Podcast

Biblically grounded insight for today’s early childhood professionals.

Brought to you by the Early Childhood Christian Network, Reimagine Childhood delivers practical strategies, expert advice, and faith-filled encouragement for teaching and caring for young children.

Each episode features conversations with trusted voices in early education, offering tools you can use right away—whether you’re in the classroom, leading a team, or supporting families.

Reimagine Childhood

Welcome to Reimagine Childhood brought to you by Early Childhood Christian Network—where we equip you with the tools you need so you can confidently care for and teach young children.

We know early childhood is prime time for all development and, yet, we often overlook our critical role in providing optimal learning experiences. In every episode, you’ll find seasoned experts sharing their passion and expertise in a way that is easily applied to everyday experiences in the classroom and anywhere else you’re involved with young children. We want to protect and celebrate early childhood in all its wonder and imagination, rather than rushing through it to get “prepared” for the next stage.

So….how will you reimagine your approach to early childhood? We’d love to invite you on this journey with us!

In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, host Monica Healer interviews Jean Thomason, known as Miss Patty Cake, sharing her 30-plus years of experience in music, worship, and children’s ministry. They discuss practical strategies to teach preschoolers about praise, touching on the depth and variety of engagement in worship described in Hebrew scripture. Jean shares her journey into children’s ministry, insights into biblical praise as various Hebrew words, and emphasizes the importance of encouraging children’s natural joy and exuberance as a form of worship. This episode is packed with resources and ideas to help educators and parents alike to foster a spiritual foundation in young children.

00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood

00:42 Meet Jean Thomason aka Miss Patty Cake

01:40 The Importance of Praise in Early Childhood

05:38 Understanding Biblical Praise

25:11 Summer Conference Promo

27:05 Understanding Different Forms of Praise

29:33 The Power of Praise in Our Lives

33:15 Teaching Children the Joy of Praise

41:13 Resources and Encouragement for Teachers

https://www.misspattycake.com/

https://www.jeanthomason.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/misspattycaketv