I needed help defining play when I thought play was the fun stuff after the learning happened.  I didn't understand what PLAY - true play - is and so I break it down for you in this episode.  
Learn the 4 characteristics of play and what they look like!  And hear of a few examples of what they don't look like!
 
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 2:  Defining Play - the 4 characteristics of play

Kristen RB Peterson, will be your new teacher bestie, mentor, and motivator, all in one. Kristen is on a mission to energize your passion for early childhood education, challenge outdated practices, and equip you with the tools to create a truly developmentally appropriate learning environment. As a play advocate, Kristen’s enthusiasm and expertise will inspire you to foster creativity, curiosity, and joy in the children under your care. Together, we’ll embark on a journey to set the stage for a lifelong love of learning, ensuring that every child experiences the wonder and magic of childhood.

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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 62: Exploring Reggio Emilia Approach with Jayda Rivera

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

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 60: Child Led Learning and Emergent Curriculum 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

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

Today I am chatting with Faigie Kobree, a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, director, and now an elementary school art teacher using the choice based TAB method. She also educates teachers how to switch from copycat crafts to creative art.
Key Takeaways:
Process-based Learning: Kristen and Faigie emphasize learning through exploration, curiosity, and trial-and-error rather than focusing solely on the end product.
Messy Play: They encourage others to embrace the messiness of art for young children as a natural part of the learning process, encouraging experimentation with various materials.
Individualized Support: Faigie and Kristen talk about how to offer guidance and assistance based on each child's needs and interests, while also allowing them the freedom to explore and create independently.
Artistic Growth: Kristen and Faigie help you to understand that artistic abilities evolve over time, with children progressing from exploratory scribbles and messy play to more intentional and refined creations as they grow.
Want to dive a little deeper into process art over crafts and when it’s ok for adults to give some ideas and guidance without making the art a craft? Then this episode is for you.
Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com
Find Faigie here: @eduart4kids or at eduart4kids.com
Find Faigie’s free mini course here: Free Mini Course

Ep 2: Defining Play - the 4 characteristics of play

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