by Afaf Zaidan
Welcome to Early Years Explorers — where finger painting is serious, snack time is sacred, and learning through play is everything. Hosted by Miss Afaf, an early childhood educator and self-proclaimed glitter magnet, this podcast dives into the joyful chaos of early learning. Expect real talk, funny classroom stories, and bite-sized insights into why the early years matter. Grab your coffee (or juice box) — let’s explore the magic together.
Language
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Publishing Since
4/6/2025
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April 19, 2025
<p>In this episode of Early Years Explores, I’m diving into a question I get asked a lot: what is early literacy really all about?</p><p>Spoiler alert—it’s not just about knowing the alphabet or being able to trace letters on a worksheet. Early literacy begins long before a child picks up a pencil. It’s built on connection, language, imagination, and play. I’ll be sharing how those silly voices you use during storytime, those chats in the car, and even those spontaneous puppet shows are actually laying the groundwork for strong literacy skills.</p><p>I’ll also unpack some recent research, share practical, low-stress ways to weave literacy into your day, and hopefully make you laugh along the way. No Pinterest-perfect setups required—just real talk, real ideas, and a whole lot of heart for our little learners.</p><p>So, grab your (probably cold) coffee and join me as we go beyond the ABCs and explore what really helps children fall in love with language.</p>
April 12, 2025
<p>In this episode of Early Years Explores, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most powerful forces in early childhood education: play.</p><p>I dive into the research, the classroom magic, and the lived reality of what children are really doing when they’re “just playing.” From building cognitive skills in the block corner to developing emotional resilience during dramatic play, I’ll show you how play supports deep, authentic learning across every developmental domain.</p><p>I’ll also bust a few myths (yes, I’m looking at you, “They’re only playing”), share real-life classroom stories, and unpack why play is not a break from learning.</p><p>So if you’re an educator, a parent, or someone who’s ever wondered what’s really going on behind the loud ruckus— this episode is for you.</p>
April 10, 2025
<p>Ever feel like circle time is part magic, part mayhem? In this episode of Early Years Explorers, we pull back the curtain on what really goes down during those precious morning moments. From whispered puppet secrets to snack-time negotiations, I’m sharing my go-to tips, honest laughs, and tried-and-true strategies for making circle time meaningful—even when attention spans are bouncing off the rug. Whether you're a new educator or a seasoned pro, join me for real talk on keeping those 20 wiggly humans engaged, connected, and coming back for more.</p>
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