Tiny Talks on Early Learning

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services
  • 5.0 (7)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to "Tiny Talks on Early Learning," a podcast committed to exploring the world of early childhood education. I am your host, Jessica Stinson. Join me, along with my colleagues and special guests, as we break down the complexities of child's play and lift up the professionals who teach our youngest learners. Whether you're seeking parenting wisdom, professional growth, or simply a deeper understanding of the early learning landscape, "Tiny Talks on Early Learning" promises engaging discussions that resonate with both the heart and the mind. Click the "follow" button and join us on a journey to empower the next generation through knowledge, empathy, and thoughtful guidance. Together, we're shaping the dialogue and embracing the power of learning.

  1. Why Transitions Trigger Meltdowns

    6D AGO

    Why Transitions Trigger Meltdowns

    Transitions—ending playtime, getting out the door, moving from one activity to the next—can feel like small moments to adults but huge emotional events for young children. In this episode, we unpack why transitions so often trigger meltdowns, especially for children under five. Through simple brain science, real-life examples, and practical strategies, we explore what's really happening beneath the tears and resistance—and how parents and early educators can support children through change with empathy, predictability, and connection. If you've ever wondered, "Why is this so hard?"—this conversation is for you.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Transitions are hard because young brains are still under construction. Difficulty with change is developmental—not a discipline issue. Meltdowns are a stress response, not a choice. When children lose control during transitions, they need support, not punishment. Predictability reduces anxiety. Simple warnings, routines, and cues help children feel safer and more prepared. Connection makes cooperation possible. A calm, present adult helps a child's nervous system settle enough to move forward. Small shifts in adult approach can lead to big changes. Adjusting expectations and slowing down can dramatically reduce transition struggles.

    46 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Making Time and Space for Physical Activity In Early Childhood Programs

    Physical activity in early childhood programs is often treated as a break from learning—but what if it's actually the foundation for it? In this episode of Tiny Talks on Early Learning, we sit down with Victoria Bolton to explore why movement is essential for young children's brain development, behavior regulation, and overall well-being. Together, we unpack the research behind the brain–body connection, common barriers programs face, and practical strategies for embedding meaningful physical activity throughout the day—even in small classrooms or tight schedules. Whether you're a teacher, director, or early childhood leader, this conversation will help you rethink how time and space for movement can transform learning environments for young children.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Movement is foundational—not optional. Physical activity directly supports brain development, attention, emotional regulation, and executive functioning in young children. Physical activity reduces challenging behaviors. Many behavior struggles stem from unmet movement needs. Movement should be embedded throughout the day. It doesn't require extra time—just intentional planning during transitions, circle time, and learning activities. Environment shapes behavior. Classroom layout and material placement can either invite or restrict active exploration. Leadership sets the tone. When administrators prioritize movement as essential to learning, teachers feel empowered to integrate it meaningfully.

    39 min

  3. MAR 2

    Engaging Our Sensory Systems

    Young children experience the world through their senses—but when sensory input feels overwhelming or hard to interpret, behavior is often the first place it shows up. In this episode, we explore the eight sensory systems and how differences in sensory processing can shape a child's emotions, attention, movement, and daily routines. From avoiding noise or touch to constantly seeking movement or pressure, we break down common sensory-related behaviors and what they're really communicating. Listeners will gain practical, compassionate strategies to support regulation, reduce overwhelm, and better meet children where they are—at home and in early learning environments.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Behavior is communication. Sensory-related behaviors are often a child's way of telling us their nervous system needs support—not discipline.  There are more than five senses. In addition to sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, children rely heavily on vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive systems to feel safe and regulated in their bodies.  Sensory needs look different for every child. One child may avoid noise or touch, while another constantly seeks movement or pressure—and both are valid sensory profiles. Small changes can reduce big meltdowns. Adjusting lighting, offering movement breaks, or adding deep-pressure activities can significantly improve regulation and focus. Support builds resilience. When adults understand sensory processing and respond with empathy, children are better able to regulate emotions, engage in learning, and feel secure in their environment.

    32 min

  4. FEB 16

    "I'm Here!" Creating Arrival Routines that Feel Good for Everyone

    The first few minutes of a child's day matter more than we often realize. Arrival time isn't just a transition—it's an opportunity to build trust, create connection, and establish a sense of safety that carries throughout the day. In this episode of Tiny Talks on Early Learning, GRECS colleagues Jessica, Venay and Desira Keith explore how intentional, child-centered arrival routines can transform the start of the day for both children and educators. Based on Desira's training, "I Am Here, Now What?", this conversation dives into what children are truly communicating at drop-off, why predictability and flexibility must work hand in hand, and how small, practical adjustments can reduce stress while strengthening relationships. Whether arrival time feels smooth or chaotic in your classroom, this episode offers thoughtful reflection and realistic strategies you can implement right away. Because when children walk through the door and say, "I'm here," how we respond sets the tone for everything that follows.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Arrival routines shape the entire day. The way children are welcomed sets the emotional and behavioral tone that follows. Children's arrival behaviors are communication. Tears, hesitation, or excitement all tell a story—our job is to listen, not rush past them. Consistency creates safety. Predictable routines help children feel secure and confident, even when mornings are hard. Connection doesn't require perfection. A calm presence, a greeting, or a familiar ritual can make a meaningful difference. Supporting educators supports children. Thoughtful arrival routines reduce stress for teachers and create smoother transitions for everyone.

    36 min

  5. FEB 2

    The Power of Policy in Early Education

    Policies and systems don't exist in a vacuum—they are designed by people, and often carry forward assumptions and imbalances. In this episode, Sterling Freeman and Kathleen Crabbs of OpenSource Leadership Strategies unpack how power, policy, and organizational systems shape uneven outcomes in early childhood education. They'll share insights from their work helping leaders and organizations build the skill sets, mindsets, and tool sets needed to redesign structures that maintain these disparities—and what it looks like to move toward justice and liberation in education.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Policies are not neutral—they reflect the values and biases of those who design them. Power analysis matters. Understanding who benefits and who bears the burden is key to advancing fairness. Imbalances often hide in everyday practices—like enrollment policies, discipline rules, or resource allocation. Equity requires redesign, not just reform—building systems that expand power and possibility for all families. Everyone has a role—from parents and teachers to leaders and funders—in noticing inequities and working toward justice.

    35 min
  6. Digging In! Cultivating Curiosity Through Gardening and Biodiversity

    JAN 26

    Digging In! Cultivating Curiosity Through Gardening and Biodiversity

    In Digging In: Cultivating Curiosity Through Gardening and Biodiversity, we explore how everyday experiences in nature—from planting a garden to discovering bugs in the soil—play a powerful role in children's learning and development. Recorded on site at Gulf State Park's Learning Campus and designed for both parents and early childhood professionals, this episode highlights how hands-on outdoor experiences build curiosity, confidence, healthy habits, and environmental awareness, while offering practical, approachable ways adults can support safe exploration and meaningful connections to the natural world.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Gardening nurtures responsibility, patience, and healthy habits while sparking sensory-rich learning experiences. Exposure to diverse plants, insects, and ecosystems builds problem-solving skills and resilience. Real encounters with soil, bugs, and weather deepen children's appreciation for the environment. Families and educators can encourage safe exploration while modeling care for natural habitats. Simple, age-appropriate garden activities foster lifelong curiosity and environmental stewardship. \n","resolvedBy":"manual","customThumbEnabled":false}" data-block-type="22" data-sqsp-block="embed">

    41 min

  7. JAN 5

    What's Working (And What's Not) In Today's Workplace

    In this episode of Tiny Talks on Early Learning, we explore what's working — and what's changing — in today's workplace. With unprecedented turnover, shifts in employee expectations, mental-health pressures, and evolving generational dynamics, the world of work is more fluid than ever. Join us as we unpack the key trends shaping early-childhood programs, schools, parents and educators who are both managing workplaces and preparing a future generation for future work. Whether you're leading a child-care program, supervising teams, or helping young people navigate their future, this conversation illuminates how "work" is changing and how we can adapt.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Today's workplace feels different because it is different, shaped by generational shifts, changing expectations around time, and evolving definitions of success and loyalty. Generational shifts and changing roles are affecting workplace culture. The exit of Baby Boomers is creating gaps in institutional knowledge, while Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z are redefining leadership, onboarding, and workplace norms in real time. Employee retention is closely tied to culture, purpose, and feeling valued—not just pay—especially in people-centered fields like early childhood education. Onboarding, first impressions, and everyday acknowledgment are key components and play an outsized role in whether employees feel connected to their workplace and choose to stay. Mental health, flexibility, and wellbeing have become central workplace realities, requiring a balance between compassion, accountability, and mission-driven leadership.

    33 min

  8. 12/07/2025

    Listen to the Room: Tiny Talks LIVE with Alabama's Early Childhood Voices

    Recorded live at the 2025 Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Conference in Birmingham, AL, this special edition of Tiny Talks on Early Learning brings you straight into the heart of Alabama's early learning community. Across three days, over 4,000 early learning professionals stopped by Tiny Talks "Chat & Chill" booth to pull three question cards and share real, unscripted reflections from their daily work with young children. In this episode, you'll hear short conversations stitched together into a powerful chorus of voices—from first-year teachers and seasoned directors to mental health consultants and statewide support organizations. They talk candidly about burnout and well-being, big feelings and behavior, the power of play and connection, family partnerships, quality improvement, and the legacy they hope to leave with the children and families they serve. It's a love letter to Alabama's early learning workforce and a reminder that the true strength of this field is—and always will be—its people.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "5e7f4e57-00fa-4406-8add-558620741a44" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Well-being and burnout are real—and require intentional care. Educators name the emotional load of the work and the risk of burnout, while sharing personal strategies like early-morning routines, movement, and boundaries that help them keep showing up with energy and love for children. Connection comes before curriculum. Over and over, guests emphasize that strong relationships and daily rituals—greetings, check-ins, "I love you" rituals, Baby Doll Circle Time, playful eye contact and touch—are the foundation for learning, behavior, and emotional safety. Play, creativity, and technology make learning irresistible. From Legos on a desert island to Alexa-led dance parties, pretend McDonald's in dramatic play, and tools like Frog Street, teachers are constantly turning tight schedules and transitions into playful, engaging learning moments. Families are partners, not an afterthought. Teachers and leaders talk about orientation, room parents, photos and messages through apps, gardening projects, and flexible support ("bring your child to me and go to work") as ways to build trust, share joy, and stand alongside families. This work is about legacy, resilience, and roots. Whether it's a former student returning as a teacher, a center reaching 4-star quality, or a career shift from healthcare to the classroom, each story points to the long-term impact of early childhood work—and the resilient, ever-evolving professionals who keep Alabama's youngest learners at the center.

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Tiny Talks on Early Learning," a podcast committed to exploring the world of early childhood education. I am your host, Jessica Stinson. Join me, along with my colleagues and special guests, as we break down the complexities of child's play and lift up the professionals who teach our youngest learners. Whether you're seeking parenting wisdom, professional growth, or simply a deeper understanding of the early learning landscape, "Tiny Talks on Early Learning" promises engaging discussions that resonate with both the heart and the mind. Click the "follow" button and join us on a journey to empower the next generation through knowledge, empathy, and thoughtful guidance. Together, we're shaping the dialogue and embracing the power of learning.

Information

  • Creator
    Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Tiny Talks on Early Learning

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