The Play Based Learning Podcast

EP 83: No Need for Letter of the Week with Stacy Benge

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

EP 82: Process Art Matters with Jessica Borowets

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

EP 81: IEP’s in a play based setting with Kelly Rose

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

EP 80: Why Process Art Matters with Veronica Kelly

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

EP 79: Beyond Cute with Amanda Morgan

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

EP 78: Bringing the Outdoors and Wonder Into Learning with Lynne Mulligan

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

EP 77: We Don’t Need to Hide Play with Christi Warr

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

EP 76 Why Play with Rae Pica

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)