Newest Episode: Celebrating Our Differences
In this episode, six- and seven-year-old kids of different races/ethnicities (Elliott, Finley, Landon, and Sky) join Todd and a special friend, Makeda Mays Green, to discuss identity, belonging, race, and racism. They share their observations and experiences — and then go on a journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where they advise a Qook-a-leekie, Qwee-co, whose friends have been excluded from a Moon Day party because of their queckles.
The role of Qwee-co is played by Krys Marshall, an actress who is currently playing the role of Danielle Poole, a NASA engineer and the agency’s first African-American astronaut, on the Apple TV+ series “For All Mankind.” Krys can also be seen on the CW’s “Supergirl,” CBS’s “Bull,” Showtime’s “Shameless,” “Criminal Minds,” “NCIS,” and “How I Met Your Mother,” and NBC’s Emmy-winning series “This Is Us.”
The ukulele music in the episode is written and performed by Bill English. Bill is an actor, musician, and voiceover artist based in NYC.
The original song in the episode, “Puzzle Pieces,” is by Brooklyn, NY-based musician and longtime educator Benjamin Weiner.
Find extras and educator resources at playsparkler.org/podcast.
SEASON 1: LITTLE KIDS, BIG HEARTS PODCAST
Little Kids, Big Hearts Trailer
What's in Your Heart?
What Makes YOU Special?
What Can You Do With Big Feelings?
What Makes a Good Friend?
What is Empathy?
Let's Work It Out!
Bonus Episode: A Back to School Like No Other
How to Help
How to Stand Up
Two-Part Season 1 Finale: How To Be a Global Citizen
Interactive Map: How to Be a Global Citizen
Some kids eat quesadillas for breakfast, some eat iddli, and some eat cereal — but there is SO MUCH that kids around the globe share in common!
Meet Marcus from Japan, Gaurav from India, Ella from Australia, Nils Jr. from Norway/USA, Eva from Venezuela, Sophia from England, and Lucy and Emaline from Scotland to explore the idea of “global citizenship” and what it means to share one, big world.
Listen to our two-part Season 1 Finale: How to be a Global Citizen.
Do you want to hear from MORE global kids and join the global conversation? Visit our new interactive map!
Listen to Part I and II below, or on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you find podcasts!
Discussion Guide for Families and Educators
Listen and discuss the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast with children (aged 3-8) to explore what it means to have a “big heart.” You can use the podcast to support social and emotional learning and spark conversations at your home or in your classroom.
- What’s in Your Heart — Episode 1 / Episodio 1:
- Discussion Guide for parents/caregivers and educators (English)
- Guía de debate para padres y educadores (Español)
What Makes YOU Special? — Episode 2 / Episodio 2:
- Discussion Guide for parents/caregivers and educators (English)
- Guía de debate para padres y educadores (Español)
What Can You do With Big Feelings? — Episode 3 / Episodio 3:
- Discussion Guide for parents/caregivers and educators (English)
- Guía de debate para padres y educadores (Español)
What Makes a Good Friend? — Episode 4 / Episodio 4:
- Discussion Guide for parents/caregivers and educators (English)
- Guía de debate para padres y educadores (Español)
What IS Empathy? – Episode 5 / Episodio 5:
- Discussion Guide for parents/caregivers and educators (English)
- Guía de debate para padres y educadores (Español)
Let’s Work It Out! — Episode 6 / Episodio 6:
- Discussion Guide for parents/caregivers and educators (English)
- Guía de debate para padres y educadores(Español)
A Back to School Like No Other — Bonus Episode/Episodio Extra
- Discussion Guide for parents/caregivers and educators (English)
- Guía de debate para padres y educadores (Español)
How to Help — Episode 7/Episodio 7:
- Discussion Guide for parents/caregivers and educators (English)
- Guía de Debate para Padres y Educadores (Español)
How to Stand Up — Episode 8/Episodio 8:
What Listeners are Saying
"Hi" from the Host
The host of Little Kids, Big Hearts, Todd Loyd, has worked in education for 26 years. Todd started his career as an actor, director, and artistic director. He became a teacher after the life-changing experience of working one-on-one with a child living with autism. He currently teaches in New York City, where he also serves as the Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator for the Early Childhood Division. “Children can experience the same kinds of crazy-mixed-up-scrambled-egg emotions and feelings as the adults in their lives,” says Todd. “It has never been more important than it is this year, to help and support children in identifying and expressing what they are thinking and how they are feeling.” Todd holds an M.S in Early Childhood & Special Education. He’s pictured here with his friend Rayas!
The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast
Little Kids, Big Hearts is a podcast that can help parents and educators introduce big topics in social and emotional learning to their children. The podcast, which is hosted by an early childhood educator, explores what it means to have a big heart and how to grow one with episodes focused on identity, friendship, and standing up for others.
Little Kids, Big Hearts is a proud member of Kids Listen!