The Speckled Bees: A Celebration of Childhood

Spencer leads us in this conversation all about fingers! We discuss finger dexterity, strength, and independence. This is important for a variety of reasons, but most adults are very preoccupied with how this contributes to writing. Spencer breaks down the four different pencil grips and talks about ways we can encourage proper holds in a gentle way. We also list TONS of ways (20 ways by my count)to practice the fine motor skills used for writing besides just practicing with a pen or pencil.  We talk about baby signing and finger painting. Spencer also goes through related milestones to reference what skills to be working on with your children.

Shout Outs:
Yayoi Kusama - Avant-garde sculptor, painter and novelist
School's Out Kids - Free Activity Plans for Kids by @ruthiesays
-- Instagram: @schoolsoutkids
Manzanita Kids - Sustainable, heirloom wood toys handmade in Washington
--Instagram: @manzanitakids

References:
Pencil Grips
Hand and Finger Skills of Your Preschooler
Milestones During The First 2 Years
The Effect of Finger Painting towards Fine Motor Skill of Intellectual Disability
"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under the age of five, so water safety is vital in early childhood! To inform us about this important subject, Lucy interviewed Krissy Bartlett. Not only is Krissy a wonderful and calming person, she is also more than qualified to discuss this topic. She is the Regional Manager and Trainer at the Swimkids Swim School in Virginia, has presented at the World Aquatic Baby Conference, and is a part of the Infant Toddler committee for the United States Swim School Association!

Krissy answers questions about water safety (TEACH CHILDREN TO WAIT BEFORE GETTING IN THE WATER), the benefits of starting swimming early (Swimbabies are smart babies), tips to help children develop a relationship with water, and parenthood.

Links to Resources and References:
Swimkids Swim School

The Griffith Study

An awesome resource Krissy shared with me:
K&K Online Baby Swim Lessons
instagram: @kkonlineswim

"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Lucy leads our discussion this week about big body play, rough and tumble play, and vestibular stimulation. We talk about the many benefits and give tips to manage and encourage this type of play. What are your reservations about Big Body Play? Reach out to us on facebook and instagram to join the discussion!
facebook: @thespeckledbeespodcast
instagram: @thespeckledbees

It also brings up the concept of working with children who need extra assistance which will play out in many of our interviews over the next few weeks.

Links:
Greenwood Studios - David and Marielle Jensen
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenwoodStudiosUS
Instagram: @_greenwood_studios

Big Body Play - Frances Carlson
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Body-Play-Frances-Carlson/dp/1928896715/ref=asc_df_1928896715/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312029822325&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6144713556163945665&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008247&hvtargid=pla-522390386089&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61316180319&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312029822325&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6144713556163945665&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008247&hvtargid=pla-522390386089

The Nugget
https://nuggetcomfort.com/products/the-nugget

References:
Rajagopalan, Archana et al. “Understanding the links between vestibular and limbic systems regulating emotions.” Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine vol. 8,1 (2017): 11-15. doi:10.4103/0976-9668.198350

Noddings, PhD, Alicia. "Classroom Solutions for Sensory-Sensitive Students." Montessori Resources for Schools, Teachers, Families and Parents. American Montessori Society, 2017. Web. 01 July 2021.

Carlson, Frances. "What Is Big Body Play and Why Is It Important?" NAEYC. National Association for the Education of Young Children. Web. 01 July 2021. <https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/big-body-play>.

"Wholesome"‌ ‌Kevin‌ ‌MacLeod‌ ‌(incompetech.com)‌ ‌
Licensed‌ ‌under‌ ‌Creative‌ ‌Commons:‌ ‌By‌ ‌Attribution‌ ‌4.0‌ ‌License‌ ‌
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/‌ 

Spencer leads our conversation about the importance of sensory engagement in early years (particularly its impact on memory) and ways to institute it with infants and young toddlers. We differentiate sensory overload and sensory stimulation through talking about Dr. Duncan's "Time Square Effect".  We also bring up ways we see this in our current culture through essential oils and Spencer using a scent studio to curate a special perfume for her upcoming nuptials!

DIY Scent Studios - Fairfax Virginia
https://www.diyscentstudio.com/

Duncan, S. and M. Salcedo, “Are Your Children in Times Square? Moving from Sensory Overload to Sensory Engagement,” Senses Exchange, 2012, pg. 48.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13504622.2016.1250149?casa_token=6TNNogLeq1kAAAAA%3AWFprpX3xl6ZJeJjGlBsAySpfrpe6oQVB9uHIHxsNK4BWwBZVjkIzQOja4df4eFiov9hIzW09Ubl2

"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/K

We had our first interview with the strong and kind Simone Carvalho! She addresses why yoga is beneficial for children, how to implement it at different ages, and gives specific ideas for adults planning on using this with the children in their care. Simone has a course to help adults teach yoga to children launching soon, so follow us (@thespeckledbees) and her on Instagram to keep an eye out for that!

Simone Carvalho - Little Biny Mindful Kids Yoga
https://littlebiny.com/
Instagram: @littlebiny.yoga

Music: "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, we discuss the importance of risky play. Although it is intimidating and sometimes stressful, it is vital to a child’s development. We outline the benefits, share tips for caregivers, and share real life experiences.

Run Baby Run · Caspar Babypants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFnYq2pMDbs

Courtney Egan - CF Mom Supporter
Instagram @herewegoegan

Jennifer Anderson - Registered Dietitian
https://kidseatincolor.com/
Instagram @kidseatincolor

ONUPGO 5 Pieces Kids Kitchen Knives
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DSSMNRN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


Brussoni, Mariana et al. “Risky play and children's safety: balancing priorities for optimal child development.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 9,9 3134-48. 30 Aug. 2012, doi:10.3390/ijerph9093134

Sandseter, Ellen Beate Hansen. (2009). Characteristics of risky play. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. 9. 3-21. 10.1080/14729670802702762.

Sandseter, Ellen Beate Hansen & Kennair, Leif Edward. (2011). Children's Risky Play from an Evolutionary Perspective: The Anti-Phobic Effects of Thrilling Experiences. Evolutionary psychology : an international journal of evolutionary approaches to psychology and behavior. 9. 257-84. 10.1177/147470491100900212.


"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This week, Spencer and Lucy discuss the importance of Messy Play for children! Along with the benefits, they also provide a list of practical tips on how to minimize clean up and make messy play more manageable. Follow us on Instagram @thespeckledbees to join in our discussion! 

Music:
"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

We had some problem with the sound. Please grant us some grace as we learn the ropes!

Welcome to the Speckled Bees: A Celebration of Childhood! Early childhood educators - Spencer and Lucy - discuss children, how they develop, and how teachers and guardians can support them in the hard work it takes to learn and grow! Sometimes, supporting children can get lonely and frustrating, so we are also here to help you find the fun in it!

In this introductory episode, we introduce ourselves and offer our credentials (P.S. my degree is from Brigham Young University -Idaho, haha!) and discuss the reasons that we are starting a podcast. 

Music:
"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/