In this episode of "Chronicles of a Daisy," host Emily Daisy Gasca interviews Michelle Eggarter Lewis, a passionate dual language kindergarten teacher from West Chicago. Michelle shares her journey and philosophy of implementing play-based learning, highlighting its benefits for early childhood development, social-emotional learning, and academic success. The discussion emphasizes the evolving nature of teaching, the importance of creating structured yet engaging environments, and practical advice for educators and parents to foster children's growth. Michelle's story serves as an inspiration for teachers to embrace innovative approaches in their classrooms.

**Meet Brenda Perez Mendoza**

Brenda’s story is not just about education. It's about determination, perseverance, struggle, and relentless self-belief which ultimately led her to become a successful educator and a powerful voice in her community.

An ardent educationist, Brenda commenced her professional journey sixteen years ago, enabling students by integrating a love for learning with a strong sense of character. Her insightful experiences and tireless dedication led her on the path towards helping students uncover joy in education and personal growth.

In our conversation, Brenda revealed a transformative moment from her early childhood. Being the first Hispanic student in her kindergarten and the first generation in the US, she was faced with intense struggles like the language barrier and the harsh reality of not having enough support in the novel environment. This challenge stayed with her, turning into one of her life missions as she grew up.

Mixing her experience with her calling to become a teacher, she fought to become a bilingual educator, striving to give diverse students a teacher she wished she had when she was young.

Empowering Education: Insights from Tomas Lobato, a Dedicated Early Childhood Educator

In this episode of Chronicles of a Daisy, host Emily Daisy Gasca interviews Tomas Lobato, an educator, activist, and remarkable teacher known for transforming the lives of many children. Lobato shares his educational journey, including his experience studying abroad, teaching English in South Korea, Spain, and France, and ultimately focusing on early childhood education upon returning to the U.S. He emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming and enriching first educational experience for children, the role of structure, routines, and the incorporation of social-emotional learning in the curriculum. The discussion also covers the effective use of language and visuals in the classroom, the significance of understanding each child's unique needs, and the value of setting routines and high expectations. Additionally, Lobato offers advice for parents on supporting their children's development and educational journey.