Let Them Play: Rae Pica on Joyful Learning and Reclaiming Early Childhood

What if the most powerful thing we could give young children is time to play?Early childhood expert Rae Pica joins Dr. Diane for a candid conversation about why play, movement, and joy are essentials, not extras -- and how rushing children into academics is doing real harm.🎧 Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes author, keynote speaker, and longtime advocate for developmentally appropriate early childhood education Rae Pica.Together, they explore what’s gone wrong in early childhood education—from scripted teaching and excessive seat time to the loss of play—and what the research actually tells us about how young children learn. Rae explains why play builds problem-solving, empathy, language, and executive function, how parents can become powerful allies, and why small acts of advocacy can help educators reclaim joy and reduce burnout.This is a hopeful, practical conversation for educators, families, and anyone who believes childhood should be honored, not hurried.⏱️ Highlights & Chapters00:00 — Meet Rae Pica + why early childhood matters02:22 — What’s gone wrong: rushed academics & ignored research07:01 — Why play is “everything” to young children10:32 — What block play teaches (SEL, STEM, critical thinking)16:14 — Why movement fuels the brain19:07 — Rae’s vision of a joyful early childhood classroom25:16 — Research on play, joy, and how the brain learns38:07 — Rae’s magic wand: follow child development39:38 — Advocacy, burnout, and teacher empowerment43:37 — Hope: signs the tide is turning🔗 Links & ResourcesRae Pica's free resourcesRae Pica's online coursesRae Pica's booksDr Diane's 365 Day Picture Book Read Aloud CalendarSupport 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.