EP 72: The Power of Creativity (Part 1) with Beverly Beck

The Play Based Learning Podcast

This episode’s guest is Beverly Beck, the creator of 'Happy Little Humans.' With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Beverly combines her passion for social-emotional well-being and creativity to inspire children through art and play. Her approach emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and connection, fostering confidence in children to grow in their own unique ways. Beyond education, Beverly is a mom of three, podcaster, entrepreneur, and award-winning artist, making her perspective both multifaceted and enriching.

Key Takeaways:

1. Creativity as Universal and Essential: Both Beverly and Kristen emphasized that creativity is fundamental to everything, from the chair we sit on to entrepreneurial ideas.
2. Creativity as "Confetti": Kristen described creativity as "creative confetti," an energy floating around us. Ideas come unexpectedly, and if not used, they move on to someone else, aligning with Elizabeth Gilbert's concept of "Big Magic."
3. Creativity in Education: Both discussed how the traditional education system stifles creativity, turning children into vessels of academic knowledge without fostering their creative potential. They referenced the importance of creativity in the modern workforce.
4. Creativity as Problem-Solving: Kristen and Beverly see creativity not just as artistic expression but as problem-solving and thinking outside the box.
5. Personal Stories of Creativity: Both hosts shared personal childhood stories about creativity, highlighting how early experiences with thinking differently (e.g., Kristen’s circus contest) shaped their lifelong approach to creative thinking.

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

Find Beverly here: @happylittlehumansplay or at happylittlehumans.com

Beverly’s Freebie: Art and Play Activities