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Doll play may be more symbolic than you think! Cindy and Alison discuss how children use playing with dolls to figure out not only others but also themselves.

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Children benefit from visuals of all types, and making connections between ideas is no different. Using paper in the shape of hexagons, we can make a visual representation of how their ideas connect. We might even discover connections in their conversations we hadn't considered before! Join Cindy and Alison for this lively conversation about hexagonal thinking.

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Nursery rhymes are fun for children to learn and have life lessons that we can introduce to children. Cindy and Alison have a great time reciting nursery rhymes and discovering the messages they teach. You will never look at some nursery rhymes the same way again!

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When we talk with children about their behavior, it is important to remember that different families and cultures may have their own values, priorities, and ways they teach respect. Join Cindy and Alison as they consider differences between how cultures treat eye contact, use tone of voice, and more.

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If we use morning large group time to allow children to plan their time during free play, will they build more skills and allow us to better understand their creative thinking? Cindy and Alison discuss the benefits of children planning their time and how we can facilitate that.

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Provocations challenge children to explore their interests in a deeper, meaningful, and self-directed way. Join Cindy and Alison to learn the difference between offering provocations and giving instructions and to get some ideas for providing provocations in your setting.

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You don't need a kitchen to cook with young children. Cooking activities should be done with early learners all the time! They build many skills, and it has great value; yet, people are hesitant to facilitate the experiences. Join Cindy and Alison to learn how this can be possible with all children, including those with allergies.

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Sibling rivalry is common and part of typical development for many children. Join Cindy and Alison to learn one of the main reasons for sibling rivalry (and it isn't always attention!).

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There are reasons why early childhood staff members may be attending training with different facilitators or on different days. The same is true for families who watch information about raising children. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about what to do because separate trainings aren't always equal.

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Cindy and Alison discuss the inspiration behind the episodes in the podcast and how that can remind us all of the amazing early childhood education and parenting environment. Join them for a fun look back and a look forward!

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There is evidence that children are not reading and not enjoying reading as much as in the past. You may think this is due to technology, not it is not! Join Cindy and Alison as they discuss how to bring back joy for reading starting at the youngest age groups.

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It can be challenging to shift our mindsets from relying on our experience with young children to relying on research-based standards and objectives. Cindy and Alison discuss why using research-based standards and objectives matters and how it can change our understandings of each child's development.

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Should schools and early childhood programs have requirements for families that can limit their involvement in their children's early education experience? Cindy and Alison discuss our ethics and the restrictions that exist in some early childhood settings.

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No one loves initials or acronyms more that people who work in early childhood education. CITE, NAEYC, ABC, LRE, and a whole list of others can confuse teachers and families. Join Cindy and Alison to learn some of the most commonly used abbreviations and acronyms in the world of early education.

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For generations, adults thought ignoring behaviors was the way to teach children and change their behavior. That might work in the short term, but what does ignoring do to the lasting psyche? Join Cindy and Alison to discuss what we know today about the impact of ignoring.

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"Sensory" is a hot and sometimes misused word when products are marketed to families and early childhood programs. Join Cindy and Alison as they discuss experiences that are truly multi-sensory...and those that really are not.

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Dress Up and Spirit Days can be stressful for everyone involved. There has to be a better way to have community-building events! Join Cindy and Alison for a spirited discussion of Spirit and Dress Up Days as they consider the challenges they pose, especially for families, and what else we might consider doing.