Play Talks  Podcast

bet on yourself and your students + trust the process of play

Transform Your Classroom with Play-Based Learning – Inspire Growth, Joy, and Engagement Today

  For educators ready to embrace play, create an engaging classroom ecosystem, and transform their teaching strategies... so they can turn everyday moments into impactful, lasting learning experiences.  

Make this your most impactful year in transforming education through play.

I see you. You’re passionate about creating meaningful, play-based learning experiences, and you’ve already started integrating powerful strategies into your classroom. Now, you’re ready to take it to the next level. You’re ready to move beyond one-off ideas and create consistent, lasting impact for yourself and the children you teach.

Hate to break it to you, but relying solely on scattered resources, occasional workshops, or trendy Instagram hacks isn’t enough. Building your teaching practice without a solid foundation of play-centered strategies is like building a house on sand—it might hold up for a while, but it won’t last.

Instead, you need a consistent resource that fuels your creativity, deepens your knowledge, and keeps you inspired week after week. That’s where Play Talks comes in. With exclusive content, actionable ideas, and a supportive community, this podcast is your go-to guide for making play the heart of your teaching.

YOU HAVE THE PASSION.

 NOW IT'S TIME TO SUBSCRIBE AND BECOME A PLAY-BASED LEARNING CHAMPION.

Do these sound familiar?

Play in Your Classroom Feels Overwhelming 

Play in Your Classroom Feels Overwhelming

You’ve realized that integrating play-based learning isn’t as simple as it sounds. Sure, the idea of open-ended exploration is exciting, and those moments when children light up with curiosity are magical. But the reality? It can feel chaotic and exhausting, especially when you’re juggling curriculum demands, parent expectations, and a packed schedule.

Plus, let’s be honest—2022 and 2023 reminded us that traditional teaching methods aren’t enough. More than ever, children need play to thrive, but figuring out how to make it work consistently can feel unpredictable and frustrating.

Resources Don’t Always Deliver

Maybe you’ve tried a Pinterest activity or borrowed an idea from another educator, hoping it would work like magic. But when the engagement fizzled or the learning felt shallow, you were left wondering what went wrong. Bringing true, meaningful play into the classroom takes more than surface-level strategies. It requires a deeper understanding of what makes play so powerful and how to integrate it seamlessly into your teaching.

Too Many Things to Manage

How do you balance play, curriculum, assessments, and your own sanity? How do you explain the value of play to parents and administrators without feeling like you’re constantly defending your approach? With so many moving pieces, it’s easy to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start.

You Need

 A Proven Roadmap

Discover the proven strategies for creating a play-based classroom from someone who has spent 17 years in early childhood education, championing play-based learning in real classrooms with real challenges. I’ve tested what works, so you don’t have to.  

  Guidance from a Play-based Learning Advocate

Bringing play into your classroom and advocating for its value requires confidence, strategy, and support. In Play Talks, you’ll gain insights and actionable advice straight from the field, plus inspiration from real-world examples that show how transformative play can be.

  A Diversified Approach

  This isn’t about “one-size-fits-all” solutions. Play isn’t just a single activity or moment—it’s a philosophy that can be woven into every part of your teaching. In this podcast, I’ll share how to use a variety of play-based strategies to create a more joyful, engaging, and impactful classroom environment. Together, we’ll build an approach that works for you.  

Let me introduce

Play Talks

The podcast for dedicated early childhood educators who are ready to consistently bring the magic of play into their classrooms, build a solid foundation of play-based strategies, and create meaningful, lasting impact in their teaching practice and beyond.

  Subscribe to Play Talks and let’s make play the foundation of your teaching!   

1. Monthly Book Review  

  Get inspired and expand your professional knowledge with a curated book review each month. These books are handpicked to deepen your understanding of play-based education and provide actionable strategies you can bring to your classroom.

2. Play Invitation Idea with Video

  Every month, you’ll receive a fresh play invitation idea, complete with a video tutorial to help you implement it with ease. These ideas are designed to spark creativity, encourage exploration, and align with play-based learning principles. Perfect for educators looking for practical, ready-to-use inspiration!

3. Two Exclusive Episodes on Play Topics

  Dive deep into important play-based education topics with two additional episodes every month. From the science behind play to overcoming barriers, these episodes are packed with insights, strategies, and stories to support your teaching journey.

4. Guest Interviews and Q&A Sessions

  Learn from leading experts and fellow educators through guest interviews and interactive Q&A sessions. These bonus episodes provide fresh perspectives, practical tips, and a sense of community as you navigate your play-based journey.

How It Works

No. 01: Weekly Episodes (Every Saturday)

Every Saturday, Play Talks brings you a fresh, focused episode to inspire and support your journey into play-based education. Here’s what you’ll receive each month:

  No. 02: Actionable Steps for Immediate Impact

Each episode is designed to leave you with clear, practical steps you can take into your classroom the very same day. Whether it’s observing how children engage with a new play setup, trying out a fresh play invitation, or advocating for play with parents or administrators, Play Talks ensures you’re equipped to take action confidently.  

  No. 03: Self-Paced and Designed for Growth

Life as an educator is busy, and Play Talks is built to work with your schedule. Listen at your own pace, revisit episodes whenever you need fresh inspiration, and implement ideas gradually or as you feel ready. Whether you’re listening during your commute, planning sessions, or with your favorite cup of coffee, you’ll find insights you can use right away.  

No. 04: Continual Learning and Support

Play Talks isn’t just a one-time resource—it’s a continuous guide to help you grow as an educator. With every episode, you’ll deepen your understanding of play-based learning, refine your teaching strategies, and build confidence in advocating for play. Over time, these consistent steps will transform your teaching practice, making play the heart of your classroom.

Ready to grow and take actionable steps toward a more engaging, play-centered classroom?

Subscribe to Play Talks today and let this Saturday be the start of meaningful change in your teaching journey—one play-filled step at a time!  

What do you want your classroom to look like a year from now?

GO FROM JUST ANOTHER TEACHER TO "THAT" TEACHER. The one who everyone wants to be like, and the one every parents wants their child to have.

You’re not just another early childhood educator—you’re a change maker.

With Play Talks, you have the tools, insights, and inspiration to step into your role as a leader in the movement for play-based education.

This podcast is your guide to:

 ✅ Elevating your teaching practice and standing out as a play advocate.

 ✅ Equipping yourself with strategies that transform classrooms and change lives.

 ✅ Building confidence and expertise as the go-to educator who inspires others.

You’re not here to follow trends—you’re here to lead the way.

Subscribe to Play Talks and become the leader your students, colleagues, and community need. The future of education starts with YOU.

Subscribe Now

Don’t wait to transform your teaching—Play Talks gives you actionable strategies, fresh ideas, and inspiring insights every month to create a classroom where children thrive and you rediscover the joy of teaching. Subscribe now to join a growing community of passionate educators leading the charge for play-based learning!

With Play Talks, you’ll get:

It's like a big membership with all the tools but in a wrapped up easy to listen to podcast. 

All for just $15 a month. 

Bonus

Your Free Play Reflection Journal

As a subscriber to Play Talks, you’ll receive an exclusive bonus: the Play Reflection Journal—completely free!

This downloadable resource is your personal guide to track insights, observe classroom transformations, and document the magic of play. Use it to reflect on your journey, set intentional goals, and see the impact of play-based learning in action.

Think of it as your companion to every episode, helping you turn inspiration into tangible results. Join Play Talks today and unlock this essential tool for free!

Join now for only $15 a month

thanks to the podcast you will... 

Transform your classroom with 

actionable strategies and fresh 

play-based ideas from each episode.

Build your expertise with 

professional book reviews, 

exclusive content, and bonus 

resources like the Play Reflection Journal.

Advocate confidently for 

play-based learning using 

insights that inspire parents, 

colleagues, and administrators.

Stay ahead of the curve with 

monthly content designed to 

make play the heart of your 

teaching practice.

Rediscover the joy of teaching 

with creative, engaging tools 

that make every day more meaningful.

Feel empowered, supported, and 

connected to a community of 

educators who share your passion for 

transforming education through play.

Join now for only $15 a month

PASSIONATE EDUCATOR, REGGIO-INSPIRED, PLAY ADVOCATE, NYC TEACHER, COFFEE ENTHUSIAST

Hi I'm Melysa, 

your play bestie and podcast host.

In 2011, I began diving deeper into the world of play education, and in 2017 I had the space to bring more creativity and open-ended exploration into my NYC public school classroom. At first, it was just a small shift—a few tweaks here and there—but the impact was undeniable. I saw how play transformed my students’ learning, their confidence, and their joy, and I knew this was my path.

Now, after 18 years of teaching, countless hours of research, and a lot of trial and error, I’ve honed my approach. I’ve seen how play can revolutionize classrooms, inspire educators, and bring new life to teaching. And through Play Talks, I’m here to share that passion with you—giving you the tools, inspiration, and confidence to make play the heart of your teaching, too.

I CAN HELP BECAUSE IVE BEEN THERE

When I first started embracing play-based education, 

I wasn’t sure how to make it work consistently in my classroom. I had moments of success—those “aha!” breakthroughs with my students—but it often felt unpredictable, overwhelming, and hard to scale into a sustainable teaching approach.

I knew play had the power to transform learning, but I struggled with the daily challenges of balancing curriculum demands, time constraints, and skepticism from others.

Over time, I discovered that the key wasn’t about adding more—it was about building a sustainable mindset and approach where play became the foundation of everything we do. By weaving play into the fabric of my classroom, I found the consistency, joy, and confidence I was looking for. And through Play Talks, I’m here to help you do the same.

Play Talks is the only podcast of its kind because...

We bring together the science, the stretegy, and the heart of play. 

Some resources focus solely on the research behind play, others offer a collection of classroom tips, and some emphasize advocacy for play-based education.

And while each of those is valuable on its own, the real magic happens when you combine them.

That’s why Play Talks blends these three essential elements into one comprehensive, inspiring experience. We dive deep into the science, give you actionable strategies you can use immediately, and provide the encouragement you need to make play the heart of your teaching.

Think of it as your “triple threat” for transforming your classroom—and the way you teach.

Listen and Implement 

at Your Own Pace

Access Bonus Tools and Support

Stay Inspired with Real-Time Classroom Insights

Follow a Proven Path to Success

If you want this to be the year you commit to

      Transforming your classroom with play-based learning that truly impacts         your students.

     Building a mindset and approach that brings consistency and confidence        to your teaching.

      Inspiring creativity and joy in your students—and yourself.

      Gaining actionable tools and strategies so you can focus on teaching in           your zone of genius.

      Creating sustainable practices that make play the heart of your classroom       without adding stress.

      Feeling more balanced, energized, and aligned with the educator you’ve         always wanted to be.

Unsubscribe Anytime

You can unsubscribe from Play Talks at any time. Here’s how it works:

1. Cancel Anytime: Subscriptions are billed monthly, and you can cancel anytime before your next billing date to avoid being charged for the following month.

2. Immediate Access: After canceling, you’ll retain access to the podcast and any included bonuses until the end of your current billing cycle.

3. No Refunds for Past Payments: Refunds are not issued for past billing periods, but you’ll always keep any materials you’ve already downloaded.

Is the Play Talks Podcast for You?

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FAQ

1. What is Play Talks?

Play Talks is a subscription-based private podcast designed for early childhood educators who want to bring more play, creativity, and joy into their classrooms. Each month, you’ll get exclusive episodes filled with actionable strategies, inspiring insights, and practical tools to make play the heart of your teaching.

2. What do I get with my subscription?

As a subscriber, you’ll receive:

1. Two exclusive podcast episodes each month.

2. A new play invitation idea to spark creativity in your classroom.

3. A  book review supporting professional learning to fuel your growth as an educator.

4. Bonus surprises like live Q&As, expert guest episodes, and the Play       

    Reflection Journal to track your journey—all included for free!

3. How much does it cost?

The subscription is just $15 per month—less than the cost of a takeout meal! For that price, you’ll get ongoing inspiration, strategies, and tools that make a real difference in your teaching.

4. Is this podcast for me?

If you’re an early childhood educator who believes in the power of play, this podcast is for you! Whether you’re a seasoned play-based teacher or just starting to explore this approach, Play Talks offers something for everyone.

5. Can I listen at my own pace?

Absolutely! All episodes are available on-demand, so you can listen whenever it’s convenient—on your commute, during planning time, or while relaxing at home.

6. What if I want to cancel?

You can cancel your subscription at any time. You’ll retain access to all episodes and resources until the end of your current billing cycle. No hassle, no hard feelings.

7. How do I access the podcast?

Once you subscribe, you’ll receive a private podcast link to listen on your favorite podcast app, like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It’s simple, seamless, and designed to fit into your busy life.

8. Do I need to download anything?

While you can stream all episodes directly, you’ll also have access to downloadable resources like the Play Reflection Journal to complement your learning.

9. Will there be guest episodes or extra content?

Yes! Along with the monthly episodes, we’ll occasionally feature expert guest speakers, live Q&As, and bonus episodes to keep the content fresh and engaging.

10. How do I get started?

Simply click the subscribe button, set up your membership, and start listening today! Your first episode is waiting to inspire you.

Let's Do This Thing!

It's like a big membership with all the tools but in a wrapped up easy to listen to podcast. 

All for just $15 a month.