Advertise on podcast: The Play Based Learning Podcast

In this episode, Kristen and Stacy talk about why traditional “Letter of the Week” teaching doesn’t work for young children. They explain how literacy actually develops through play, movement, and real experiences—not worksheets and memorization. You’ll learn what children really need to build strong reading and writing foundations in a developmentally appropriate way. This conversation will help educators feel more confident stepping away from pressure-driven literacy practices and trusting play instead.   Join Kristen’s Year of Yes Play:This is NOT a Letter of the Week Workshop on February 3rd 2026 for $9 where you can have a 2.5 hour training with 52 early literacy ideas to bring to your space! If it’s after February 3rd 2026, you will still be able to purchase the replay of the training.   Find the Literacy Training here: This is NOT a Letter of the Week Workshop  Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Stacy here: @stacybengems or at Stacybenge.com Find the Play Tours here: Play Tour Info

In this episode, we unpack what process art really means and why it’s so much more valuable than cute, cookie-cutter crafts. We talk about letting children explore materials freely, make their own decisions, and build creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills through open-ended art experiences. This episode is a reminder that children don’t need perfect projects… they need space to create.   Join Kristen’s Year of Yes Play: Process Art class on December 30th 2025 for $9 where you can have a 2.5 hour training with 52 creative process art ideas to bring to your space! If it’s after December 30th 2025, you will still be able to purchase the replay of the training.    Find the Process Art Training here: The Year of Yes: Process Art Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Jessica here: @theartfulchild or at theartfulchild.com

In this episode, Kristen and Kelly talk about how play can help support kids with IEPs in fun and meaningful ways. They share ideas on how teachers can focus less on the paperwork and more on the child. You’ll hear real examples of how play helps kids grow and reach goals while having fun. It’s all about making learning simple, joyful, and child-centered.   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find kelly here: @kellyrosecds  Find Kelly’s IEP course and Play Schema Freebie here: Kelly's Courses

In this episode, Kristen and Veronica talk about process art and why it’s more about the experience than the final product. They share how letting kids explore and create freely builds confidence and creativity. You’ll hear simple tips and real stories that remind us it’s okay to get messy and let go of perfection. It’s all about enjoying the process, not the outcome.   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Veronica here: @tigerlilypreschoollearning or at tigerlilyschool.com

Kristen chats with Amanda Morgan from Not Just Cute about what real rigor looks like in early childhood. Spoiler: it’s not worksheets or flashcards—it’s deep, meaningful play. This episode will boost your confidence to stand behind play-based learning and push back on the pressure to keep things “cute.”   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Amanda here: @amanda_notjustcute or at notjustcute.com  Facebook: Not Just Cute - Intentional Whole Child Development Find Amanda’s Course here: Unlock the Power of Play in Your ECE Program Find Amanda’s Book here: NOT JUST CUTE: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood

In this episode, Kristen is joined by Lynn Mulligan of Woodland Learning to share three of her favorite read-aloud books and the magic they bring to classrooms. They dive into the importance of wonder, outdoor learning, and playful approaches that keep literacy joyful and meaningful. Lynn also shares her unique Alphabet Adventures curriculum, blending imagination, nature, and standards to help children fall in love with learning.   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Lynn Here: woodland_learning or at thespiralbear.com

This episode dives into the importance of feeling confident in play-based learning and no longer hiding it because there is this pressure for academics. We talk about trusting yourself as an educator, standing firm in what you know is right for children, and giving yourself permission to fully embrace play. It’s all about shifting from defense to confidence and showing up boldly for kids and their learning.   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Christi Here: @dirtlearning or at dirtlearning.com

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)  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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