlers, and beyond.
We speak about Renee’s journey into the kind of work she does and why she’s so passionate about it, what executive functioning is and how it’s related to learning and play in earl...
2018-05-1729 min