Kristen is Making VIRTUAL Play Based Professional Development NOT BORING

Free the Glue: Let Creativity Stick!

Ditch the step-by-step crafts and let’s get sticky with creativity! In our "Free the Glue" session, you’ll learn why letting kids lead the way with open-ended materials is a game-changer. We’re talking less mess stress and more "wow" moments. Dive into strategies that celebrate process, mess, and all the imaginative possibilities of simple materials like glue. Get ready to transform your space into a creativity haven where kids can explore, create, and maybe get a little gluey. It’s messy play that leads to learning and you’re going to love it!

*Each attendee must bring 10-20 random objects from their junk drawer or random things they have lying around the house/classroom to the training with them. Think bottle caps, plastic lids, happy meal toys etc.  

*Attendees will receive Kristen's Free the Glue digital magazine!

*After the training, be prepared to work on a collaborative glue project!  Kristen will send you a list of supplies you will need ahead of time.

Everything's A Canvas

With creativity projected to be the most sought-after skill by employers in 2025, it’s more important than ever to nurture creativity in our youngest minds. Yet, when we disguise product-based crafts as art, we unknowingly stifle the very creativity that children need to thrive.

In Everything’s A Canvas, Kristen will guide you through the transformative power of process art—art that’s all about exploration, experimentation, and expression. You’ll learn why process art is so beneficial for children’s development and creativity, while also picking up practical tips for handling the beautiful mess that often accompanies it. Kristen will provide an abundance of inspiration and real-world examples to help you immediately bring fresh, creative energy into your classroom.

After the training, get ready to unleash your inner artist! Each attendee must will bring along something white—or something wonderfully random—to transform into a unique work of art. You’ll receive a list of ideas beforehand to spark your imagination. By the end of the workshop, you’ll not only be buzzing with new ideas, but you’ll also see how, with a little creativity, everything really can be a canvas.

*the event organizer must wear something white to the training for the attendees to paint (yes, while it is on you).

*once everything is painted, a runway show is a MUST (showcasing your works of art) and the video must be sent to Kristen so she can share your creativity and playfulness with the social media world. 

The Great Breakup

IIt’s time to break up with outdated, developmentally inappropriate practices like calendar time, weather reports, criss-cross applesauce, and letter-of-the-week routines. In this transformative session, you’ll learn why letting go of these traditions will lead to a happier, calmer, and more enriching environment for both you and the children in your care. Backed by the latest research, this training provides evidence-based insights into how play-based, child-centered approaches unlock deeper learning and foster creativity. But be prepared—this session invites you to reflect on current practices, and it may be uncomfortable at times as we challenge norms that are not developmentally appropriate. If you're ready for honest reflection and a classroom shift that puts children’s needs first, this session is for you!

*everyone must wear their best old school teacher outfits and a potluck must happen before or after the training.  Non-negotiable.

*a runway show must be done to showcase your old school teacher garb.  The video must be sent to Kristen so she can share your goodness with the world.

Kristen's Morning Check-In Method

Say goodbye to chaotic mornings and hello to meaningful connections right from the start! In this session, you’ll discover Kristen’s Morning Check-In Method—a simple, yet powerful way to engage each child the moment they walk through the door and before they head off to play. This method blends standards-related tasks with individual check-ins, ensuring learning happens while giving you the chance to connect with every student one-on-one. With 99 check-in ideas at your fingertips, you’ll leave with endless inspiration to tailor this method to your classroom. Ready to transform your mornings into personalized learning moments? Let’s dive in and get those check-ins rolling!

*each participant must have a copy of your state's early learning standards/benchmarks for this training.

*each participant will receive a digital copy of Kristen's 99 check-in ideas.

*each participant must bring their favorite cookie/bar/sweet treat to share for this training - like actually baked.  Not just the recipe (well, that would be fun too).  Might as well enjoy some sweets while you learn!

Glow BIG or Glow HOME!

Ready to light up your classroom in a whole new way? Dive into Kristen's "Glow Big or Glow Home" session, where we will explore the bright world of light play. Discover how to use light as a play material (beyond the light panel). We'll walk you through simple, hands-on ways to incorporate light play (in all areas of the classroom) that sparks curiosity and discovery. 

*Each participant must come to the session with 3-5 translucent items.

 *For the organizer - you must surprise your attendees with a "light panel charcuterie board". Wash off that light panel, maybe put some cellophane/plastic wrap down and create a snack board from your light panel!  How many translucent foods can you come up with?

Kristen's CABINET OF CURIOSITY AND CREATIVITY

Step into a world of wonder and imagination with Kristen’s Cabinet of Curiosity. Just as people once marveled at traveling shows filled with rare and curious treasures, Kristen has created her own magical Cabinet—brimming with open-ended materials designed to ignite creativity and curiosity in the hearts of both children and adult learners.

Inside the Cabinet, you’ll find materials that will make you think, “Why didn’t I try this before?”—simple and interesting loose parts that spark endless possibilities for play. In this hands-on experience, Kristen begins by unveiling the treasures within her Cabinet, showcasing the kind of creativity that will leave you inspired. 

Throughout the workshop, you’ll discover how these open-ended materials fuel curiosity, creativity, and exploration. You’ll also learn how understanding play schemas can help explain children’s behaviors and guide more creative and wonder-based experiences. 

*each attendee must come with a piece of paper and pencil/pen

*you will receive a box of mystery supplies in the mail from Kristen that can't be opened until the training!

*each attendee will receive a Cabinet of Curiosity magazine with even more ideas