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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Deborah MacNamara is a counselor, on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute and author of Rest Play Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one), and Nourish: Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love). Join Deborah and I as we tackle all things boredom.
Key Takeaways:
Boredom Boosts Creativity: Boredom fosters creativity and self-initiated play in children, encouraging imagination.Parental and Educator Roles: Parents and educators should guide children through boredom, supporting their independence and self-entertainment.Imaginative Play Benefits: Encouraging imaginative play with simple toys or self-created games enhances creativity and expression.Balancing Screen Time: Limiting screen time and promoting physical and imaginative play is crucial for children's development.I’m sure at some point in your life you have heard the words “I’m Bored!”. This podcast will cover the ins and outs of boredom and why it can actually be a good thing!
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Deborah here: @drdeborahmacnamara or at macnamara.com
Find Deborah’s books here: Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (Or Anyone Who Acts Like One) and Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids (And Everyone Else We Love)
Find Deborah's Freebie here: infographic on how you can play out frustration
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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
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Listen as Prerna and I pick up from where we left off from after our last episode together (Episode 56). We talk about what happens when there is an absence of play and how it can affect behaviors in different ways.
Key Takeaways:
Stress and Escalation of Behaviors: Kristen and Prerna talk about how the absence of play increases stress for both children and adults, leading to heightened and disruptive behaviors. Play is a natural way for children to process their emotions and reduce stress.Connection and Regulation: They talk about how crucial it is to build connections and help children regulate their emotions through play.Role of Educators: Prerna and Kristen give advice to educators about how to be present and respectful of children's play, waiting for invitations to join rather than controlling or directing it.Adjusting Schedules: Learn how some small changes to schedules, such as adding more outdoor playtime, can significantly reduce stress and improve behavior.If you are struggling with different behaviors with children, this episode will give you lots of insights that can help you shift your mindset and make changes to set children up for success.
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Prerna here: @togetherwegrow.online or at togetherwegrow.online.com
Also find Prerna on: Linkedin, Facebook, or YouTube
Listen to the other episode with Prerna here: Episode 56
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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
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In this episode, I am talking with Mariana Carazo, a Columbia University graduate with a Master's in Curriculum and Teaching and over 20 years in education. Currently, she pioneers a play-based homeschooling approach for her children, embodying her belief in reimagining education. Mariana actively advocates for play as a transformative tool in 21st-century education, both at home and in traditional schooling environments.
Key Takeaways:
The Importance of Play in Learning: Kristen and Mariana emphasize that play is essential for children's cognitive development, mental health, and executive functioning. Flexible and Meaningful Learning Environments: Mariana talks with Kristen about highlighting the benefits of open-ended play spaces and flexible seating arrangements. These setups allow children to move, choose their seating, and engage with learning materials in a way that suits their individual needs and preferences.Real-World Applications of Learning: They talk about how teaching with a purpose is central to Mariana's approach. She ensures that what children learn is connected to real-life applications, making education more relevant and engaging.Mixed-Age Group Benefits: Mariana and Kristen know the power of mixed-age groups. Older children help younger ones, and all students benefit from the diverse range of skills and perspectives within the group.Have you been toying with the idea of homeschooling or looking into other options besides traditional schooling? Or maybe you are in a traditional school setting and looking to make some adjustments? This episode will give you lots of great info and give you ideas on how to create a more playful space for school age children.
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Mariana here: @developingminds or at developingmindsus.com
Link about Flexible seating here: flexible classroom
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In this episode, I am talking to my good friend Tiffany Pearsall, a passionate play advocate and the founder of Play Frontier, a groundbreaking nonprofit childcare center. Join us as we chat about what child led learning and Emergent Curriculum looks like in play based settings.
Key Takeaways:
"Greatest Hits" Approach: Kristen and Tiffany talk about how creating successful activities helps teachers anticipate and respond to children's interests and what child led learning and emergent curriculum can look like.Relationships Are Key: Strong teacher-child relationships enable tailored learning experiences.Child-Led vs. Emergent Curriculum: Both terms focus on responding to children's interests.Reflective Documentation: Despite challenges, documenting experiences is essential for reflection and extending learning.If you’ve been curious about what child led learning and Emergent curriculum looks like, then this podcast is a great one to listen to!
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Tiffany here: @playfrontier or at playfrontier.org
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Today’s episode features an inspiring conversation with Tiffany Pearsall, a passionate play advocate and the founder of Play Frontier, a groundbreaking nonprofit childcare center. Join us as we chat about Tiffany’s journey, from the challenges of relocation to the exciting moment she secured a million-dollar grant to bring her vision to life. Learn about the creative process behind crafting a space that fosters joy, growth, and endless possibilities for children.
Key Takeaways:
Innovative Learning Environments: Kristen and Tiffany talk about creating innovative learning environments that integrate nature, sensory experiences, and community food production gardens.Customized Facilities: Tiffany talks about their customized facilities like sensory sinks and playground equipment, tailored to meet the needs of young learners and enhance their sensory experiences.Grant Writing Strategies: Tiffany shares insights into successful grant writing, emphasizing the importance of making grant-funded programs self-sustainable and focusing on measurable outcomes to demonstrate impact.Organizational Efficiency: Inspired by principles of industrial organizational psychology, Tiffany ensures efficiency in classroom design, staff workflow, and grant utilization to maximize impact and resources through Play Frontier.Persistence and Vision: Tiffany and Kristen highlight the importance of persistence and having a clear vision to achieve organizational goals, emphasizing strategic planning and iterative progress towards their mission.Have you been wanting to open a space for children, but would love some advice and inspiration? This is a great podcast episode to do just that!
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Tiffany here: @playfrontier or at playfrontier.org
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Today I am chatting with Faigie Kobree, a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, director, and now an elementary school art teacher using the choice based TAB method. She also educates teachers how to switch from copycat crafts to creative art.
Key Takeaways:
Process-based Learning: Kristen and Faigie emphasize learning through exploration, curiosity, and trial-and-error rather than focusing solely on the end product.Messy Play: They encourage others to embrace the messiness of art for young children as a natural part of the learning process, encouraging experimentation with various materials.Individualized Support: Faigie and Kristen talk about how to offer guidance and assistance based on each child's needs and interests, while also allowing them the freedom to explore and create independently.Artistic Growth: Kristen and Faigie help you to understand that artistic abilities evolve over time, with children progressing from exploratory scribbles and messy play to more intentional and refined creations as they grow.Want to dive a little deeper into process art over crafts and when it’s ok for adults to give some ideas and guidance without making the art a craft? Then this episode is for you.
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Faigie here: @eduart4kids or at eduart4kids.com
Find Faigie’s free mini course here: Free Mini Course
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Today I am chatting with Reagan Fulton, Founder of Playful Acre and advocate for integrating play into daily life for all ages. We chat about the importance of adults including play into their own lives. It is essential not only for children, but for us too!
Key Takeaways:
Play is Essential for All Ages: Reagan and Kristen emphasize the importance of play not only for children but also for adults. Play is seen as a vital aspect of life that contributes to well-being and happiness.Reclaiming Play as Adults: They encourage adults to reclaim play in their lives by prioritizing activities that bring them joy and curiosity. Reagan shares how adults have to challenge societal norms that discourage them from engaging in playful activities.Setting Boundaries for Play: Kristen and Reagan talk about the importance of setting boundaries to create time for play amidst busy schedules. They suggest strategies such as scheduling playtime on calendars and parallel playing with children to prioritize personal play.Overcoming Societal Stigmas: They have a discussion about societal pressures that discourage playfulness as individuals transition from childhood to adulthood and encourage listeners to challenge these stigmas and embrace playfulness in their lives.Promoting Self-Care through Play: Play is presented as a form of self-care that can replenish energy and foster creativity. Kristen and Reagan want listeners to explore activities that bring them joy and fulfillment, emphasizing the benefits of incorporating play into daily routines.Do you feel like you are in an everyday routine taking care of everyone else and forgetting that you need play in your life as well? This podcast may be the push you need to start adding some play for yourself!
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Reagan here: @playful.reagan or at playfulacre.com and Facebook
Find Reagan’s 30 Days of Play challenge here: 30 Days Of Play
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Today I am chatting with Prerna Richards, an early childhood education consultant and keynote speaker with 38 years of experience in ECE. Prerna started her own company called Together We Grow, providing professional development, behavior coaching and NAEYC consulting. She believes in empowering and uplifting educators and does that through training and strength-based behavior coaching. She’s a firm believer that when we know better, we do better. In this episode, we will chat about the connection between brain behaviors and play.
Key Takeaways:
Play as the Cornerstone: Both Kristen and Prerna emphasize the importance of play in early childhood education, highlighting its role in reducing challenging behaviors and creating joyful learning environments.Mindset Shift: Prerna discusses how adults should adopt a responsive approach by becoming behavior detectives and understanding the emotions behind children's actions rather than being reactive.Connect Before Correct: Kristen and Prerna share about how to build strong connections with children through empathy and understanding. This reduces the need for constant correction, fostering a more positive learning environment.Authentic Engagement: Genuine, authentic engagement involves following children's lead, respecting their perspectives, and fostering meaningful interactions that prioritize their thoughts, feelings, and experiences over rote questioning or directives.Do you find yourself curious about how lack of play can affect children and how they behave? Then this is a great podcast to listen to!
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Prerna here: @togetherwegrow.online or at togetherwegrow.online.com
Also find Prerna on: Linkedin, Facebook, or YouTube
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Today I am chatting with Kayla Souza who opened a small play and nature based preschool that she runs from my home and backyard after working for 20 years in traditional classrooms. In this episode we talk about one of my current favorite things to talk about and that is letting go and freeing the glue!
Key Takeaways:
Getting Creative With Glue: Kristen and Kayla talk about ways to encourage children's creativity by providing a variety of materials for them to explore with glue, such as recycled lids, egg cartons, wooden pieces from games, and puzzle pieces.Exploring Different Types of Glue: Kristen and Kayla suggest offering different types of glue, including white glue, glue sticks, and low-heat glue guns, depending on the project and children's preferences, while ensuring proper supervision, especially with tools like glue guns.Budget-Friendly Options: They talk about different examples of budget friendly options. Trusting the Process: Kristen and Kayla tak about trusting children's natural curiosity and interests, allowing them the freedom to explore materials and projects at their own pace, even if it means revisiting certain activities over time.Starting Small: They talk about how you can begin with simple, low-cost projects using recycled materials and basic art supplies, gradually expanding as you observe children's engagement and creativity flourish.If you struggle with allowing children to explore glue, this podcast may help you have a different perspective and give you all the reasons to start freeing the glue! If you already support freeing the glue but cost is the issue then tune in to hear suggestions on what else you can do!
Free the Glue Party sign up Here: Free the Glue Party
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Kayla here: @littlelilacpreschool or at littlelilacpreschool.com
Find Kayla's Glue PDF here: Free the Glue Guide
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Today I am chatting with Jess Teixeira, a certified speech-language pathologist in Massachusetts who specializes in supporting gestalt language processors and their families through direct services and parent and professional consultations and coaching. Have you ever heard of Gestalt Language Processing? If not, you have to listen in because this information can help us understand children so much more!
Key Takeaways:
What is Gestalt Language Processing: Jess explains Gestalt language processing as a different way children develop language, emphasizing that it's a normal variation in language development. Collaboration Among Parents, SLPs, and Educators: Jess highlights the importance of collaboration among parents, speech language pathologists (SLPs), and educators in supporting Gestalt language processors. Challenges: Kristen and Jess discuss the challenges families face, including pushback from educators and the mismatch between school curriculums and the needs of Gestalt language processors.Approaches to Literacy: Jess explains how Gestalt language processors may approach phonemic awareness and alphabet knowledge differently, depending on individual interests and developmental stages. Implementing Supportive Strategies in the Classroom: Jess and Kristen suggest practical strategies for educators, such as using declarative language or "sports casting" to support communication in the classroom.Curious about Gestalt Language Processing just like I was? Then you need to listen to this podcast to learn what it’s all about!
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Jess here: @jesstheslp or at @playhavenpediatrics
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