Classroom Strategies to Support Focus and Self-Regulation
Release Date: 09/16/2025
Classroom Strategies to Support Focus and Self-Regulation
Early Childhood Chapters
In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, host Emily Garman sits down with Dr. Julie Tourigny, pediatric occupational therapist and author of , , and her upcoming release, . Together, they explore why attention is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be taught and strengthened in early childhood. Dr. Tourigny shares practical strategies educators and caregivers can use to help children regulate emotions, sustain focus, and thrive in both learning and play. Listeners will learn: Why attention and focus are developmental skills, not personality traits. How self-regulation and...
info_outline
Conversations That Count: Making Parent-Teacher Conferences Work
Early Childhood Chapters
Parent-teacher conferences can feel rushed, overwhelming, or even intimidating—for both educators and families. But when done well, these conversations can build trust, strengthen relationships, and set children up for success. In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we talk with Tricia Shelton, EdD, author of . Drawing from her dual perspective as both an educator and a parent, Dr. Shelton shares practical strategies for turning conferences into meaningful two-way conversations rather than checklist-style meetings. Listeners will learn: How to avoid common mistakes educators make in...
info_outline
Thinking Outside the Prize Box: Dr. Adam Holland on Challenging Classroom Behaviors
Early Childhood Chapters
In this engaging and often funny conversation, Dr. Adam Holland—educator, trainer, and author of the upcoming Gryphon House book —shares real-world strategies for managing challenging behavior without relying on prize boxes, clip charts, or other reward-and-punishment systems that lose effectiveness over time. Drawing on his own journey from a “bad kid” in school to an award-winning teacher and now a coach to educators nationwide, Dr. Holland explains why all behavior is communication, how to identify the “why” behind a child’s actions, and why moving from compliance to...
info_outline
Family First: Building Relationships That Support Children’s Success
Early Childhood Chapters
In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we talk with about why family first isn’t just a philosophy but a practical approach to building strong, safe, and successful early childhood programs. Dr. Bond brings over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, including 14 years as a child care licensing consultant. She shares real-world strategies to help program directors, teachers, and administrators strengthen communication with families and create true partnerships that put children’s well-being at the center. Highlights include: Why clear, open communication with...
info_outline
Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behaviors in the Classroom
Early Childhood Chapters
In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we speak with Dr. Ginger Welch, clinical psychologist, author, and early childhood expert, about how educators can better understand and respond to challenging behaviors in the classroom. Dr. Welch draws on her decades of experience in homes, schools, and clinical settings to explain why children act out—not as willful defiance, but often as communication of unmet needs, anxiety, or trauma. She shares practical strategies from her book How Can I Help? to help educators shift their mindset, reframe behaviors, and build stronger relationships with...
info_outline
Healing Begins with You: Trauma-Sensitive Strategies for Infant-Toddler Educators
Early Childhood Chapters
In this powerful episode, Dr. Barbara Sorrels, renowned early childhood expert and author of Reaching and Teaching Children Exposed to Trauma and Trauma-Sensitive Care for Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds, joins us to explore what it truly means to care for young children impacted by trauma. Dr. Sorrels shares heartfelt stories and actionable strategies from her decades of experience working with children, families, and educators. From recognizing the subtle signs of trauma in infants to creating responsive, healing environments, this conversation is filled with wisdom and practical tools...
info_outline
Dig In: Grow Deep Roots with Nature-Based Learning
Early Childhood Chapters
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...
info_outline
Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Outdoor Education
Early Childhood Chapters
Episode Summary: In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we welcome Dr. Rachel Larimore, an expert in nature-based early childhood education. Dr. Larimore shares her insights on why outdoor learning is essential for young children, how educators and caregivers can integrate nature into daily routines, and the long-term benefits of connecting children with the natural world. Key Topics Discussed: The definition of nature-based early childhood education and how it differs from traditional approaches. The benefits of outdoor learning, including cognitive, social-emotional, and physical...
info_outline
Pushing Past Conflict With Colleagues: Navigating Tough Conversations in Early Childhood Settings
Early Childhood Chapters
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....
info_outline
Do It Scared: How Educators Can Foster True Equity
Early Childhood Chapters
In this thought-provoking episode of Early Childhood Chapters, we sit down with Dr. Tameka Ardrey and Dr. Ebonyse Mead, co-authors of , along with Gryphon House President Dr. Rebecca Berlin. Together, they delve into the challenges and opportunities of fostering equity in early childhood education, particularly in today’s complex political climate. The conversation explores the distinction between equity and equality, the importance of culturally responsive teaching, and how discipline policies disproportionately impact marginalized children. Dr. Mead and Dr. Ardrey offer actionable...
info_outlineIn this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, host Emily Garman sits down with Dr. Julie Tourigny, pediatric occupational therapist and author of Calm and in Control, Organized and Engaged, and her upcoming release, Alert and Attentive. Together, they explore why attention is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be taught and strengthened in early childhood. Dr. Tourigny shares practical strategies educators and caregivers can use to help children regulate emotions, sustain focus, and thrive in both learning and play.
Listeners will learn:
- Why attention and focus are developmental skills, not personality traits.
- How self-regulation and emotional control directly affect a child’s ability to concentrate.
- Simple classroom environment adjustments that reduce distractions and support focus.
- The power of games, play, and routines in building attention span.
- How screen time has shifted children’s ability to self-regulate and why boredom is essential for growth.