Ep 201: From Kindergarten Classroom to Clutter-Free: The Power of Play with Elizabeth Manley
Discover the benefits of play for skills growth, the downsides of too much screen time, and effective strategies for creating a learning-friendly environment at home on this podcast episode.
We also discuss minimalism, decluttering tips, the merits of intentional parenting, how play shapes child development, ways to increase fun, and organizing toys to minimize clutter.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Play: Discover how essential play is to a child's development, and how reducing toy clutter can significantly enhance their growth and creativity.
- Screen Time Concerns: Learn about the negative effects of excessive screen time on children, such as weakened fine motor skills and diminished focus, and hear expert screen time management strategies.
- Engaging Children in Developmental Play: Get practical tips for engaging children in play that promotes development using minimal toys, focusing on outdoor activities and creative play with simple items like sticks.
- Minimizing Toys: Understand the benefits of keeping toys to a minimum to enhance a child's focus and creativity, with suggestions for implementing a minimalist approach to your child’s play environment.
- Promoting Imaginative Play: Gain insights on fostering more engaged and imaginative play, which can help counteract the drawbacks of digital distractions.
About Elizabeth Manly:
Elizabeth, a mom of two boys and author of Discovery Play with Littles, brings her decade-long experience as an early elementary teacher to address a common challenge: children entering kindergarten unprepared. On Discovery Play with Littles, Elizabeth combines classroom insights with her passion for nurturing strong family relationships and instilling essential character traits in children.
Elizabeth's passion is to empower parents with tools and activities that support early academic skills, social and emotional skills, and teach important life values like honesty, responsibility, kindness, and integrity.
**********
Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
**********
Subscribe & Review
Are you subscribed to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, it would make my day if you left me a rating and review. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify Podcasts or Goodpods, or connect on guest video interviews on YouTube. Your review helps other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to read. Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Helpful Links:
some of these may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links I may get paid a small amount. I stand by my recommendations. Thank you for supporting this podcast.
Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):
Connect with Elizabeth Manly
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
- Wannabe Minimalist Family - come join my private group filled with amazing people just like you who are on their journey toward minimalism and simplifying.
We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media or via email. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Thank you for joining us, and remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Here’s to a more organized and less stressful life!
No time to listen right now? Pin this for later!
DOWNLOADS
Our Podcast Guest
Elizabeth Manly
RESOURCES & LINKS
HELP OUT THE SHOW
Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.
OTHER WAYS TO ENJOY THIS POST
Large Call to Action Headline
cheers!
About Deanna Yates
Based in San Diego, CA, Deanna helps high-achieving moms clear the clutter from their homes and lives.
Through coaching, courses, summits, and her top-ranked Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, she supports modern women in building organized, peaceful homes where they can thrive.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.
Wannabe Clutter Free is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
© 2025. All Rights Reserved
Home | Terms & Conditions