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/product/destroy-the-box/

https://www.mrdearybury.com/product/jed-creates-coloring-book/

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
• Newsletter: https://whenyouwonder.substack.com/
• Podcast (Remaking Tomorrow): https://remakelearning.org/remaking-tomorrow-podcast/
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanryd

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliedavenport/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldavenportauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeslieDavenportAuthor/Leslie's advice column with Grist: https://grist.org/looking-forward/ask-a-climate-therapist/