In this episode, Kristen talks with Churmell Mitchell, creator of Emotions You Know, about helping children understand and express their feelings through play. They explore how connection, and not behavior charts, is the key to supporting challenging behaviors. Churmell shares his “refill” approach, reminding us that many kids are simply running on empty and need connection before correction. This conversation offers practical, relationship-focused ideas you can use right away in your classroom or home.

If you would like to learn more, they are doing a workshop together on May 12, 2026 called This is NOT a Behavior Chart Workshop. If you are listening to this before that date, be sure to go grab it for only $9; otherwise, the price will go up after May 12, 2026. It comes with 50 strategies, love trust and connection, Q&A time, a PD certificate, and lifetime access to the replay

Workshop Link: This is NOT a Behavior Chart Workshop

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

Find Churmell here: @emotionsyouknow or at emotionsyouknow.com

EP 85: Anji Play with Jesse Coffino

In this conversation, Kristen and Jesse explore what it really means to notice and understand children’s learning through play. They discuss how educators can reflect on play after it happens using open-ended questions, drawings, and storytelling rather than interrupting the moment. Jesse shares insights from Anji Play settings, where documentation is used to deepen understanding of children’s thinking rather than evaluate or control it. Together, they unpack how video and observation can support reflective practice while still honoring children’s autonomy and flow of play. The episode also offers a glimpse into an upcoming Anji study tour and the immersive learning experiences educators can expect.

Link to the first Video watched in the episode: First Video

Link to the second video watched in the episode: Second video

Study Tour Link: Anji Play June Study Tour

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

Find Anji Play here: anjiplay.co

Find Jesse here: @anjiplay or at anjiplay.medium.com or facebook: Anji Play World

In this episode, Kristen sits down with Jennifer Baumann to explore the power of play-based learning and the shift from control to trust in early childhood environments. Jennifer shares how she creates meaningful play invitations, uses sensory-rich materials, and thoughtfully designs her environment to support children’s natural curiosity. Together, they unpack what it really means to let go of adult expectations and follow children’s lead in play. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when we trust the environment and the children, real learning unfolds.

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

Find Jennifer here: @playschoolsince1999 or at The Playschool