The Play Based Learning Podcast

EP 42: Unleashing Creativity and Process Art with Jessica Borowets

Today I’m chatting with Jessica Borowets of The Artful Child, which began as an outside the box preschool run by her mother in the late 60’s. Jessica strongly believes that children learn through play, and with all their senses, and that every child deserves the freedom to explore art materials and sensory activities without interruption.
 
In this episode, we discuss process art and creativity in early childhood education. We define creativity and process art, discussing the differences between crafts and art. We touch on the challenge of embracing mess in creative play, the power of sensory activities, and practical strategies for introducing process-based art to early childhood programs.
 
Some key takeaways:
Creativity and Process Art:Kristen and Jessica define process art and discuss its pivotal role in preschool education.Creativity is an essential tool for childhood development.
Crafts vs. Art: Kristen and Jessica share about the difference between guided crafts and child-led art, and how the latter fosters creativity through freedom of expression.
Embracing mess: Both Jessica and Kristen acknowledge the challenge some educators face with the mess of creative play. There is value in mess making and the way it encourages children to explore materials liberally to aid in their creative development.
Time and Uninterrupted Play: Kristen stresses the importance of uninterrupted, extended periods for children's engagement in activities, allowing ample time for exploration and creative marination. Jessica and her both give loads of ideas to spark inspiration.
If you’ve ever wondered about why to allow for extended uninterrupted play and how to nurture children's creativity, this episode is for you! Kristen and Jessica advocate for environments that prioritize exploration, showcasing the incredible capabilities of children when provided with the freedom to create.
Recommended Book:
The Language of Art: Inquiry-Based Studio Practices in Early Childhood Settings by Ann Pelo
 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Jessica here: @theartfulchild and get on the waitlist to join her upcoming digital course Create Your Enchanting Early Childhood Environment

EP 41: Exploring Nature-Based Literacy with Lynne Mulligan

Today, I’m chatting with Lynne Mulligan, a passionate advocate for nature-based learning that founded a pre-K and kindergarten nature-based program. We discuss nature-based literacy in preschool settings, exploring practical strategies and creative approaches. Lynne shares a wealth of experience and ways to weave outdoor play seamlessly into literacy instruction.
Some key takeaways:
Integrating Nature and Literacy: Lynne emphasizes the importance of seamlessly blending nature and literacy. She shares about how to transform outdoor spaces into learning environments. 
Alphabet Adventures: Lynne shares with Kristen her approach to teaching letters and words. This involves storytelling and hands-on activities.
Nature Books: Lynne and Kristen share their favorite nature books
“Life” by Cynthia Rylant
“The Blue Hour” by Isabelle Simler
“The Tallest Tree House” Elly MacKay
“Sam and David Dig a Hole” by Mac Barnett
“The Bog Baby” by Jeanne Willis
Backwards Planning: Lynne and Kristen share about how to ensure standards are being met by following children’s interests and aligning them with standards after.
Prioritize Outdoor Time: We all know outdoor time is diminishing for children, Lynne shares about how to promote a healthy connection with the environment.
If you've ever wanted to bring the wonders of nature into your preschool classroom, foster a love for literacy through creative outdoor activities, or explore the joy of child-led learning in various educational settings, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration to enhance your teaching journey.
 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Lynne here: @woodland_learning and explore her website 

EP 40: Tips and Trick for Dressing for Outdoor Play with Ade Hofmann

Today, I'm chatting with Ade Hofmann, a dedicated early childhood educator passionate about outdoor play and founder of Nature Play All Day Early Childhood Program in Maine. On this episode, we discuss the significance of outdoor gear for children's play and share inclusive strategies and recommended brands. Ade also gives us an overview of her vision for a rental program that makes outdoor play accessible to all.
 
Some key takeaways:
The Importance of Outdoor Play and Clothing: Kristen and Ade discuss the famous saying, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing," and the truth behind it. Ade emphasizes the importance of meeting children where they are in terms of outdoor gear. They acknowledge that the saying can be oversimplified and discuss the challenges of appropriate outdoor clothing for children.
Inclusive Strategies for Outdoor Gear: Ade shares her strategies for making outdoor clothing more inclusive for children regardless of their backgrounds. She emphasizes the significance of building gear lending libraries to reduce the financial burden on families. Kristen adds insights about creating partnerships with local consignment shops and thrift stores.
Favorite Brands for Outdoor Gear: Kristen and Ade recommend their favorite brands for outdoor clothing, including C'est la Vie, Didriksons, and Bogs boots. They discuss the importance of wool socks, mittens, and toe warmers in colder climates.
Implementing a Rental Program: Ade talks about her vision for a rental program in her new program, which aims to provide gear for the whole year at minimal cost. Kristen shares her experience with a similar program that includes mittens, rain suits, and boots for the whole year.
Living is Learning: Ade explains the concept of "living is learning" as a reminder that everything children do is a form of learning. Kristen and Ade emphasize that living and learning happen in every aspect of life, not just during play.
If you've ever wondered about how to get outside in all kinds of weather with young children, this episode is for you! Join Kristen and Ade as they swap stories, give practical tips, and share recommendations to properly dress for outdoor play.
 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Ade here: @natureplayallday and grab her Free Gear Guide
Learn more about her program Nature Play All Day and donate items to their Amazon wishlist

EP 39: Intentional Learning Environments and Clean Up Time with Mariah Burnley

HelllllloooooOOOOooooo and welcome back as I revive my podcast with a host of new interviews! Today, I'm chatting with Mariah Burley, the founder and owner of a play based child care center. We discuss intentional teaching practices and creating a welcoming environment for children and families. Tune in to find out about the importance of building relationships, being flexible, and adapting to the needs and interests of the children.
 
Some key takeaways
Intentional Teaching: Mariah defines intentional teaching as teaching with a clear purpose and understanding of "why." It involves planning activities and interactions that are designed to help children grow and develop based on their needs and interests.
Setting Up Intentional Environments: Creating intentional learning environments involves using provocations and open-ended materials to spark children's curiosity and creativity. The goal is to let children explore and learn in a purposeful and child-driven way.
Relationship Building: Building strong relationships with children and families is essential. Mariah highlights the significance of forming bonds with children and ensuring that they feel valued and supported in the child care center.
Family Engagement: Involving families in the learning process is crucial. Mariah suggests incorporating family photos into the classroom and maintaining open communication with parents to build a sense of community and trust.
Clean-Up Time: Mariah and Kristen discuss strategies for clean-up time. They emphasize the importance of understanding the unique needs of each group of children. Giving children responsibilities during clean-up and making it a collaborative and positive experience can help ease the process.
If you've ever wondered about how to approach early childhood education with intention and the children at the forefront, this episode is a must listen. Join Kristen and Mariah as they swap stories and share tips to create welcoming and inviting environments.
 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Mariah here: @mariahburnley_ECS and grab her Free Guide to Open Ended Play Explorations

EP 38: ”It’s too hot/cold to play outside!” With Kyla Maciosek

Kyla and Kristen compare and contrast hot and cold climate, outdoor play! We do some troubleshooting and Kyla offers lots of tips for playing in hot and cold climates!  
 
You can find more info on Kyla's website naturecreatedplay.com 
Or you can find her on IG at: @naturecreatedplay
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

EP 37: Spark a Revolution with Rae Pica

Kristen and Rae celebrate the release of her newest book,
"Spark a Revolution in Early Education: Speaking Up for Ourselves and the Children!"
In the play based, early childhood world, we can often feel like we are fighting an uphill battle.  Rae's book and this podcast will help you gain confidence when it comes to advocating for play and childhood!
You can check out Rae's website here!
And you can buy Rae's book here!
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

EP 36: Friluftsliv and Outdoor Play with Linda McGurk

Author and blogger Linda McGurk joins Kristen to chat about her new book, The Open-Air Life: Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day, nature play and her experience with early childhood education in the USA as compared to Sweden.
You can purchase her books here:  
There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather
The Open-Air Life
Linda wanted to ensure listeners that when she is outdoors in extreme cold that she is indeed being safe about the temperatures... Here are some links worth checking out if this episode got you wanting to learn more!
Yes, kids can play outside when it’s cold!
https://rainorshinemamma.com/how-to-stay-warm-outside-in-winter/
 
How to dress for cold weather
https://rainorshinemamma.com/how-to-dress-for-cold-weather-video-gear-list/
 
What you need to know about outdoor play in the winter
https://rainorshinemamma.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-outdoor-play-in-the-winter/
 
Find Linda on Instagram and Facebook as Rain or Shine Mamma!
Check out Linda's website here: http://rainorshinemamma.com
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

Ep 35: Removing the Teacher Disguise and Implementing Play Slowly with Kisa Marx

Kisa Marx from @kidcrewadventures (on Instagram) joins Kristen to talk about how early chilhdood educators put on a teacher disguise, why we need to remove that disguise and how she implemented play into her program slowly!  
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course