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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

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.
2. Reclaiming Play as Adults: They encourage adults to reclaim play in their lives by prioritizing activities that bring them joy and curiosity. Reagan shares how adults have to challenge societal norms that discourage them from engaging in playful activities.
3. Setting Boundaries for Play: Kristen and Reagan talk about the importance of setting boundaries to create time for play amidst busy schedules. They suggest strategies such as scheduling playtime on calendars and parallel playing with children to prioritize personal play.
4. Overcoming Societal Stigmas: They have a discussion about societal pressures that discourage playfulness as individuals transition from childhood to adulthood and encourage listeners to challenge these stigmas and embrace playfulness in their lives.
5. Promoting Self-Care through Play: Play is presented as a form of self-care that can replenish energy and foster creativity. Kristen and Reagan want listeners to explore activities that bring them joy and fulfillment, emphasizing the benefits of incorporating play into daily routines.

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