Advertise on podcast: The Play Based Learning Podcast

In this episode, Kristen talks with Churmell Mitchell, creator of Emotions You Know, about helping children understand and express their feelings through play. They explore how connection, and not behavior charts, is the key to supporting challenging behaviors. Churmell shares his “refill” approach, reminding us that many kids are simply running on empty and need connection before correction. This conversation offers practical, relationship-focused ideas you can use right away in your classroom or home.   If you would like to learn more, they are doing a workshop together on May 12, 2026 called This is NOT a Behavior Chart Workshop. If you are listening to this before that date, be sure to go grab it for only $9; otherwise, the price will go up after May 12, 2026. It comes with 50 strategies, love trust and connection, Q&A time, a PD certificate, and lifetime access to the replay   Workshop Link: This is NOT a Behavior Chart Workshop   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Churmell here: @emotionsyouknow or at emotionsyouknow.com

EP 85: Anji Play with Jesse Coffino   In this conversation, Kristen and Jesse explore what it really means to notice and understand children’s learning through play. They discuss how educators can reflect on play after it happens using open-ended questions, drawings, and storytelling rather than interrupting the moment. Jesse shares insights from Anji Play settings, where documentation is used to deepen understanding of children’s thinking rather than evaluate or control it. Together, they unpack how video and observation can support reflective practice while still honoring children’s autonomy and flow of play. The episode also offers a glimpse into an upcoming Anji study tour and the immersive learning experiences educators can expect.   Link to the first Video watched in the episode: First Video Link to the second video watched in the episode: Second video   Study Tour Link: Anji Play June Study Tour   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Anji Play here: anjiplay.co Find Jesse here: @anjiplay  or at anjiplay.medium.com or facebook: Anji Play World

In this episode, Kristen sits down with Jennifer Baumann to explore the power of play-based learning and the shift from control to trust in early childhood environments. Jennifer shares how she creates meaningful play invitations, uses sensory-rich materials, and thoughtfully designs her environment to support children’s natural curiosity. Together, they unpack what it really means to let go of adult expectations and follow children’s lead in play. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when we trust the environment and the children, real learning unfolds.   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Jennifer here: @playschoolsince1999 or at The Playschool

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