There are many rules that we have place on young children that are not developmentally appropriate in the least bit...  This is the start of a series of episodes that will break down the rules we place on children that we shouldn't.

The first is SITTING STILL.  Let's outlaw criss cross applesauce and free the movement!

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

Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

This is a question I get all the time and one that I have spent years trying to dissect myself... Through trial and error - I have come to four great tips for helping to defend and explain parents (or maybe an administrator)!  

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

Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

Free Resource (5 letters to grownups on play topics)- Letters to families

Kristen started a child care program with zero dollars and no degree in business.  She did have three things that worked in her favor and she will tell you all about them in this episode.

NEW COURSE!  Starting An Early Childhood Program Blueprint!  

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

Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

When did play become an unconventional way of learning?  What can we do to change this?  Kristen pondered this over coffee this morning and decided to brain dump it all into a podcast for you to sort through with her!  

As a reminder - you are OK just where you are in your play based journey.  You don't need to be where I am.  But, if you show up to learn, that is how you grow!

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

Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

Starting up a new outdoor program, classroom and need to know all things outdoor gear and outdoor winter play?  Take a listen as Kristen walks you though the gear needed, how cold is too cold and some ideas for outdoor winter play!

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

Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

Face covering:

https://www.amazon.com/HZTG-Childrens-Winter-Windproof-Adjustable/dp/B0152U4O2M/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=balaclava+kids&qid=1601745187&sr=8-8

Mittens:  https://www.burton.com/us/en/p/kids-burton-mini-heater-mitten/W21-131741069602T.html?g_acctid=208-000-6041&g_campaign=US%20-%20Shopping%20-%20All%20Products%20%20-%20Branded&g_campaignid=746511269&g_adgroupid=41557843120&g_adid=175970744381&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=pla-906454404165&g_adtype=pla&g_merchantid=366744&g_productchannel=online&g_productid=W21-131741069602T&g_partition=906454404165&g_network=g&g_ifproduct=product&g_ifcreative=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwuD7BRDBARIsAK_5YhX4X97xZmPKtgcdIJIz5TerKXvuJDYAvxm7N4x5O94iiW2uakhWa0AaAtnpEALw_wcB

Weather Chart:

https://idph.iowa.gov/Portals/1/Files/HCCI/weatherwatch.pdf

There are stages to teacher development and I also believe there are stages to a play based journey. I wish I had known about these stages when I first drank the play based learning juice so that I could have settled in to my own journey instead of always wishing I was doing more or better. Walk through the stages with me and try to figure out what stage you are!

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

Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

Does the thought of documentation overwhelm you?  Not sure where to start or what it even is?  Kristen breaks it down in this episode!  Learn what it is, why you should document learning and some simple ideas to get started.

Find a FREE 17 page guide to documentation in a play based classroom here. 

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

Kristen is a preschool teacher who started out her teaching career in a teacher directed and dictated environment.  She had some revelations and decided to do better for the children in her community.

She created a nature based preschool.  Listen to this episode if you have an outdoor classroom, are just starting out in an outdoor classroom, or are hoping to provide an outdoor classroom someday!  I am sure you will find some inspo!

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

Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

Kristen chats about the 4 (ok 5) pieces to planning in a play based, child led program.  Then she fills you in on what planning looks like in her program!  

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

Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course

Free Resource- Planning in a play based classroom

Kristen received a question via IG about what the teacher's role in a play based program is...  She answers it with 4 characteristics of a teacher in a child led, play based program.  

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

Free Resources (Free mini course on the basics of play) - The Play Basics Course