Not Just Cute, the Podcast: Intentional Whole Child Development for Parents and Teachers of Young Children
Not Just Cute, the Podcast shares conversations about topics related to whole child development to support teachers and parents in serving young children. Hosted by Amanda Morgan.
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Episode 73: Challenging Behaviors in the Preschool Classroom (with Prerna Richards)
04/18/2024
Episode 73: Challenging Behaviors in the Preschool Classroom (with Prerna Richards)
Challenging behaviors seem to be on the rise in preschool classrooms. Prerna Richards, of Together We Grow, specializes in supporting educators with a behavior coaching program. In this episode, she shares what she believes is behind this increase, and what can be done to better help our youngest learners. Find Show Notes :
/episode/index/show/notjustcutethepodcast/id/30880283
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Episode 72: Fairy Tales and Resilience (with Stephanie Goloway, EdD)
04/04/2024
Episode 72: Fairy Tales and Resilience (with Stephanie Goloway, EdD)
Once upon a time..... ...Happily ever after. These are common fairy tale phrases. But they're more than just staid story stems. These common phrases -- and the stories in between -- hold not only a recipe for imagination and fantasy but also for resilience. Stephanie Goloway (EdD) is a powerful advocate for the importance of imagination, play, and storytelling. As a now-emeritus professor, she’s taught young children as well as college students and has focused her research on how fairy tales align with and support child development. She’s written a book called, Happily Ever Resilient, where she shares how the ordinary magic of resilience is woven into the extraordinary magic of fairy tales, supporting all children as they face the challenges of life.
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Episode 71: Bringing Families to the Library with Play (with Tammie Benham)
03/14/2024
Episode 71: Bringing Families to the Library with Play (with Tammie Benham)
Most people associate the library with silence. But what if we associated it with play? In this episode, I’m talking with Tammie Benham, Youth Services Consultant for the Southeast Kansas Library System. Tammie believes that where libraries, children, and families intersect, magic is possible. And she’s set out to make that magic through a family engagement program focused on using play to teach, encourage, and support families in the communities she serves.
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Episode 70: Why We Need Play for All
02/29/2024
Episode 70: Why We Need Play for All
We started this series with the overall argument for why play is essential for human development. The next three episodes dug deep into three main themes: Why we need play for mental health and wellness, for brain development and real learning, and for soft skill development. Then, we shifted to several shorter episodes, touching on specific types of play and how they contribute to development. In this final episode, I’m talking about why ALL children need play, even when others may think it’s time to help children “catch up” instead.
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Episode 69: Why We Play with Art
02/27/2024
Episode 69: Why We Play with Art
What does fingerpainting have to do with the Space Race? In this episode, we're talking about art and creative play and their role in learning, thinking, and innovating.
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Episode 68: Why We Play Pretend
02/22/2024
Episode 68: Why We Play Pretend
This episode’s focus is the dress-up area and dramatic play. We’ll talk about the powerful developmental support that comes from preschoolers dressing up and playing pretend. Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode68
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Episode 67: Why We Play at the Sensory Table
02/20/2024
Episode 67: Why We Play at the Sensory Table
This episode’s focus is sensory play. We’ll take a look at why these bins full of rice, water, goop, and other media aren’t just a big mess waiting to happen, they’re a really important key to supporting healthy child development.
/episode/index/show/notjustcutethepodcast/id/30038898
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Episode 66: Why We Play with Blocks
02/15/2024
Episode 66: Why We Play with Blocks
This episode’s focus is the block area. We look at what’s going on in those busy building centers of the early childhood classroom, and why it’s important to keep those big spaces open for construction, even when there’s pressure to move the blocks out to make room for “real school”. Don’t underestimate the simple nature of a collection of rectangles, squares, and triangles made out of hardwood maple. When children play with construction toys (which include the ever-present unit blocks, of course, but also other open-ended building toys like Legos, magnet tiles, bristle blocks, architectural blocks etc.) they get hands-on experience that simply can’t be replaced by virtual imitations.
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Episode 65: Why We Play for Soft Skills
02/13/2024
Episode 65: Why We Play for Soft Skills
While some schools may claim they’re moving away from play and toward more direct academic instruction as a way to prepare children for their future careers, business leaders repeatedly share that soft skills are becoming increasingly relevant in the workplaces of today and of the future. In this episode, we’ll talk about how pushing out play also pushes out prime opportunities for building essential soft skills. Soft skills that not only enhance careers, but improve life. FInd show notes at:
/episode/index/show/notjustcutethepodcast/id/29928713
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Episode 64: Why We Play for Brain Development and Real Learning
02/09/2024
Episode 64: Why We Play for Brain Development and Real Learning
This is the third episode in a nine-episode series! In this episode, we’re digging into why we play for brain development and real learning. There are many people who say they support play for young children, but question whether or not we need play in school, or who might argue that play is important, as long as we get the work of learning done first. So today, we’ll talk about why play and learning aren’t as separate as people might think. Find show notes at
/episode/index/show/notjustcutethepodcast/id/29869043
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Episode 63: Why We Play for Mental Health
02/07/2024
Episode 63: Why We Play for Mental Health
In this episode, we’re digging into why we play for mental health. It’s not just something we think is true or that sounds nice, it’s a claim that’s backed up by science and statistics. There’s something about play that is essential to developing and maintaining our mental health. We’ll dig into those findings and what they mean for our youngest learners.
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Episode 62: The Why We Play Special Series
02/01/2024
Episode 62: The Why We Play Special Series
I’m excited to be kicking off something special today. For years, I’ve been speaking at workshops and conferences about the power of play in the early learning environment, which sparked the series of parent letters I’ve written, called Why We Play. This month, I’ll be sharing a special podcast series with the same name: Why We Play. Every Tuesday and Thursday in February, you’ll find a new episode sharing the science and stories behind why we play, evidence that play is not just cute, it’s incredibly powerful. This Why We Play podcast series is long overdue – I’m so excited to jump into a topic I’m SO passionate about and to share some fascinating, compelling research that I absolutely love nerding out on. I hope you’ll join me for the whole month of February. Whether you’re a champion for play or a playful learning skeptic, this series is just for you. Find Show Notes at
/episode/index/show/notjustcutethepodcast/id/29744873
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Episode 61: Getting Curious About PreK Research (with Dr. Dale Farran)
01/03/2024
Episode 61: Getting Curious About PreK Research (with Dr. Dale Farran)
Dr. Dale Farran has spent the better part of the last 50 years researching early childhood education. But some of her most famous research has come about rather recently, as she directs the evaluation of the Tennessee Voluntary PreK Program. This study is one of the most fascinating pieces of recent research in early childhood education. With a randomly controlled trial, Farran's team found that after an initial PreK year, children who participated scored higher than children who didn’t. After the two groups converged for their kindergarten year, however, that difference disappeared. That’s not too surprising – a “fade out” effect is often observed in early childhood research. Where this study really started making waves was with the follow-up data. After the participating children completed their third-grade year, Farran and her team found that the PreK group actually scored *below* the other children on the math and science sections of their standardized tests - and by statistically significant margins. By the sixth-grade year, more alarm bells sounded. The PreK participants were scoring below the nonparticipants on not only math and science (and by a greater factor than was seen in third grade) but now, also on English language arts as well. Perhaps more concerning, they were also getting in more trouble at school and receiving more expulsions. While some may have been tempted to bury unexpected results, Dr. Farran and her team decided to get curious and ask what could be learned. The rest of us get to make the same choice – ignore the research, or get curious and find something to learn. Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode61
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Episode 60: Calm the Chaos (with Dayna Abraham)
08/01/2023
Episode 60: Calm the Chaos (with Dayna Abraham)
Challenging behaviors are nothing new in early childhood education. And yet, there’s something different going on. For a variety of reasons, challenging behaviors seem to be increasing both in intensity and frequency. Dayna Abraham is no stranger to challenging behaviors. As a board certified teacher and a mom to 3 neuro-divergent children, Dayna has sat on both sides of the table when it comes to these challenges. She’s developed a compassionate approach based on science and experience to help bring peace and calm to homes and classrooms. Dayna is the author of Calm the Chaos: A Failproof Roadmap for Parenting Even the Most Challenging Kids, which can be preordered now ahead of it’s release on August 15th. And I’m so excited to have her share what she’s discovered. Find Shownotes at
/episode/index/show/notjustcutethepodcast/id/27624837
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Episode 59: Preparing Preservice Teachers (with Kelli Barker)
07/20/2023
Episode 59: Preparing Preservice Teachers (with Kelli Barker)
I’m talking to someone I’ve wanted to share with you for a long time. One of my best friends from grad school, Kelli Barker. She’s now the director of the Adelle and Dale Young child development lab school at Utah State University. She’s sharing what a lab school is as well as what she’s learned about helping college students and preservice teachers understand human development and apply that to their personal and professional lives. I think you’re going to love Kelli’s insight on preparing young professionals and on applying human development principles to life. Find at https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode59
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Episode 58: The Science of Reading in Action K-2 (with Malia Hollowell)
05/23/2023
Episode 58: The Science of Reading in Action K-2 (with Malia Hollowell)
Malia Hollowell is the author of The Science of Reading in Action and the creator of the site Playdough to Plato. She’s a National Board Certified educator who’s helping to put the science of reading into action with playful, hands on experiences. Her book, website, and Instagram are full of fantastic examples and resources. Her primary focus is grades K-2, but depending on where your littles are skill-wise, you may find loads of great activities that are appropriate for preK as well. Find show notes at https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode58
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Episode 57: Science of Reading in Preschool?
05/05/2023
Episode 57: Science of Reading in Preschool?
Have you been asked how your preschool room aligns with the Science of Reading? Or maybe you’ve seen videos of two year olds reading and the sales page headlines saying that simply applying the *science* can give all toddlers the advantage they deserve? Well, in this episode, we’re adding on to the basic background and history of the science of reading found in the previous episode, and digging deeper into what all this science means in the preschool classroom.
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Episode 56: Exploring the Science of Reading
05/05/2023
Episode 56: Exploring the Science of Reading
I’ve talked and written a lot about early literacy over the years, but I’ve avoided one very popular term: The Science of Reading. I decided to keep my head down and my work research-based and just stay out of the fray of nailing down the specific jargon. But with more and more states and districts requiring “Science of Reading compliant curriculum," it’s important for early childhood educators to know what that means, what it doesn’t mean, and how it impacts our practice. If The Science of Reading is not a familiar term to you, no worries, we’re going to walk through it and some of the terms associated with it….and if you ARE familiar with the term, I hope you’ll bring whatever background knowledge you have and be ready to find some new perspectives here. Shownotes: www.notjustcute.com/podcast/episode56
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Episode 55: Finding Your Voice for Advocacy & Writing (with Rae Pica)
11/23/2022
Episode 55: Finding Your Voice for Advocacy & Writing (with Rae Pica)
Rae Pica is a force. As a speaker, consultant, and the author of over 20 books in addition to articles in many popular publications, Rae Pica has been an outspoken voice for children and childhood for more than 4 decades. Constant in that career has been her passion for protecting childhood and calling others to action. In this episode, she’s talking with me about her newest book on advocating for children and for the early childhood profession, and also giving us a peek into her writing process. Whether you’ve been wondering about speaking up in your educational community or about taking your message to a wider audience in book form, you’re in the right place. Find Show Notes at
/episode/index/show/notjustcutethepodcast/id/25109142
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Episode 54: Taking the Next Step for Your Program (with Shannon McGuire Bowman & Tara Beard)
10/06/2022
Episode 54: Taking the Next Step for Your Program (with Shannon McGuire Bowman & Tara Beard)
Childcare Resources of Indian River in Vero Beach, Florida began with three tenacious educators going out of their way to create something better for 25 children. Today, the ripple effect of their efforts has grown into something that impacts 3000 children and still growing. In this episode I’m talking with Childcare Resources’ executive director, Shannon McGuire Bowman as well as the director of the school that has grown out of that early program, Tara Beard. They’re sharing how one simple idea has grown into a robust community effort to serve children and families who would likely otherwise slip through the cracks. This is one big story about taking the next small step. Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode54
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Episode 53: Whole Child Solutions to Brain Based Challenges with Dr. Nicole Beurkens
09/20/2022
Episode 53: Whole Child Solutions to Brain Based Challenges with Dr. Nicole Beurkens
When holistic psychologist Dr. Nicole Beurkens attends to a brain-based challenge, she doesn't look only at the ways she could change the brain. She looks at the many things that impact the brain and starts there. Nutrition, sleep, environment, input. There's so much that contributes to the challenging behaviors we see -- and we have more control over many of them than we think we do! If you're curious about how to create an environment that will help the developing brain work at its best, you'll love this episode! Find Show Notes at: https://www.notjustcute.com/podcast/episode53
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Episode 52: Beyond the 30 Million Words (with Dr. Rachel Romeo)
06/15/2022
Episode 52: Beyond the 30 Million Words (with Dr. Rachel Romeo)
I'm talking with Dr. Rachel Romeo about her follow up research to Hart & Risley's famous 30 million word gap. She's sharing how language shapes development and why interactions matter beyond word counts. Show notes and links at https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode52
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Episode 51: The Legacy of Fred Rogers (with Dr. Dana Winters)
06/02/2022
Episode 51: The Legacy of Fred Rogers (with Dr. Dana Winters)
In this episode, I’m talking with Dr. Dana Winters, executive director of the Fred Rogers Institute about how the work of Fred Rogers continues today. It's one of my favorites. You'll want the show notes. Find them at: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode51
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Episode 50: Rethinking the Entire Approach to Preschool (Diving into the NPR Article)
03/14/2022
Episode 50: Rethinking the Entire Approach to Preschool (Diving into the NPR Article)
Early last month, NPR published an article with the title, “A top researcher says it's time to rethink our entire approach to preschool”. Maybe you saw it, or like me, maybe you had several people send it to you because they knew you’d find it fascinating. The article featured developmental psychologist and researcher Dr. Dale Farran and her reflections on the most recent round of startling outcomes from the Tennessee Voluntary PreK cohort, which she and her colleagues at Vanderbilt University have been studying for more than a decade. The article struck a nerve, particularly its last line which said, “We might actually get better results, … from simply letting little children play.” In this episode, I’ll be diving into some of the context around this article and the study it references. We’ll talk about what we can learn from these results and why these lessons apply far beyond the scope of the popular article. Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode50
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Episode 49: Leaders Lounge with Beth Cannon
01/05/2022
Episode 49: Leaders Lounge with Beth Cannon
Find Show Notes at This episode comes from a livestream I did with Leaders Lounge summit organizer, Beth Cannon. We talked about her experience helping early education teams get clear about their purpose and about their process. We take on a topic that makes many educators uncomfortable – business – and talk about how certain business concepts, help us build better teams, have clearer communication with parents, and overall, simply improve the way we serve children and families. Beth also gives the inside scoop on her upcoming summit, the Leaders Lounge. This unique online summit includes resources focused on both classroom teachers and program directors. Inside the summit, you’ll find value-packed presentation from an array of speakers on topics that will lead to true transformation for yourself and your team. You’ll learn about theory and practice, but also practical tips on how to implement systems that allow you automate, delegate, or eliminate some of the more redundant tasks and free up more time to the things that create a lasting impact. The Leaders Lounge offers inspiration, application, and connection for professionals who want to make a lasting difference. The summit takes place online Friday January 14th – Monday January 17th , 2022.
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Episode 48: Connecting Through Music (with Laurie Berkner)
12/20/2021
Episode 48: Connecting Through Music (with Laurie Berkner)
If you’ve spent much time listening to children’s music, you’ve likely heard of Laurie Berkner. And if you haven’t, you’ll be thanking me for the introduction later. Laurie Berkner has a gift not only for creating engaging music that even adults actually like, but for truly seeing, hearing, and respecting children in the process. For her, each performance is really about connection first. If you’re looking for new music in your classroom, you’ll definitely find that here, but you’ll also learn some surprising insights about how we show up for and connect with children in meaningful ways. Let’s jump in! Find Show Notes at https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode48
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Episode 47: Supporting New Teachers (with Vanessa Levin)
11/23/2021
Episode 47: Supporting New Teachers (with Vanessa Levin)
I'm talking with Vanessa Levin of PreK Pages and Teaching Trailblazers about how we can better support each other as educators!
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Episode 46: The Power of Nature Play (with Meghan Fitzgerald of Tinkergarten)
09/16/2021
Episode 46: The Power of Nature Play (with Meghan Fitzgerald of Tinkergarten)
Meghan Fitzgerald has combined her many professional and personal experiences with her passion for learning, play, and nature, to create Tinkergarten, a program that supports caregivers in providing children with powerful outdoor play experiences. In this episode, she shares her insights on how and why playing in nature benefits every child’s development and supports healthier, happier growth. Show Notes at: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode46
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Episode 45: Getting Parents on Board with Play (with Rae Pica)
07/29/2021
Episode 45: Getting Parents on Board with Play (with Rae Pica)
I had a great conversation recently with my friend, Rae Pica, about how and why we should get parents on board with play-based, developmentally appropriate education. Show Notes: www.https://notjustcute.com/podast/episode45
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Episode 44: Fairy Dust Teaching (with Sally Haughey)
06/24/2021
Episode 44: Fairy Dust Teaching (with Sally Haughey)
You may be familiar with Sally Haughey’s amazing work through Fairy Dust Teaching, a site committed to respecting the whole child, community, play, and education as a living, breathing art form. She began the site in 2010, as a place to collect and share her own thoughts as an early childhood educator. In the eleven years since then, it has grown into a global community and has been the springboard for two books and multiple conferences and summits, all focused on the beauty and wonder and magic of early learning. Sally is a brilliant balance of down to earth accessibility and enchanting inspiration. I know you’re going to love her as we talk about the importance of wonder, play, and building up great humans! Show Note: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode44
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