Play. Learn. Thrive. with Alanna Gallo

In today’s episode, I talk to Rachel Tidd - Founder of Wild Learning, Author of the Wild Math and Wild Reading Curriculums, and fellow mom. Hear what to teach your kids outside, the benefits of outdoor learning, what outdoor objects make for great math manipulatives, how homeschooling is changing, and what to look for during nature walks. Connect with Rachel at DiscoverWildLearni

In today’s episode, I talk to Marie Kullenberg - Founder of MK Nordika and fellow mom. Hear how to get your kids to play outside, what gear will keep them comfortable, whether to play outside in the rain, the benefits of learning outside, and the story behind forest schools. Connect with Marie at MKNordika.com and on Instagram at @MKNordika

In today’s episode, I talk to Cara Zelas - Founder of Big World of Little Dude and fellow mom. Hear what social-emotional learning (SEL) is, how it overlaps with Montessori, how to be a good role model as it relates to play, whether you should hide your emotions in front of your kids, and why it’s okay to have quiet time sometimes. Connect with Cara at WorldOfLittleDude.com and

In today’s episode, I talk to Brita DeStefano - a pediatric physical therapist, Founder of Progress Through Play, and fellow mom. Hear the best ways to set your kid up to learn and grow on their own, how to track how your child is developing, celebrate the small wins along the way, do tummy time right, and what your kids have in common with rotisserie chicken. Connect with Brita

In today’s episode, I talk to Sarah Lee - Founder of Sarah’s Silks and fellow mom. Hear why open-ended toys are better than traditional toys, the best kind of open-ended toys for kids, what you can do to inspire imagination in your kids, how alternative schools compare to traditional schools, and the story behind Sarah’s Silks. Connect with Sarah at SarahsSilks.com, on Amazon

In today’s episode, I talk to Julie Friedman - Founder of Young, Wild & Friedman and fellow mom of 4. Hear what makes a good sensory play kit, the positives of sensory play, how Julie comes up with her themes, how long your kids should play at a time, and how to get your kids to be quiet. Connect with Julie at YoungWildAndFriedman.com and on Instagram at @YoungWildAndFriedman

In today’s episode, I talk to Rachel Kincaid - a Montessori-certified mom who is homeschooling with Montessori. Hear the benefits of Montessori, how to teach Montessori, how to inspire independence in your kids, what Montessori activities you should do with your kids, and when it’s right to interrupt your kids. Connect with Rachel at ToiletLearningGuidebook.com, MontessoriLibra

In today’s episode, I talk to Dr. Rebekah Diamond - Pediatrician, Parenting Author, Founder of Parent Like a Pediatrician, and fellow mom. Hear recommendations on play from the American Academy of Pediatrics, where to learn about parenting, the way our kids learn most of the time, the biggest gift you can give your kids, and how to approach arts and crafts with your kids. Connect

In today’s episode, I talk to Meghan Fitzgerald - Founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, and mom of 3. Hear why nature is good for kids and their development, how being bored helps innovation, why fewer toys can lead to longer play, the perks of quiet time, and how Tinkergarten helps kids learn through the power of play. Connect with Meghan at Tinkergarten.com and on

In today’s episode, I talk to Dr. Courtney Bolton - Clinical and School Psychologist, Founder of Veer Clinic, and fellow mom of 4. Hear how to conquer you and your kids’ anxiety as we move back to normalcy, what activities to focus on, why risky play can be good, how to treat each child in the way that’s best for them, and praise their effort. Find out more about Dr. Courtney