The Play Based Learning Podcast

EP 66: Understanding Autism in Early Childhood Education with Beth Duttera

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

EP 65: Boredom and Play with Deborah MacNamara

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

EP 64: Building Equitable and Inclusive Early Childhood Environments with Alicia Highland

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

EP 63: Behaviors When There is an Absence of Play with Prerna Richards

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

EP 62: Exploring Reggio Emilia Approach with Jayda Rivera

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

EP 61: Play Based Learning for School Age Children with Mariana Carazo

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

EP 60: Child Led Learning and Emergent Curriculum with Tiffany Pearsall

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

EP 59: Creating a space from a Million Dollar Grant with Tiffany Pearsall

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