Not Just Cute, the Podcast: Intentional Whole Child Development for Parents and Teachers of Young Children

Amanda Morgan
  • 4.6 (43)
  • EDUCATION

Not Just Cute, the Podcast is like listening to a conversation with your nerdy best friend. Who happens to be obsessed with child development. Each episode covers a different topic related to parenting, early childhood education, and healthy, whole child development in order to support teachers and parents in serving young children.

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 83: Schema Play Theory (with Heather Bernt-Santy)

    Professor and early childhood advocate Heather Bernt-Santy is widely known from her podcast as That Early Childhood Nerd.  In this episode, Heather talks about her new book, Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood. Heather shares her journey through the early childhood profession and how writing her first book was a full-circle moment. She breaks down what schema play really is and why it matters so much for child development, as well as how schema play connects to major developmental and educational philosophies. If you love geeking out about how children think, learn, and grow through play, this conversation is full of moments you'll love. Show Notes:  https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode83 Powerful Play Foundations: https://notjustcute.com/powerfulplay

    39 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    Episode 82: Second Read - There's Good in the World. And It's Worth Fighting For.

    In this episode, we revisit one of the most-read pieces published on Not Just Cute: "There's Good in the World. And It's Worth Fighting For." Written nearly a decade ago (and based on quotes from movies released TWO decades ago, which were based on books written NINE decades ago.....) yet increasingly relevant today, this reflection explores the role of educators, parents, and everyday helpers in creating light during dark times. You'll hear why the message hits even harder for me now, what it means to "fight for good" through the work we do with children, and why the small, ordinary acts of love in early childhood education might just be the most powerful force for a brighter future. Show notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode82

    14 min

  3. 10/01/2025

    Episode 81: Not Just Cute Book Study - Best Moments and Big Ideas

    Is play the missing piece in today's educational puzzle? That's the question we wrestled with during a three-part book study I hosted this summer with early educators from across North America. Together, we unpacked key themes from my new book, Not Just Cute: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood—and now I've pulled the highlights into this one-hour recap just for you. In this episode, you'll hear why I wrote the book, the research that shows how play fuels learning and brain development, and the very real risks when we push play aside. You'll also catch some of the "aha" moments and practical takeaways that came straight from our discussions. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or parent, this episode is a reminder of just how powerful play can be—and why it's worth protecting in every classroom and every childhood. Find Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode81

    1h 3m

  4. 09/10/2025

    Episode 80: Actions of Play (with Heather Jackson)

    Unlock the secrets to transforming early childhood education by focusing on the actions — not just the topics — that captivate young minds. Join me as I sit down with Heather Jackson, author of "Actions of Play," to explore how play schemas can revolutionize the way we approach learning. Discover how understanding the verbs that inspire children can lead to rich, inquiry-based projects that resonate with their natural curiosities. From the mesmerizing roll of a fire truck's wheel to the gentle crawl of a ladybug, we dissect the underpinnings of play that drive meaningful and complex learning experiences. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the power of curiosity and introspection in education. Heather shares her insights on how "slow pedagogy" and observation can capture the essence of play, leading to transformative, magical educational experiences. We also explore the enchanting story of "Rainbow City"—a unique project inspired by a child's drawing that became a medium for creativity and emotional expression. This episode invites educators to embrace wonder and magical thinking, ultimately enriching both teaching and learning for educators and students alike. Find Show Notes at: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode80

    54 min
  5. Episode 79: Building a Blended PreK Model (with Machelle Scogin)

    01/19/2025

    Episode 79: Building a Blended PreK Model (with Machelle Scogin)

    This episode explores the transformative blended pre-K program at Prosper Independent School District in Texas, championed by Michelle Scogin, Director of Early Childhood and Learning Services. Discover how this program successfully merges special and general education along with joy, wonder, and compassion. Machelle and her amazing team are committed to building a developmentally appropriate environment where every child can thrive. Through purposefully designed spaces and a commitment to play-based learning, the Brenda Calhoun Early Childhood School stands as a model of innovative and intentional educational practices. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from her early memories as a Head Start child to becoming a leader in early childhood education.  Her story illuminates the universal challenges in early education and the vital role of visionary leadership in overcoming them.  You'll gain insights into how strong leadership and community support have been pivotal in shaping this district's early childhood programs, encouraging a collaborative community that includes educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, school staff, board members, and parents. As Machelle's commonly used hashtag reminds us, #allmeansall.   Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode79

    52 min
  6. Episode 78: We Could All Use the Science of JOY

    11/19/2024

    Episode 78: We Could All Use the Science of JOY

    I had an experience a few months ago that began with a fantastic workshop with one of my favorite schools, and *seemed* to end with a broken down, broken into truck.  But the real ending came full circle when I found that what I had been teaching that early childhood team the day before, was *exactly* what I needed to remember in that moment.  File this one under – everything we ever needed to know in life, we learned in early childhood education. We're talking about why joy matters and how to tap into a little bit more of it. You can find this episode's show notes, which are always full of links, tidbits, and resources, at https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode78

    21 min
  7. Episode 77: Why Play? (With Rae Pica)

    10/29/2024

    Episode 77: Why Play? (With Rae Pica)

    Rae Pica has been a fierce advocate for children and childhood for over 40 years.  And during that time she's written a whole bookshelf full of books on the topic.  Today, she's sharing her latest addition to that bookshelf, it came out just last week, Why Play?: How to Make Play an Essential Part of Early Education. In this newest book, Rae dives into the importance of play in early childhood education, how to partner with parents, why different modes of play are beneficial, and how to support each type of play.  She even touches on some of the tricky topics associated with play, like rough and tumble play and gun play.  It's her latest and possibly her greatest, and she's sharing it with us in today's episode. If you want to know how to better advocate for play in early childhood, this episode is for you.  Find shownotes, including a full transcript, at notjustcute.com/podcast/episode77.

    42 min
  8. Episode 76: A Play-Based Evolution (with Amber Unger)

    08/13/2024

    Episode 76: A Play-Based Evolution (with Amber Unger)

    When Amber Unger (also known as the Cream City Teacher) began her career in education, she thought she'd be working with teenagers.  As her path led her to a 4K public school classroom in the middle of a shift toward play-based learning, she discovered a new passion!  Today, she helps other teachers on their own journeys to better understand and implement intentional play-based practices. Get the show notes at : https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode76

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Not Just Cute, the Podcast is like listening to a conversation with your nerdy best friend. Who happens to be obsessed with child development. Each episode covers a different topic related to parenting, early childhood education, and healthy, whole child development in order to support teachers and parents in serving young children.

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