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
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27:30
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27:30
EP 78: Bringing the Outdoors and Wonder Into Learning with Lynne Mulligan
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
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18:46
EP 77: We Don’t Need to Hide Play with Christi Warr
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
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28:34
EP 76 Why Play with Rae Pica
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)
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EP 75 That's Not a Turkey by Kristen Day
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
Kristen Day, will be your new teacher bestie, mentor, and motivator, all in one. Kristen is on a mission to energize your passion for early childhood education, challenge outdated practices, and equip you with the tools to create a truly developmentally appropriate learning environment. As a play advocate, Kristen’s enthusiasm and expertise will inspire you to foster creativity, curiosity, and joy in the children under your care. Together, we’ll embark on a journey to set the stage for a lifelong love of learning, ensuring that every child experiences the wonder and magic of childhood.
Ireland