The Play Based Learning Podcast

In this episode, Kristen talks with Churmell Mitchell, creator of Emotions You Know, about helping children understand and express their feelings through play. They explore how connection, and not behavior charts, is the key to supporting challenging behaviors. Churmell shares his “refill” approach, reminding us that many kids are simply running on empty and need connection before correction. This conversation offers practical, relationship-focused ideas you can use right away in your classroom or home.

If you would like to learn more, they are doing a workshop together on May 12, 2026 called This is NOT a Behavior Chart Workshop. If you are listening to this before that date, be sure to go grab it for only $9; otherwise, the price will go up after May 12, 2026. It comes with 50 strategies, love trust and connection, Q&A time, a PD certificate, and lifetime access to the replay

Workshop Link: This is NOT a Behavior Chart Workshop

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Churmell here: @emotionsyouknow or at emotionsyouknow.com

EP 85: Anji Play with Jesse Coffino

In this conversation, Kristen and Jesse explore what it really means to notice and understand children’s learning through play. They discuss how educators can reflect on play after it happens using open-ended questions, drawings, and storytelling rather than interrupting the moment. Jesse shares insights from Anji Play settings, where documentation is used to deepen understanding of children’s thinking rather than evaluate or control it. Together, they unpack how video and observation can support reflective practice while still honoring children’s autonomy and flow of play. The episode also offers a glimpse into an upcoming Anji study tour and the immersive learning experiences educators can expect.

Link to the first Video watched in the episode: First Video

Link to the second video watched in the episode: Second video

Study Tour Link: Anji Play June Study Tour

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Anji Play here: anjiplay.co

Find Jesse here: @anjiplay  or at anjiplay.medium.com or facebook: Anji Play World

In this episode, Kristen sits down with Jennifer Baumann to explore the power of play-based learning and the shift from control to trust in early childhood environments. Jennifer shares how she creates meaningful play invitations, uses sensory-rich materials, and thoughtfully designs her environment to support children’s natural curiosity. Together, they unpack what it really means to let go of adult expectations and follow children’s lead in play. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when we trust the environment and the children, real learning unfolds.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Jennifer here: @playschoolsince1999 or at The Playschool

In this episode, Kristen and Stacy talk about why traditional “Letter of the Week” teaching doesn’t work for young children. They explain how literacy actually develops through play, movement, and real experiences—not worksheets and memorization. You’ll learn what children really need to build strong reading and writing foundations in a developmentally appropriate way. This conversation will help educators feel more confident stepping away from pressure-driven literacy practices and trusting play instead.

Join Kristen’s Year of Yes Play:This is NOT a Letter of the Week Workshop on February 3rd 2026 for $9 where you can have a 2.5 hour training with 52 early literacy ideas to bring to your space! If it’s after February 3rd 2026, you will still be able to purchase the replay of the training.

Find the Literacy Training here: This is NOT a Letter of the Week Workshop 

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Stacy here: @stacybengems or at Stacybenge.com

Find the Play Tours here: Play Tour Info

In this episode, we unpack what process art really means and why it’s so much more valuable than cute, cookie-cutter crafts. We talk about letting children explore materials freely, make their own decisions, and build creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills through open-ended art experiences. This episode is a reminder that children don’t need perfect projects… they need space to create.

Join Kristen’s Year of Yes Play: Process Art class on December 30th 2025 for $9 where you can have a 2.5 hour training with 52 creative process art ideas to bring to your space! If it’s after December 30th 2025, you will still be able to purchase the replay of the training. 

Find the Process Art Training here: The Year of Yes: Process Art

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Jessica here: @theartfulchild or at theartfulchild.com

In this episode, Kristen and Kelly talk about how play can help support kids with IEPs in fun and meaningful ways. They share ideas on how teachers can focus less on the paperwork and more on the child. You’ll hear real examples of how play helps kids grow and reach goals while having fun. It’s all about making learning simple, joyful, and child-centered.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find kelly here: @kellyrosecds 

Find Kelly’s IEP course and Play Schema Freebie here: Kelly's Courses

In this episode, Kristen and Veronica talk about process art and why it’s more about the experience than the final product. They share how letting kids explore and create freely builds confidence and creativity. You’ll hear simple tips and real stories that remind us it’s okay to get messy and let go of perfection. It’s all about enjoying the process, not the outcome.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Veronica here: @tigerlilypreschoollearning or at tigerlilyschool.com

Kristen chats with Amanda Morgan from Not Just Cute about what real rigor looks like in early childhood. Spoiler: it’s not worksheets or flashcards—it’s deep, meaningful play. This episode will boost your confidence to stand behind play-based learning and push back on the pressure to keep things “cute.”

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Amanda here: @amanda_notjustcute or at notjustcute.com 

Facebook: Not Just Cute - Intentional Whole Child Development

Find Amanda’s Course here: Unlock the Power of Play in Your ECE Program

Find Amanda’s Book here: NOT JUST CUTE: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood

In this episode, Kristen is joined by Lynn Mulligan of Woodland Learning to share three of her favorite read-aloud books and the magic they bring to classrooms. They dive into the importance of wonder, outdoor learning, and playful approaches that keep literacy joyful and meaningful. Lynn also shares her unique Alphabet Adventures curriculum, blending imagination, nature, and standards to help children fall in love with learning.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Lynn Here: woodland_learning or at thespiralbear.com

This episode dives into the importance of feeling confident in play-based learning and no longer hiding it because there is this pressure for academics. We talk about trusting yourself as an educator, standing firm in what you know is right for children, and giving yourself permission to fully embrace play. It’s all about shifting from defense to confidence and showing up boldly for kids and their learning.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Christi Here: @dirtlearning or at dirtlearning.com