Let's Talk: Play, Libraries, and Books with Jenn Hawkes

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Pre-K Spot Talks

Melysa Mei

52 episodes

8 months ago

Welcome to Pre-K Spot Talks, the dynamic and inspiring podcast hosted by the passionate and innovative early learning enthusiast, Melysa Mei! As a veteran Pre-K teacher in the nation's largest school system and the creative mind behind Pre-K Spot, Melysa is your ultimate guide to everything early learning. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey that will ignite your teaching experience like never before.

Join Melysa on this enlightening adventure as she shares her wisdom, sprinkles in her signature open-ended, child-led teaching practices, and empowers you to discover your unique path as an early childhood educator. Each episode of Pre-K Spot Talks is packed with valuable insights, engaging conversations, and real-life stories from Melysa's own classroom through the lens of play. Each episode is designed to help you unlock the full potential of play-based learning and create a world of wonder for the little ones you teach.

Tune in to Pre-K Spot Talks and let Melysa Mei be your guiding light on this incredible voyage toward becoming the best early childhood educator you can be. Unleash the power of play, foster curiosity, and celebrate the joy of learning with Pre-K Spot Talks – the ultimate podcast for unlocking the magic of early education! Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

All content for Pre-K Spot Talks is the property of Melysa Mei and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Education

Kids & Family,

Parenting

Let's Talk: Play, Libraries, and Books with Jenn Hawkes

Pre-K Spot Talks

42 minutes 5 seconds

1 year ago

Let's Talk: Play, Libraries, and Books with Jenn Hawkes

Pre-K Spot Talks: Season 7, Episode 2 - Let's Talk: Play, Libraries, and Books with Jenn Hawkes

Join us in this enlightening episode of Pre-K Spot Talks as host Melissa welcomes Jenn Hawks, an educator and librarian passionate about intertwining the magic of books with the joy of play. With over two decades in early childhood education, Jen shares her journey from teacher to librarian and the significance of play in fostering meaningful learning experiences.

Episode Highlights:

Meet Jenn:

Discover Jenn’s inspiring path from pursuing a degree in psychology at Columbia University to becoming the K2 librarian in her community. With a wealth of experience as a teacher and UPK administrator, Jen offers invaluable insights into adapting to new roles in education.

Play as a Learning Tool:

Jenn recounts a transformative interaction with a concerned parent about the value of play in the classroom. Learn how her approach emphasizes genuine learning that flourishes through play, challenging conventional beliefs surrounding worksheets and formal assessments.

Revamping the Library Experience:

Explore how Jenn intends to transform the library into a vibrant learning hub where reading meets interactive play. She shares creative ideas for nurturing engagement through sensory activities and collaborative games tailored to diverse learning needs.

Key Takeaways for Educators and Parents:

- Understand that play is an essential component of education, enhancing problem-solving skills and creativity.

- Foster a love for books by incorporating play-inspired literature that encourages exploration and emotional learning. Recommended titles include Heather Shoemaker’s thought-provoking works and other classics that spark imagination.

- Recognize the importance of adapting lesson plans to meet children's emotional and cognitive needs, creating a flexible and joyous learning environment.

Advocating for Library Resources:

Jenn discusses the disparities in library support across educational districts and underscores the role of dedicated librarians in providing equitable access to literature. This conversation highlights the need for advocacy to ensure all children benefit from quality educational resources.

In Closing:

Join us as we delve deeper into Jenn's insights and her innovative approaches to early childhood education. Together, we can foster environments where children thrive, learn joyfully, and express themselves creatively.

Action Steps:

- Engage with Play: Encourage your children to indulge in various forms of play that stimulate curiosity and creativity. Consider materials that promote open-ended exploration.

- Explore Literature: Introduce books that inspire discussions about identity, acceptance, and emotional growth in your child’s library.

- Advocate for Access: Support initiatives that aim to enhance library resources in your local schools to ensure every child has access to the joy of reading.

Tune in for an episode filled with actionable insights and expert perspectives that will inspire you to embrace play as an integral part of early childhood education!