The ECE Classroom with Susie Beghin

Susie Beghin shares her insights on project planning inearly childhood education, emphasizing a responsive, child-centered approach inspired by the Reggio Emilia method. She shares her learnings and wins as she began implementing project planning with her daycare centres. Discover how to foster curiosity, connect learning across disciplines, and involve parents effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Project Planning in Early ChildhoodEducation02:13 Examples of Children's Questions and Investigations03:25 Using Observation to Support Inquiry06:15 Responsive Planning and Child Interests07:16 Parent Engagement in Classroom Projects07:48 Supporting Different Classrooms and Stages09:11 Reflecting and Learning as You Go09:40 Closing Remarks and Future Learning OpportunitiesMusic by Pixabay

Susie Beghin interviews Rusty Keeler, a natural playscape designer and advocate for outdoor play. He shares insights on connecting children with nature through play, the importance of slowing down in a fast-paced world, and his new initiative, the Nature Play Academy.Link to join the Nature Play Academyhttps://rustykeeler.com/the-nature-play-academy/Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rusty Keeler and outdoor play01:07 Rusty's background and philosophy on naturalplayscapes02:04 The importance of outdoor play and connection tonature03:04 Slowing down in a technology-driven world04:09 Introducing the Nature Play Academy05:54 Building community and sharing resources07:11 Rusty's global research and inspiration08:28 The 'seed to forest' growth model for nature play09:52 Supporting educators and parents in outdoor play13:24 Who the Nature Play Academy is for and next stepsMusic by Pixabay

Just in time for the new school year, Susie Beghin explores how observing children's natural play patterns and schemas can transform curriculum planning in early childhood education. She introduces practical resources to help educators support and extend children's learning through schema-based approaches.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the importance of observation in earlychildhood education02:17 What children are already trying to learn04:44 The power of noticing how children explore06:05 Introduction to schemas as patterns of behavior07:05 Planning around schemas to deepen engagement08:12 Introducing the Learning Through Schemas resources10:21 Supporting and extending schemas in curriculumplanning12:42 Using resources to respond to children's play patterns14:45 Practical steps for observing and supporting schemas15:24 Closing thoughts and encouragement for educators

Susie Beghin explores the importance of observing children'splay to understand their interests and developmental cues. What we often see as misbehaviour, is actually deep learning. She introduces the concept of schemas—repeated patterns of play behavior—and how recognizing them can transform early childhood education.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the importance of play observation01:06 Children's behaviors as clues to their thinking02:30 Looking deeper into children's play05:37 Introducing schemas: patterns of behavior06:26 Common schemas in children's play07:20 The educator's role in interpreting play08:20 Challenge to observe and recognize schemas09:03 Next steps and upcoming resourcesMusic from Pixabay

In this episode, Ramona Mathew, BCBA, from Spokes Autism Services shares insights with parents and educators about autism therapy, play-based learning, and building trust with children. Discover practical strategies for supporting children withautism and fostering meaningful connections.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Autism02:36 Ramona's Journey in Autism Services05:08 Understanding Play in Children with Autism07:59 Building Independent Skills in Children with Autism10:38 Motivation and Reinforcement Strategies13:09 Effective Use of Rewards and Reinforcement15:55 Building Relationships with Children with Autism28:03 Final Advice for Parents and Educators ResourcesSpokes Autism Services - www.spokesautismservices.caPicture Exchange Communication System (PECS) -https://pecs.comInstagram - https://instagram.com/spokes.autismMusic by pixabay

In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Jackie Aviles, who shares her journey into sleep consulting and the importance of sleep for children. They discuss the impact of sleep deprivation on children's behavior, the science behind sleep processing, and how sleep consulting works. Jackie explains the transition away from sleep props, the importance of supporting parents through the process, and the pros and cons of co-sleeping. The conversation emphasizes gentle approaches to sleep training, teaching independence in sleep, and creating a predictable bedtime routine for children.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sleep Consulting03:00 The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Children06:15 Understanding Sleep and Behavior07:45 How Sleep Consulting Works8:53 Transitioning Away from Sleep Props12:51 Supporting Parents Through the Process15:30 Co-Sleeping: Pros and Cons18:00 Gentle Approaches to Sleep Training21:32 Creating a Predictable Bedtime Routine24:13 Susie’s Reflections on Today’s Topic Jackie AvilesParent Concierge | Matrikas Membership Coordinator | UCG CreatorInstagram: @restednotperfect | TikTok: @restednotperfect | Facebook: Rested Not Perfect

In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Emily Walz, theDirector of Learning at the Zones of Regulation. They discuss the importance of emotional regulation in early childhood education, the framework of the Zones of Regulation, and how it can be used to support neurodiverse learners. Emilyemphasizes the need for educators to teach emotional literacy and regulation skills, and the importance of creating a compassionate and understanding environment for all learners. The conversation highlights the significance ofrecognizing and normalizing all emotions, and the role of co-regulation in helping children develop these essential skills.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zones of Regulation01:35 What is the Zones of Regulation?05:40 Exploring the Four Colour Zones 07:43 Normalizing all emotions and creating safe environments12:15 How to Use Zones for Neurodiverse children15:28 Seeing Behaviour Differently and Co-regulation20:34 Susie’s Reflection on Today’s TopicAbout Our GuestEmily is a licensed Special Education Teacher with over 20 years of experience in the field of education. She spent the first 15 years of her career teaching special education and leading social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives in New York City and the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Emily’s role as Director of Learning Experience & Innovation at The Zones of Regulation allows her to use her rich experience to be hands-on in developing curriculum content and training for Zones leaders, as well as consulting with schools, districts, and organizations in the U.S. and abroad.www.zonesofregulation.com Music by Mykola Odnoroh from Pixabay

This year, I'm proud to take part in Podcasthon, the world’s largest charity podcast event! I’ll be dedicating this episode of my podcast to support a charity and a cause that truly matters to me. ❤️In this episode, I interview Christine Hull, founder of 100 Women Mississauga, about the impactful model of collective giving. We explore how small donations from individual women can create significant community change and share inspiring stories of local impact.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Special Episode06:35 Understanding the 100 Women Who Care Model12:36 Heartwarming Stories of Impact17:39 Building Community and SisterhoodResources:https://christinehullonline.com/https://www.100whocarealliance.org/https://100womenwhocaremississauga.com/About our GuestChristine Hull is the President of 100 Women Who Care Mississauga, a powerful local giving circle that bringswomen together to make an immediate impact in the community. Under her leadership, the group has collectively donated over $175,000 to local charities and continues to grow its reach and influence across the city of Mississauga — funding critical programs in mental health, food security, women’s support services, and youth initiatives.

In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Anu Guttorm, the owner of Moomin Language School, to explore the unique aspects of Finland's early childhood education system. They discuss the importance of emotional learning, the role of play in education, and the innovative approach of language immersion. Anu shares insights into how Finnish educators prioritize social skills and emotional development over academic skills in early childhood, and how her school utilizes digital tools to facilitate language learning. The conversation highlights the significance of nurturing curiosity and creativity in young learners, as well as the potential for technology to enhance educational experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Early Childhood Education in Finland03:26 Approach to Early Childhood Education in Finland07:30 Structure of the Day in Finnish Early Childhood Education10:00 Emotional Learning and Social Skills in Finnish Education11:22 The Importance of Free Play and Child-Led Learning14:15 Digital Language Immersion: A Unique Approach to Learning22:40 Future of Language Learning and Technology in Education25:10 Susie’s Reflection on Today’s topicAbout Our GuestAnu Guttorm is the founder and CEO of Moomin Language School, where they blend Finnish education principles with safe, innovative technology. Through stories and play, they help children and educators discover the joy of language — and prepare young learners for meaningful connections in the future.www.moominls.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anuguttorm/

In this episode of the ECE Classroom podcast, host SusieBeghin welcomes Will Maurer from Children's Media Research and Reform to discuss the critical topic of screen time for children under two. Will shares his journey from working in media and entertainment to focusing on the impact of screen use on young children, particularly during the pandemic when he became a parent. He emphasizes the alarming effects of overstimulating content, which can lead to dopamine imbalances and addictive behaviors in children, likening it to the first addiction in their lives. Will highlights the gapbetween existing guidelines that recommend no screen time for children under two and the reality that many children are exposed to screens at a young age.The conversation delves into the characteristics of qualitycontent versus harmful media, with Will advising parents and educators to look for slower-paced, developmentally appropriate programming that encourages co-viewing and interaction. He critiques popular media, including platformslike YouTube, for their rapid pacing and overstimulation, which can hinder a child's ability to learn and develop. Will advocates for a shift in how children's media is produced, emphasizing the need for content that supports language development and meaningful engagement between parents and children.The episode concludes with a call to action for better funding and support for creating high-quality media for young children, echoing the legacy of educational pioneers like Fred Rogers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Screen Time and Early ChildhoodEducation03:02 Current Research on Screen Use for Children Under Two06:20 Identifying Quality Content for Young Children08:30 The Evolution of Children's Media10:25 The Impact of Fast-Paced Programming14:15 Co-Viewing: Bridging the Gap Between Screens andLearning15:55 Evaluating Popular Shows: The Case of Miss Rachel21:29 Guidance for Educators and Parents on Screen Use23:30 Susie’s Reflections on Today’s Topic Music by Mykola Odnoroh from PixabayAbout Our Guest - Will MaurerMedia and Education | TEDx Speaker on Children’s Media Reform | On a Mission to Positively Impact the Lives of Families Around the Worldwww.cmrrl.org