Indoor Days + Big Feelings: Play, Empathy, and Teachable Moments with Francine Prince

When cold weather keeps kids inside, big feelings can spike—for children and the adults supporting them. In this uplifting conversation, early childhood expert Francine Prince shares practical, realistic strategies for indoor days, and reminds us that the best early learning happens when we stay intentional, flexible, and deeply connected.In this episode, we'll discuss:How to plan indoor days so you’re not “teaching on the fly”What child-led really means (and what it doesn’t)Why teachable moments matter more than rigid timingSimple ways to communicate learning to families—without writing an essayThe power of leading with the positive to build trust and partnershipWhat early childhood can teach adults about conflict, adaptability, and routinesWhy burnout is rising—and what support teachers actually needTimestamps01:41 Indoor-day advice: movement breaks, intentional planning, and being “ready for anything”03:27 Defining child-led for families (and how teachers still facilitate learning)05:08 Teachable moments: what great teachers notice—and why it matters07:10 Creating a climate where teachers feel safe to follow children’s learning08:41 Making learning visible to families 12:18 “Everything we need as adults, we should’ve learned in preschool” (3 big takeaways)15:23 Teaching empathy + conflict resolution through environment and facilitation17:03 What empathy means—and how to meet families where they are20:04 Coaching adults: empathy, communication styles, and partnering with parents24:05 Francine’s story: Head Start roots, coaching, leadership, disability advocacy, and statewide work29:28 Biggest challenges today: burnout, behavior, low pay, and support gaps33:16 What effective professional learning should look like (practical, real, implemented)37:24 Hope: why early childhood still matters—and why people in the field bring hopeLinks & ResourcesDr. Diane’s free 365-day Picture Book Read-Aloud CalendarConnect with Dr. Diane and book her to speak or lead professional development workshops at your next eventConnect with Francine Prince on LinkedIn.Support the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.