Tiny Hands, Big Skills: Fine Motor Foundations for Early Childhood
Release Date: 01/07/2025
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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Lea Ann Christenson and Jenny James, coauthors of Dig In: Outdoor STEM Learning for Young Children. Together, they make the case that outdoor education isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. Lea Ann and Jenny share how nature-based learning supports whole-child development, fosters deeper engagement, and offers rich, differentiated opportunities for every type of learner. Drawing on their own experiences as an early childhood professor and a preschool director, they describe the inspiration behind their book, the research that grounds it, and the practical...
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Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Outdoor Education
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In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we welcome Dr. Angela Searcy for a deep dive into navigating difficult conversations in early childhood education. Following her recent EdWeb webinar, Pushing Past Conflicts With Adults: Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations in Early Childhood, Dr. Searcy joins the podcast to address lingering questions and expand on key strategies for managing challenging discussions with administrators, colleagues, and parents. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How to communicate effectively with administrators who may not be receptive to new ideas....
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Do It Scared: How Educators Can Foster True Equity
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Child Care as Infrastructure: The Key to a Thriving Economy
Early Childhood Chapters
In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, host Emily Garman sits down with Dr. Sarah Vanover, an early childhood education expert and the author of and . Dr. Vanover delves into the systemic challenges facing the child care industry in the United States, from the economic pressures on providers to the difficulties families face in accessing high-quality, affordable care. Dr. Vanover explains why child care is not just a family issue—it’s a cornerstone of our economy. They discuss the fragile ecosystem that child care programs operate within, including how rising costs, low wages, and...
info_outlineIn this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we sit down with Keriann Wilmot, an occupational therapist, author, and toy expert affectionately known as "The Toy Queen." Keriann shares her insights on the importance of fine motor development in young children and offers practical advice for parents, educators, and caregivers.
The conversation dives into Keriann's book, Fine Motor Foundations: Tools and Techniques for Tiny Hands (published by Gryphon House Books), exploring the role of toys, play-based learning, and sensory activities in fostering foundational motor skills. The episode also addresses the impact of increased screen time on childhood development, how parents can use everyday household items to create meaningful learning experiences, and advice if you think your child needs help.
Whether you're a parent looking for ideas to help your child succeed or an educator wanting to better understand the developmental milestones of fine motor skills, this episode is packed with expert advice and actionable tips.
Highlights:
- What are fine motor skills and why are they crucial in early childhood?
- The developmental window for fine motor skills and its long-term impact.
- The role of tummy time and core strength in building motor abilities.
- How pencil grip and handwriting skills evolve over time.
- The impact of screen-based play on fine motor development.
- Practical, low-cost play ideas using everyday household items.
- How to identify and address developmental delays in fine motor skills.
- The importance of thoughtful, play-based opportunities in early education.
- Insights into the toy industry and recommendations for educational toys.
Keriann Wilmot, also known as "The Toy Queen," is an experienced occupational therapist and toy expert who specializes in fine motor development. She has spent decades working with children and collaborating with the toy industry to identify tools that promote learning through play. Keriann is the author of Fine Motor Foundations: Tools and Techniques for Tiny Hands, a comprehensive guide for parents and educators, as well as Wired Differently: A Teacher's Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Challenges."