The Play Based Learning Podcast

EP 50: Embracing Pedagogical Documentation in Child Development with Ana Valle Rivera

Today I am chatting with Ana Valle Rivera, a proud mother of three, a public speaker, a consultant, and the founder of Early Years Thriving. In this episode, we explore the significance of pedagogical documentation in early childhood education, emphasizing its role in understanding and supporting authentic play-based learning experiences while offering insights into fostering effective educator-parent communication.
Key Takeaways: 
Role in Play-Based Learning Environments: Ana and Kristen talk about what pedagogical documentation is and how it plays a crucial role in understanding the learning that unfolds within a play-based environment. 
Shift from Product to Process: Ana explains how there needs to be an  emphasis on shifting from product-based documentation, like showcasing finished art, to a process-oriented approach. Pedagogical documentation involves going beyond the surface and delving into the deeper meaning of children's actions, interests, and inquiries. 
Role in Educator-Parent Relationships: They talk about how pedagogical documentation is a tool for educators to communicate with parents about the learning journey of their children. By providing detailed documentation, educators take the responsibility off the child, offering insights into the meaningful experiences and learning occurring in the early childhood setting.
Creative Approaches to Documentation: Ana and Kristen share some examples and ways that educators can get creative with how they document children's experiences. 
Are you looking for ways to better understand the learning that is happening while children play? Seeking how to help families see all the learning that happens while they “just play”? Documentation can be the answer, listen to this episode to find out how!
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Ana here: @earlyyearsthriving or at anavallerivera.com or at earlyyearsthriving.com

EP 49: Making Boxed Curriculum Work for Play-Based Education with Melysa Mei

Today I am chatting with Melysa Mei who is a preschool teacher that practices an open-ended child-led philosophy through play and is also the founder and CEO of Pre-K Spot. We discuss how to meet the requirements for using boxed curriculum in a play-based setting. 
 
Key Takeaways: 
Flexibility Within Structure: Melysa emphasizes the importance of understanding and leveraging the flexibility within structured curriculums. While there are requirements to meet, finding ways to infuse play and creativity is crucial.
Observation and Documentation: Deep diving into documentation, such as photos and videos, provides a tangible way to showcase the power of play-based learning. Documentation not only reinforces the value of play but also helps educators observe and understand the learning process.
Knowing Your Boundaries: Melysa emphasizes the importance of knowing the boundaries within which you can navigate. Having open conversations with those responsible for curriculum requirements helps educators understand where they can be creative while meeting set standards.
Balancing Child-Led and Teacher-Initiated Activities: Striking a balance between child-led and teacher-initiated activities is crucial. While most of the learning is child-led, there are times when teacher-initiated projects or activities are necessary to meet specific requirements, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
Are you in a setting where you are required to use a boxed curriculum, but you are wanting to be play-based and need more help on balancing the two together? This is a great episode to help you with just that. Listen as Melysa talks to Kristen about how she navigates using curriculum in her play-based setting and tips on tackling the challenges that may go with it. 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Melysa here: @prek.spot or at pre-kspot.com Grab her 5 Steps to More Play in the Classroom Ebook Freebie here or her Play Invitations for Scripted Curriculum - here

EP 48: Strategies for Healthy Child Sleep Habits with Lindsey Nickoles

Today I am chatting with Lindsey Nickoles who has been in the Early Childhood Development field for almost a decade and just started a new journey of being a Newborn Care Specialist and Parent Educator! We will be talking about the importance of personalized care, collaboration, and understanding the impact of sleep on a child's well-being and development.
Key Takeaways:
Individualized Approach: Kristen and Lindsey talk about how to recognize that each child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to sleep. 
Parent-Provider Collaboration: Kristen and Lindsey talk about how to foster open communication between childcare providers and parents regarding sleep routines. Discussing nap times, bedtime schedules, and any concerns can help align the practices at home and in childcare settings.
Importance of Sleep Quality: Lindsey emphasizes the significance of quality sleep for children's overall development. She highlights the role of sleep in memory consolidation, mood regulation, and the enhancement of cognitive functions, emphasizing the connection between good sleep and effective learning through play.
Creating a Supportive Environment: Kristen and Lindsey talk about ways to establish an ideal sleep environment in childcare settings. Additionally they discuss how to provide a smooth transition from naptime to post-nap activities, incorporating both solitary and group play to accommodate various preferences.
Are you a caregiver or childcare provider that has some struggles with naptime and/or bedtime? The tune into this episode because Kristen and Lindsey unravel the complexities of understanding and supporting child sleep. You’ll get some practical tips on how to ensure children are getting quality sleep.
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Lindsey here: @thebrainthatplays or at The Brain That Plays

EP 47: Embracing Authentic Connections and Humanizing Education with Finn Menzies

Today I’m chatting with Finn Menzies, former early childhood educator turned family coach. We discuss how vital it is to shift from traditional teacher performance to authentic and real connections with caregivers. Discover the pivotal roles that play, trust, and open communication play in creating a more authentic educational experience for children and families. 
Key Takeaways:
Balancing Playfulness and Boundaries: Kristen and Finn share about the challenge of balancing playfulness and setting boundaries in parenting. Finn shares personal experiences, including playful interactions, while still maintaining a sense of boundaries. 
Embracing Contradictions and Vulnerability: Finn and Kristen stress the significance of embracing contradictions and vulnerabilities in parenting. They acknowledge that parents are human and make mistakes, and it's essential to model authenticity for children, allowing them to witness the full spectrum of human emotions and behaviors.
Permission to Be Human: Give both adults and children permission to be human. Finn and Kristen express the need for more affirmative messages and fewer arbitrary "no's," fostering an environment that encourages personal growth and self-expression.
Connective Communication: Kristen and Finn chat about the power of acknowledging and addressing vulnerabilities, sharing personal stories, and creating an open dialogue with children. Get some tips on how to build genuine connections in parent-child relationships.
Do you tend to struggle trying to truly be yourself with the families of the children in your care… this episode is for you! Kristen and Finn share their insights and tips for fostering those meaningful connections inside and outside the early childhood space.  
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Finn here: @finn.menzies or Schedule consult here

EP 46: Fostering Authentic Connections Through Boundaries and Play with The Connected Child

Today I’m chatting with Jerica and Jules from The Connected Child, two former early childhood educators with over 25 years of expertise working with children & families. Their mission is to equip families with strategies designed specifically for their needs to strengthen relationships and form a deeper bond with their children. We discuss how to nurture connection and the fine line between control and healthy boundaries. 
Key Takeaways:
Shifting from Traditional Control to Child-Centered Boundaries: Kristen, Jerica, and Jules talk about the trap of control in traditional adult/child relationships. They discuss how to prioritize children’s needs to encourage autonomy, problem-solving, and communication.
Recognizing Control Traps: Jerica and Jules share about where control stems from and why excessive control negatively impacts all involved.
Differentiating Between Control and Healthy Boundaries: Kristen, Jerica, and Jules explore the distinction between control-driven actions and establishing boundaries that promote safety and learning. Learn how to observe children’s responses and emotions.
Empowering Children: Respectful, clear communication is important to understand children’s perspectives, needs, and capabilities, fostering an environment that prioritizes children's growth and well-being.
If you have been struggling to authentically connect with your children or students and are seeking practical advice to create meaningful interactions within tight schedules, this episode is for you! Kristen, Jerica, and Jules will share their insights about how boundaries can be redefined as expectations and promises that offer stability and trust to children.
Recommended Book:
Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges by Mona Delahooke
 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Jerica & Jules here: @the_connected_child, the-connected-child.com

EP 45 Demystifying Developmentally Appropriate Practice with Jean-Mari Dagarin

Today I’m chatting with Jean-Mari Dagarin, an advocate for play-based learning and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). We define and explore the essence of DAP and its crucial role in childhood and how it fosters optimal learning environments for young children.
Key Takeaways:
Protecting Childhood: DAP, according to Jean Marie, revolves around honoring and safeguarding childhood. It prioritizes play, exploration, and child-led learning, creating an environment that respects and nurtures children's natural development.
Responsive Teaching: A hallmark of DAP is its responsiveness. Teachers adapt to the evolving needs of children, offering flexibility and organic learning experiences that cater to individual growth.
Engagement Over Control: The emphasis shifts from control to engagement. Allowing children the freedom to make choices and supporting their autonomy leads to more enriching and fulfilling learning experiences.
Inclusive Environment: A DAP environment is inclusive, embracing diversity and ensuring every child feels represented, respected, and included in the learning process.
Teacher-Child Relationships: Building respectful, supportive relationships with both children and parents is pivotal. Mutual respect and understanding create an environment where learning flourishes.
If you’ve ever been stuck defining developmentally appropriate practice, or wonder how to embrace DAP, this episode’s for you! Jean-Mari and Kristen share ways to create an environment that prioritizes play, responsiveness, and respectful relationships.
 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or atKristenRBPeterson.com
Find Jean-Mari here: @the.early.childhood.pov and get a free guide on DAP here!

EP 44: Building Social Skills in Children Through Art with Beverly Beck

Today I’m chatting with Beverly Beck, the mastermind behind Happy Little Humans, and we’re talking about one of my favorite things: creativity. We chat about creative expression and its profound impact on the social-emotional development of young children.
Key Takeaways:
Creative Expression as Learning: Beverly elaborates on how creative expression isn't merely an activity but a way of existing in the world. It serves as a powerful tool for children to explore, learn, and understand the world around them.
Art as a Universal Language: We discuss how art transcends boundaries, acting as a means of storytelling and communication. Beverly highlights its role as a universal language that connects us all.
Nurturing Social-Emotional Skills: Beverly emphasizes the importance of children understanding themselves and their emotions, fostering social-emotional learning for self-acceptance and genuine expression.
Holistic Early Childhood Education: We explore effective strategies for cultivating social-emotional skills in early childhood education. Beverly advocates for trust, safety, and authentic human connections within learning environments.
Process Art and its Significance: Distinguishing process art from traditional craft projects, Beverly emphasizes the journey over the outcome. She shares insights into valuing exploration and learning in creative endeavors.
If you’ve ever wondered if you should stop a child that’s using scissors incorrectly while they are creating, this episode is for you! This episode is filled with practical tips and heartfelt wisdom to help children build self expression and self discovery.
 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Bev here: @happylittlehumansplay or at happylittlehumans.com
          - grab Bev's free guide with 20 art and play activities here 

EP 43: Early Childhood Advocacy in Action with Kristy DeGraaf

Today, I’m chatting with Kristy DeGraaf, a family child care provider, trainer and childcare coach.  Kristy started her career in social work and moved to Family Childcare 15 years ago after finding it hard to locate good care for her own children. We are talking about advocacy in Early Childhood Education and how you can get involved! Kristy sheds light on the importance of this despite the overwhelming challenges in the field.
Some key takeaways:
Understanding Advocacy:Kristen and Kristy to explore the meaning of advocacy in early childhood education. They debunk common misconceptions, highlighting the importance of actively participating in shaping policies and regulations.
Personal Journey in Advocacy:Kristy shares her journey, starting as a family child care provider, feeling overwhelmed by rules and regulations, to realizing the need for active involvement. She describes an eye-opening experience addressing legislative bodies to advocate for quality childcare programs.
Challenges in Advocacy:Kristy emphasizes the challenges of advocating effectively, including the need to understand different perspectives, the importance of diplomatic communication, and navigating legislative processes.
Community Engagement and Impact:Reflecting on successful initiatives in Utah, Kristy discusses how community efforts led to defeating unfavorable bills and eventually influencing new legislation that positively impacted early childhood programs.
Practical Advocacy:Beyond large-scale efforts, Kristy highlights how advocacy can be practiced on a smaller scale. From social media posts to engaging in conversations, she underscores the power of collective action, even through seemingly small contributions.
If you have ever wondered how to be an advocate for early childhood, or where to start, this episode is for you! Kristen and Kristy discuss how to engage with established advocacy groups and emphasize that individual contributions, no matter how small, can lead to significant changes in early childhood education policies.
 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Kristy here: on IG @kristy.degraaf or on Facebook or at kristydegraaf.com