In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, Laura is joined by Kisa Marks, founder of The Play Lab Foundation. Together, they explore how stories support humans through trauma. Kisa shares her commitment to addressing the needs of underserved children, offering them the opportunities they need to flourish. When Kisa first came across Laura’s storytelling style, she realized she has always been a storyteller and began to fully embrace it. Highlights:  Personal Stories of Growth and Support: Kisa gives a glimpse into her childhood and Laura discusses her current struggles as a mother. Both women share how trauma has impacted them and children in their lives.Understanding Trauma and Healing: Laura and Kisa share their understanding of trauma and describe it as unresolved experiences that can manifest physically and emotionally over time. They discuss the importance of addressing trauma and providing children with safe spaces to process their experiences.Healing and Connection Through Storytelling: Kisa and Laura highlight the power of storytelling in helping children understand and process challenging events. They share personal anecdotes about using stories to explain and cope with grief, such as the death of a pet. Have children experienced challenging things and you’re not sure how to support them through? Have you ever wondered if you should talk about the pet that died or why you were crying at lunch? If so, this episode will give you just enough courage to embrace telling stories, or listening to stories from children, that capture uncomfortable experiences. Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Connect with Kisa Marx: iam_still_learning Podcast episode referenced: Unlocking Resilience With Fairy Tales and Storyacting: A journey with Dr. Stephanie GolowayDr. Stephanie Goloway's book: Happily Ever Resilient

Laura chats with Melysa Mei, of PreK Spot, to discuss the challenges and rewards of implementing play-based learning in public schools with box curricula. Melysa has administrative and family support to follow the children’s lead in her NYC Pre-K classroom. With this she adapts her teaching to foster play and storytelling in her classroom. Highlights: Boxed Curricula: Laura and Melysa both have used Creative Curriculum. They share the pros and cons and ways they’ve adapted it to meet the needs of their play-based classrooms.“Justifying” Play-Based Teaching Methods: Laura and Melysa share about the importance of documenting to show learning that is taking place. By capturing small moments of play, you can help others see all that is unfolding while children engage in their own play.Fantasy Play: Melysa and Laura give examples of imaginative play that they recently saw unfold. In both instances, children were using materials unconventionally and instead of intervening, they allowed the play to unfold. Listen in to get insights into Melysa’s experiences as a New York City public school Pre-K teacher and how play is a vital part of children’s learning and development. If you’re ready to take some small steps towards implementing play-based learning in an environment that has a mandated curriculum, this episode is for you! Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & littlestoriesthatstick.com  Connect with Melysa Mei: @prek.spot & www.pre-kspot.com

Laura chats with Jocelyn Manzanarez, founder of Circle Time Success and incredible singer. Through her Seattle based early childhood music education program and online resources, Jocelyn is bringing the fun back to teaching and learning with music and movement. Laura found Jocelyn a few years ago and has since been incorporating her music into her stories. Together they discuss the impactful blend of storytelling and music. Highlights: Benefits: Laura and Jocelyn discuss how incorporating music and stories in educational settings can engage children, foster creativity, and build foundational skillsPractical Tips: They share practical tips for educators and caregivers on embracing their creative side, using music and stories to capture children's attention, and utilizing resources like books and instruments to make learning dynamic and inclusive.Personal Reflections: Laura and Jocelyn share about how they found storytelling and its role in their lives as they grew. This conversation emphasizes storytelling’s power in creating lasting memories and inspiring imaginative thinking. Tune in to hear a rundown of the importance of storytelling and music in education and ways to blend them together. Grab some insights and encouragement to incorporate these elements into your teaching or caregiving practices. Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Connect with Jocelyn Manzanarez: @Circle_Time_Success_Kids & circletimesuccess.com; musicallyminded.net Books referenced:  Three Singing Pigs: Traditional storiesOnce Upon a Time: Using Storytelling, Creative Drama, and Reader's Theater with Children in Grades Prek-6 by Judy FreemanWe Are The Dinosaurs! by Laurie BerknerDinosaurumpus! by Tony MittenOne Duck Stuck: A mucky ducky counting book by Phyllis Root

Laura invites Melissa McCall of Moving Little Minds to chat about early literacy, play, and explicit instruction. Both Laura and Melissa have experience in preschool classrooms where there are curricula that must be implemented to explicitly teach early literacy skills like phonological awareness. Together they discuss how to embrace a play-based approach, while also recognizing that some skills have to be directly taught by adults. Highlights: Components of Early Literacy: Melissa discusses the six components of early literacy and shares about which are really important to be taught explicitly.Multi-sensory Activities: Laura and Melissa give some ideas on ways to incorporate explicit instruction into playful activities. They share about how there is a polarizing idea that someone cannot be play based and also have teacher led learning. Resources: Laura shares about some of Melissa’s resources that she’s found helpful with her own children. Melissa explains her “100 Days of Literacy” calendar and how just 5 minutes a day can make a difference! If you find yourself wondering what teaching literacy to young children looks and sounds like, this episode is a great place to start! Want to know more and how to embrace being play-based and following the science of reading? Follow them both for lots more on this topic.  Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & littlestoriesthatstick.com Get on a waitlist for the Play-Based Literacy Masterclass: here Connect with Melissa:@movinglittleminds & www.movinglittleminds.com

Tune in to hear Laura tell a story that she has a familiar character and storyline. She tells this story regularly but changes parts of it along the way. The elf and it's problem is always the same, but how the elf breaks the magic spell can chance each time. If you’re ready to start telling stories of your own, but need a little nudge, you can grab some story prompts here to help! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Laura chats with her pal and co-facilitator of The Nature and Play Based Consortium, Ade Hofmann. Ade is the founder of Nature Play All Day and she left over a decade of traditional teaching experience behind when she traded fluorescent lights for sunshine. Her philosophy for early childhood education is that living is learning and that play is an essential right to for all!  Together Laura and Ade talk about two things they love, stories and outdoor play. They also explore adult control and how this presents barriers for free play. Highlights: Co-Create Materials Together: Ade shares about how she creates some storytelling materials alongside children rather than providing them for them.Play Barriers: Laura and Ade discuss how they are recovering perfectionists and their inner dialogue can become a play barrier that can stunt our creativity.Rewriting: Listen in as Ade shares some ways to get out of your own way and rewrite the narrative to truly share space with children. Learn how play barriers can inhibit our ability to be present with children or listen to their stories. Find out some ways to let go of control and embrace creative storytelling! Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Connect with Ade: @natureplayallday & follow her podcast The Outside the Box Grab Ade's freebie: Play matters more, Kindergarten Readiness is a Myth

Tune in to hear Laura tell a story inspired by the time she witnessed a female leather backed sea turtle laying eggs in Tortugera, a village on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. This story is a great way to incorporate new vocabulary and initiate conversations about the behaviors and habits of animals. If you’re ready to start telling stories of your own, but need a little nudge, you can grab some story prompts here to help! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Laura chats with her life-long mentor, Marina Boni, a fierce storytelling advocate and program director in the Early Childhood Department in Boston Public Schools. Through their work with Boston Public Schools, Laura and Marina had the joy and privilege to learn and work with Vivian Paley. Together, they share the importance of adults telling stories to young children and encourage listeners to try it out. Highlights: The Origins of Boston Listens: Laura and Marina tell about the birth of Boston Listens, a project aimed at amplifying children’s voices through storytelling and storyacting. Learn how this can be replicated in programs and districts.The Simplicity of Storytelling: Shift your mindset on being a storyteller. Learn from Laura and Marina how simple and accessible telling stories can be as they share personal stories.Embracing and Adapting Stories: As a community of storytellers is created, the benefits for student relationships and social-emotional development becomes clear. Laura and Marina discuss the challenges and successes of implementing storytelling and storyacting along with tips to engage diverse learners. Tune in for some motivation and inspiration to start telling more stories today. Marina encourages all educators to embrace storytelling as a means of empowering students and fostering a culture of creativity and connection in the classroom. If you ever wondered about how to get started with telling stories to young children, this episode is a must listen! Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Podcast episode: Become a Storytelling Pro: 3 tips for telling spontaneous stories Connect with Marina Boni & the work of the ECD in Boston:Boston Listens Resources Additional links referenced:  Storytelling/Storyacting Progression Ben Cunningham - storyteller

Tune in to hear Laura tell a story that incorporates a repeating refrain. Change the grizzly monster to any character easily! Children love chiming in with the refrain and may start to incorporate it into their play. If you’re ready to start telling stories of your own, but need a little nudge, you can grab some story prompts here to help! Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

In the second guest interview of season 2 of "Stories That Stick," Laura engages in a conversation with Stacy Benge, an early childhood speaker and author, who believes in the power of simple, authentic experiences for children's learning. Both Stacy and Laura advocate for child-led play as a cornerstone for solid foundational development in children. They explore the fascinating concept of how children naturally develop literacy skills, even in the absence of traditional literacy materials like books, letters, and adult-led activities. Highlights: Developing the Whole Child: Laura and Stacy share personal insights into the impact of child-led play on nurturing foundational skills crucial for literacy development. You’ll hear anecdotes and experiences that illustrate how child-led play fosters holistic growth, setting the stage for literacy success.Child-Led Exploration: Laura and Stacy discuss the intuitive nature of children as they navigate their developmental journey, guided by their innate curiosity and exploration. They discuss the importance of shifting perspectives to recognize and value children's autonomous learning processes.Balance: Laura brings up the delicate balance educators must strike between facilitating child-led exploration and providing explicit instruction to support literacy development. Stacy provides insights into her book "The Whole Child Alphabet: How Children Actually Develop Literacy," addressing the essential need for this balance in early childhood education. As Stacy aptly points out, observing children engaging in seemingly unrelated play activities, such as hanging upside down on monkey bars, can offer valuable insights into how play experiences naturally support literacy development. It's time to trust in the inherent value of play and its significant impact on children's literacy journeys. Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website Sign up for a free training on March 11th, 2024: 5 Strategies for Literacy Observation in Child-Led Play Connect with Stacy Benge: @stacybengems & website Get her book: The Whole Child Alphabet: How Children Actually Develop Literacy

Tune in to hear Laura tell one of her go to stories about a walking, talking banana. This story lends itself to being told and retold with different characters and outcomes each time. Children love to recreate this story in their play or as they tell their own versions. Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

In this season 2 opener of “Stories That Stick,” Laura engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. Stephanie Goloway, a lifelong explorer of child development through the lens of storytelling and imagination. Dr. Goloway's extensive experiences traverse decades of research and practice, unveiling the profound impact of fairy tales on resilience in children. Together, Laura and Stephanie reminisce about using Vivian Paley’s Storytelling and Storyacting approach and encourage listeners to try it out. Highlights: The Power of Fairy Tales: Listen in as Stephanie shares why these classic stories, with their clear-cut moral conflicts and triumphant resolutions, resonate deeply with young minds.Storytelling as Risky Play: Gain a new perspective on storytelling as a form of mental risky play. Stephanie encourages adults to expose children to tales of challenge and triumph as this mirrors the neural responses of real-life experiences.Building Community Through Storytelling: Laura and Stephanie share anecdotes from their own experiences in the classroom, illustrating how storytelling cultivates community, empathy, and shared narratives among learners. Join us on a journey into the enchanting realm of storytelling and resilience. If you support risky play by allowing children to climb up the slide, it’s also time to support mental risky play by giving children the opportunity to explore how to overcome challenges in stories. Listen in and then go tell a child a fairy tale today! Connect with Laura on Instagram @little.stories.that.stick & her website Grab a free resource to get started with Storytelling and Storyacting: Get Started Connect with Dr. Stephanie Goloway on Instagram @DrGlitterway & her website Purchase Dr. Stephanie Goloway's book: Happily Ever Resilient Download a PDF of the book “A Pedagogy of Play: Supporting playful learning in classrooms and schools” by Ben Mardell, Jen Ryan, Mara Krechevsky, Megina Baker, Savhannah Schulz, and Yvonne Liu Constant

In this episode, Laura shares easy, actionable tips to transport the joy of storytelling into the great outdoors. She shares engaging ideas for co-creating stories and props with children while fostering a deeper connection with nature Highlights: Explore diverse narratives through different versions of “We’re Going On a Bear Hunt”. Witness author Michael Rosen perform his classic children’s book for added inspiration.Engage children in crafting storytelling stones together, promoting interactive storytelling experiences.Learn the art of narrating nature stories as they unfold around you, letting the environment inspire your tales.Discover the enchantment of bringing felt pieces outside to enhance storytelling activities.Embrace the warmth of community by gathering around a fire (or heat source) for shared storytelling moments. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Try these outdoor storytelling ideas right away and share your favorite. Tag Laura on Instagram or leave a comment! Get your free PDF guide with outdoor storytelling tips and book recommendations here!   Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Tune in to hear Laura tell her version of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff." This story is a favorite to act out while playing outside. Children loved to be chased by the troll and defeat the troll at the end!    Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Are you familiar with the star cluster Pleiades? In this episode of "Stories That Stick," Laura dives into diverse narratives that explain this natural phenomena across various cultures from Japanese, Maasai, Aboriginal, Cherokee, and Greek folklore. Laura highlights the significance of learning these diverse narratives and challenges listeners to explore these stories further. She encourages listeners to share these narratives with children to enhance their understanding of different cultures and oral traditions. 5 Reasons to Explore Star Stories: Cultural Connection: These narratives provide insight into cultural values and societal perspectives.Critical Thinking: Encourages children to think critically and challenge dominant narratives.Plurality of Perspectives: Acknowledges multiple perspectives, empowering children to appreciate diverse viewpoints.Identity and Belonging: Preserves cultural heritage, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.Engagement and Wonderment: Inspires wonderment and curiosity about the cosmos, connecting people to something greater.Don't miss this captivating episode that delves into the universal appeal of star stories and the importance of diverse narratives across cultures. Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Ready to authentically document and honor children's stories? In this episode of "Stories That Stick," Laura will begin to share about one of the components of Vivian Paley's groundbreaking teaching approach: Storytelling and Storyacting. She will break down what it means to scribe a child's story and give you 5 convincing reasons why you should be asking children to tell you a story. 1. Imagination Stimulation 2. Language Development 3. Bond Strengthening 4. Honoring Cultural Identity 5. Emotional Expression This episode offers practical insights into scribing children's stories, highlighting its significant impact on children's development. Be sure to listen in and grab a notebook.   Get the free download on How To Get Started. Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Tune in to hear a story about a mouse that is just a bit too loud. "Loud Mouth" is a great story to learn and make your own. Children will naturally want to chime in with the parts that repeat. Add a mouse finger puppet and you have a great story in your back pocket that can be told in 3-10 minutes! Watch me tell it on YouTube too!   Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Tune in to hear Laura tell a modified version of a story she's been telling for years. "Cody's Star" lends itself to repetition, drama, and visuals. Before you listen, be sure you have an apple and a knife close by because children are going to want you to cut one open! This multi-sensory story is for everyone. You can grab the story and visuals in a simple downloadable PDF here so you tell it yourself! You can watch on YouTube too to see the visuals in action!   Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Are you ready to become a storytelling pro? In Episode 3 of "Stories That Stick," Laura will give you the motivation you need to become a more confident and engaging storyteller, especially when it comes to children. Your host, Laura, will shares her secrets and tips for crafting captivating stories, and you won't want to miss it. Key Takeaways: You're Already a Storyteller: Discover why you're already a storyteller in your daily life, even if you don't realize it. Storytelling is an inherent skill in all of us, and this episode helps you unlock it. It's About Connection: Learn the powerful truth that the content of your stories isn't the primary focus. It's all about the connection you make with your young audience. Three Game-Changing Tips: Laura introduces three practical tips to help you level up your storytelling game. These tips are suitable for both prepared stories and on-the-spot creations, making them versatile for any situation. Start with a Hook: Learn a bit about grabbing your audience's attention with a strong beginning.Relatable Characters: Discover the secrets of creating characters that kids can connect with.Clear Story Structure: Learn the "Somebody wanted something, but then" structure, a roadmap for your stories that keeps kids engaged.  Listen until the end to hear Laura make up a story on the spot using these techniques. Want more? Grab the mini audio course for $24 that complements this episode. Purchase here. Sign up for the newsletter here and get the story starters in your welcome email! The Story Chest   Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick

Tune in to hear a classic retelling of "Cheese and Crackers." This story is a perfect one to learn and make your own. Children will naturally want to chime in with the parts that repeat and love to act it out too. Watch me tell it on YouTube too!   Follow Laura on Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Check out her stories on YouTube: Little Stories That Stick