Plant the Seed of Learning

Dr. Crystal Loose and Dr. Aimee Ketchum
  • 3.0 (2)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Plant the Seed of Learning is a research-based podcast that merges the education and medical models to help parents, teachers, and early childhood professionals support young children’s development. Hosted by a pediatric occupational therapist and an education expert, each episode breaks down developmental milestones, early learning, play-based strategies, social-emotional development, early intervention, and kindergarten readiness in clear, practical ways. Designed for parents, educators, pediatric occupational therapists, therapists, and anyone working with young children, this podcast conn

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 37: The Sound of Learning: How Music Shapes the Developing Brain

    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. LinkedIn Youtube E-mail srstraley2013@gmail.com Facebook The Body Keeps the Score Links:Born Musical: Early Musical Experiences Shape the Developing Brain

  2. Sep 11

    Episode 36: Beyond the Birth Plan: Supporting the Whole Parent Through Pregnancy and Postpartum

    In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Crystal Loose and Aimee Ketchum explore the physical and emotional journey into parenthood with a Lancaster-based licensed clinical social worker, certified perinatal mental health specialist, doula, and pregnancy and postpartum athleticism professional. The conversation takes a closer look at what a doula really does and how this support can help families navigate pregnancy, birth, and the often-overlooked postpartum period. Drawing on both mental health expertise and hands-on birth support, the discussion explores how parents can prepare for the unexpected, advocate for themselves during birth, and create a postpartum plan before their baby arrives. The episode also addresses maternal mental health, including how to recognize when the typical emotional adjustments after birth may be something more than the “baby blues” and when it is time to seek additional support. The conversation also explores safe, individualized approaches to exercise and fitness during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Key Takeaways Doulas can provide emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.Preparing for parenthood should include a postpartum plan, not just a birth plan.Flexibility can help parents feel empowered even when birth does not go according to plan.Understanding perinatal mental health can help families recognize when a new parent needs additional support.Exercise and movement can be an important part of pregnancy and postpartum wellness when approached appropriately.Building a support system before the baby arrives can make the transition into parenthood feel more manageable.

  3. Sep 3

    Episode 35: Let Them Play! Bringing Joy, Nature, and Childhood Back to Early Learning

    In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Crystal Loose and Aimee Ketchum welcome Amy Reyes-Hauff, an early childhood education leader with more than 26 years of experience as a Montessori director, Head Start director, kindergarten teacher, and state administrator with the Wyoming Department of Education. Amy shares why joy, play, movement, and time outdoors aren’t extras in early childhood education—they are essential ingredients for healthy development and meaningful learning. Drawing from her work with the Get Wild Wyoming initiative, which has reached more than 300 classrooms and 6,000 children, she discusses how nature-based, screen-free experiences can strengthen self-regulation, curiosity, resilience, physical health, and emotional well-being. The conversation also explores kindergarten readiness, the growing impact of digital technology on young children, and how early childhood classrooms have changed over time. Amy challenges educators and families to consider whether increasing academic expectations and screen use are crowding out some of the experiences children need most. Looking toward the future, Amy shares what she would prioritize in professional learning for early childhood educators and the changes she believes could have the greatest impact on the next generation of children. Key Takeaways Joy is an important foundation for learning, helping children develop curiosity, resilience, confidence, and agency.Outdoor play supports physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.Kindergarten readiness is about much more than early academic skills.Children need opportunities for active, hands-on, screen-free experiences.Early childhood classrooms can maintain high expectations while still protecting play, movement, exploration, and joy.Supporting educators in understanding child development is essential to creating learning environments where young children can thrive.https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-reyes-hauff-a1b15844/Whether you are navigating meltdowns at home or managing a bustling preschool classroom, Why Did They Do That? turns everyday behavioral challenges into powerful opportunities for connection, co-regulation, and healthy cognitive development.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GN9355J5?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

  4. Aug 27

    Episode 34: Building Bridges for Belonging: Helping Every Child Thrive with Dr. OH

    In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Crystal Loose and Aimee Ketchum welcome Dr. Orinthia Harris, known as Dr. OH, an early childhood educator, national speaker, and founder of STEMearly LLC. Dr. OH shares what it really means to create spaces where every young child feels seen, valued, and included. The conversation explores how belonging, STEM learning, social-emotional development, mindfulness, and equity are interconnected in the early years. She also offers practical ways educators and families can nurture children's confidence, curiosity, empathy, and respect for differences through simple everyday interactions. From recognizing what a thriving early childhood classroom looks like to having age-appropriate conversations about diversity, Dr. OH reminds us that creating a sense of belonging doesn't require a complicated program. It begins with the relationships, environments, and experiences we create for children every day. Key Takeaways Children notice differences, and talking about them openly and positively can help build empathy and respect.A true sense of belonging means every child feels seen, valued, safe, and included.STEM and social-emotional learning naturally work together through curiosity, problem-solving, collaboration, and persistence.Creating an inclusive classroom begins with educators reflecting on their own practices and perspectives.Everyday play and interactions at home can build children's confidence and curiosity without expensive toys or structured programs.Small, intentional changes by parents and educators can have a lasting impact on how children see themselves and others.Links:https://stemearly.org/https://stemearly.org/teaching-beyond-labels

  5. Aug 20

    Episode 33: From First Latch to First Steps: The Truth About Breastfeeding, Bonding, and Baby's Development

    In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Aimee Ketchum and Crystal Loose welcome renowned lactation consultant, birth and postpartum doula, and maternal health advocate Donna "Boob Donna" Sinnott. With experience supporting more than 40,000 families, Donna shares practical, evidence-based advice on breastfeeding, donor milk, maternal mental health, and the power of responsive feeding. She explains why breastfeeding often takes practice, how parents can recognize when they need professional support, and why there is no "perfect" feeding journey. The conversation also explores the critical role feeding plays in brain development, attachment, and lifelong learning, while highlighting the importance of policies that better support families during a child's first year. The Donor to Door: Bridge Milk for Home relies entirely on community support and costs approximately $60,000 a year. During #WorldBreastfeedingWeek, consider donating to this program: https://giving.mainlinehealth.org/support-a-priority/donor-to-door

  6. Aug 12

    Episode 32: Screen Time, Sleep, and Connection: What the Research Really Says

    In this research scramble episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, hosts Crystal Loose and Aimee Ketchum dive into one of the most debated topics in early childhood today: screen time. Drawing from current research in education, pediatrics, and occupational therapy, Crystal and Aimee explore what we know—and what we still don't know—about the impact of screens on young children's development. They discuss parents' mixed feelings about technology, the benefits and risks of digital media, the relationship between screen use and sleep, and the importance of family connection in a digital world. The conversation highlights findings from leading researchers including Jenny Radesky, Dimitri Christakis, and others who have examined how screen media influences learning, imagination, sleep quality, self-regulation, and family interactions. The hosts also unpack recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and share practical strategies families can use to support healthy media habits. Most importantly, Crystal and Aimee emphasize that this is not an anti-screen conversation. Instead, it's a pro-sleep, pro-play, and pro-connection discussion focused on helping children thrive in a technology-rich world. In this episode, you'll learn:• What current research says about screen time and child development• Why children under age two learn best through human interaction• How screen use can affect sleep quality and bedtime routines• The role parents play in helping children navigate media• Evidence-based sleep hygiene strategies for babies and preschoolers• Alternatives to screen time that foster creativity, problem-solving, and STEAM learning• How families can create healthy, balanced relationships with technology Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or policymaker, this episode offers practical, research-based guidance for raising and teaching children in the digital age. American Academy of Pediatrics Screen Time Guidelineshttps://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/qa-portal/qa-portal-library/qa-portal-library-questions/screen-time-guidelines Radesky et al. (2016)Overstimulated Consumers or Next-Generation Learners? Parent Tensions About Child Mobile Technology Usehttps://doi.org/10.1370/afm.1976 Radesky & Christakis (2016)Increased Screen Time: Implications for Early Childhood Development and Behaviorhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pcl.2016.06.006 LeBourgeois et al. (2017)Digital Media and Sleep in Childhood and Adolescencehttps://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-1758J Waller et al. (2021)Screen Time Use Impacts Low-Income Preschool Children's Sleep Quality, Tiredness, and Ability to Fall Asleephttps://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12869 Domoff et al. (2019)A Naturalistic Study of Child and Family Screen Media and Mobile Device Usehttps://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1275-1 "We're not anti-screen. We're pro-sleep, pro-play, and pro-connection. Technology is a tool—but relationships are the foundation of learning." – Aimee & Crystal Resources & Research MentionedKey Takeaway

  7. Aug 5

    Episode 31: The Joy of Reading Starts at Birth: How Reading Is Fundamental Is Building Lifelong Readers with Dr. Erin Bailey

    In this inspiring episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, hosts Dr. Crystal Loose and Dr. Aimee Ketchum welcome Dr. Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's largest children's literacy nonprofit. Together, they explore why literacy development begins long before children enter kindergarten and how joyful, everyday interactions lay the foundation for lifelong reading success. Dr. Bailey shares how RIF has evolved over its 60-year history to meet the changing needs of children, families, and educators through research-based resources, free digital books, professional learning, and innovative literacy initiatives. She highlights Skybrary, RIF's digital reading platform featuring hundreds of free children's books, as well as the Reading Inspires podcast, which brings together leading literacy researchers and educators to share evidence-based practices. The conversation also explores the powerful connection between dramatic play and literacy, explaining how pretend play builds vocabulary, storytelling, comprehension, and oral language skills that prepare children to become confident readers. Erin introduces practical, free resources, including graphic organizers, family activities, and literacy tools—that parents and educators can begin using immediately. Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, librarian, or school leader, this episode is filled with practical strategies and free resources to help children discover the joy of reading from the very beginning. Learn more about Reading Is Fundamental: https://www.rif.orgExplore Skybrary: https://www.skybrary.orgListen to the Reading Inspires podcast: https://readinginspires.podbean.com How reading to NICU babies can benefit moms in a big way Literacy Central: Literacy Central | RIF.org   Early Childhood Digital Hub: Early Childhood Education Center | RIF.org   Graphic Organizer Collection: Graphic Organizers | RIF.org   Toddlers Can Read: Toddlers CAN Read – Toddlers Can Read    Listeners will learn: Why literacy development begins at birth—not kindergartenHow shared reading supports brain development and language growthThe critical role of dramatic play in building future readersFree literacy resources available through Reading Is FundamentalPractical ways families and educators can foster a lifelong love of reading

  8. Jul 29

    Episode 30: The Power of the First Three Years with ZERO TO THREE's Rebecca Parlakian

    In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, hosts Crystal Loose and Aimee Ketchum welcome Rebecca Parlakian, Senior Director of Programs at ZERO TO THREE, one of the nation's leading organizations dedicated to ensuring that every baby and toddler has a strong start in life. With more than two decades of experience supporting children, families, educators, and policymakers, Rebecca shares practical, research-based insights on how relationships, responsive caregiving, and everyday interactions shape children's development from birth through age three. Together, they explore the power of co-regulation, helping adults "share their calm" with young children, fostering curiosity and early STEM learning, and creating meaningful learning opportunities during everyday routines. Rebecca also discusses the biggest challenges facing today's families, where she sees hope for the future, and the policy changes that could make the greatest difference for young children over the next decade. Listeners will learn how simple moments—reading a book, asking a question, sharing a laugh, or responding to a child's emotions—can have a profound impact on brain development, emotional well-being, and lifelong learning. Why the first three years are critical for brain developmentHow co-regulation helps children develop emotional resiliencePractical strategies for supporting infants and toddlers during stressful momentsEveryday ways to encourage curiosity, learning, and STEM thinkingHow parents and educators can nurture development without overscheduling childrenThe advocacy work of ZERO TO THREE and its impact on familiesResources available through ZERO TO THREE for parents and professionalsInsights from Rocking and Rolling, ZERO TO THREE's trusted parenting resourceThe policy changes that could transform outcomes for babies and familiesRebecca Parlakian on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-parlakian ZERO TO THREE:https://www.zerotothree.org Rocking and Rolling Parenting Resources:https://www.zerotothree.org/resource-type/rocking-and-rolling Word Wonders Early Language and Literacy Curriculum:https://www.zerotothree.org Rebecca will be presenting two exciting sessions at the upcoming LEARN Conference in Portland, Oregon: • Introducing Word Wonders, a new FREE early language and literacy curriculum grounded in the Science of Reading • Revealing findings from ZERO TO THREE's NEW 2026 National Parent Survey Learn more and register: https://learnconference.org In This Episode:Learn MoreJoin Rebecca at the 2026 LEARN Conference

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About

Plant the Seed of Learning is a research-based podcast that merges the education and medical models to help parents, teachers, and early childhood professionals support young children’s development. Hosted by a pediatric occupational therapist and an education expert, each episode breaks down developmental milestones, early learning, play-based strategies, social-emotional development, early intervention, and kindergarten readiness in clear, practical ways. Designed for parents, educators, pediatric occupational therapists, therapists, and anyone working with young children, this podcast conn

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Crystal Loose and Dr. Aimee Ketchum
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Crystal Loose and Dr. Aimee Ketchum
  • Show Website
    Plant the Seed of Learning