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,...
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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41:24
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
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19:00
EP 74: The Power of Creativity (Part 3) with Beverly Beck
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
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28:30
EP 73: The Power of Creativity (Part 2) with Beverly Beck
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
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36:31
EP 72: The Power of Creativity (Part 1) with Beverly Beck
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:
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.
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."
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.
Creativity as Problem-Solving: Kristen and Beverly see creativity not just as artistic expression but as problem-solving and thinking outside the box.
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
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