Unlocking Young Minds: Storytelling & Critical Thinking with Dr. Kitty O'Reilly

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Healthy Rhythms Podcast

Mark Dunwoody

54 episodes

1 day ago

What if thriving as a leader wasn’t about doing more, but about living with healthier rhythms? The Healthy Rhythms Podcast, hosted by Dr. Mark Dunwoody—founder of Healthy Rhythms Coaching and a much-in-demand global coach—equips leaders to grow in resilience, clarity, and purpose. With decades of experience mentoring leaders across cultures, Mark blends storytelling, practical tools, and deep empathy to help you sustain impact, lead with confidence, and flourish in today’s complex world. Connect with Mark Dunwoody: https://healthyrhythms.org/ Instagram: @markdunwoody

Religion & Spirituality

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Religion & Spirituality

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Unlocking Young Minds: Storytelling & Critical Thinking with Dr. Kitty O'Reilly

Healthy Rhythms Podcast

59 minutes 29 seconds

10 months ago

Unlocking Young Minds: Storytelling & Critical Thinking with Dr. Kitty O'Reilly

Exploring Early Critical Thinking with Dr. Catherine "Kitty" O'Reilly

Guest: Dr. Catherine "Kitty" O'Reilly (@kittyoreilly71)
Contact:oreilc31@tcd.ie

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of early critical thinking development in young children with Dr. Catherine "Kitty" O'Reilly. Kitty is currently designing an educational intervention project focused on fostering critical thinking skills in children aged 3-5. Her project, Storytelling for Critical Thinking (SCT), is a Design-Based Research Educational Intervention that helps young learners make sense of stories, reason, and problem-solve.

Children gather on a story mat as their educator tells a traditional oral story using only voice, tone, and gesture—without text, visuals, or props. This step focuses on building connections between the storyteller and the listeners, using expressive language and eye contact to capture imagination and engagement.

Through an inquiry-based approach, children are encouraged to think deeply about the story. Educators prompt discussion with open-ended questions (e.g., Why did the Little Red Hen not share her corn? ), allowing children to explore alternative perspectives, challenge assumptions, and problem-solve.

Children represent their understanding of the story through drawing. This step provides a second opportunity for children to express their thoughts—especially those who may not have participated in the group discussion. Once their drawings are complete, they verbalize their reflections, offering further insight into their interpretation and reasoning.

Encourages early problem-solving skills
Supports cognitive and emotional development
Enhances communication and reasoning abilities
Strengthens the connection between storytelling and critical thinking

LearningALOUD is a communication platform dedicated to discussions on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).

We explore how education can and should evolve during the early years (birth to six), emphasizing innovative and evidence-based approaches to learning.

Follow & Connect:

Guest Instagram:@kittyoreilly71
Contact Kitty:oreilc31@tcd.ie
**Learn more about SCT and early childhood education through **learningaloud.ie