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

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, 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 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

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

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)

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

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

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

Beth Duttera from Aut2ask, an autistic woman-led initiative uplifting autistic voices. Her support survey has over 2k voices from the autism community (inc educators!) speaking on how the current system and supports are failing us all. Listen as Kristen asks questions about autism to help others have a better understanding. Key Takeaways: Teacher Training Deficit: Kristen and Beth talk about how many teachers lack formal training about autism, hindering their ability to support autistic students. Diagnostic Challenges: They talk about how teachers struggle to discuss developmental issues with parents due to a lack of diagnostic authority and parental awareness. Harm of Masking: Beth and Kristen discuss how forcing autistic children to mask behaviors like avoiding eye contact or stimming can be damaging. Inclusive Education Need: They advocate how more inclusive practices and better support systems are essential for accommodating all students. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges stigmas and highlights the beauty of neurodiversity in education. Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Beth Here: @aut2ask Take Beth’s Data Survey: Survey Link

Alicia Highland and I talk about ways to make environments more inclusive and also touch on what that can look like in nature based settings. Alicia completed her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, with specializations in Environmental Education and Nonprofit Management, and a Master's in Elementary Education. Now that she is taking a break from the classroom to raise her two littles, Alicia is focusing her energies into creating a nature-based education community online and in her hometown. Key Takeaways: Equity and Inclusion: Alicia and Kristen talk about how to create environments where all children feel safe and have equal access to opportunities by addressing systemic barriers and ensuring inclusion. Challenges: They talk about how early childhood education faces issues like low wages, lack of funding, and insufficient support, which hinder creating equitable educational spaces. Nature-Based Education: Kristen and Alicia cover ways to also help make nature-based education accessible to all children. Actionable Steps: They talk about how educators should educate themselves, use toolkits, have courageous conversations, and be open to feedback to create inclusive learning environments. Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Alicia here: @tinygreenlearning or at www.tiny-green-learning.com Find the implicit bias test: Project Implicit Find the NAEYC toolkit here: Guide

Join me as I learn a little more on what the Reggio Emilia Approach looks like with Jayda Rivera, the visionary behind Reggio Roots. With her work at a Playschool inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, she aspires to nurture, develop, and guide individuals and educators who share her ideologies. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Reggio Emilia Approach: Jayda talks with Kristen about how the Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes the image of the child as an active participant in their own learning. It is child-led, similar to Montessori and play-based learning, focusing on the natural development and expression of children. Environment as an Extension of Home: They talk about how in Reggio Emilia-inspired schools, the environment is designed to feel like a second home. Learn some ways to incorporate things into your space that make it feel cozy. Importance of Observation: Jayda highlights the significance of constantly observing and taking notes on children's behavior and interactions. This helps educators understand each child deeply and tailor the learning environment and activities to their needs and interests. Holistic Child Expression: Jayda and Kristen talk about the idea of the "hundred languages of children" suggesting that children have numerous ways to express themselves beyond verbal communication. Educators should provide various outlets for expression, including art, music, movement, and play. If you aren’t familiar with or have ever been interested in learning more about the Reggio Emilia Approach, this is a great episode to get more info! Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Jayda here: @reggio_roots