Episodes
-
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 ârefillâ 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 childrenâs 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 childrenâs thinking rather than evaluate or control it. Together, they unpack how video and observation can support reflective practice while still honoring childrenâs 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
-
Missing episodes?
-
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 childrenâs natural curiosity. Together, they unpack what it really means to let go of adult expectations and follow childrenâs 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 âLetter of the Weekâ teaching doesnât work for young children. They explain how literacy actually develops through play, movement, and real experiencesânot worksheets and memorization. Youâll 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 Kristenâs 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 itâs 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 itâs 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 donât need perfect projects⊠they need space to create.
Join Kristenâs 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 itâs 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. Youâll hear real examples of how play helps kids grow and reach goals while having fun. Itâs all about making learning simple, joyful, and child-centered.
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find kelly here: @kellyrosecds
Find Kellyâs IEP course and Play Schema Freebie here: Kelly's Courses
-
In this episode, Kristen and Veronica talk about process art and why itâs more about the experience than the final product. They share how letting kids explore and create freely builds confidence and creativity. Youâll hear simple tips and real stories that remind us itâs okay to get messy and let go of perfection. Itâs 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: itâs not worksheets or flashcardsâitâs deep, meaningful play. This episode will boost your confidence to stand behind play-based learning and push back on the pressure to keep things âcute.â
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 Amandaâs Course here: Unlock the Power of Play in Your ECE Program
Find Amandaâs 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. Itâs 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 Iâm 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
Beverlyâs 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
Beverlyâs Freebie: Art and Play Activities
-
This episodeâs 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., Kristenâs 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
Beverlyâs 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, Donât 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 childrenâs 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
-
Kara is a Play and Mindset Coach and your partner-in-fun on the path to healing perfectionism and rekindling your playful, creative spirit. Karaâs message is that play is anything but fluffy; itâs 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
-
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 Anandeâs course here: Making sense of It
Find Anandeâs Book here: Born to Play
- Show more
