Plant the Seed of Learning

EPISODE 20- Kathy Hirsh-Pasek on Play, AI Toys, Parenting, and the Future of Childhood

In this inspiring and eye-opening episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Crystal Loose and Aimee Ketchum welcome internationally renowned child development expert Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek. A professor at Temple University, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, Visiting Professor at Oxford University, parent of 3 amazing sons, and bestselling author, Dr. Hirsh-Pasek has spent decades translating the science of learning into practical strategies for families, educators, and policymakers. Together, they explore the newly revised edition of Einstein Never Used Flashcards and discuss what today’s parents need to know about child development in a world filled with screens, AI toys, apps, and pressure to accelerate learning. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek explains why play is not “extra” it is the foundation for healthy brain development, creativity, communication, confidence, and lifelong success. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why Einstein Never Used Flashcards needed a complete rewrite * The biggest misconceptions adults still have about early learning * How to tell the difference between truly educational technology and clever marketing * Why AI-powered toys may interfere with healthy development * What high-quality play actually looks like * How parents can nurture the “6 C’s” of learning from an early age * Which policy changes could most improve outcomes for children and families * How Playful Learning Landscapes transforms everyday community spaces into brain-building environments for children Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, policymaker, or simply passionate about helping children thrive, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, hope, and science-backed strategies you can use right away. Learn more about Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and her work: Temple University Profile: https://liberalarts.temple.edu/directory/kathy-hirsh-pasek Brookings Institution Articles: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/kathy-hirsh-pasek/ [https://www.brookings.edu/experts/kathy-hirsh-pasek/] Playful Learning Landscapes: https://playfullearninglandscapes.com/ [https://playfullearninglandscapes.com/] Playful Learning Landscapes Projects: https://playfullearninglandscapes.com/projects/ [https://playfullearninglandscapes.com/projects/].   Books & Research: https://kathyhirshpasek.com/ [https://kathyhirshpasek.com/] Einstein Never Used Flashcards: https://www.amazon.com/Einstein-Never-Used-Flashcards-Children/dp/1623360803 Becoming Brilliant: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Brilliant-Developing-Children-Need/dp/1433822391 Making Schools Work: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Schools-Work-Bringing-Science/dp/0807767285

Episode 19: Building Strong Math Foundations: From Baby Brain Development to Elementary Success

Math is more than numbers—it’s a way of thinking that begins in the earliest years of life. In this episode, we explore how children develop foundational math skills from birth through age 8 and why these early experiences matter for long-term success. Featuring Kristine Culp, M.Ed., we discuss what math instruction looks like in elementary classrooms today, how teachers support diverse learners, and why literacy plays a key role in math achievement. You’ll walk away with practical tips for supporting your child’s math development through play, daily routines, and meaningful summer activities.

Episode 18: The Power of Play with Jed Dearybury: Building Creativity, Connection, and Classroom Joy

In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, we sit down with renowned educator, author, and play advocate Jed Dearybury to explore why play is essential—not optional—in today’s classrooms. A former award-winning teacher and co-author of The Playful Classroom, Jed has spent decades helping educators reimagine learning through creativity, connection, and joy. Together, we unpack the profound impact of physical play on development, how play fuels creativity, and why it is foundational for building relationships and a true sense of belonging. Jed shares practical strategies for educators navigating the pressures of testing and rigid curriculum while still prioritizing meaningful, playful learning experiences. We also dive into play personalities, inspired by the work of Dr. Stuart Brown, and how understanding them can transform the way we teach and connect with children. If you’re ready to rethink learning, re-engage your students, and bring joy back into education, this episode will inspire you to see play as a powerful tool for both teaching and transformation. Where to find Jed's work: https://www.mrdearybury.com/ [https://www.mrdearybury.com/] https://www.mrdearybury.com/product/destroy-the-box/ [https://www.mrdearybury.com/product/destroy-the-box/] https://www.mrdearybury.com/product/jed-creates-coloring-book/ [https://www.mrdearybury.com/product/jed-creates-coloring-book/]

Episode 17: Ryan Rydzewski on Raising Curious Kids & Being a Better Neighbor: Lessons from Mister Rogers That Still Shape Learning Today

In this thoughtful and inspiring episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Aimee Ketchum and Crystal Loose sit down with award-winning writer and educator Ryan Rydzewski, co-author of When You Wonder, You’re Learning. Together, they explore the enduring wisdom of Mister Rogers and what it truly means to nurture curiosity, creativity, and compassion in today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world. From the science behind Fred Rogers’ calm, intentional approach to children’s programming to the powerful idea that wonder is the foundation of learning, this conversation dives into how parents, educators, and therapists can balance standards with space for curiosity—and why that balance matters more than ever. You’ll hear reflections on: * Why Mister Rogers’ “blueprint for life” still applies today * How to protect deep thinking and imagination in young children * What schools might look like if curiosity—not compliance—led the way * How to raise not just smart kids, but kind, thoughtful neighbors * What Mr. Rogers can teach us about human connection in the age of AI This episode is both a nostalgic tribute and a forward-looking guide—reminding us that helping children wonder is one of the most powerful ways we help them learn, connect, and thrive.  Learn more & connect: * Website: https://whenyouwonder.org [https://whenyouwonder.org/] * Newsletter: https://whenyouwonder.substack.com/ [https://whenyouwonder.substack.com/] * Podcast (Remaking Tomorrow): https://remakelearning.org/remaking-tomorrow-podcast/ [https://remakelearning.org/remaking-tomorrow-podcast/] * LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanryd [https://linkedin.com/in/ryanryd]

Episode 16: When Climate Change Scares Children: How to Respond With Hope; Conversation with Leslie Davenport

In this special episode on the week of Earth Day, we welcome Leslie Davenport, internationally recognized climate psychologist and author of What to Do When Climate Change Scares You, to explore how climate change uniquely affects children and how adults can support them with care, honesty, and confidence. Leslie shares how she became a climate psychology educator and why children are especially vulnerable to climate related fears. We discuss the kinds of worries children are expressing today and how those fears often show up through behavior, play, and emotional responses. She offers guidance on when and how to begin conversations about climate change across different ages, from early childhood through adolescence. This conversation focuses on helping adults respond without minimizing children’s concerns, while also avoiding overwhelm. Leslie explains how families and educators can foster resilience, agency, and hope, and when developmentally appropriate advocacy can be a healthy way for children to feel empowered rather than helpless. We also discuss her advice column, Ask a Climate Therapist, and how reflective, compassionate dialogue can help children navigate big feelings about the world around them. This episode is for parents, educators, therapists, and anyone supporting children in a time of global uncertainty. Where you can find Leslie and the amazing work she does: Website: www.lesliedavenport.com [http://www.lesliedavenport.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliedavenport/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliedavenport/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldavenportauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/ldavenportauthor/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeslieDavenportAuthor/ [https://www.facebook.com/LeslieDavenportAuthor/]Leslie's advice column with Grist: https://grist.org/looking-forward/ask-a-climate-therapist/ [https://grist.org/looking-forward/ask-a-climate-therapist/]