Beth Duttera from Aut2ask, an autistic woman-led initiative uplifting autistic voices. Her support survey has over 2k voices from the autism community (inc educators!) speaking on how the current system and supports are failing us all. Listen as Kristen asks questions about autism to help others have a better understanding. 

Key Takeaways: 

1. Teacher Training Deficit: Kristen and Beth talk about how many teachers lack formal training about autism, hindering their ability to support autistic students.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges stigmas and highlights the beauty of neurodiversity in education.

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

Find Beth Here: @aut2ask

Take Beth’s Data Survey: Survey Link

Deborah MacNamara is a counselor, on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute and author of Rest Play Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one), and Nourish: Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love). Join Deborah and I as we tackle all things boredom. 

Key Takeaways: 

1. Boredom Boosts Creativity: Boredom fosters creativity and self-initiated play in children, encouraging imagination.

I’m sure at some point in your life you have heard the words “I’m Bored!”. This podcast will cover the ins and outs of boredom and why it can actually be a good thing! 

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

Find Deborah here:  @drdeborahmacnamara or at macnamara.com

Find Deborah's Freebie here: infographic on how you can play out frustration

Alicia Highland and I talk about ways to make environments more inclusive and also touch on what that can look like in nature based settings. Alicia completed her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, with specializations in Environmental Education and Nonprofit Management, and a Master's in Elementary Education. Now that she is taking a break from the classroom to raise her two littles, Alicia is focusing her energies into creating a nature-based education community online and in her hometown.

Key Takeaways: 

1. Equity and Inclusion: Alicia and Kristen talk about how to create environments where all children feel safe and have equal access to opportunities by addressing systemic barriers and ensuring inclusion.

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

Find Alicia here: @tinygreenlearning or at www.tiny-green-learning.com

Find the implicit bias test: Project Implicit

Find the NAEYC toolkit here: Guide

Listen as Prerna and I pick up from where we left off from after our last episode together (Episode 56). We talk about what happens when there is an absence of play and how it can affect behaviors in different ways. 

Key Takeaways: 

1. Stress and Escalation of Behaviors: Kristen and Prerna talk about how the absence of play increases stress for both children and adults, leading to heightened and disruptive behaviors. Play is a natural way for children to process their emotions and reduce stress.

If you are struggling with different behaviors with children, this episode will give you lots of insights that can help you shift your mindset and make changes to set children up for success.

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

Find Prerna here: @togetherwegrow.online or at togetherwegrow.online.com

Also find Prerna on: Linkedin, Facebook, or YouTube 

Listen to the other episode with Prerna here: Episode 56

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: 

1. 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.

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

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: 

1. The Importance of Play in Learning: Kristen and Mariana emphasize that play is essential for children's cognitive development, mental health, and executive functioning. 

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

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: 

1. "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.

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

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: 

1. Innovative Learning Environments: Kristen and Tiffany talk about creating innovative learning environments that integrate nature, sensory experiences, and community food production gardens.

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

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:

1. Process-based Learning: Kristen and Faigie emphasize learning through exploration, curiosity, and trial-and-error rather than focusing solely on the end product.

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

Today I am chatting with Reagan Fulton, Founder of Playful Acre and advocate for integrating play into daily life for all ages. We chat about the importance of adults including play into their own lives. It is essential not only for children, but for us too!

Key Takeaways: 

1. Play is Essential for All Ages: Reagan and Kristen emphasize the importance of play not only for children but also for adults. Play is seen as a vital aspect of life that contributes to well-being and happiness.

Do you feel like you are in an everyday routine taking care of everyone else and forgetting that you need play in your life as well? This podcast may be the push you need to start adding some play for yourself! 

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

Find Reagan here: @playful.reagan or at playfulacre.com and Facebook

Find Reagan’s 30 Days of Play challenge here: 30 Days Of Play