Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, July 29, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Kids and Digital Devices, Yes or No, Friend or Foe? guest Angela Crocker

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Screen time has become a concern for many parents and caregivers. Are digital devices supportive for children's development or not? Research isn't always clear and it is obvious that children need to know how to use these tools. There are more questions than answers!

Angela Crocker, the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Creating A Social Network, teachers others about using technology. She is also a parent and shares a concern about children and digital devices. Angela is Executive Director of Coastal Sound Music, Community Creator at Beachcomber Communications and has "a healthy addiction to tech gadgets".

For a discussion on kids and screen time, join the conversation. Do you think digital devices are children's friend or foe? Are they yes or no for your child?

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, July 22, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Ready or Not, Here Comes Kindergarten, guest Kerry Murdoch

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

This year many children will start a new adventure called kindergarten. And many parents and caregivers are asking,"Is my children ready for kindergarten?" "What does my child need to know before kindergarten?" and other questions. At the other end of the teeter-totter is "Isn't this the school's job, to be ready for kids?"

It can be confusing! Today's guest, Kerry Murdoch is a kindergarten teacher and parent of 2 girls. She gets to see both sides of the issue because her older daughter is starting kindergarten this year. Plus, Mrs. A reviews a kindergarten readiness checklist and developmental milestones. Welcome to kindergarten...

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, July 15, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Summer Connections to Nature, guest Jacquie Fisher

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Children need connections to nature, and what better time than summer vacation? All over the world, communities are looking at solutions for getting families outdoors to boost this awareness and to encourage interaction with the natural world and environment around us.

Jacquie Fisher from KCEdventures is the Learn and Play with Mrs. A guest for ideas for nature play in the summer. Jacquie is the founder and CCO of KC Edventures. This show will be an adventure, or maybe that's Edventure? For some ways to play join us for some summer connections to nature. 

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, July 8, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Summer Fun Activities for Kids, sponsored by 123kindergarten.com

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Summer time, and the kids .... need something to do. In case you are asking, "What could a teacher know about keeping kids busy in the summer?", we get lots of practice figuring out answers because we ask the busy question several times a day, 5 days a week for 9 or 10 months,  and for a couple of dozen kids at a time. In kindergarten, sometimes I felt like I was the only student and instead there was a room full of 5 year old teachers, all teaching me about ways to PLAY. (I mustn’t have been a very fast learner because I seem to have been there for quite a few years. Somehow, tho, the kids always stayed five years old.)

On this show you get a trained PLAY-er’s perspective on what to do with kids over the summer. And not just one teacher but two, since Kelly Cornall St. Clair, a member of the show team behind the scene, plays host and Mrs. A plays guest. Put on some play clothes and tune in for some Summer Play Ideas with me, Mrs. A, to keep kids active and you sane.

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, July 1, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Step-Families: Supporting Young Children, guest Dianne Martin

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Education for all children begins within a child's family. Between one-third to one-half of children will spend time in a step-family situation. The changing family dynamics can create challenging issues for children. Not only are there new rules and expectations for children to learn, there are past ways of coping that children need to unlearn. 

Guest Dianne Martin is a step-family counselor and step-mom. Dianne has a StepFamilyHarmony blog and has written articles for StepMom Magazine and Family Magazine. With both training and experience, she answers questions for parents and caregivers with tips, tools, and techniques for supporting children in any family situation, and especially step-families.

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, June 24, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Homeschooling: is this an option for your child? guest Susan Malphurs

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Even though it may be a year or two or three before your child starts school, you may already be wondering about the option of home schooling. Would homeschooling be right for your child? How can you tell? Is it doable for you? These are just a few of the questions that parents have as they consider homeschooling. Guest Susan Malphurs will help answer some of your questions.

Susan is a homeschool parent and a cofounder of The Homeschool Village. Currently she is working with Gravitas Publications home of Real Science 4 Kids and supports families on their homeschool adventures. While only a small percentage of students are homeschooled the number is growing every year. Is this an option you are considering for your child?

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, June 17, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

More Than Summer Vacation: Holidays Two, with guest Sandy Fowler

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Summer is more than vacation; it is also holidays and other major events. The meaning and rhythm of summer holidays will echo far beyond vacation. For children, these ‘big days’ become part of the fun and memories of summer. Sandy Fowler, parent, blogger, speaker, and business owner, joins Mrs. A to talk about the importance of these special holidays in children’s development.

Sandy also hosts a tremendously popular radio show on Toginet called Heart Filled Holidays, sharing ways to go “…from stressed to blessed.” For ways to add fun and learning to summer holidays and events for young children, tune in to this heart-filled conversation with two hosts, Mrs. A and Sandy Fowler.

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, June 10, LIVE Noon ET on RockStar Radio Network

The Power of Stories, with guest David Ward

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Did you know that the human brain is hard-wired for stories? Our brains crave stories as a brain-food and stories are a powerful tool for all kinds of teaching and learning--at any age! Stories weave the past, present, and future all together, bypassing the limits of time and space. Imaginations can go anywhere.

Learn and Play with Mrs. A's guest, Dr. David Ward, is a parent, story-teller, author, teacher, and college professor who uses the magic of stories to touch hearts and minds all across North America, and beyond. Tune in and listen to the story...phone or use chat to share yours.  

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, June 3, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

A Toast To Dads: Fatherhood Edition with Chris LoPrete

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

"Everyone can be a father, but it takes a lot to be a daddy." Daddies are special members of Team Family. The father's voice is a powerful one for children from even before they are born. Today's guest on Learn and Play with Mrs. A is Chris LoPrete.

Currently, Chris is a writer/producer for the Comedy and Reality Promo Team at ABC Television. As an actor, he has performed in tv, and film and now will be on radio. He shares with us his take on being a dad.

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, May 27, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Young Children & Sports, Jeffrey Ralston--Sports Coach System for Success

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Young children need to be physically active for both healthy bodies and healthy brains. Sports is one way of doing that. But when should kids start? How young is too young for kids to participate in sports? What kind of sports are appropriate for preschoolers?

Join Mrs. A as she talks to parent and coach, Jeffrey Ralston. Jeff also coaches parents on how to be a coach, in case you get “roped into coaching.”

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, May 20, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Gardening with Kids, guest Barb McMahon from Sprouting Chefs

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Did you know that gardens are great places for growing fun and learning, besides growing seeds and plants? Children are fascinated with plants and how they grow. Since kids love to play in the dirt, they are already enthusiastic gardeners!

Barb McMahon is a School Garden Coordinator and today's guest. She shares ideas and tips for what to seeds to use, how to encourage a No-Squish policy, and ways to grow both kids and gardens.

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, May 13, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Toddler Instructions?! with guest Blythe Lipman,

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

When it comes to kids, an instruction book would sure be helpful and Blythe Lipman has done just that. The author of "Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions" has just released another book "Help! My Toddler Came Without Instructions."

Here to share with parents and caregivers, Blythe is today's guest. As always, she has practical suggestions and tips that are both child-tested and parent-friendly. Join Blythe and Mrs. A for a conversation about toddlers and help celebrate Blythe's brand new book.

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, May 6, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Mamahood and Other Crazy Places; guest Nicolle Nattrass

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

No matter where we are in the world moms have a very special role in the lives of kids. To quote Marguerite Duras, "Our mothers always remain the strangest, craziest people we've ever met."

Nicolle Nattrass, actor, mother, writer and performer of the solo comedy, Mamahood: Turn and Face the Strange, is the guest on Learn and Play. Join the conversation to talk about the crazy, special world of mamahood and, of course, kids. 

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, April 29, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Military Kids, with guest Judy Davis, The Direction Diva

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Almost half of the children in military familes are under the age of 5. Kids in the military face both typical and extraordinary challenges. They need strategies and resources to help them cope. Here to talk with us about how to support children is guest Judy Davis.

Judy Davis, aka The Direction Diva, is a motivational speaker, Military Spouse, author, blogger, and entrepreneur. Her laid back, personal style incorporates humor and real life experiences into everything she does, while creating an atmosphere of trust and sincerity that people embrace. Judy shares T.I.P.s (Tools, Information, and Perspective) to empower the military community to become stronger and more resilient. Join Mrs. A as she talks with Judy about how to support military children facing extraordinary challenges.

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)  

Monday, April 22, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Special Needs & Learning Challenges, with guest Lea Keating

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Many sources document the rise of special needs and learning challenges for young children. Parents, families, and caregivers range from feeling bewildered and confused to heartbroken and desperate. How do we help our children? Where do we go for answers? How do we cope?

Guest Lea Keating shares her family's story and search for answers. Knowing the importance of early intervention, Lea began learning about Sensory Processing Disorder and including sensory activities for her son. "I realized that combining these sensory activities with a developmental approach to learning was not only successful but really fun, too." She has now founded a program to support young children and families called Sensory Street Kids. Tune in to hear about this special program and how it can help our children.

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)  

Monday, April 15, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Did you know kids procrastinate too? with guest Rita Emmett

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Yes, even very young children can develop this habitual way of responding. Is it just a power struggle or way of getting our attention? Why do kids procrastinate? Are there other factors, such as fear and attention span? For answers to these and many other questions, today's guest is Rita Emmett, author of THE PROCRASTINATING CHILD: A Handbook for Adults to Help Children Stop Putting Things Off, and 3 other powerful books. One of the most frequent comments Rita has heard from adults who procrastinated as children was, "Nobody ever taught me a better way to do things."

Rita has been featured in countless magazines, including Family Circle, sold books in 32 countries, given over 400 interviews, and received an award for the top selling non-fiction e-book of the year. Today, with Rita, we'll talk about how you can support your child to learn "a better way." (Some of it might rub off on us!)

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)  

Monday, April 8, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

PLAY: At risk? Ways to play! with guest

Stephanie Haass from Two-daloo.com

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

"Play is the brain's favorite way to learn." (Dianne Ackerman) But is play itself at risk? Is there enough space and time in children's day for play? How can families squeeze in play?

Trading in her dissertation for diapers, Stephanie Haass is the mom of two-year old twins. She also traded in some of her ‘before' ideas for the reality of everyday life with kids. When her twins were born premature, Stephanie began researching stimulating developmental activities and began blogging. Her site Two-daloo has fun activities for little ones-and twos. Join the two (plus two) of us for some fun and learning and come out and PLAY.

Delaying Kindergarten For A Year?

Are you asking, "Should my child go to kindergarten this year or wait a year?" Today's guest is the author of 1 2 3 Kindergarten, Everything Your Child Needs To Learn Before Kindergarten. As a kindergarten teacher, she has been there for the school start of about a thousand kids and families, so has experience with answers that may help you. The guest is Barbara Allisen, also known as Mrs. A, (and usually the program host).

For some fun on a tough question, join guest host Brenda Nixon, author of The Birth To Five Book and former host of The Parents' Plate as she interviews Mrs. A. Two experts in conversation on the advantages and disadvantages of what is sometimes called red-shirting or delaying the start of kindergarten, means double the resources for you.

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Monday, March 25, LIVE Noon EDT on RockStar Radio Network

Choosing Childcare for Your Child with guest:

Karen Foster-Jorgensen from ChildcareDirector.com

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

• Are you looking for childcare for your child?
• Do you know how to choose the best facility for your child?
• How can you tell if you are getting good value for your money?

Author and parent, Karen Foster-Jorgensen from ChildcareDirector.com, joins Mrs. A with some guidelines to help you choose a care facility for your child. Having owned and operated childcare centers, Karen knows how they work first-hand. She provides consulting and training to centres, boards, directors, communities, and staff.

Karen has looked behind the doors of hundreds of places nationally and internationally, and shares her experience and expertise. Mrs. A is ready with your questions, and Karen is here with answers. Choosing care for your child doesn't have to be one of the hardest decisions you will make, even though it will be one of the most important!

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)  

Monday, March 18, LIVE Noon EDT on RockStar Radio Network

Eating Rainbows, with guest:

Kia Robertson from Today I Ate A Rainbow

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Is your child a picky eater? Have you run out of ways to get your child to eat veggies and fruit? Kia Robertson, from Today I Ate A Rainbow, has solutions for you and a whole banquet of ideas, because "kids thrive when they eat 5 colors of the rainbow everyday."

Join Mrs. A as she talks to Kia Robertson about how you can have some "peas of mind" and help your child develop healthy-eating habits and make good nutritional choices.

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)  

Monday, March 11, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Social Skills: More Important Than Academics? with guest

Tara Kennedy-Kline from Stop Raising Einstein on Toginet

Podcast after show here or on iTunes

Author of Stop Raising Einstein and Mom Entrepreneur Extraordinaire, Tara Kennedy-Kline is Mrs. A's guest for the topic of social skills for young children. Which do you think is more important for success: social skills or academic ones? Tune in as Mrs. A and Mrs. K discuss how to support young children to learn early behaviors such as sharing and taking turns, coping with the challenges of having to wait, and how to interact positively with others.

Tara is an informative and entertaining speaker. Here is a sample of her humor: "Fun works! Instead of nagging and yelling and correcting constantly, try something goofy!" Once, tired of the cries for "MOM!" she told her kids she was changing her name to "PLEASE"! And raising kids needs parents that can laugh and have fun! Join these two moms for some practical answers to your questions about supporting children as they learn and play.

Learn and Play with Mrs A, with Barbara A(Allisen)

Hands-on Creative Ideas for Kids, with MaryAnn F Kohl

Monday, March 4, LIVE Noon EST on RockStar Radio Network

Podcast will be available on iTunes or here at Learn and Play with Mrs A

Guest MaryAnn F. Kohl has filled more than 20 books with ideas for creative, hands-on play for kids. A former teacher, now author and publisher, MaryAnn says "Kids love to create... When kids find out that art has no right way and no wrong way, their eyes light up...and then they dive into the process and the materials at hand. They are like explorers in a new world. The results can be exciting, but it's the process that rivets their creative spirits."

Explore with Mrs. A and MaryAnn Kohl ways that your child can play, learn, and explore right at home. Ordinary materials and everyday moments can become exciting adventures into the world of the imagination. More than art, MaryAnn has hands-on creative ideas for science, cooking, math, snacks, and even mud. Come and play with Mrs. K and Mrs. A. If 2 heads are better than 1 for thinking, just think how much hands-on fun this will be for you and your child, with 2 hands + 2 hands + even more hands...

How are yoga and an apple peeler the same? They both take you to the core. While Yoga has been around for centuries in other countries, yoga for young children is fairly new here. But it's no surprise that it is becoming more popular. Yoga offers some tremendous benefits for early development, including increasing flexibility, balance, and coordination, improving health and sensory awareness, increasing concentration, boosting confidence, and helping release anxiety and stress. Plus, yoga also includes an element of play and adventure, making it appealing and fun for kids.

Today's Learn and Play guest, AJ Aiken, shares suggestions and resources for yoga with kids. Her information will help you choose a class or program for your child and give you ideas for including yoga at home. Tune in and hear how pretzels, jungles, animals, and airplanes can be part of yoga for kids.

For children, do the numbers 20/20 give enough information about children's vision? What are some clues that a child might be having difficulty seeing? Does vision affect behavior? In this podcast, Mrs. A asks parent and optometrist, Dr. Michael Kellam, about young children's early visual development.

Dr. Kellam talks about concerns that parents and caregivers have and suggests ways that we can help support the visual aspect of development. Vision affects not only movement and coordination, but can also impact children's learning and emotional/social development. For great information and resources, join the conversation with Dr. Kellam, for talking about seeing.

Science is all about exploring and asking questions. Sound like kids to me! Guest, Dr. Rebecca Keller, scientist and author of the popular Real Science 4 Kids series, helps parents and caregivers with their questions about kids and science such as:

• simple and fun activities for kids of different ages

• basic science strategies

• resources and equipment, and more.

Want some great reasons to play with food? What science concept uses jello? Discover this great play-of-the-week radio show and tune in for the fun and learning.

Were your children born with an "art gene?" Artist and art therapist Karen Wallace reassures us that all kids are born artists. Art is another way of creating and sharing stories about life. It's a process of expressing ourselves in color, paint, dance, music, words and many other ways. For adults, gardening, putting meals together, and getting dressed are also forms of art. What are some ways that children create art?

Karen Wallace shares some ideas for including art in the lives of children, from babies to school, and beyond. She explains how art is a process and this process is used in art therapy to explore what is troubling and blocking in lives of children, and adults.

Join us for a fascinating conversation about the role of art and how we can nurture the artist in our children...and ourselves.

Children's health and wellness impacts their learning and development. Nurse and parent Martha Sanchez talks about: 

• some typical challenges,

• clues that indicate a child may be getting sick,

• suggestions when dealing with stress,

• resources for adults and kids,

• tips for developing healthy habits, and more. 

Join Mrs. A and Martha Sanchez for a conversation about health and wellness for kids.

Kids do not need to be born with a math gene to be good in math. Even if you find math a challenge or say you are not good in math, this show will have lots of fun and play so you can help your child learn about math.

Guest Cathleen Alexander, a math teacher who's taken kids out to the playground to jump for math, will help us increase the math fun and decrease the math phobia with sum gr8t ideas.

If words were pennies...

Pennies go in piggy banks and words go in brain banks. Did you know that children hear millions and millions of words a year, that brains use for making connections and developing thinking?

Mrs. A talks with speech and language specialist Lynne Patrick about supporting children's development. When do babies start talking? How can parents get toddlers to use words instead of just pointing? What if a child's speech isn't understandable? These are just a few of the questions that Lynne will answer.

And how can parents make more word deposits in children's brain banks? Join Mrs. A for an "enriching" show.

Is increasing your activity time one of your New Year's resolutions? How about for your kids?

Physical activity for young children is important for brains as well as bodies,so time spent movin' and groovin' is like doing 2 resolutions in 1. Moving helps the brain establish the pathways it will need for language and math.

Join Mrs. A as she talks with Serena D'Eath, fitness coach and parent, about physical activites, inside and out, for young children, and lots of other learnin'.

This is a rebroadcast of Mrs. A's first show where she is the guest and Jill Martin of RockStar Radio is the host.

Is spending more time with your little ones one of your New Year's resolutions? Mrs. A shares ways to make the most of that time for the greatest impact, supporting your children's fun and learning.

And your to-do list? Mrs. A has ideas for adding a learning ingredient into what your family is already doing, be it waiting for the bus, making meals, or even the laundry.

This show will help you make the most of the brand new year to help your kids be powerful learners.

This is an encore broadcast of the heart-filled conversation with guest Virginia Brucker, author of Gifts From The Heart; Simple Ways To Make Your Family's Christmas More Meaningful. Virginia shares some tips with Mrs. A and listeners on:

• kid-tested crafts and gifts,
• traditions that you being with young children,
• ideas for discouraging the want-monster and avoiding the gimmies,
• coping with emotional challenges of loss and grief,
• and creating holiday fun and learning for little ones.

Curl up and enjoy the meaning of this special holiday time with a guest that speaks from her heart.

A sense of belonging, is more than social/emotional. It is not just part of our hearts but built into our brains. Babies arrive with this attachment and interaction-need already in place, literally pre-wired into the brain. Did you know that it is absolutely crucial to how the brain even develops? 80% of brain cells that each of us will ever have grow during the first two years of life. I will quote one bit of research from UCLA, "The growth of brain cells is a consequence of an infant’s interaction with the main caregivers."

Research is now proving that positive parent and child interaction is a key element in children’s early development. Like we needed science to tell us that. But it’s nice to know that we’ve been right all along that kids need the love and support of their parents for healthy development.

Mrs. A talks with guest Don Power, parent of 3 children, and editor of Sprout Insights. No, that’s not little kids, tho we often call them sprouts. Don is a social media consultant/speaker and shares from his experiences about kids and family.

Very young children are learning not just how the world works, but also how they work. They need to learn about themselves on a physical body level and also on an emotional level. When it comes to young children and emotions what are some of the basics?

Join Mrs. A as she talks to guest Loreli Rozzano, a family counsellor, foster parent, and author of the book Gracie's Secret, the story of a little girl coping with family conflict. Helping learn about emotions is not just key part of early development but also a piece of the life-long puzzle. 

Mrs A welcomes guest Pam Renzi as she reads her new book The Global Christmas. Then Mrs. A shares Now You Know The Secret by Beryl Wearne. The Global Christmas invites us to a special celebration of joy and peace all around the world. Now You Know The Secret is a grandmother's wonderful answer to her granddaughter's question: Is Santa Claus real?

Mrs. A has even penned a new version of the Night Before Christmas with parents struggling with instructions and themselves waking up the kids--on purpose! "Follow the children, they'll show us the way" ... and tune in to The Christmas Story Hour.

Toys are more than playthings! They are the tool that children use to explore and learn about the world both beyond themselves and within.

• What kinds of toys are appropriate for different ages?

• Which ones are more fun than the box they came in?

• Are some toys better for girls or boys?

For answers to these and more questions about toys, join Mrs. A as she talks with Jeff Johnson, author, parent, childcare provider, and toy designer from Explorations Early Learning for ideas, suggestions and advice on kids and toys.

Music impacts children's learning and development at a deep level, even before they are born. Richard Leighton, musician, songwriter, performer and producer, joins Mrs A and shares practical ideas for including music in everyday activities.

From making a shaker with a plastic bottle and pebbles, to songs and singing, and some suggestions for first instruments, Richard and Mrs A invite you to tune in and support your child's early development with some music fun and learning.

In the words of Sir Ken Robinson, "Creativity has become the new literacy." Creativity is needed more and  more, yet children are losing this ability with each year. How can you nurture your child's creativity? Join Mrs A as she talks with guest Heather Boyd about protecting and encouraging children's creative thinking, learning and play.

Are holidays from the heart on the wish list for your children and family? Guest Virginia Brucker, author of Gifts From The Heart; Simple Ways To Make Your Family's Christmas More Meaningful, shares some tips with Mrs. A and listeners on:

• kid-tested crafts and gifts,
• traditions that you being with young children,
• ideas for discouraging the want-monster and avoiding the gimmies,
• coping with emotional challenges of loss and grief,
• and creating holiday fun and learning for little ones.

Mrs. A is off on a learn and play adventure of her own, and has asked Leah Jantzen to be her guest host. You may remember Leah from her show on Toginet. She will be talking with Patty Lennon.

Leah works as a guidance counsellor and has a Masters Degree in Counseling. She is a Life and Business coach empowering clients to reach new levels of personal and professional success. Leah and her husband have a nine year old daughter, two toddler sons, and a new baby girl.

Her guest will be Patty Lennon, CEO and founder of Mom Gets A Life. Patty is a mom advocate, coach, writer, and speaker who believes in the power of intuition, taking action, and a world where women can be successful mothers and successful individuals at the same time. In April, she will be hosting the first annual Mom Gets A Business Conference in NYC. For more information visit: http://www.savorthesuccess.com/member/patty-lennon

A complex and sometimes controversial topic for parents and caregivers. Guest Kerri Isham, an educator with advanced training, explores with host Barbara Allisen such questions as: When to tell to preschoolers about reproduction? What information do kids need to know about themselves and their bodies? Is it okay to be naked in front of kids? How to deal with incidents of private body parts show and tell? and most importantly, How to build abuse-resistance?

Kerri is an experienced teacher, coach and facilitator with post-graduate training in healthy sexual development presenting workshops to students and parents all over Canada and the US, including at a national conference in Florida on bullying prevention for girls. Join Mrs A and guest Keri Isham for more resources and answers to your questions so your child gets the information from you, not the media or playground.

Did you know that missing sleep as a child can make for a grumpy, moody adult? Poor sleep can affect learning and behavior. Leslie Black, from A Kiss Goodnight Sleep Consultation talks with Mrs. A and shares some sleep solutions for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and kids in kindergarten.

Leslie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology. She has been a been a family counselor for 6 years, specializing in parenting, and is a trained and certified sleep consultant using the Sleep Sense Program. She has worked with her own children and countless other families to help everyone get a good sleep.

Sleeping well increases brain power!.

Our children are at risk of developing what Richard Louv calls "Nature-deficit disorder". Mrs A talks with forester Andrew Hall on ways that parents can help kids learn about and connect to nature.

With his background and career experience, Andy has a unique perspective on living with nature, using the gifts of the earth for our needs, and conserving an d protecting for the future. In any city, there are hidden nature-pockets that Andy can help you discover and explore (and learn and play) as you connect your little critters to nature's.

Robin Rivers from Our Big Earth joins Mrs. A. to talk about Books for Treats and National Costume Swap, two programs in the U.S. and Canada to put a little green into Halloween. Bookaholic and nature-lover, five years ago Robin combined her experience as a writer with her passion for environmental awareness to launch OurBigEarth.com.

Find out more information about these family-friendly Halloween programs that will appeal to all ghouls and goblins, to celebrate children’s creativity and champion their imaginations as she talks with Mrs. A for some great learn and play Halloween fun.

Food fun 4 little ones and ideas and solutions 4 parents. Getting kids to eat is one challenge, what to make is another.

Join Mrs A as she talks with Kimberly Plumley about what to put in lunches, ways to get kids to eat breakfast, and shares some family-friendly recipes. A publicist who has come out of "mommy retirement" this will be a show for tweeting and eating! Learn and play--with food!

From hosting her own radio show, How To Raise A Millionaire, Ann will sit in the guest chair and share how critical parent involvement is when it comes to supporting children's education. She will tell how she helped her son deal with a devastating year at school, and the importance of encouraging learning of life skills.
Mrs. A will speak from experience of alternative ways that parents  and caregivers can lighten the load and brighten the day when it comes to learning and play. After all, parents are children's first teachers and a critical part of the education team.

Terri Mack and her husband Ken will be unpacking 80,000!! new books this week when the delivery trucks arrive. Terri is literacy coordinator with Strong Nations Publications and has worked with schools and community groups from coast to coast to promote literacy for all ages.

Terri and Mrs. A talk about the importance of reading to children, one of the most powerful activities to do at home before children start school. Terri will read a new story on air and give parents and caregivers tips on maximizing learning and fun when sharing a book with kids. Share part of your day with Terri and Mrs. A as you and your child learn and play.

Last month, many athletes had gold-medal combinations. Learn and Play has one with guest Forest Fisher.

Forest is a 6 times--breaking update: make that 7 times--national gold medalist in water skiing. And for the other side of the gold medal, he is a rocket scientist and worked on the landing of the Mars rover Curiosity. Curiosity is a powerful learning strategy for kids, and Forest talks with Mrs A about others such as determination, balance, goal-setting and practice. These are all part of a mindset that kids can develop.

As a parent and coach, Forest has experience to share on the balance parents and caregivers need between encouragement and pressure. A host with his own radio show, The Gold Medal Success Show, Forest switches places to be a guest, telling his story from the accident that almost ended his athletic career to his winning and successful mindset. Mrs A asks Forest to share how parents and caregivers can support children to develop powerful learn and play strategies for gold-medal success.

1 shirt, 2 shirt, red shirt, blue...Don't be blue as you struggle with the question of having your child start kindergarten or wait until next year.

Is your child ready? Readiness can be a bad word, after all, why do children need to be ready for school? Shouldn't school be ready for kids?

Blythe Lipman, of the radio show Baby and Toddler Instructions, and author of Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions is the guest today. Blythe has helped over 1000 babies in her career and Mrs. A over 1000 young children as they start school. What's 1000 times 1000? That's a million! Blythe and Mrs. A will share some ways that you can look at this concern for your child and some alternatives and options as you add up your answer to this year or next year?

Leah Jantzen is a familiar voice to many listeners from her own radio show on Toginet. Leah is a mompreneur on a mission, coaching parents on rockin' a business while rockin' the kids.

In just a few days many young children will start playgroup, preschool or kindergarten for the first time. Leah and Mrs. A will review basics for The First Day: self-care needs, independence, separating from parents and caregivers, and other basics. Leah will share some been-there-done-that tips from her experience. She will let listeners know what resources she has for both working and stay-home parents.

Mrs. A will outline the importance of routines, suggest some activities like playdates that you can do beforehand, and give you some strategies to deal with tears and fears as kids take their next big step off on their own.

Were you up early watching the Olympic Closing Ceremonies? If you think about it, the root of sports is PLAY. How did Michael Phelps first start swimming? It may have been splashing in the backyard kiddie pool. And Gaby Douglas? Could have been on a playground swing or monkey bars. Rosie McLennan may have jumped on the furniture and Usain Bolt's mother may have had to give reminders about not running in the house.

Adult sports evolve from children's play. Join the show today for some issues about PLAY. Take a magic school bus trip thru a brain on PLAY and explore some issues:

• outside play time,
• independent play,
• letting kids take risks,
• should boys be allowed to play with dolls
• dress-up time,

and more, including PLAY fun in every room in the house. Learn and Play with Mrs. A.

Are you watching the Olympics? Amazed at the athletic achievement? Movement activites can impact your child's physical development and academic learning.

For kids to develop strong brains, do they need to: a) move b) solve problems going from easy to hard c) start early with flash cards, baby programs, etc?

Join special guest Ronda Fisher and Mrs. A as they talk about the importance of movement activities for children's learning. Ronda is a speaker, coach, author and parent. Her husband Forest Fisher, is a medal-winner and US water ski team member. Their son is a national water ski champion and all 3 of their kids, even the 2-year old, enjoy this sport and others.

Ronda shares how they include both physical and mental activities at home. Mrs A will ask how as a busy mom, Ronda promotes the developing of a positive mindset and finds time in the day to fit it all in. Tune in and add some brain-body balance to your child's learning, fun, and play with Mrs. A and Ronda Fisher.

Jill Martin from Toginet Radio interviews Barbara Allisen, aka Mrs. A, for the first Learn and Play show. Although Mrs A reassures us there is no test at the end of every show she does ask some tricky questions like: What has a greater impact on later success--academic achievement or social skills? and more! Today, she'll answer some: How can we support children's learning? What can parents do at home? How to add learning if the to-do list is already full? Why play is critical for young children?

Teacher, author, parent and consultant Mrs. A shares decades of experience. Her show is called Learn and Play and promises to be just that for listeners, too. Join Jill Martin as guest host for some RockStar radio fun.