Podcasts

Kisha welcomes Renata Bowers and discusses the many aspects of her early childhood advocacy work. From Authoring children’s books that promote positive self-image, autonomy, and freedom to her direct work with children and families.

Co-Founder of Frieda B., LLC and author of the national-award-winning Frieda B. series of picture books, Renata Bowers created the fictional children’s character Frieda B. to encourage children to dream big and believe they, too, are free to be their own one-of-a-kind, very important story.

Kisha and Nikki discuss her book, Brain-Based Early Learning Activities, and her journey from home-based childcare provider to Author and Director of Red Leaf Press and Think Small Institute.

Nikki Darling-Kuria is an early childhood education expert and oversees Think Small Institute and Red Leaf Press.

Kisha and Tiffany discuss Tiffany’s Journey as a non profit program owner.

Tiffany Pearsall, founder and preschool teacher at Play Frontier, is well-versed in child development, progressive education, and play. She considers herself a constructivist teacher, giving students all the trust and tools they need to construct their own learning.

Trisha Dean is an Early Childhood Teacher and Director at Playing My Way in Brisbane Australia.

Kisha and Monica discuss the importance of providing the time, space, and permission for nature play and exploration. And advocating for nature education access for all.

Monica has pursued her love of nature-based education for over two decades. She is the founding director of the Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE).

Kisha Reid speaks with Marc Armitage about his evolution as a playworker, the goal of play for more play, tips for responding to licensing, and addressing safety concerns.

Rae Pica joins Kisha Reid as they tackle the question Why Play? Pica draws from her work with early childhood educators, time in the field, and the latest research in her new book, which digs into the why.

Kisha hosts a debrief live from Day 3 of the PEP Retreat in Adamstown, Maryland. Guests include Heather Bernt Santy, Tiffany Pearsall, Bethany Corrie, Katie Rooney, Kristin Haugen, Alexis Jones, Becky Gamache, Denisha Jones, Ulrica Convers, Sierra Roussos, and Carly Bedard.

In this episode, Kisha chats with Rusty Keeler about his unique journey to adventurous play. Rusty offers practical advice on incorporating adventure play into your home or program. From Tasmania to Texas, Rusty Keeler has spent the last 30 years traveling the world designing and advocating for children’s play.

In this Episode Kisha chats with Megan about her work as a nature based curriculum specialist. Megan Gessler, Curriculum Director for Little Explorers, is the founder of three internationally renowned nature-based early education programs. She established and directed the Northern Illinois Nature Play Association (NINPA), and serves on the Executive Leadership Team of the North American Association of Environmental Education’s (NAAEE) Natural Start Alliance. She holds a M.Ed. and Certificate in Nature-based Early Childhood Education from Antioch University New England (AUNE) and is a Certified Master Naturalist. Megan is a co-author of the Children’s Environmental Kinship Guide and the Nature-Based Early Childhood Program Assessment & Guidebook and she has contributed to The Sky Above and the Mud Below.

In this episode Carly Bedard shares her work as a play facilitator for adult early educators and how self-active play can transform your practice. Carly Bedard is a consultant, Master Play Coach, and author.

In this episode, Denisha Jones talks about the new DEY framework Fostering Healthy Identity in Young Children. Supporting positive identity development in the early years begins with important self-work and unpacking your fears.

In this episode, Kisha Reid talks with Denisha Jones about her new nature-based discovery child care program, her visions for inspiring more teachers to choose the power of play, and her plans to slow down.

Jesse works closely with Ms. Cheng to translate the ideas and concepts of Anji Play for a global audience and he has also authored numerous articles and essays on the history and practice of the Anji Play Approach. Krystina works closely with teachers, children, families, and administrators at programs in the United States and internationally to develop the practice of AnjiPlay.

Rukia Rogers is the founder of the Highlander School in Atlanta, Georgia.

Alya Stoffer Koloszyc founded New Village farm school in 2011.

Melinda Marshall operates Mountaintop Family Child Care in Worcester, NY.

Jocelyn Robertson is a teacher director at Cottage Co-Op Nursery School in California and is a major contributor to their blog – Cottage Parenting.

Teacher Tom is a preschool teacher, blogger, speaker, artist and the author of Teacher Tom’s First Book.

Kisa Marx is the owner of Kid Crew Adventures in Oak Park, Illinois.

Sylvan Taylor has worked in education for the past 19 years. She has served as the Schoolwide Enrichment Teacher at The Downtown School for the past 5 years and was a 4/5th grade teacher for five years before.

Rae Pica has been an early childhood education consultant since 1980 and is internationally known as a speaker, online course creator, and author.

Jacky Howell has 45 years of experience working with young children, families, and programs providing quality early care and education in many different roles, including early childhood teacher, administrator, trainer, coach, and technical assistant.

Denisha Jones began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Washington, DC, and has spent the past 19 years working in teacher education.

Deb Curtis has spent the past 40 years working with children and teachers in early childhood programs, observing and studying children and child development.

Jane Elgin, Third Grade Teacher in Indianapolis

Carol Garboden Murray, Author of Illuminating Care The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood.

Nicolette Sowder, creator of Wilder Child and Wildschooling

Alissa Mwenelupembe-Senior Director, Early Learning Program Accreditation at NAEYC.

Alissa Mwenelupembe-Senior Director, Early Learning Program Accreditation at NAEYC.

Leigh Anne Yuen, the Co-founder, director, and lead teacher at Garden Gate Child Development Center on Martha’s Vineyard. A veteran early childhood educator who works to create community for the children and their parents while advocating for them.

Becky Gamache, an Education Coordinator for the Duluth Public Schools. A veteran early childhood educator who is working to bring nature and play-based learning to the economically disadvantaged children in her district.

Renee Dinnerstein is a veteran early childhood educator having taught in both Italy and the United States. She is the author of Investigating Choice Time: How to deepen learning through inquiry and play.

“Mr. Chazz” is a teacher of teachers, parents and children. His specialty is self-regulation, and he has found inspiring ways to teach his techniques and he is pushing the needle a little closer toward world peace by addressing generational trauma.

Peter Gray, Ph.D. is a well known advocate for free play for children, a research professor at Boston College and a contributing editor at Psychology Today. He and Kisha are going to define Free Play.

Atiya Wells is a pediatric nurse with a passion to introduce, educate, and connect families in Baltimore, especially those of color, to local outdoor spaces. Get ready to be inspired.

Suzanne Axelsson is a pedagogical consultant using listening and philosophy with children as tools to improve democratic learning and play spaces in early childhood education.