The Play Based Learning Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EP 76 Why Play with Rae Pica Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Take a listen as the wonderful Rae Pica and I talk all about topics in her most recent book Why Play?. This podcast episode explores the importance of risk-taking, big body play, and rough-and-tumble play in childhood development. Kristen and Rae discuss how societal fears often limit children's natural play instincts, sharing personal stories and research on the benefits of embracing risk in early education. They also provide practical advice for educators and parents on fostering a play-positive environment that builds confidence, resilience, and essential motor skills.

Get Rae's book here: Why Play

Use code PBL20 for 20% off (code expires June 31 2025)

EP 75 That's Not a Turkey by Kristen Day Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Kristen reads a chapter in her new book that just released I’m Not Getting Them Ready for Kindergarten- Breaking Tradition in Early Childhood Education.

Get the Book: Kristen Day's New Book

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

EP 74: The Power of Creativity (Part 3) with Beverly Beck Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

This episode is part two on creativity with Beverly Beck, the creator of 'Happy Little Humans.' With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Beverly combines her passion for social-emotional well-being and creativity to inspire children through art and play. Her approach emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and connection, fostering confidence in children to grow in their own unique ways. Beyond education, Beverly is a mom of three, podcaster, entrepreneur, and award-winning artist, making her perspective both multifaceted and enriching.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Beverly here: @happylittlehumansplay or at happylittlehumans.com

Beverly’s Freebie: Art and Play Activities

EP 73: The Power of Creativity (Part 2) with Beverly Beck Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Beverly here: @happylittlehumansplay or at happylittlehumans.com

Beverly’s Freebie: Art and Play Activities

EP 72: The Power of Creativity (Part 1) with Beverly Beck Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

This episode’s guest is Beverly Beck, the creator of 'Happy Little Humans.' With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Beverly combines her passion for social-emotional well-being and creativity to inspire children through art and play. Her approach emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and connection, fostering confidence in children to grow in their own unique ways. Beyond education, Beverly is a mom of three, podcaster, entrepreneur, and award-winning artist, making her perspective both multifaceted and enriching.

Key Takeaways:

Creativity as Universal and Essential: Both Beverly and Kristen emphasized that creativity is fundamental to everything, from the chair we sit on to entrepreneurial ideas.
Creativity as "Confetti": Kristen described creativity as "creative confetti," an energy floating around us. Ideas come unexpectedly, and if not used, they move on to someone else, aligning with Elizabeth Gilbert's concept of "Big Magic."
Creativity in Education: Both discussed how the traditional education system stifles creativity, turning children into vessels of academic knowledge without fostering their creative potential. They referenced the importance of creativity in the modern workforce.
Creativity as Problem-Solving: Kristen and Beverly see creativity not just as artistic expression but as problem-solving and thinking outside the box.
Personal Stories of Creativity: Both hosts shared personal childhood stories about creativity, highlighting how early experiences with thinking differently (e.g., Kristen’s circus contest) shaped their lifelong approach to creative thinking.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Beverly here: @happylittlehumansplay or at happylittlehumans.com

Beverly’s Freebie: Art and Play Activities

EP 71: Bridging Play-Based Learning with Anti-Bias Practices with Dr. Jasmine Moses Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Jasmine Moses is an Anti-Bias Early Childhood Educator dedicated to helping parents and teachers raise and teach the next generation. With a background as an early childhood teacher and Non-profit community worker, she is passionate about promoting fairness and equity from a young age. Her work aims to create inclusive and respectful environments for all children and their families. She offers resources, professional development, and support for implementing Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist practices.

Key Takeaways:

Call In, Don’t Call Out: Encouraging conversations around biases by "calling in" rather than "calling out" invites reflection, openness, and growth, creating a collaborative learning environment.
Reflect and Unlearn: Just as with anti-bias work, advocating for play-based learning requires ongoing reflection, a willingness to unlearn old perspectives, and a commitment to continuous growth.
The Power of Teachers in Shaping Experiences: Teachers hold significant influence in shaping children’s understanding of the world and their biases. Their approach can either reinforce or dismantle harmful stereotypes.
Be Comfortable with Discomfort: Growth often happens through discomfort. Educators must lean into uncomfortable conversations and situations to foster meaningful change in their classrooms and communities.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Dr. Jasmine here: @theantibiasece

Grab Dr. Jasmine's book list here: Free Book List

EP 70: The Anji Play Approach with Jesse Coffino Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

Jesse Coffino is an educator, author, translator, dad and CEO of Anji Education, Inc. The guy who has spent the last decade introducing True Play and the practices of Anji Play to the world outside of China.

Key Takeaways:

Reflective Practice: Teachers benefit significantly from observing and reflecting on videos of children's play. This practice helps educators understand and improve their teaching strategies.
Cultural Context of Napping: Kristen and Jesse talk about how in China, extended nap times for children are culturally supported and integrated into the daily routine, contrasting with the U.S. where nap times are often limited.
Importance of Care: Successful education systems prioritize care, safety, and responsiveness to individual needs, aiming to create supportive and nurturing learning environments.
Global Spread of Anji Play: Anji Play principles, introduced by Jesse Coffino, emphasize joyful discovery and reflection, influencing educational practices globally.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Jesse here: @anjiplay or at anjiplay.medium.com or facebook: Anji Play World

Find the Year long scope and sequence here: anjiplay.com

EP 69: Rethinking Weapon Play in Early Childhood with Samual Broaden and Kisa Marx Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

Samuel and Kisa are fierce childhood advocates and the authors of Rethinking Weapon Play in Early Childhood.

Key Takeaways:

Reflect on Decisions: Educators should regularly examine their reasons for saying "no" to certain play, ensuring they align with the children's best interests.
Value Unrestricted Play: Allow diverse forms of play, like weapon play, to support children's learning and development, while maintaining safety.
Recognize Adult Biases: Avoid letting personal traumas or biases limit children's play; seek support if needed to manage these feelings.
Evolve Practices: Be open to new research and ideas, moving beyond outdated educational practices to better support children's growth.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Kisa here: @iam_still_learning or at Contact here

Find Samuel here: honoringchildhood or at honoring childhood.org

Find their book here: Rethinking Weapon Play in Early Childhood

EP 68: Healing Through Play as an Adult with Kara Latta Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

Kara is a Play and Mindset Coach and your partner-in-fun on the path to healing perfectionism and rekindling your playful, creative spirit. Kara’s message is that play is anything but fluffy; it’s the secret sauce to more health, confidence, creativity, and joy (science says so too!). It's also a powerful healing tool to help us release perfectionism and connect with our inner child.

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of Play in Adulthood: Play is essential not just for children but also for adults. It helps in reconnecting with our inner child, alleviating stress, and fostering creativity.
Healing Through Play: Engaging in playful activities can be a healing process, especially for those who have experienced trauma or high levels of stress. Play can help in processing emotions and releasing tension.
Barriers to Play: Many adults struggle with incorporating play into their lives due to societal expectations, self-imposed limitations, or the belief that play is not a productive use of time.
Practical Tips for Embracing Play: Simple strategies like setting aside time for spontaneous activities, being open to new experiences, and allowing oneself to be imperfect can help adults invite more play into their lives.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Kara Here: @theplayfulwarrior

Discover your playful personality here: Take the Quiz

EP 67: Unlocking the Secrets of Children's Play with Anande Ferreira Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

Anande Ferreira is a mama and pediatric occupational therapist with a special interest in playfulness and sensory integration. She has over 10 years experience supporting children and their families. Upon completion of her Masters degree focused on playfulness, she presented her research at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy Congress and has published in the Occupational Therapy International Journal. On this podcast Her and Kristen talk about what play looks like and what people's expectations are of play.

Key Takeaways:

Misconception of Play: Play can look different for everyone and sometimes caregivers think it should look a certain way with children. This can sometimes create concerns that may not need to be concerns.
Play in Diverse Settings: Integrating play in various settings, including structured and unstructured environments, supports different aspects of development and learning.
Role of Adults: Adults should facilitate and support play without overly directing it, allowing children the freedom to guide their own play experiences and creativity.
Play and Emotional Health: Play provides a safe space for children to manage their emotions, build resilience, and develop coping strategies in a non-threatening way.

Do you find yourself wondering what play really looks like? Then this episode is for you.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Anande here: @playmoreot

Find Anande’s course here: Making sense of It

Find Anande’s Book here: Born to Play