The Play Based Learning Podcast

Today I am chatting with Jess Teixeira, a certified speech-language pathologist in Massachusetts who specializes in supporting gestalt language processors and their families through direct services and parent and professional consultations and coaching. Have you ever heard of Gestalt Language Processing? If not, you have to listen in because this information can help us understand children so much more! 
Key Takeaways: 
What is Gestalt Language Processing: Jess explains Gestalt language processing as a different way children develop language, emphasizing that it's a normal variation in language development. 
Collaboration Among Parents, SLPs, and Educators: Jess highlights the importance of collaboration among parents, speech language pathologists (SLPs), and educators in supporting Gestalt language processors. 
Challenges: Kristen and Jess discuss the challenges families face, including pushback from educators and the mismatch between school curriculums and the needs of Gestalt language processors.
Approaches to Literacy: Jess explains how Gestalt language processors may approach phonemic awareness and alphabet knowledge differently, depending on individual interests and developmental stages. 
Implementing Supportive Strategies in the Classroom: Jess and Kristen suggest practical strategies for educators, such as using declarative language or "sports casting" to support communication in the classroom.
Curious about Gestalt Language Processing just like I was? Then you need to listen to this podcast to learn what it’s all about! 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Jess here: @jesstheslp or at @playhavenpediatrics 

Today I am chatting with Stacy Benge, an early childhood speaker who approaches learning in the early years with practicality and common sense. Stacy is the author of the new book, The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy, published by Exchange Press. Listen as we talk about how young children actually develop literacy skills. 
Key Takeaways: 
Understanding the Role of Alphabet in Literacy: Stacy and Kristen emphasize that while the alphabet is important for literacy, it's just one component among many.
Shifting Perspective on Alphabet Learning: Stacy suggests instead of viewing alphabet learning as a matter of teaching, to see it as a process of development. Children need to develop foundational skills before they can effectively learn the alphabet, and play-based activities support this development.
Encouraging Play-Based Learning Environments: Stacy and Kristen give ideas on how to create environments rich in open-ended materials and opportunities for child-led play. These environments support the development of literacy skills in a natural and meaningful way.
Balancing Play-Based Learning with Curriculum Requirements: Stacy and Kristen acknowledge the challenge of balancing play-based learning with curriculum requirements. Stacy suggests finding ways to incorporate play into structured activities and advocating for the importance of play in achieving curriculum goals.
Are you feeling the pressure that children need to learn the alphabet in certain ways that doesn’t feel developmentally appropriate? Then this episode is for you and the stakeholders in your program.
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Stacy here: @stacybengems or at stacybenge.com
Find Stacy’s book here: The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy

Today I am chatting with Megg Thompson, a neuro-affirming behavior consultant that uses LOVE-based strategies to help kids be their absolute best! In this episode we talk about doing away with behavior charts, stickers, rewards, and more. Tune in to find out what we can do differently! 
Key Takeaways:
Behavior Charts and External Motivation: Megg and Kristen emphasize that behavior charts, stickers, tokens, and other external motivators diminish internal motivation in children. These strategies may seem effective in the short term but can lead to long-term issues and undermine true learning and motivation.
Developmental Appropriateness: They highlight that traditional behavior management techniques are often not developmentally appropriate for all children. While some may respond positively, others may experience increased anxiety, perfectionism, or depression, leading to adverse effects on their well-being.
Play-Based Solutions: Both Kristen and Megg advocate for play-based approaches to behavior and social-emotional learning. They argue that allowing children to engage in unstructured play fosters natural social skill development and reduces the need for coercive behavior management tactics.
Importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Kristen and Megg stress the significance of social and emotional learning in early childhood education. They emphasize that educators should prioritize fostering social skills and emotional regulation over traditional academic instruction.
Are you someone who uses or questions the use of behavior charts and other behavior management strategies and want to know what to do differently? This podcast is for you! 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Megg here:  @meggthompson or at meggthompson.com 
Check out Megg’s Masterclass and get 50% off with code: HALFOFF

Today I am chatting with Em about all things research! Emily Clark, M. Ed is an international early childhood education advocate with teaching certifications from both the US and the UK. She founded EarlyEdEm.com to bring real early childhood research to the real educators who need it most.
 
Key Takeaways: 
Access to Research: Research can feel overwhelming and inaccessible to many educators, and Kristen and Em talk about how having access to research can empower teachers to deepen their understanding of classroom practices and make informed decisions.
Empowering Practice: They talk about how research empowers educators to step back from their day-to-day activities and gain insights into different perspectives and approaches. It provides validation for their gut feelings and allows them to make more informed decisions.
Finding your own Research: Em and Kristen talk about tips and tricks on ways you can find and gather research on topics that you are interested in or wanting to use to teach/show others. 
Reevaluating Traditional Practices: Em and Kristen talk about how important it is for educators to be open to re-evaluating traditional practices in light of new research findings. For example, research may challenge assumptions about practices like calendar time or seating arrangements, prompting educators to reconsider their approaches.
Do you find it overwhelming and challenging to find research when it comes to developmentally appropriate practices? This podcast is for you! Listen to Kristen and Em talk about all things research! 
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Em Here: @earlyedem or at Earlyedem   Sign up for her FREE webinar HERE

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

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

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

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