Play Before Pencils

Jenn Zollinger
  • 5.0 (5)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Play Before Pencils Podcast

Play Before Pencils is a podcast for early childhood educators who are interested in making the shift from teacher-led practices to a more organic, developmentally appropriate practice centered around play. Join your host, Jenn Zollinger, as you explore a wide variety of topics pertinent to the early childhood education field and how to make simple changes to incorporate them into your preschool or childcare setting.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Common Does Not Equal Appropriate

    Have 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

    9 min

  2. AUG 28

    Storytelling w/Laura Shea

    There 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

    44 min

  3. AUG 21

    Reggio 101

    You 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

    45 min

  4. AUG 14

    Process 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 discovery. Show Notes: www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

    12 min

  5. AUG 7

    Navigating Burnout with Katie Heiser

    We 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

    46 min

  6. JUL 31

    Schedule vs. Routine

    While 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/

    13 min

  7. JUL 24

    Play in Public School Classrooms

    Publics 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/

    51 min

  8. JUL 17

    Stop 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.

    8 min
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About

Play Before Pencils is a podcast for early childhood educators who are interested in making the shift from teacher-led practices to a more organic, developmentally appropriate practice centered around play. Join your host, Jenn Zollinger, as you explore a wide variety of topics pertinent to the early childhood education field and how to make simple changes to incorporate them into your preschool or childcare setting.

Information

  • Creator
    Jenn Zollinger
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jenn Zollinger
  • Show Website
    Play Before Pencils

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