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

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 risk-taking, big body play, and rough-and-tumble play in childhood development. Kristen and Rae discuss how societal fears often limit children's natural play instincts, sharing personal stories and research on the benefits of embracing risk in early education. They also provide practical advice for educators and parents on fostering a play-positive environment that builds confidence, resilience, and essential motor skills.

Get Rae's book here: Why Play

Use code PBL20 for 20% off (code expires June 31 2025)

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 Childhood Education.

Get the Book: Kristen Day's New Book

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

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 education, Beverly combines her passion for social-emotional well-being and creativity to inspire children through art and play. Her approach emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and connection, fostering confidence in children to grow in their own unique ways. Beyond education, Beverly is a mom of three, podcaster, entrepreneur, and award-winning artist, making her perspective both multifaceted and enriching.

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

Find Beverly here: @happylittlehumansplay or at happylittlehumans.com

Beverly’s Freebie: Art and Play Activities

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 education, Beverly combines her passion for social-emotional well-being and creativity to inspire children through art and play. Her approach emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and connection, fostering confidence in children to grow in their own unique ways. Beyond education, Beverly is a mom of three, podcaster, entrepreneur, and award-winning artist, making her perspective both multifaceted and enriching.

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

Find Beverly here: @happylittlehumansplay or at happylittlehumans.com

Beverly’s Freebie: Art and Play Activities

This episode’s guest is Beverly Beck, the creator of 'Happy Little Humans.' With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Beverly combines her passion for social-emotional well-being and creativity to inspire children through art and play. Her approach emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and connection, fostering confidence in children to grow in their own unique ways. Beyond education, Beverly is a mom of three, podcaster, entrepreneur, and award-winning artist, making her perspective both multifaceted and enriching.

Key Takeaways:

1. Creativity as Universal and Essential: Both Beverly and Kristen emphasized that creativity is fundamental to everything, from the chair we sit on to entrepreneurial ideas.
2. Creativity as "Confetti": Kristen described creativity as "creative confetti," an energy floating around us. Ideas come unexpectedly, and if not used, they move on to someone else, aligning with Elizabeth Gilbert's concept of "Big Magic."
3. Creativity in Education: Both discussed how the traditional education system stifles creativity, turning children into vessels of academic knowledge without fostering their creative potential. They referenced the importance of creativity in the modern workforce.
4. Creativity as Problem-Solving: Kristen and Beverly see creativity not just as artistic expression but as problem-solving and thinking outside the box.
5. Personal Stories of Creativity: Both hosts shared personal childhood stories about creativity, highlighting how early experiences with thinking differently (e.g., Kristen’s circus contest) shaped their lifelong approach to creative thinking.

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

Find Beverly here: @happylittlehumansplay or at happylittlehumans.com

Beverly’s Freebie: Art and Play Activities