Episode Summary: Welcome back to Pre-K Spot Talks! In our first episode of Season Seven, host Melissa is joined by early childhood experts Samuel Broaden and Kisa Marx as they delve into a deeply relevant topic: weapon play in early childhood education. This engaging discussion goes beyond mere policies and digs into how we, as educators, can approach this play with curiosity rather than fear, ultimately supporting children's emotional development and learning. Key Takeaways: Understanding Weapon Play: Samuel and Kisa illuminate how weapon play can serve as a vehicle for children's emotional expression and social navigation. Listening to the motivations behind this play fosters empathetic dialogue and learning opportunities.    Creating Safe Spaces: Reflecting on their experiences, both guests emphasize the importance of creating educational environments where children feel emotionally safe to discuss their fears and experiences, especially when touched by violence. Play-Promoting Policies: The conversation highlights the need for educators to shift away from restrictive policies toward more inclusive practices that honor children's innate impulses to explore complex themes through play. Empowering Educators: Through community and sharing experiences, educators can overcome feelings of isolation and feel empowered to innovate their approaches, fostering a child-led classroom dynamic. Community Connection: Samuel and Kisa stress the importance of building supportive relationships between educators and families, enabling a collaborative effort in nurturing children’s emotional well-being. Actionable Steps: 1. Engage in Open Dialogue: Create opportunities for children to express their feelings about weapon play and related themes, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for discussing complex emotions. 2. Professional Development: Encourage your professional growth by attending workshops focused on inclusive practices in early childhood education to feel equipped to handle sensitive topics. 3. Build Community: Connect with fellow educators to share experiences and strategies around weapon play and other topics. Collaborating can reduce feelings of isolation and build a supportive network. 4. Reflect on Policies: Evaluate your current approach to weapon play and consider how you might shift toward a more understanding and inclusive strategy that respects children’s learning processes. 5. Utilize Resources: Explore books, like Samuel and Kisa's, and literature that discuss the nuances of play to gain deeper insights into navigating these discussions effectively. Thank you for tuning in to Pre-K Spot Talks! Embrace the power of play and reflection to transform your teaching practices. Until next time—play on! Get Samuel and Kisa's book, Rethinking Weapon Play in Early Childhood: How to Encourage Kindness, Imagination and Consent in Your Classroom here. Find Samuel here @honorchildhood on Instagram, Facebook, and on the web. Find Kisa here @iam_still_learning on Instagram and @theplaylabfoundation on Instagram and at theplaylabnfpoakpark.org Know a friend who loves early childhood? Share this podcast. Lot's more topics, tips, and fun on Instagram @prek.spot For awesome merch and more info visit Pre-KSpot.com Even more free content inside out our weekly newsletter! Join today. We have so many amazing resources and FREEBIES just for you.