The Play Based Learning Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EP 46: Fostering Authentic Connections Through Boundaries and Play with The Connected Child Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with Jerica and Jules from The Connected Child, two former early childhood educators with over 25 years of expertise working with children & families. Their mission is to equip families with strategies designed specifically for their needs to strengthen relationships and form a deeper bond with their children. We discuss how to nurture connection and the fine line between control and healthy boundaries.

Key Takeaways:

Shifting from Traditional Control to Child-Centered Boundaries: Kristen, Jerica, and Jules talk about the trap of control in traditional adult/child relationships. They discuss how to prioritize children’s needs to encourage autonomy, problem-solving, and communication.
Recognizing Control Traps: Jerica and Jules share about where control stems from and why excessive control negatively impacts all involved.
Differentiating Between Control and Healthy Boundaries: Kristen, Jerica, and Jules explore the distinction between control-driven actions and establishing boundaries that promote safety and learning. Learn how to observe children’s responses and emotions.
Empowering Children: Respectful, clear communication is important to understand children’s perspectives, needs, and capabilities, fostering an environment that prioritizes children's growth and well-being.

If you have been struggling to authentically connect with your children or students and are seeking practical advice to create meaningful interactions within tight schedules, this episode is for you! Kristen, Jerica, and Jules will share their insights about how boundaries can be redefined as expectations and promises that offer stability and trust to children.

Recommended Book:

Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges by Mona Delahooke

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

Find Jerica & Jules here: @the_connected_child, the-connected-child.com

EP 45 Demystifying Developmentally Appropriate Practice with Jean-Mari Dagarin Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with Jean-Mari Dagarin, an advocate for play-based learning and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). We define and explore the essence of DAP and its crucial role in childhood and how it fosters optimal learning environments for young children.

Key Takeaways:

Protecting Childhood: DAP, according to Jean Marie, revolves around honoring and safeguarding childhood. It prioritizes play, exploration, and child-led learning, creating an environment that respects and nurtures children's natural development.
Responsive Teaching: A hallmark of DAP is its responsiveness. Teachers adapt to the evolving needs of children, offering flexibility and organic learning experiences that cater to individual growth.
Engagement Over Control: The emphasis shifts from control to engagement. Allowing children the freedom to make choices and supporting their autonomy leads to more enriching and fulfilling learning experiences.
Inclusive Environment: A DAP environment is inclusive, embracing diversity and ensuring every child feels represented, respected, and included in the learning process.
Teacher-Child Relationships: Building respectful, supportive relationships with both children and parents is pivotal. Mutual respect and understanding create an environment where learning flourishes.

If you’ve ever been stuck defining developmentally appropriate practice, or wonder how to embrace DAP, this episode’s for you! Jean-Mari and Kristen share ways to create an environment that prioritizes play, responsiveness, and respectful relationships.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or atKristenRBPeterson.com

Find Jean-Mari here: @the.early.childhood.pov and get a free guide on DAP here!

EP 44: Building Social Skills in Children Through Art with Beverly Beck Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with Beverly Beck, the mastermind behind Happy Little Humans, and we’re talking about one of my favorite things: creativity. We chat about creative expression and its profound impact on the social-emotional development of young children.

Key Takeaways:

Creative Expression as Learning: Beverly elaborates on how creative expression isn't merely an activity but a way of existing in the world. It serves as a powerful tool for children to explore, learn, and understand the world around them.
Art as a Universal Language: We discuss how art transcends boundaries, acting as a means of storytelling and communication. Beverly highlights its role as a universal language that connects us all.
Nurturing Social-Emotional Skills: Beverly emphasizes the importance of children understanding themselves and their emotions, fostering social-emotional learning for self-acceptance and genuine expression.
Holistic Early Childhood Education: We explore effective strategies for cultivating social-emotional skills in early childhood education. Beverly advocates for trust, safety, and authentic human connections within learning environments.
Process Art and its Significance: Distinguishing process art from traditional craft projects, Beverly emphasizes the journey over the outcome. She shares insights into valuing exploration and learning in creative endeavors.

If you’ve ever wondered if you should stop a child that’s using scissors incorrectly while they are creating, this episode is for you! This episode is filled with practical tips and heartfelt wisdom to help children build self expression and self discovery.

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

Find Bev here: @happylittlehumansplay or at happylittlehumans.com

- grab Bev's free guide with 20 art and play activities here

EP 43: Early Childhood Advocacy in Action with Kristy DeGraaf Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

Today, I’m chatting with Kristy DeGraaf, a family child care provider, trainer and childcare coach. Kristy started her career in social work and moved to Family Childcare 15 years ago after finding it hard to locate good care for her own children. We are talking about advocacy in Early Childhood Education and how you can get involved! Kristy sheds light on the importance of this despite the overwhelming challenges in the field.

Some key takeaways:

Understanding Advocacy:
Kristen and Kristy to explore the meaning of advocacy in early childhood education. They debunk common misconceptions, highlighting the importance of actively participating in shaping policies and regulations.
Personal Journey in Advocacy:
Kristy shares her journey, starting as a family child care provider, feeling overwhelmed by rules and regulations, to realizing the need for active involvement. She describes an eye-opening experience addressing legislative bodies to advocate for quality childcare programs.
Challenges in Advocacy:
Kristy emphasizes the challenges of advocating effectively, including the need to understand different perspectives, the importance of diplomatic communication, and navigating legislative processes.
Community Engagement and Impact:
Reflecting on successful initiatives in Utah, Kristy discusses how community efforts led to defeating unfavorable bills and eventually influencing new legislation that positively impacted early childhood programs.
Practical Advocacy:
Beyond large-scale efforts, Kristy highlights how advocacy can be practiced on a smaller scale. From social media posts to engaging in conversations, she underscores the power of collective action, even through seemingly small contributions.

If you have ever wondered how to be an advocate for early childhood, or where to start, this episode is for you! Kristen and Kristy discuss how to engage with established advocacy groups and emphasize that individual contributions, no matter how small, can lead to significant changes in early childhood education policies.

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

Find Kristy here: on IG @kristy.degraaf or on Facebook or at kristydegraaf.com

EP 42: Unleashing Creativity and Process Art with Jessica Borowets Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with Jessica Borowets of The Artful Child, which began as an outside the box preschool run by her mother in the late 60’s. Jessica strongly believes that children learn through play, and with all their senses, and that every child deserves the freedom to explore art materials and sensory activities without interruption.

In this episode, we discuss process art and creativity in early childhood education. We define creativity and process art, discussing the differences between crafts and art. We touch on the challenge of embracing mess in creative play, the power of sensory activities, and practical strategies for introducing process-based art to early childhood programs.

Some key takeaways:

Creativity and Process Art:Kristen and Jessica define process art and discuss its pivotal role in preschool education.Creativity is an essential tool for childhood development.
Crafts vs. Art: Kristen and Jessica share about the difference between guided crafts and child-led art, and how the latter fosters creativity through freedom of expression.
Embracing mess: Both Jessica and Kristen acknowledge the challenge some educators face with the mess of creative play. There is value in mess making and the way it encourages children to explore materials liberally to aid in their creative development.
Time and Uninterrupted Play: Kristen stresses the importance of uninterrupted, extended periods for children's engagement in activities, allowing ample time for exploration and creative marination. Jessica and her both give loads of ideas to spark inspiration.

If you’ve ever wondered about why to allow for extended uninterrupted play and how to nurture children's creativity, this episode is for you! Kristen and Jessica advocate for environments that prioritize exploration, showcasing the incredible capabilities of children when provided with the freedom to create.

Recommended Book:

The Language of Art: Inquiry-Based Studio Practices in Early Childhood Settings by Ann Pelo

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

Find Jessica here: @theartfulchild and get on the waitlist to join her upcoming digital course Create Your Enchanting Early Childhood Environment

EP 41: Exploring Nature-Based Literacy with Lynne Mulligan Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

Today, I’m chatting with Lynne Mulligan, a passionate advocate for nature-based learning that founded a pre-K and kindergarten nature-based program. We discuss nature-based literacy in preschool settings, exploring practical strategies and creative approaches. Lynne shares a wealth of experience and ways to weave outdoor play seamlessly into literacy instruction.

Some key takeaways:

Integrating Nature and Literacy: Lynne emphasizes the importance of seamlessly blending nature and literacy. She shares about how to transform outdoor spaces into learning environments.
Alphabet Adventures: Lynne shares with Kristen her approach to teaching letters and words. This involves storytelling and hands-on activities.
Nature Books: Lynne and Kristen share their favorite nature books

- “Life” by Cynthia Rylant
- “The Blue Hour” by Isabelle Simler
- “The Tallest Tree House” Elly MacKay
- “Sam and David Dig a Hole” by Mac Barnett
- “The Bog Baby” by Jeanne Willis
Backwards Planning: Lynne and Kristen share about how to ensure standards are being met by following children’s interests and aligning them with standards after.
Prioritize Outdoor Time: We all know outdoor time is diminishing for children, Lynne shares about how to promote a healthy connection with the environment.

If you've ever wanted to bring the wonders of nature into your preschool classroom, foster a love for literacy through creative outdoor activities, or explore the joy of child-led learning in various educational settings, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration to enhance your teaching journey.

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

Find Lynne here: @woodland_learning and explore her website

EP 40: Tips and Trick for Dressing for Outdoor Play with Ade Hofmann Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

Today, I'm chatting with Ade Hofmann, a dedicated early childhood educator passionate about outdoor play and founder of Nature Play All Day Early Childhood Program in Maine. On this episode, we discuss the significance of outdoor gear for children's play and share inclusive strategies and recommended brands. Ade also gives us an overview of her vision for a rental program that makes outdoor play accessible to all.

Some key takeaways:

The Importance of Outdoor Play and Clothing: Kristen and Ade discuss the famous saying, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing," and the truth behind it. Ade emphasizes the importance of meeting children where they are in terms of outdoor gear. They acknowledge that the saying can be oversimplified and discuss the challenges of appropriate outdoor clothing for children.

Inclusive Strategies for Outdoor Gear: Ade shares her strategies for making outdoor clothing more inclusive for children regardless of their backgrounds. She emphasizes the significance of building gear lending libraries to reduce the financial burden on families. Kristen adds insights about creating partnerships with local consignment shops and thrift stores.

Favorite Brands for Outdoor Gear: Kristen and Ade recommend their favorite brands for outdoor clothing, including C'est la Vie, Didriksons, and Bogs boots. They discuss the importance of wool socks, mittens, and toe warmers in colder climates.

Implementing a Rental Program: Ade talks about her vision for a rental program in her new program, which aims to provide gear for the whole year at minimal cost. Kristen shares her experience with a similar program that includes mittens, rain suits, and boots for the whole year.
Living is Learning: Ade explains the concept of "living is learning" as a reminder that everything children do is a form of learning. Kristen and Ade emphasize that living and learning happen in every aspect of life, not just during play.

If you've ever wondered about how to get outside in all kinds of weather with young children, this episode is for you! Join Kristen and Ade as they swap stories, give practical tips, and share recommendations to properly dress for outdoor play.

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

Find Ade here: @natureplayallday and grab her Free Gear Guide

Learn more about her program Nature Play All Day and donate items to their Amazon wishlist

EP 39: Intentional Learning Environments and Clean Up Time with Mariah Burnley Oct 29, 2023

Show notes

HelllllloooooOOOOooooo and welcome back as I revive my podcast with a host of new interviews! Today, I'm chatting with Mariah Burley, the founder and owner of a play based child care center. We discuss intentional teaching practices and creating a welcoming environment for children and families. Tune in to find out about the importance of building relationships, being flexible, and adapting to the needs and interests of the children. Some key takeaways

Intentional Teaching: Mariah defines intentional teaching as teaching with a clear purpose and understanding of "why." It involves planning activities and interactions that are designed to help children grow and develop based on their needs and interests.
Setting Up Intentional Environments: Creating intentional learning environments involves using provocations and open-ended materials to spark children's curiosity and creativity. The goal is to let children explore and learn in a purposeful and child-driven way.
Relationship Building: Building strong relationships with children and families is essential. Mariah highlights the significance of forming bonds with children and ensuring that they feel valued and supported in the child care center.
Family Engagement: Involving families in the learning process is crucial. Mariah suggests incorporating family photos into the classroom and maintaining open communication with parents to build a sense of community and trust.
Clean-Up Time: Mariah and Kristen discuss strategies for clean-up time. They emphasize the importance of understanding the unique needs of each group of children. Giving children responsibilities during clean-up and making it a collaborative and positive experience can help ease the process.

If you've ever wondered about how to approach early childhood education with intention and the children at the forefront, this episode is a must listen. Join Kristen and Mariah as they swap stories and share tips to create welcoming and inviting environments. Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Mariah here: @mariahburnley_ECS and grab her Free Guide to Open Ended Play Explorations

EP 38: ”It’s too hot/cold to play outside!” With Kyla Maciosek Dec 21, 2022

Show notes

Kyla and Kristen compare and contrast hot and cold climate, outdoor play! We do some troubleshooting and Kyla offers lots of tips for playing in hot and cold climates!

You can find more info on Kyla's website naturecreatedplay.com

Or you can find her on IG at: @naturecreatedplay

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

Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

EP 37: Spark a Revolution with Rae Pica Nov 30, 2022

Show notes

Kristen and Rae celebrate the release of her newest book,

"Spark a Revolution in Early Education: Speaking Up for Ourselves and the Children!"

In the play based, early childhood world, we can often feel like we are fighting an uphill battle. Rae's book and this podcast will help you gain confidence when it comes to advocating for play and childhood!

You can check out Rae's website here!

And you can buy Rae's book here!

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

Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

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