The Artful Child

07/20/2026

07/20/2026

When we stop judging children’s art by the picture they produce, we begin to see the thinking that’s happening instead 🧠 If this resonates with you join Camp Renegade Play early childhood virtual summit for free. 400+ ideas for art invitations! I’ll be speaking about paint. Link in bio!

Follow if we’re kindred spirits 🫶🏼🎨

07/17/2026

07/15/2026

Comment 400 or the link is in our bio. Sign up to hear us all offer ideas for the new school year:

Amber Unger 🖍️ Play-Based Learning Cathy Belgrave Emotions You Know™

Jenny Yerxa Oliver Jessica Karpathios | ECE Consultant ☀️ Jocelyn Manzanarez | ECE music educator +Speaker
In home early childhood educator. Wonderforest Hugs & Bugs Club
The Artful Child | Creative Programs Toronto Storybook Village Preschool We Skoolhouse
Suzanne Cotton Dani & Wendy
Tiger Lily Preschool, Coaching & Learning Resources

07/13/2026

Join Camp Renegade Play 2026 July 23 and 24 for fresh ideas on play, and to add some creativity to your space!

I’ll be speaking about paint, offering ideas and discussing why paint is thinking 🎨🧠

It’s free! Link in bio OR sign up here, copy and paste this link:

https://www.kristenrbpeterson.com/a/2148298779/GNzFaa3F

07/12/2026

I’ll be speaking at Camp Renegade Play with 20 other educators. My topic is “Paint is Thinking: 20 Process Art Invitations for the YES Environment!” ☀️ Join us! It’s free!

07/10/2026

When we design environments that invite curiosity, the environment becomes part of the curriculum. The materials ask questions and the room itself gives them ideas.

Don’t wait for permission to give children what they need.

07/09/2026

Every child deserves the chance to wonder.

Crafts aren’t “bad,” and we aren’t criticizing teachers. We’re advocating for curiosity as a tool for learning.

Research supports giving children opportunities for original thinking. Yet many classrooms still rely heavily on adult-directed crafts.

Start small; offer materials instead of an idea.

07/07/2026

The environment is never just the background.
It shapes engagement, curiosity, and learning.
It deserves as much research and intention as any curriculum.