Small Talks, No. 68 - Special Summer Edition
July 15, 2022
Dear Small Talker,
Welcome to the sixty eighth edition of Small Talks.
This week is a special *Summer edition*, curating top lists of podcasts, documentaries, and TED Talks on the future of (early) learning. I have received requests from some of you for those types of resources.
Enjoy, and please let me know which ones are your favorites and what I missed!
What I’m listening to - Top podcasts
Top podcasts in (early) learning
Harvard Center on The Developing Child The Brain Architects
Lemonada’s No One is Coming to Save Us
Boston's Fed 600 Atlantic (second season dedicated to child care)
Erikson Institute's 1800 Days
HiMama’s podcast
Top podcasts on future of learning
What I’m watching - Top documentaries
“From Neurons to Networks” by Tiffany Shlain looks at how our brains change “throughout life because behavior, experiences and environment can alter neural pathways and synapses.
“Brain Matters” by Carlota Nelson looks into why is it that some children thrive while others do not. Is it a matter of genetics, IQ, socioeconomic background or education?
“The Raising of America” by Larry Adelman are a series of documentaries on early childhood. The resource guides are phenomenal.
“Born to Learn” is a PBS documentary that explores the fascinating science behind brain development and early learning.
“No Small Matter” by Daniel Alpert and Greg Jacobs makes the case that our future depends on our youngest citizens. On how many words they hear in their first months of life. On how often they are held. On the kinds of experiences they have.
“Starting at Zero” by Willa Kammerer explores the power of investing in high-quality early childhood education so that all children and families have the opportunity to attain the American Dream.
“Breaking the Cycle - Reclaiming Our Humanity with Our Evolved Nest” by Darcia Narvaez at Evolved Nest offers a big vision to move from *competitive detachment* to *cooperative companionship"*
What I’m watching - Top TED Talks
The best kindergarten you’ve ever seen by Takaharu Tezuka
Do schools kill creativity? by Sir Ken Robinson
How every child can thrive by five? by Molly Wright
Every kid needs a champion by Rita Pierson
Play is more than just fun by Stuart Brown
What do babies think? by Alison Gopnik
The linguistic genius of babies by Patricia Kuhl
Kids can teach themselves by Sugata Mitra
A close-to-home solution for accessible child care by Chris Bennett
What we learn before we’re born by Anne Murphy Paul
What if schools are a source of trauma by Rosemarie Allen
Can a voice-interactive toy robot transform education? by DeLonn Crosby
Quote I’m pondering -
"I sincerely believe that for the child, and for the parent seeking to guide him, it is not half so important to know as to feel.
If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow. The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil. Once the emotions have been aroused — a sense of the beautiful, the excitement of the new and the unknown, a feeling of sympathy, pity, admiration or love — then we wish for knowledge about the subject of our emotional response. Once found, it has lasting meaning.
It is more important to pave the way for the child to want to know than to put him on a diet of facts he is not ready to assimilate."
— Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder
Feedback is a gift. Which part above is your favorite? What did I miss? What do you want more or less of? Other recommendations? Please kindly let me know. Thank to all of you who are sending me amazing suggestions.
If you enjoy this newsletter, please help spread the word by sharing with your friends, colleagues, and networks.
Have a wonderful week. Please stay safe and care for each other.
Isabelle