Stories That Stick

On this episode, I'm joined by early childhood speaker, podcast host, and friend Carla Ward for a conversation about the power of our voices in an increasingly digital world. Together, we explore why tone, expression, and human connection matter so much in the early years, how technology and AI are changing the ways children experience communication, and why something as simple as singing a song or telling a story can have a lasting impact on children's development. Highlights: The Power of Tone and Expression: Carla shares why she's been thinking more deeply about the role of our voices in early childhood education. We discuss how children learn to recognize emotions, interpret social cues, and communicate their own feelings through the tone and expression they hear in everyday conversations and stories. Human Connection in a Digital World: As AI, screens, and technology become increasingly present in children's lives, we consider what might be lost when human interactions are replaced by digital experiences. From playing a song on YouTube instead of singing together to watching a recorded read-aloud instead of sharing a book, we explore the importance of being intentional about the choices we make. Storytelling, Oral Language, and Reading Development: We connect expressive storytelling and read-alouds to children's developing oral language, comprehension, and eventual reading fluency. Long before children are reading independently, they're learning what stories sound like through the voices of the adults around them. Getting Comfortable Using Our Voices: You don't need to be a performer or have a perfect singing voice to bring stories to life. Carla and I share simple ways to begin experimenting with tone, volume, pacing, and expression, even if being silly in front of children feels uncomfortable at first. If you've ever reached for a screen to play a song or read a story, this episode invites you to think about what children gain when we use our own voices instead. Sometimes supporting children's language, connection, and literacy development starts with something as simple as putting down the device and telling a one-minute story. Connect with Laura:Instagram: @little.stories.that.stickWebsite: Little Stories That Stick Connect with Carla: Instagram: @carlatheece Website: Carla The ECEThe Everything ECE Podcast

Today, I'm joined again by educator, author, speaker, and founder of The Play Lab Foundation, Kisa Marx, for a conversation inspired by her new book, We Are Who We're Waiting For. Together, we explore what it means to become keepers of children's dreams, how the stories adults tell about children shape who they believe themselves to be, and why meaningful change in education begins with seeing the humanity of the child right in front of us. Highlights: Becoming Keepers of Dreams: Kisa shares how being surrounded by people who protected her own dreams shaped the educator she became. We discuss what it means to notice children's dreams, take them seriously, and make choices that preserve rather than diminish them. Seeing the Child Before the System: We talk about the pressure educators experience from standards, curriculum, behavior expectations, and systems that can make it difficult to truly see the child in front of us. Kisa challenges educators to recognize the agency they still have and the power of changing their own minds first. Looking Beneath "Behavior": What if the behaviors that challenge us are actually showing us what children need? Kisa invites us to move beyond controlling children and instead consider what they may be communicating, what warmth they may be seeking, and what we still need to learn. Learning From the Children We Didn't Get It Right For: Laura reflects on children from her own teaching career whom she understands differently now. Together, we talk about regret, repair, unlearning, and how doing better for the children in front of us can honor the children we weren't yet equipped to support. If you've ever looked back at your teaching and wished you knew then what you know now, this episode is an invitation to keep learning rather than look away. Kisa reminds us that we can say the hard things out loud, learn from them, and use what we know now to see children more fully, preserve their dreams, and do better moving forward. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Connect with Kisa: Instagram: @iam_still_learning Book: We Are Who We're Waiting For

On this episode, I'm joined by registered early childhood educator, pedagogical consultant, and founder of Curious Educator Collective, Jessica Karpathios, for a conversation about small world play and why it's so much more than tiny figurines and Pinterest-worthy invitations. Together, we explore how children use small world play to build stories, make meaning, and invite us into the worlds they're creating. This episode challenges us to slow down, ask better questions, and respond to children's ideas with curiosity rather than control. Highlights: Small World Play as Storytelling: Jess shares her definition of small world play as bringing stories to life in three-dimensional ways. We discuss how these stories don't have to come from books. They can emerge from children's play, documentation, observations, and everyday experiences. Looking Beyond the Behavior: Instead of reacting to what children are doing, what if we asked, “What story are they telling?” We explore how shifting from assumptions to questions helps us better understand children's intentions, interests, and ideas before jumping in to redirect. Honoring Children's Imaginary Worlds: From classroom fairies and hidden treasures to tiny rocks tucked into pockets, we talk about the importance of valuing the worlds children create. These seemingly small moments reveal imagination, identity, problem-solving, and deep meaning-making when adults choose to notice them. Creating Invitations That Grow from Observation: Jess shares practical ways educators can use children's stories to inspire meaningful provocations. From documenting conversations at snack time to collaboratively building small worlds, revisiting stories through play, and using literacy in authentic, child-led ways. If you've ever thought of small world play as just another classroom center, this conversation will expand your perspective. You'll leave with new ways to see children's play, honor their stories, and create environments that invite curiosity, wonder, and imagination. Connect with Laura:Instagram: @little.stories.that.stickWebsite: Little Stories That Stick Connect with Jess: Instagram: @curiouseducatorcollective Website: Curious Educator Collective Small World Play Freebie Memberships Podcast

On this episode, I'm joined by educator, workshop facilitator, and founder of The Intentional Educator, Cathy Belgrave, for a thoughtful conversation about expanding the way we think about stories. While many of us associate storytelling with books or oral narratives, Cathy invites us to consider a much broader perspective. Together, we explore how children communicate through play, art, conversation, movement, and everyday interactions and what happens when educators slow down enough to truly notice. Highlights: Stories Are Everywhere: Cathy shares why stories aren't limited to books or "once upon a time." From dramatic play and conversations to artwork and loose parts, children are constantly communicating their ideas, identities, questions, and understandings of the world. Shifting Our Lens as Educators: We discuss the importance of slowing down, observing with curiosity, and looking beyond surface-level behaviors. Rather than asking, "What are they making?" we explore questions like, "What are they trying to understand?" and "What story is unfolding here?" Art as Communication and Meaning-Making: Cathy explains how children's artwork tells stories long before it resembles recognizable images. Together we unpack process art, mark-making, sensory exploration, and how relationships with materials evolve over time as children develop. Trusting Children and Ourselves: Throughout our conversation, we return to the importance of trusting children's natural drive to learn while also giving ourselves grace as educators. Cathy shares practical ways to create the time, space, and flow that allow children's stories to emerge authentically. If you've ever wondered how to better understand what children are communicating through their play, artwork, conversations, or everyday experiences, this episode offers a fresh perspective that will shift the way you observe and support young learners. Connect with Laura:Instagram: @little.stories.that.stickWebsite: Little Stories That Stick Connect with Cathy:Instagram: @theintentionaleducator_yvrWebsites: theintentionaleducator.ca

In this Season 3 opener of "Stories That Stick," Laura is joined by educator, author, and founder of Your Natural Learner and Bridge Academy, Leah McDermott, for a conversation about courage and child-led learning. Leah has spent years helping families and educators break free from rigid, traditional models so children can learn in ways that honor who they are. In this episode, they explore the heart of unschooling, natural literacy development, and what it means to truly trust children’s learning without checklists, timelines, or pressure. Highlights: Redefining Learning Beyond School: Leah breaks down the most common misconceptions about unschooling and explains why it isn’t anti-school. You’ll hear how removing children from rigid structures opens the door to deeper curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and authentic engagement with the world. Natural Literacy as Expression, Not a Timeline: We discuss why pushing reading too early can backfire and how literacy develops through language, connection, and real-world context. Leah explains what natural literacy looks like day-to-day and why trusting a child’s brain development leads to stronger, more confident readers in the long run. Doing the Adult Work: A major theme in this episode is unlearning. Leah and Laura talk about the internal work adults must do from examining fears, to undoing their own educational conditioning, all while learning to trust the process. Navigating Fear, Pressure, and the Unknown: What if you let go of timelines? What if your child learns differently than you did? Leah offers grounded, compassionate advice for navigating the fear and societal pressure that often arise when you choose a path outside the norm. If you’ve ever wondered what learning might look like without the pressure, the power struggles, or the constant comparison, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Leah’s insights offer a vision of education rooted in connection, curiosity, and trust—one that prepares children for a rapidly changing world by honoring who they are today. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Get support on your own journey in The Play-Led Literacy Program Connect with Leah:Instagram: @yournaturallearnerWebsites: Your Natural Learner & Bridge Academy Learn more about Natural Learning from Dr. Peter Gray’s substack or books.

Today, I’m joined by Beck Goodman who is an early childhood learning expert specializing in early literacy. Her company’s mission is to end the preschool power struggles around learning by equipping grownups with the tools they need to use play-based approaches that foster connection, not conflict. We discuss joy and child interest as the cornerstone to supporting early literacy development.  Highlights: Silliness as a Tool for Engagement: Beck emphasizes the power of silliness—whether it’s making up ridiculous words with magnetic letters or engaging in playful language games. Children are naturally silly—let's embrace that playfulness. Using Children’s Interests to Drive Learning: Both Beck and Laura discuss the importance of leaning into a child’s interest and disinterest. Whether it’s saying yes to a request for ketchup at mealtime or experimenting with different ways to engage a child during literacy activities, honoring what excites them can build trust and create more opportunities for learning. Letting Children Take the Lead: Learn how to avoid power struggles and encourage more collaborative problem-solving. Laura and Beck discuss how giving children a voice in problem-solving situations can help build autonomy and investment in the learning process.  If you’ve ever wondered how to meet children where they are and embrace their interests and silliness, this episode is for you. Beck’s strategies will help you navigate the delicate balance between structured learning and free play, ultimately creating an environment where children feel empowered to explore language and literacy on their terms. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Connect with Beck: Instagram: @growwithbeck Website: growwithbeck.com

Today, I’m joined by Jenn Zollinger from Play Before Pencils to talk about emergent writing and its deep connection to storytelling. As an early childhood educator and advocate for play-based learning, Jenn shares how she transitioned from a teacher-led, academic-focused preschool setting to a more child-led, developmentally responsive approach. We explore the magic that happens when children are given space to explore writing organically—through storytelling, play, and meaningful experiences. Highlights: What is Emergent Writing? Jenn explains how children naturally progress through stages of emergent writing, from scribbles to phonetic spelling, and why these early marks are crucial to literacy development. The Role of Play in Writing Development: Jenn and I discuss how open-ended materials and opportunities for storytelling supports children in seeing themselves as writers—long before they master letter formation. Oral Storytelling: Jenn shares how incorporating oral storytelling in her classroom led to incredible engagement, creativity, and a stronger connection to written language. If you’re tired of how limiting traditional literacy instruction is with worksheets and scripted small groups, tune in and find out how to create an environment where writing feels meaningful and accessible to all children. If you’ve ever wondered how to nurture early writing skills without forcing them or want to explore the magic of storytelling in your classroom, this episode is for you! Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Connect with Jenni: Instagram: @play_before_pencils Website: playbeforepencils.com

Jean-Mari Dagarin, from The Early Childhood POV, joins me today to talk about a growing concern in early education: 'schoolification'—the push to bring formal academic practices into early childhood spaces. With over 30 years of experience as an early childhood advocate, administrator, college professor, and developmentally appropriate practice expert, Jean Marie has seen firsthand how these pressures impact young learners. Today, we’re unpacking what schoolification means, why it’s problematic, and, more importantly, how educators can combat it while staying true to developmentally appropriate practices.  Highlights: Defining Schoolification: Jean Marie breaks down the concept of "schoolification" in early childhood, discussing how academic pressures are being pushed down to younger ages and why this is often developmentally inappropriate. Examples of Inappropriate Early Literacy Practices: Jean Marie shares specific examples of early literacy practices that do not align with developmentally appropriate principles, highlighting the need for a child-centered approach. Laura shares some that she did before she knew better Natural Literacy Development in Play-Based Learning: Jean Marie and Laura provide insights into how early literacy skills can unfold naturally through play, offering practical strategies for fostering language and literacy in a way that supports children's developmental stages. If you want to think deeper about early literacy, what’s often done wrong, and how teachers can nurture children’s natural literacy development through play, this episode is for you! So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s jump into this eye-opening conversation with Jean-Mari. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Learn more with the Play-Based Literacy Masterclass Connect with Jean-Mari: Instagram: @the.early.childhood.pov Website: earlychildhoodpov.com Learn more with DAP 101

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Julia B. Lindsey, Ph.D., a leading expert in foundational literacy and the author of Reading Above the Fray: Research-based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills. With a wealth of experience as both an educator and researcher, Dr. Lindsey has made significant contributions to the field of literacy, including the creation of widely used knowledge-rich decodable texts. Together we simplify and break down all the different aspects of early literacy using research. Highlights: Explicit Reading Instruction: Hear some concrete reasons why some literacy skills have to be explicitly taught and the research that supports this. Learn simple ways to do this with young children in a play-based setting. Phonemic Awareness: Julia simply explains the difference between phonemic and phonological awareness and their role in developing early literacy skills. How It's All Connected: Laura and Julia discuss how reading and writing is deeply interconnected with language. They also share how joyful literacy learning can be for young children as they start to make sense of the code that they see all around them. If you’re ready to start building in 5-7 minutes of explicit literacy instruction a day and aren’t sure where to start, this episode is for you. Find out how and why you should be doing this and what the current research says. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Learn more with the Play-Based Literacy Masterclass Connect with Dr. Julia Lindsey: Instagram: @juliablindsey Website: www.juliablindsey.com  Her book: Reading Above the Fray

Laura welcomes Dr. Jasmine Moses, an anti-bias early childhood educator dedicated to promoting anti-bias and anti-racist practices within early childhood education. Jasmine shares insights into how anti-bias education can help raise more aware, kind, and forgiving children. This chat covers the importance of addressing biases, involving the community in this collective effort, and using children's literature as a powerful tool to promote diversity, inclusivity, and critical thinking among young children. Highlights: Defining Anti-Bias Education: Laura and Jasmine discuss their shared understanding of this complex topic and the four aspects of this work. Incorporating Anti-Bias Education into ECE: Learn how anti-bias work seamlessly fits into early childhood education. Jasmine provides insights into the important work adults must do to engage in learning alongside children. Using Children’s Literature: Laura and Jasmine share resources, favorite books, prompts to use, and questions to ask yourself (and children). If you’re ready to start being proactive rather than reactive when addressing topics of culture, race, gender, and more, this episode will help. Jasmine shares practical tips on selecting diverse books and offers an extensive list of recommended reads for both children and adults engaging in anti-bias education. Additionally, you’ll learn some places to start and how to start decentering yourself and centering this work. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Free Guidebook: Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Storytelling Connect with Jasmine: Instagram: @theantibiasece Website: The Anti-Bias ECE Free Guide: Now We're Talking Resources: Social Justice Books Guide for selecting children’s books Book lists Some of the Books Mentioned: Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves by Louise Derman-Sparks Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate, Anti-Racist, Justice-Minded Kids in an Unjust World by Traci Baxley  Raising Anti Racist Children: A practical guide by Britt Hawthorne First Conversations books  Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder  Big by Vashti Harrison