Episode 22: Attention, Play, and AI: The Future of Childhood with Professor Sam Wass

Episode 26: What Kindergarten Is Really For: A Conversation with bestselling author, Susan Engel

In this thought-provoking episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, pediatric occupational therapist Dr. Aimee Ketchum and professor of education Dr. Crystal Loose welcome renowned developmental psychologist and author Dr. Susan Engel to discuss her newest book, American Kindergarten. Drawing from visits to 29 kindergarten classrooms across 14 states, Dr. Engel shares what she discovered about the purpose of kindergarten, what young children truly need to thrive, and why the conversation about kindergarten readiness may be missing the bigger picture. Together, we explore the role of play, curiosity, relationships, identity, and thinking in early learning, and discuss what today's classrooms are getting right—and where we still have room to grow. Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or policymaker, this episode will challenge assumptions about early education and leave you with practical insights for supporting young children during one of the most important years of their lives. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why Susan Engel wrote American Kindergarten * What she observed in classrooms across the United States * The role of play and curiosity in effective kindergarten classrooms * What children really need before they enter school * Common misconceptions about kindergarten readiness * What an ideal kindergarten classroom would look, sound, and feel like * The one piece of advice Dr. Engel hopes every parent and educator will take away Learn more: * American Kindergarten by Susan Engel: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300271987/american-kindergarten/ * Susan Engel's faculty page: https://www.williams.edu/psychology/susan-engel/ If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who cares about giving children the strongest possible start.

Episode 25: Risky Play: Why Children Need Challenge, Adventure and Risk to Thrive

As summer begins and children spend more time outdoors, many parents and educators find themselves asking: How much risk is too much? In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, pediatric occupational therapist Aimee Ketchum and professor of education Crystal Loose explore the fascinating research behind risky play—the thrilling, child-led activities that involve challenge, uncertainty, and manageable risk. Drawing from the study The Prevalence of Risky Play in Young Children's Indoor and Outdoor Free Play by Sandseter, Kleppe, and Sando (2021), we discuss what risky play looks like in real life, how often children naturally engage in it, and why it is essential for healthy development. You'll learn: * What researchers mean by "risky play" * The eight categories of risky play * The difference between risks and hazards * How risky play supports motor skills, executive functioning, confidence, resilience, and problem-solving * The connection between risky play and anxiety prevention * Why school readiness is about more than academics * Practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers to support risky play safely We also share specific phrases adults can use instead of saying "Be careful!" to encourage children's critical thinking, self-awareness, and independence. Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, or policymaker, this episode will help you understand why allowing children to test their limits may be one of the most important gifts we can give them. Research Article Sandseter, E. B. H., Kleppe, R., & Sando, O. J. (2021). The prevalence of risky play in young children's indoor and outdoor free play. Early Childhood Education Journal, 49(2), 303–312. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-020-01074-0 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-020-01074-0] Book Referenced Dearybury, H., & Jones, D. (2020). Playful by Design: Your Stress-Free Guide to Raising Confident, Resilient, and Creative Kids. https://www.playfulbydesignbook.com [https://www.playfulbydesignbook.com/]

Episode 24: Raising Musical Minds: Why Music Starts Before Kindergarten

Music isn’t just an extracurricular—it’s a powerful developmental tool that begins in infancy. In this episode, we challenge the idea that children should wait until elementary school for music instruction. With expert insights from Christyn Rutter, we explore how early music experiences support everything from brain development and motor skills to literacy and social connection, giving children a strong foundation before they ever step into a classroom.

Episode 23: Rethinking Early Learning: Brain Science, Play, and the Digital Age with Dr. Jacqueline Harding

In this powerful episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, we sit down with internationally recognized child development expert Dr. Jacqueline Harding to explore the science behind why play is essential for healthy brain development. Drawing from her bestselling book The Brain that Loves to Play, Dr. Harding breaks down what is actually happening in a child’s brain during play—and why it builds neural pathways in ways that traditional academic tasks cannot. We dive into the fascinating connection between imagination and biology, including how play may even influence gene expression, and what early childhood classrooms would look like if we truly followed the science of how children learn. Dr. Harding also shares her expertise from advising the UK government and shaping digital media standards across Europe, offering practical insights on screen time, children’s programming, and how parents can make more informed decisions in today’s digital world. From AI-powered toys to the future of play, this episode challenges us to rethink childhood in a rapidly changing world—and leaves listeners with one simple, actionable strategy they can start using tomorrow. The Brain that Loves to Laugh: A Visual Guide to Humour and Human Connection in the Early Years https://www.routledge.com/The-Brain-that-Loves-to-Laugh-A-Visual-Guide-to-Humour-and-Human-Connection-in-the-Early-Years/Harding/p/book/9781032953915 [https://www.routledge.com/The-Brain-that-Loves-to-Laugh-A-Visual-Guide-to-Humour-and-Human-Connection-in-the-Early-Years/Harding/p/book/9781032953915] Little Brains Love to Talk (Book Series) https://www.routledge.com/Little-Brains-Love-to-Talk/book-series/LBLT [https://www.routledge.com/Little-Brains-Love-to-Talk/book-series/LBLT]

Episode 22: Attention, Play, and AI: The Future of Childhood with Professor Sam Wass

In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, hosts Crystal Loose and Aimee Ketchum sit down with internationally renowned child psychologist and neuroscientist Professor Sam Wass, one of the world's leading experts on attention, learning, and child development. As artificial intelligence, smart devices, and digital technology become increasingly integrated into children's lives, parents and educators are asking important questions: How do these technologies impact developing brains? What helps children build attention, self-regulation, and resilience? And how can we create environments that support healthy development in a rapidly changing world? Professor Wass shares groundbreaking research from the Institute for the Science of Early Years (ISEY), exploring how children's everyday experiences shape attention, stress, learning, and behavior. The conversation covers the science of self-regulation, the importance of caregiver-child interactions, the role of play in development, and what parents should know about AI-powered toys and digital companions. You'll also hear practical strategies for supporting children's focus, reducing distraction, and creating relationship-rich environments that foster lifelong learning. * How early environments shape attention and learning * The neuroscience behind self-regulation in young children * What parents should know about AI toys and digital technology * Why human relationships remain the foundation of healthy development * How children learn to focus in real-world settings * Insights from Professor Wass's book Take Action on Distraction * Using neuroscience to improve teaching and early childhood education Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, childcare professional, or policymaker, this episode offers evidence-based insights and practical tools to help children thrive in a distracted world. Learn More About Professor Sam Wass * Website: https://www.profsamwass.com/ [https://www.profsamwass.com/] * Institute for the Science of Early Years (ISEY): https://www.isey.org [https://www.isey.org/] * University of East London Profile: https://www.uel.ac.uk/about-uel/staff/sam-wass [https://www.uel.ac.uk/about-uel/staff/sam-wass] * NEST Kids: https://www.nestkids.co.uk [https://www.nestkids.co.uk/] * Book: Take Action on Distraction: The Definitive Guide to Improving Attention and Focus in the Early Years and Key Stage One