My EdTech Life Episode 320: Zachary Stier & Tom Rendon
Episode 320: Creativity in Young Children: What Science Tells Us and Our Hearts Know with Dr. Zachary Stier & Tom Rendon
In this episode of My EdTech Life, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. Zachary Stier and first-time guest Tom Rendon to explore their new book Creativity in Young Children: What Science Tells Us and Our Hearts Know. We dive deep into the intersection of creativity, child development, advocacy, and play—discussing what it means to truly nurture creativity in early learning environments and why it’s time to center it, not sideline it.
Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or lifelong learner, this episode will challenge your assumptions, spark new ideas, and reignite your belief in the power of curiosity and imagination.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & intros
04:20 – Why creativity matters in education
09:45 – Story behind The Power of Play
14:10 – Using creativity as advocacy
21:00 – Designing inclusive classrooms that invite belonging
28:40 – Play and emotional growth
36:00 – Classroom experiences that shaped the book
42:15 – Actionable strategies for creative learning
50:00 – Final reflections & book access
53:10 – Wrap-up
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