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Welcome to the PlayMotion Journal, a space where stories, strategies, and playful insights come together. Think of us as your partners in play + enrichment, here to share ideas that make classrooms smoother, kids happier, and families more connected.
All Posts
The Biology of Behavior: A Look at Nutrition
In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, Carrie Speed explores how nutrition affects children’s behavior, focus, and overall well-being. Featuring insights from Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner Katie Barngrover, this blog post dives into practical, personalized approaches to kids’ health that go beyond diet trends.
Carrie Ivey Speed
Jan 133 min read
How Play Helps Kids Heal — and What We Can Learn From It
Together, they discuss how adults can help kids look for signs of safety, how to heal shame, and what happens when we don’t tend to our own emotional “cuts.” This conversation serves as a reminder that play isn’t just for children; it’s a pathway for all of us to heal.
💛 Topics include:
• The therapeutic power of play
• Helping kids understand anxiety
• Healing shame in adults and children
• The importance of therapist self-care and secondhand trauma
• Creating safety
Carrie Ivey Speed
Jan 54 min read
Why Holiday Traditions Matter (Even When You’re Not Doing It All)
The holidays come with a lot of invisible weight. The pressure to make everything magical. The desire to give kids meaningful memories. The matching pajamas, the crafts, the activities, the baking, the photos… all layered on top of normal life, parenting, work, and everything else you’re carrying. If you're already feeling stretched thin, I want to offer you a deep breath and a gentle reminder: Kids don’t remember perfect holidays. They remember how the holidays felt . Today
Carrie Ivey Speed
Nov 23, 20251 min read
Building a Thankful Mindset in Preschoolers
Discover how to teach toddlers and preschoolers gratitude at home using simple, mindful techniques inspired by PlayMotion Kids classes.
Carrie Ivey Speed
Nov 10, 20254 min read
Why Some Kids Don’t “Just Listen”: Understanding Auditory Overload in the Classroom
Why Some Kids Don’t “Just Listen”: Understanding Auditory Overload in the Classroom
Carrie Ivey Speed
Sep 16, 20253 min read
Legacy in Little Moments
In early childhood, we often talk about milestones. Parents wait for those first steps, first words, and first moments of independence. Teachers look for progress in sharing, problem-solving, or mastering a new skill. Directors track the bigger picture, looking for growth across classrooms and programs.
Carrie Ivey Speed
Aug 30, 20253 min read
From Meltdowns to Morning Wins: How Movement Calms Kids During School Transitions
Back-to-School Transitions: How Movement Supports Emotional Regulation
Carrie Ivey Speed
Aug 6, 20254 min read
Summer Fun Activities for Kids in Greater Houston!
Can you believe summer break is almost over? With just a couple of weeks left before school starts in the Greater Houston area, it’s the...
Carrie Ivey Speed
Jul 27, 20253 min read
Introducing PlayMotion Kids to the Greater Houston Area: Movement, Mindfulness & Joy for Every Child
We’re so excited to bring PlayMotion Kids to the Greater Houston area, a play-based movement enrichment program, designed specifically...
Carrie Ivey Speed
Jul 20, 20253 min read
Yoga for kids
How Yoga Can Help Kids: The Science Behind It & Simple Ways to Get Started Hey there, fellow parents, teachers, and caregivers! 🧘♀️ I’m...
Carrie Ivey Speed
Jun 22, 20254 min read
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