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 episode, we explore the significance of pedagogical documentation in early childhood education, emphasizing its role in understanding and supporting authentic play-based learning experiences while offering insights into fostering effective educator-parent communication. Key Takeaways:  Role in Play-Based Learning Environments: Ana and Kristen talk about what pedagogical documentation is and how it plays a crucial role in understanding the learning that unfolds within a play-based environment.  Shift from Product to Process: Ana explains how there needs to be an  emphasis on shifting from product-based documentation, like showcasing finished art, to a process-oriented approach. Pedagogical documentation involves going beyond the surface and delving into the deeper meaning of children's actions, interests, and inquiries.  Role in Educator-Parent Relationships: They talk about how pedagogical documentation is a tool for educators to communicate with parents about the learning journey of their children. By providing detailed documentation, educators take the responsibility off the child, offering insights into the meaningful experiences and learning occurring in the early childhood setting. Creative Approaches to Documentation: Ana and Kristen share some examples and ways that educators can get creative with how they document children's experiences.  Are you looking for ways to better understand the learning that is happening while children play? Seeking how to help families see all the learning that happens while they “just play”? Documentation can be the answer, listen to this episode to find out how! Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Ana here: @earlyyearsthriving or at anavallerivera.com or at earlyyearsthriving.com

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 and CEO of Pre-K Spot. We discuss how to meet the requirements for using boxed curriculum in a play-based setting.    Key Takeaways:  Flexibility Within Structure: Melysa emphasizes the importance of understanding and leveraging the flexibility within structured curriculums. While there are requirements to meet, finding ways to infuse play and creativity is crucial. Observation and Documentation: Deep diving into documentation, such as photos and videos, provides a tangible way to showcase the power of play-based learning. Documentation not only reinforces the value of play but also helps educators observe and understand the learning process. Knowing Your Boundaries: Melysa emphasizes the importance of knowing the boundaries within which you can navigate. Having open conversations with those responsible for curriculum requirements helps educators understand where they can be creative while meeting set standards. Balancing Child-Led and Teacher-Initiated Activities: Striking a balance between child-led and teacher-initiated activities is crucial. While most of the learning is child-led, there are times when teacher-initiated projects or activities are necessary to meet specific requirements, providing a well-rounded educational experience. Are you in a setting where you are required to use a boxed curriculum, but you are wanting to be play-based and need more help on balancing the two together? This is a great episode to help you with just that. Listen as Melysa talks to Kristen about how she navigates using curriculum in her play-based setting and tips on tackling the challenges that may go with it.  Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Melysa here: @prek.spot or at pre-kspot.com Grab her 5 Steps to More Play in the Classroom Ebook Freebie here or her Play Invitations for Scripted Curriculum - here

Today, I'm chatting with Ade Hofmann, a dedicated early childhood educator passionate about outdoor play and founder of Nature Play All Day Early Childhood Program in Maine. On this episode, we discuss the significance of outdoor gear for children's play and share inclusive strategies and recommended brands. Ade also gives us an overview of her vision for a rental program that makes outdoor play accessible to all.   Some key takeaways: The Importance of Outdoor Play and Clothing: Kristen and Ade discuss the famous saying, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing," and the truth behind it. Ade emphasizes the importance of meeting children where they are in terms of outdoor gear. They acknowledge that the saying can be oversimplified and discuss the challenges of appropriate outdoor clothing for children. Inclusive Strategies for Outdoor Gear: Ade shares her strategies for making outdoor clothing more inclusive for children regardless of their backgrounds. She emphasizes the significance of building gear lending libraries to reduce the financial burden on families. Kristen adds insights about creating partnerships with local consignment shops and thrift stores. Favorite Brands for Outdoor Gear: Kristen and Ade recommend their favorite brands for outdoor clothing, including C'est la Vie, Didriksons, and Bogs boots. They discuss the importance of wool socks, mittens, and toe warmers in colder climates. Implementing a Rental Program: Ade talks about her vision for a rental program in her new program, which aims to provide gear for the whole year at minimal cost. Kristen shares her experience with a similar program that includes mittens, rain suits, and boots for the whole year. Living is Learning: Ade explains the concept of "living is learning" as a reminder that everything children do is a form of learning. Kristen and Ade emphasize that living and learning happen in every aspect of life, not just during play. If you've ever wondered about how to get outside in all kinds of weather with young children, this episode is for you! Join Kristen and Ade as they swap stories, give practical tips, and share recommendations to properly dress for outdoor play.   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Ade here: @natureplayallday and grab her Free Gear Guide Learn more about her program Nature Play All Day and donate items to their Amazon wishlist

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 and cold climates!     You can find more info on Kyla's website naturecreatedplay.com  Or you can find her on IG at: @naturecreatedplay

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 play based, early childhood world, we can often feel like we are fighting an uphill battle.  Rae's book and this podcast will help you gain confidence when it comes to advocating for play and childhood! You can check out Rae's website here! And you can buy Rae's book here!

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 Every Day, nature play and her experience with early childhood education in the USA as compared to Sweden. You can purchase her books here:   There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather The Open-Air Life Linda wanted to ensure listeners that when she is outdoors in extreme cold that she is indeed being safe about the temperatures... Here are some links worth checking out if this episode got you wanting to learn more! Yes, kids can play outside when it’s cold! https://rainorshinemamma.com/how-to-stay-warm-outside-in-winter/   How to dress for cold weather https://rainorshinemamma.com/how-to-dress-for-cold-weather-video-gear-list/   What you need to know about outdoor play in the winter https://rainorshinemamma.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-outdoor-play-in-the-winter/   Find Linda on Instagram and Facebook as Rain or Shine Mamma! Check out Linda's website here: http://rainorshinemamma.com

Kisa Marx from @kidcrewadventures (on Instagram) joins Kristen to talk about how early chilhdood educators put on a teacher disguise, why we need to remove that disguise and how she implemented play into her program slowly!    

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 her Instagram @read.by.the.window And, you will get a few bonus read-a-loud ideas (we just couldn't stop at 5!)   Find more from Kristen here: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kristen.rb.peterson/ Website - kristenrbpeterson.com  

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 classroom! You can find more Samuel here: https://www.honoringchildhood.org Instagram Venmo: @honoringchildhood   You can find more Willy Here: https://mrwillyprek.com Instagram Venmo: @wvill002  

Join Kristen, Samuel Broaden and Willy Villalpando as we give a primer on terminology associated with gender and sexuality and the LGBTQ+ community.   This is part one of two! You can find more Samuel here: https://www.honoringchildhood.org Instagram Venmo: @honoringchildhood   You can find more Willy Here: https://mrwillyprek.com Instagram Venmo: @wvill002    

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 not experts on the topics of play for nuerodivergent learners and children with learning disabilities, we talk candidly about Kayla's own experiences with play based learning and her daughter.   You can find Kayla's website here: https://www.littlelilacpreschool.com and you can find her IG here: https://www.instagram.com/littlelilacpreschool/ Connect with Kristen here: Website: https://www.kristenrbpeterson.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristen.rb.peterson/

Laura Shea from @little.stories.that.stick joins Kristen to talk about the power of storytelling and storyacting with young children in an early childhood environment. You can find Laura on IG: https://www.instagram.com/little.stories.that.stick/ or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/little.stories.that.stick and you can grab some free story starter prompts from Laura HERE!   If you are looking for more about Kristen, you can find it all on her website!  

Samuel Broaden from honoringchildhood.org  and Kristen have a conversation about the events taking place in Ukraine after Kristen received a message via IG from a woman asking for resources to help children and families through war induced trauma.   Kristen and Samuel also chat about how to have conversations about war and other big events in other parts of the world that are confusing for children.    

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 unpack what you think success is to better serve the children in your care!   Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kristen.rb.peterson/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da

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 risk we allow children to take.  You will also learn 3 actionable ways to support risk taking in early childhood. For some great, free, letters to adults of the children in your care, Kristen has created a series of 5 letters that explain some of the hot topics in play based learning - including one on RISK!  You can download them here! Connect with Kristen on IG

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 lot more simplistic than you would imagine! Check out Kristen's website learning-wild.com to find out how you can learn more!!  Or, find her on IG!  

Children are often labeled as 'bad' for engaging in battle play or play fighting.  It is loud and big and makes adults uncomfortable.  Kristen explains why this type of play is normal and how to support it in your early childhood environments. Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kristen.rb.peterson/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da

Kristen chats about the characteristics of process based art, creative thinking in early childhood and it's importance, and a really cool study that proves that creativity is unlearned as we grow older. Resources: Tedx Tucson George Land YouTube video Ted Talk by Sir Ken Robison Loose Parts Books: Loose Parts:  Inspiring Play in Young Children by Lisa Daly and Miriam Beloglovsky Loose Parts 2:  Inspiring Play with Infants and Toddlers by Daly and Beloglovsky   Find Kristen here: learning-wild.com email her at learningwildbblog@gmail.com

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 on the podcast called Embracing Childhood (apple podcast link) Spotify link You can find more of Samuel Broaden on his website, Honoring Childhood. And he loves to hang out on IG @honoringchildhood

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 Washington state!   There is often a societal norm that is pushed down to early childhood environments that says children must be quiet to learn...  T and I chat about it!  After all, many of us are verbal processors and need to chat out loud to learn!  

SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TO PLAY SUMMIT HERE!!!!   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 her parents and siblings. She started her teaching journey in 1996 and that experience now expands over two decades. She cultivated her learning at Northeastern State University in Talequah, Oklahoma, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. In 2010, Sally wanted to share her ideas on a larger platform so she created Fairy Dust Teaching, built on the passion for the wonder and magic of early childhood. She believes young children have the right to play, to be collaborators in learning, and to dream. Since then, Fairy Dust Teaching has become a global platform for early childhood educators from all walks of life to learn more about Wonder Based Education.  Sally’s teaching philosophy has let her travel the globe, sharing her knowledge and experience with teachers in Vietnam, Canada, Europe, the United States, and the Philippines. Her literary works include The Wonder Art Workshop  (publ. 2019) and Through A Child’s Eyes, where she co-authored with Sandra Duncan and Jodie Martin. She and Sandra Duncan are working on another book together called The Honeycomb Series with a tentative release in 2021. Website: FairyDustTeaching.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/FairyDustTeachingBlog Instagram: instagram.com/fairydustteaching Pinterest: pinterest.com/fairydustteach Twitter: twitter.com/sallyhaughey   Find Kristen Here: Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da  

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 children in our lives. Rae's website:  raepica.com use code:  WILD for 20% off Rae's course "Becoming a Champion for Play & Joyful Learning"   Find Kristen here: Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da  

Kristen chats about what forest school looks like in her program!   Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da

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 her questions so you can learn from them too!  Nicky Peterson lives in South Africa and is dreaming about opening her own play based program someday!   If you are interested in starting up your own program, check out my course:   NEW COURSE!  Starting An Early Childhood Program Blueprint!   learning-wild.com/startinganearlychildhoodprogramblueprint   Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da

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 no friends... this episode is for you!  And here is a handy letter you can hand to parents... NEW! Play Based Learning Masterclass! Head here to get a Stages of Play letter to give to grown ups! Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da

We have to stop calling it behavior management and call it social and emotional development instead.  Kristen will walk you through the reasons why we need to change our thinking to provide a more child-centered atmosphere for the young children in our life! Get on the list to be the first to know about Kristen's Play Based Learning Masterclass!  Head here! NEW COURSE!  Starting An Early Childhood Program Blueprint!   https://www.learning-wild.com/startinganearlychildhoodprogramblueprint   Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da

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 about her book here: https://www.allisonbakkumauthor.com In this episode you will find out her journey to writing a children's book and some easy start ideas for adding a mud kitchen to your play space!

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. Lisa is a thought leader in the play based learning world and is Kristen's Fareygawdmather (that story is in the podcast!) Are themes bad?  NO.  Do we need to ask ourselves, whose idea was it?  YES. Learn how to find a good balance between planning themes and listening to the children.  Find Lisa here: https://www.ooeygooey.com

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 "they are driving me crazy with all the movement" to "We gave them a developmentally appropriate experience today". NEW COURSE!  Starting An Early Childhood Program Blueprint!   https://www.learning-wild.com/startinganearlychildhoodprogramblueprint   Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da

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 of episodes that will break down the rules we place on children that we shouldn't. The first is SITTING STILL.  Let's outlaw criss cross applesauce and free the movement! NEW COURSE!  Starting An Early Childhood Program Blueprint!   https://www.learning-wild.com/startinganearlychildhoodprogramblueprint   Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da

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 tips for helping to defend and explain parents (or maybe an administrator)!     NEW COURSE!  Starting An Early Childhood Program Blueprint!   https://www.learning-wild.com/startinganearlychildhoodprogramblueprint   Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da

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 tell you all about them in this episode. NEW COURSE!  Starting An Early Childhood Program Blueprint!     Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da  

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 to brain dump it all into a podcast for you to sort through with her!   As a reminder - you are OK just where you are in your play based journey.  You don't need to be where I am.  But, if you show up to learn, that is how you grow! Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da

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 though the gear needed, how cold is too cold and some ideas for outdoor winter play!   Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da     Face covering: https://www.amazon.com/HZTG-Childrens-Winter-Windproof-Adjustable/dp/B0152U4O2M/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=balaclava+kids&qid=1601745187&sr=8-8   Mittens:  https://www.burton.com/us/en/p/kids-burton-mini-heater-mitten/W21-131741069602T.html?g_acctid=208-000-6041&g_campaign=US%20-%20Shopping%20-%20All%20Products%20%20-%20Branded&g_campaignid=746511269&g_adgroupid=41557843120&g_adid=175970744381&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=pla-906454404165&g_adtype=pla&g_merchantid=366744&g_productchannel=online&g_productid=W21-131741069602T&g_partition=906454404165&g_network=g&g_ifproduct=product&g_ifcreative=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwuD7BRDBARIsAK_5YhX4X97xZmPKtgcdIJIz5TerKXvuJDYAvxm7N4x5O94iiW2uakhWa0AaAtnpEALw_wcB   Weather Chart: https://idph.iowa.gov/Portals/1/Files/HCCI/weatherwatch.pdf

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 first drank the play based learning juice so that I could have settled in to my own journey instead of always wishing I was doing more or better.  Walk through the stages with me and try to figure out what stage you are!   Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/   Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da

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 it is, why you should document learning and some simple ideas to get started. Kristen has created a FREE 17 page guide to documentation in a play based classroom that you can download here.  You can connect with Kristen on IG @learning.wild or Facebook (Learning Wild).  Her website is learning-wild.com

Kristen is a preschool teacher who started out her teaching career in a teacher directed and dictated environment.  She had some revelations and decided to do better for the children in her community. She created a nature based preschool.  Listen to this episode if you have an outdoor classroom, are just starting out in an outdoor classroom, or are hoping to provide an outdoor classroom someday!  I am sure you will find some inspo!   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/

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 program!    

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 a child led, play based program.   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Web:  learning-wild.com

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 I break it down for you in this episode.   Learn the 4 characteristics of play and what they look like!  And hear of a few examples of what they don't look like!   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Web:  learning-wild.com