The Play Based Learning Podcast
Episodes
EP 86 Behavior Charts are a Band Aid with Churmell Mitchell
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kristen talks with Churmell Mitchell, creator of Emotions You Know, about helping children understand and express their feelings thro...
EP 85 Anji Play with Jesse Coffino
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
EP 85: Anji Play with Jesse Coffino In this conversation, Kristen and Jesse explore what it really means to notice and understand children’s lear...
EP 84: Inviting Play to Happen with Jennifer Baumann
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kristen sits down with Jennifer Bowman to explore the power of play-based learning and the shift from control to trust in early child...
EP 83: No Letter of the Week with Stacy Benge
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kristen and Stacy talk about why traditional “Letter of the Week” teaching doesn’t work for young children. They explain how li...
EP 82: Process Art Matters with Jessica Borowets
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
EP 81: IEP’s in a play based setting with Kelly Rose
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ca...
EP 80: Why Process Art Matters with Veronica Kelly
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 k...
EP 79: Beyond Cute with Amanda Morgan
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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—...
EP 78: Bringing the Outdoors and Wonder Into Learning with Lynne Mulligan
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
EP 77: We Don’t Need to Hide Play with Christi Warr
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode dives into the importance of feeling confident in play-based learning and no longer hiding it because there is this pressure for academic...
EP 76 Why Play with Rae Pica
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Take a listen as the wonderful Rae Pica and I talk all about topics in her most recent book Why Play?. This podcast episode explores the importance of...
EP 75 That's Not a Turkey by Kristen Day
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kristen reads a chapter in her new book that just released I’m Not Getting Them Ready for Kindergarten- Breaking Tradition in Early...
EP 74: The Power of Creativity (Part 3) with Beverly Beck
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is part two on creativity with Beverly Beck, the creator of 'Happy Little Humans.' With over 20 years of experience in early childhood ed...
EP 73: The Power of Creativity (Part 2) with Beverly Beck
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is part two on creativity with Beverly Beck, the creator of 'Happy Little Humans.' With over 20 years of experience in early childhood ed...
EP 72: The Power of Creativity (Part 1) with Beverly Beck
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode’s guest is Beverly Beck, the creator of 'Happy Little Humans.' With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Beverly c...
EP 71: Bridging Play-Based Learning with Anti-Bias Practices with Dr. Jasmine Moses
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jasmine Moses is an Anti-Bias Early Childhood Educator dedicated to helping parents and teachers raise and teach the next generation. With a backg...
EP 70: The Anji Play Approach with Jesse Coffino
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jesse Coffino is an educator, author, translator, dad and CEO of Anji Education, Inc. The guy who has spent the last decade introducing True Play and ...
EP 69: Rethinking Weapon Play in Early Childhood with Samual Broaden and Kisa Marx
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Samuel and Kisa are fierce childhood advocates and the authors of Rethinking Weapon Play in Early Childhood. Key Takeaways: Reflect on Decisions: Ed...
EP 68: Healing Through Play as an Adult with Kara Latta
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kara is a Play and Mindset Coach and your partner-in-fun on the path to healing perfectionism and rekindling your playful, creative spirit. Kara’s m...
EP 67: Unlocking the Secrets of Children's Play with Anande Ferreira
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anande Ferreira is a mama and pediatric occupational therapist with a special interest in playfulness and sensory integration. She has over 10 years e...
EP 66: Understanding Autism in Early Childhood Education with Beth Duttera
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Duttera from Aut2ask, an autistic woman-led initiative uplifting autistic voices. Her support survey has over 2k voices from the autism community...
EP 65: Boredom and Play with Deborah MacNamara
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
EP 64: Building Equitable and Inclusive Early Childhood Environments with Alicia Highland
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
EP 63: Behaviors When There is an Absence of Play with Prerna Richards
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
EP 62: Exploring Reggio Emilia Approach with Jayda Rivera
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
EP 61: Play Based Learning for School Age Children with Mariana Carazo
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 educ...
EP 60: Child Led Learning and Emergent Curriculum with Tiffany Pearsall
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am talking to my good friend Tiffany Pearsall, a passionate play advocate and the founder of Play Frontier, a groundbreaking nonpro...
EP 59: Creating a space from a Million Dollar Grant with Tiffany Pearsall
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode features an inspiring conversation with Tiffany Pearsall, a passionate play advocate and the founder of Play Frontier, a groundbreak...
EP 58: Exploring Artistry in Early Childhood with Faigie Kobre
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am chatting with Faigie Kobree, a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, director, and now an elementary school art teacher using the choi...
EP 57: The Importance of Play for Adults with Reagan Fulton
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 impo...
EP 56: The Connection of Play and Brain-Behaviors with Prerna Richards
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am chatting with Prerna Richards, an early childhood education consultant and keynote speaker with 38 years of experience in ECE. Prerna start...
EP 55: Free the Glue with Kayla Souza
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am chatting with Kayla Souza who opened a small play and nature based preschool that she runs from my home and backyard after working for 20 y...
EP 54: Understanding Gestalt Language Processing with Jess Teixeira
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am chatting with Jess Teixeira, a certified speech-language pathologist in Massachusetts who specializes in supporting gestalt language proces...
EP 53: Developing the Fundamentals of ABCs Through Play with Stacy Benge
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am chatting with Stacy Benge, an early childhood speaker who approaches learning in the early years with practicality and common sense. Stacy ...
EP 52: Breaking the Behavior Chart Cycle with Megg Thompson
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
EP 51: Making Research Accessible in Early Childhood with Emily Clark, M.Ed
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am chatting with Em about all things research! Emily Clark, M. Ed is an international early childhood education advocate with teaching certifi...
EP 50: Embracing Pedagogical Documentation in Child Development with Ana Valle Rivera
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
EP 49: Making Boxed Curriculum Work for Play-Based Education with Melysa Mei
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
EP 48: Strategies for Healthy Child Sleep Habits with Lindsey Nickoles
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
EP 47: Embracing Authentic Connections and Humanizing Education with Finn Menzies
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m chatting with Finn Menzies, former early childhood educator turned family coach. We discuss how vital it is to shift from traditional teac...
EP 46: Fostering Authentic Connections Through Boundaries and Play with The Connected Child
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m chatting with Jerica and Jules from The Connected Child, two former early childhood educators with over 25 years of expertise working with...
EP 45 Demystifying Developmentally Appropriate Practice with Jean-Mari Dagarin
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m chatting with Jean-Mari Dagarin, an advocate for play-based learning and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). We define and explore...
EP 44: Building Social Skills in Children Through Art with Beverly Beck
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m chatting with Beverly Beck, the mastermind behind Happy Little Humans, and we’re talking about one of my favorite things: creativity. We...
EP 43: Early Childhood Advocacy in Action with Kristy DeGraaf
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m chatting with Kristy DeGraaf, a family child care provider, trainer and childcare coach. Kristy started her career in social work and m...
EP 42: Unleashing Creativity and Process Art with Jessica Borowets
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m chatting with Jessica Borowets of The Artful Child, which began as an outside the box preschool run by her mother in the late 60’s. Jess...
EP 41: Exploring Nature-Based Literacy with Lynne Mulligan
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m chatting with Lynne Mulligan, a passionate advocate for nature-based learning that founded a pre-K and kindergarten nature-based program....
EP 40: Tips and Trick for Dressing for Outdoor Play with Ade Hofmann
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I'm chatting with Ade Hofmann, a dedicated early childhood educator passionate about outdoor play and founder of Nature Play All Day Early Chil...
EP 39: Intentional Learning Environments and Clean Up Time with Mariah Burnley
29 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HelllllloooooOOOOooooo and welcome back as I revive my podcast with a host of new interviews! Today, I'm chatting with Mariah Burley, the founder and ...
EP 38: ”It’s too hot/cold to play outside!” With Kyla Maciosek
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kyla and Kristen compare and contrast hot and cold climate, outdoor play! We do some troubleshooting and Kyla offers lots of tips for playing in hot a...
EP 37: Spark a Revolution with Rae Pica
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen and Rae celebrate the release of her newest book, "Spark a Revolution in Early Education: Speaking Up for Ourselves and the Children!" In the ...
EP 36: Friluftsliv and Outdoor Play with Linda McGurk
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Author and blogger Linda McGurk joins Kristen to chat about her new book, The Open-Air Life: Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature...
Ep 35: Removing the Teacher Disguise and Implementing Play Slowly with Kisa Marx
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kisa Marx from @kidcrewadventures (on Instagram) joins Kristen to talk about how early chilhdood educators put on a teacher disguise, why we need to r...
EP 34: 5 Fave Read-A-Louds with Mollie VonKampen
17 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mollie VonKampen joins Kristen to share five of her favorite read-a-louds in the early childhood classroom! You can find more out about Mollie on he...
EP 33:(part 2) How To Be An LGBTQ+ Ally with Samuel Broaden and Willy Villalpando
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Kristen, Samuel Broaden and Willy Villalpando for part two! We chat about how to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community inside and outside of the c...
EP 32: (Part 1) An LGBTQ+ Primer with Samuel Broaden and Willy Villalpando
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Kristen, Samuel Broaden and Willy Villalpando as we give a primer on terminology associated with gender and sexuality and the LGBTQ+ community. ...
EP 31: Play For EVERYONE with Kayla from Little Lilac Preschool
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kayla Souza, M.Ed. joins Kristen for a conversation about the benefits of play for all types of learners. Noting that we are both still learning and...
EP 30: Storytelling and Storyacting with Laura Shea
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Laura Shea from @little.stories.that.stick joins Kristen to talk about the power of storytelling and storyacting with young children in an early child...
EP 29: Support for Those in Crisis and Having Conversations with Children about War and Crisis
03 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Samuel Broaden from honoringchildhood.org and Kristen have a conversation about the events taking place in Ukraine after Kristen received a message ...
EP 28: Defining Success in a Play Based Program
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What does success look like in terms of a play based program. Success is a relative term and Kristen encourages you to really take some time to unpa...
EP 27: The Last Greatest Risk in Childhood
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen happened upon a thought the other day and thought is was too important not to share. In this episode she will talk about the last, greatest ...
EP 26: The Daily Schedule in a Play Based Program
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most asked questions: What does you daily schedule look like in a play based program? Kristen answers that in this episode! It is a l...
Ep: 25 The Battle of Battle Play
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Children are often labeled as 'bad' for engaging in battle play or play fighting. It is loud and big and makes adults uncomfortable. Kristen expla...
EP 24: Process Art and Creative Freedom in the Early Childhood Environment
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen chats about the characteristics of process based art, creative thinking in early childhood and it's importance, and a really cool study that p...
EP 23: Part 1 Samuel Broaden on Trust, Forests and Body Autonomy
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first podcast in a two part release! You can find the second part of this series (you will hear Kristen talk more in the 2nd part) over ...
EP: 22 Mythbusting Noise and Talking with Tiffany Pearsall
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen's fave podcasting buddy makes her debut on the podcast. Tiffany Pearsall is the founding director of Play Frontier - a nature play school in...
EP 21: Sally Haughey on Wonder, Intention, Creativity and MORE
23 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
About Sally: Sally Haughey hails from Guthrie, Oklahoma, a small town in the middle of the United States, and grew up traveling the country with he...
EP 20 - Rae Pica on Being a Champion for Children
23 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rae Pica joins Kristen to chat advocacy / championing for children. Learn some easy ways to stand up for what we know is right for the young childre...
EP 19: Forest School Basics
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen chats about what forest school looks like in her program! Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Free Resourc...
EP 18: Q&A Sesh on Opening a Program
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen had someone reach out to her via IG with some questions. Instead of answering them over DM, Kristen invited her to be on the show to ask all...
EP 17: The Stages of Play
26 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If a parent is ever wondering why their child comes home and says, "Nobody played with me." Or if a parent ever asks why their child says they have ...
Ep 16: Behavior Management in a Play Based Program
31 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We have to stop calling it behavior management and call it social and emotional development instead. Kristen will walk you through the reasons why w...
EP 15: My Mud Kitchen is Rad with Allison Bakkum
16 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen chats with children's book author, Allison Bakkum. Her book, My Mud Kitchen is Rad, will be available for purchase soon! You can find more...
EP 14 - themes with Lisa (Ooey Gooey Lady) Murphy
10 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen had the honor of recording an impromptu chat with Lisa Murphy on the topic of THEMES in a play-based, child-centered early childhood program. ...
EP 13: 5 TIPS for Supporting Large Body Movement
04 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Large body movement is not embraced as an important part of a developmentally appropriate classroom in many scenarios. Here are 5 tips to go from "t...
EP 12: Rules That Aren't DAP - Sitting Still
13 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
EP 11: Four Tips For Explaining Play To Parents
01 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
EP 10: Three Things You Need When Starting Your Own Early Childhood Program
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 te...
EP 9: PLAY IS NOT UNCONVENTIONAL
09 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
EP 8: Outdoor Winter Play Basics and Gear
03 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Ep 7: Finding Your Play Based Groove
25 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 firs...
EP 6: Documentation In A Play Based Classroom - A Beginner's Guide
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
EP 5: OUTDOOR CLASSROOM BASICS
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen is a preschool teacher who started out her teaching career in a teacher directed and dictated environment. She had some revelations and deci...
Ep 4 Planning In A Play Based Program
06 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 pro...
EP 3: The Teacher's Role In A Play Based Program
26 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep 2: Defining Play - the 4 characteristics of play
20 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
EP 1 - FROM TEACHER DIRECTED TO CHILD DIRECTED - MY PLAY BASED JOURNEY
12 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen is a preschool teacher who started out her teaching career in a teacher directed and dictated environment. She was inspired by Lisa Murphy a...