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Music For Kiddos Podcast

Music For Kiddos Podcast

Stephanie Leavell 128 Episodes Sep 22, 2026

The Music For Kiddos Podcast provides resources and strategies for using music to support early childhood development. Hosted by board-certified music therapist Stephanie Leavell, the show covers topics relevant to music therapists, educators, therapists, and parents. Each episode offers practical tips and high-quality music resources to help children express feelings and reach developmental goals.

Episodes

136: Calm Songs for Kids: Music For Kiddos Podcast
136: Calm Songs for Kids: Music For Kiddos Podcast Sep 22, 2026 16:27 In this final episode of the season, I'm talking about some of my favorite calming and mindfulness songs for kids, including It's Been a Long Day and The Rain Falls Down. I share the intentional movements and sensory-regulation ideas behind these songs, along with tips for using them to gradually help kids move toward a calmer state. Thank you so much for listening and for being part of this seaso
135. Tips for Classroom Teachers: Music For Kiddos Podcast
135. Tips for Classroom Teachers: Music For Kiddos Podcast Sep 15, 2026 19:50 In this episode of the Music For Kiddos Podcast, I'm talking about simple ways classroom teachers can use music for classroom management, routines, transitions, and sensory regulation. I share the music therapy concept of the ISO principle and explain why choosing the right song for the moment can make such a difference.   Get free music, ideas and early childhood music resources every month and b
134. Nervous System Regulation (for you and your students): Music For Kiddos Podcast
134. Nervous System Regulation (for you and your students): Music For Kiddos Podcast Sep 1, 2026 26:09 In this episode, I'm taking a little departure from music to talk about something deeply personal: nervous system regulation. I share my own journey from chronic dysregulation to learning how to slow down, regulate, and care for myself, and why our own regulation matters so much when we work with kids. My hope is that this episode reminds you that caring for yourself isn't selfish; it's part of ca
133. 3 Songs for Kindness and Empathy: Music For Kiddos Podcast
133. 3 Songs for Kindness and Empathy: Music For Kiddos Podcast Aug 25, 2026 20:08 In this episode of the Music for Kiddos Podcast, I'm sharing some of my favorite songs for teaching kindness, empathy, and self-advocacy with kids. I talk through three songs that help children identify and express their own emotions and develop empathy for others. I also share ideas for using these songs across different ages and settings, including music therapy and the classroom.   Get free mus
132: My Favorite Instrument to Use With Kids: A Deep Dive on Egg Shakers: Music For Kiddos Podcast
132: My Favorite Instrument to Use With Kids: A Deep Dive on Egg Shakers: Music For Kiddos Podcast Aug 18, 2026 16:17 In this episode of the Music for Kiddos Podcast, I'm diving deep into one of my favorite tools: egg shakers! I share creative ways in which you can use egg shakers and other unconventional props with kids. From balloon balls and pool noodles to paper plates, I'm sharing my favorite ways to make movement playful, engaging, and not overstimulating.   Get free music, ideas and early childhood music r
131. Beyond Scarves: Props for Early Childhood Music: Music For Kiddos Podcast
131. Beyond Scarves: Props for Early Childhood Music: Music For Kiddos Podcast Aug 11, 2026 16:18 In this episode of the Music for Kiddos Podcast, I'm going beyond my beloved scarves to share five of my favorite props for early childhood music. From stretchy bands and balloon balls to pool noodles, weighted stuffed animals, and even simple paper plates, I'm sharing how I use these inexpensive tools to support creative movement, sensory regulation, music listening, and connection without overwh
130. Music and Sensory Regulation Pt. 2 - The How: Music For Kiddos Podcast
130. Music and Sensory Regulation Pt. 2 - The How: Music For Kiddos Podcast Aug 4, 2026 24:24 In this episode, I walk through a simple, practical process for using music to support sensory regulation with young children. I explain the ISO Principle, share my three-step approach for assessing the sensory environment and choosing the right songs, and give real-life examples of how I use music to help children move from dysregulation to a calm, ready-to-learn state. Whether you're a music the
129. Music and Sensory Regulation Pt. 1 - The Why: Music For Kiddos Podcast
129. Music and Sensory Regulation Pt. 1 - The Why: Music For Kiddos Podcast Jul 28, 2026 26:53 After a long break from the podcast, I'm back with a personal update and a conversation about how my understanding of sensory processing has grown over the years. I'll share why sensory regulation matters, why it comes before learning, and set the stage for simple, practical music strategies in the next episode.   Get free music, ideas and early childhood music resources every month and be a part
128. FAQs (part 2): Music For Kiddos Podcast
128. FAQs (part 2): Music For Kiddos Podcast Mar 18, 2025 35:01 In this episode of the Music for Kiddos Podcast, Stephanie dives into some fun and personal frequently asked questions from listeners.    Get free music every month and be a part of our Song-of-the-Month Club!  www.musicforkiddos.com/newsletter   We have partnered with West Music. Check out their incredible instruments and their incredible offerings at WestMusic.com or you can place your order at
127. FAQs (part 1): Music For Kiddos Podcast
127. FAQs (part 1): Music For Kiddos Podcast Mar 4, 2025 18:31 Welcome to another episode of the Music for Kiddos podcast! In this episode, Stephanie answers some of the most frequently asked questions she gets about licensing, becoming a music therapist, and provides some ideas on how to use her music in your classroom, performances, and presentations. Stay tuned for part 2 in two weeks, where Stephanie dives into more personal questions about her songwritin
126. The Basics of Clinical Musicianship: Music For Kiddos Podcast
126. The Basics of Clinical Musicianship: Music For Kiddos Podcast Feb 18, 2025 25:48 In today's episode, we're diving into one of my favorite topics—clinical musicianship. Clinical musicianship is a key concept in music therapy that focuses on using music to achieve clinical goals. Whether you're a music therapist or just someone curious about how music can be applied in a clinical setting, this episode will introduce you to the basics of clinical musicianship and its important ro
125. Winter Songs for Early Childhood Music: Music For Kiddos Podcast
125. Winter Songs for Early Childhood Music: Music For Kiddos Podcast Feb 4, 2025 20:06 The Music For Kiddos Podcast is back for another season! In this episode, we're diving into our most popular winter songs for kids (psst...you can find these on any music streaming platform— for free!). Tune in as we explore these perfect tunes for a snowy or chilly day. Grab your hot chocolate, cozy up, and enjoy! Fidn Winter Songs For Kids on Spotify!   Get free music every month and be a part

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