Episode 78: We Could All Use the Science of JOY

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

#Amanda Morgan #Parenting #Lifestyle #Childdevelopment #Family #Podcasting Education

33:58

In this episode, we delve into the concept of being "qualified" in the workplace, examining who gets labeled as such, who doesn't, and the underlying reasons. We explore "competency checking"—the practice of scrutinizing individuals' abilities—and how it disproportionately affects underrepresented groups, often going unnoticed or unchallenged. Our discussion aims to redefine qualifications in a fair, equitable, and actionable manner. Our guest, Shari Dunn , is an accomplished journalist, former attorney, news anchor, CEO, university professor, and sought-after speaker. She has been recognized as Executive of the Year and a Woman of Influence, with her work appearing in Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, and more. Her new book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work , unpacks what it truly means to be deserving and capable—and why systemic barriers, not personal deficits, are often the real problem. Her insights challenge the narratives that hold so many of us back and offer practical solutions for building a more equitable future. Together, we can build workplaces and communities that don’t just reflect the world we live in, but the one we want to create. A world where being qualified is about recognizing the talent and potential that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about building an entirely new table, one designed with space for all of us. Connect with Our Guest Shari Dunn Website& Book - Qualified: https://thesharidunn.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/sharidunn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesharidunn Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 How To Defy Expectations with Dr. Sunita Sah | 271 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

hace un año 21:03

MP3•Episodio en casa

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

79 episodios

Episode 78: We Could All Use the Science of JOY

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

110 subscribers

published hace un año

MP3•Episodio en casa

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

79 episodios

#Amanda Morgan #Parenting #Lifestyle #Childdevelopment #Family #Podcasting Education

Todos los episodios

1
Episode 79: Building a Blended PreK Model (with Machelle Scogin) 52:21

hace 6 weeks52:21

52:21

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…

1
Episode 78: We Could All Use the Science of JOY 21:03

hace 15 weeks21:03

21:03

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…

1
Episode 77: Why Play? (With Rae Pica) 41:59

hace 18 weeks41:59

41:59

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 .…

1
Episode 76: A Play-Based Evolution (with Amber Unger) 36:26

hace 29 weeks36:26

36:26

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…

1
Episode 75: Empowering Parents as Teachers - Mobile Early Education Outreach Team (With Play Smart Literacy) 47:52

hace 38 weeks47:52

47:52

In episode 74, I introduced you to Michele Dineen-White, the creator of Play Smart Literacy in Chicago. Play Smart Literacy is a truly mobile outreach program, meaning that rather than hoping parents can overcome the burden of traveling to a specific location to receive services, Play Smart Literacy goes out into the community, particularly in vulnerable areas, to contact families and meet them right where they are – both literally and figuratively. They teach workshops at laundromats, gas stations, and standing in line at the market. The passion for this program - and what it does for children and families - is contagious! In fact, many members of the team were once on the other side of the program – they were parents learning for the first time that talking and playing with their babies could make a meaningful difference in their development. They saw the benefits of the program with their own eyes and in their own homes and decided they wanted to share that message with other parents. In this episode, I talk with members of the Play Smart Literacy team, about why they're so passionate about their work, what that work looks like, and how they've seen it change lives.…

1
Episode 74: Innovative Early Education Outreach that Actually Reaches the Children - Play Smart Literacy (With Michelle Dineen-White & Talmage Steele) 58:03

hace 38 weeks58:03

58:03

Michele Dinneen-White was working in an early education outreach program when she realized something. The program wasn’t actually reaching out to the families who needed it most. Those families were still required to find the time and the means to get their child to the center in order to receive services. And for many, that barrier was just too much to overcome. So Michele decided to create something new. The program is called Play Smart Literacy and it serves families in the Chicago area. It’s a fully mobile outreach program, one that actually reaches OUT and INTO the most vulnerable communities. And what is their mission? To build language and relationships through play. Michele and her parent play leaders go to where the families are – parks, shelters, mobile markets, Head Start and early care programs, laundromats, gas stations – and they build real relationships with the families they meet, while at the same time building the families’ understanding of the connections between play, talk, and child development …AND building their confidence as parents as well. Their message is clear: EVERY parent has the ability to have a strong positive influence on their child’s future.…

1
Episode 73: Challenging Behaviors in the Preschool Classroom (with Prerna Richards) 48:36

hace 45 weeks48:36

48:36

Challenging behaviors seem to be on the rise in preschool classrooms. Prerna Richards, of Together We Grow, specializes in supporting educators with a behavior coaching program. In this episode, she shares what she believes is behind this increase, and what can be done to better help our youngest learners. Find Show Notes : https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode73…

1
Episode 72: Fairy Tales and Resilience (with Stephanie Goloway, EdD) 57:48

hace 47 weeks57:48

57:48

Once upon a time..... ...Happily ever after. These are common fairy tale phrases. But they're more than just staid story stems. These common phrases -- and the stories in between -- hold not only a recipe for imagination and fantasy but also for resilience. Stephanie Goloway (EdD) is a powerful advocate for the importance of imagination, play, and storytelling. As a now-emeritus professor, she’s taught young children as well as college students and has focused her research on how fairy tales align with and support child development. She’s written a book called, Happily Ever Resilient , where she shares how the ordinary magic of resilience is woven into the extraordinary magic of fairy tales, supporting all children as they face the challenges of life. Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode72…

1
Episode 71: Bringing Families to the Library with Play (with Tammie Benham) 53:18

hace 50 weeks53:18

53:18

Most people associate the library with silence. But what if we associated it with play? In this episode, I’m talking with Tammie Benham, Youth Services Consultant for the Southeast Kansas Library System. Tammie believes that where libraries, children, and families intersect, magic is possible. And she’s set out to make that magic through a family engagement program focused on using play to teach, encourage, and support families in the communities she serves. Find Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode71…

1
Episode 70: Why We Need Play for All 14:30

hace 1 year14:30

14:30

We started this series with the overall argument for why play is essential for human development. The next three episodes dug deep into three main themes: Why we need play for mental health and wellness, for brain development and real learning, and for soft skill development. Then, we shifted to several shorter episodes, touching on specific types of play and how they contribute to development. In this final episode, I’m talking about why ALL children need play, even when others may think it’s time to help children “catch up” instead. Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode70…

1
Episode 69: Why We Play with Art 11:37

hace 1 year11:37

11:37

What does fingerpainting have to do with the Space Race? In this episode, we're talking about art and creative play and their role in learning, thinking, and innovating. Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode69

1
Episode 68: Why We Play Pretend 17:56

hace 1 year17:56

17:56

This episode’s focus is the dress-up area and dramatic play. We’ll talk about the powerful developmental support that comes from preschoolers dressing up and playing pretend. Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode68

1
Episode 67: Why We Play at the Sensory Table 15:20

hace 1 year15:20

15:20

This episode’s focus is sensory play. We’ll take a look at why these bins full of rice, water, goop, and other media aren’t just a big mess waiting to happen, they’re a really important key to supporting healthy child development. Find Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode67

1
Episode 66: Why We Play with Blocks 15:17

hace 1 year15:17

15:17

This episode’s focus is the block area. We look at what’s going on in those busy building centers of the early childhood classroom, and why it’s important to keep those big spaces open for construction, even when there’s pressure to move the blocks out to make room for “real school”. Don’t underestimate the simple nature of a collection of rectangles, squares, and triangles made out of hardwood maple. When children play with construction toys (which include the ever-present unit blocks, of course, but also other open-ended building toys like Legos, magnet tiles, bristle blocks, architectural blocks etc.) they get hands-on experience that simply can’t be replaced by virtual imitations. Find show notes at https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode66…

1
Episode 65: Why We Play for Soft Skills 21:17

hace 1 year21:17