EPISODE · Feb 20, 2026 · 21 MIN
#229: Introverts, Extroverts & Big Feelings: The Power of Story in the Classroom with Christine Devane
from The Everything ECE Podcast · host Carla Ward
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with children’s author and former teacher Christine Devane to explore how storytelling can support introverted learners, build self-advocacy skills, and help children process grief.Christine shares the inspiration behind her book Elephant Beach, a story about stepping outside your comfort zone while honouring personality differences in the classroom. Together, Carla and Christine unpack the balance between supporting extroverted children without silencing them and intentionally creating space for quieter voices.In this episode, you’ll learn:The difference between introversion and shyness in childrenHow to support quiet children without calling them outWhy partner selection in classrooms mattersPractical ways to encourage self-advocacyHow books help children internalize social-emotional skillsWhy storytelling is one of the most powerful SEL tools in early childhood educationIf you’re an educator looking for meaningful ways to support social development through stories, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.Christine Devane Christine Devane was a second-grade teacher for thirteen years and enjoyed reading with her students. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband John; three children Joey, Nick, and Adeline; and their dog Sophie. Christine loves going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and collecting lucky elephants.LinksWebsite: www.christine-devane.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/stined13SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE. See you next week! shape their early years.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: Click HereWebsite: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece
What this episode covers
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with children’s author and former teacher Christine Devane to explore how storytelling can support introverted learners, build self-advocacy skills, and help children process grief.Christine shares the inspiration behind her book Elephant Beach, a story about stepping outside your comfort zone while honouring personality differences in the classroom. Together, Carla and Christine unpack the balance between supporting extroverted children without silencing them and intentionally creating space for quieter voices.In this episode, you’ll learn:The difference between introversion and shyness in childrenHow to support quiet children without calling them outWhy partner selection in classrooms mattersPractical ways to encourage self-advocacyHow books help children internalize social-emotional skillsWhy storytelling is one of the most powerful SEL tools in early childhood educationIf you’re an educator looking for meaningful ways to support social development through stories, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.Christine Devane Christine Devane was a second-grade teacher for thirteen years and enjoyed reading with her students. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband John; three children Joey, Nick, and Adeline; and their dog Sophie. Christine loves going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and collecting lucky elephants.LinksWebsite: www.christine-devane.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/stined13SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE. See you next week! shape their early years.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: Click HereWebsite: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece
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#229: Introverts, Extroverts & Big Feelings: The Power of Story in the Classroom with Christine Devane
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