The group talks about assessing risk in changing conditions and for children's different abilities. Are children capable of assessing their own risks? (As in, "Should I walk down those steps wearing stilts?") No surprise, trust is at the foundation of it all. This episode was adapted from a series of discussions about big body play originally recorded for the Natural Start Alliance annual conference.

The group shares examples of big body play and the benefits for children's development. In recalling Tom's "Fight the Ball" vignette (Episode 7, Fight the Ball), we are reminded that children will invent ways to meet their own needs for intensity and physical challenge. This episode was adapted from a series of discussions about big body play originally recorded for the Natural Start Alliance annual conference.

What materials allow for a sense of abundance? How can we provide children with enough so that they can fully express themselves? When does abundance cross the line and become overwhelming? What is our responsibility in helping children learn to balance their needs for access to materials with the needs of others?

With the school year ending for many children and summer schedule changes just around the corner, it's a good time to revisit this episode about children's traditions and routines.

Do teachers too easily overlook the importance of children's classroom traditions and routines in the quest to provide novelty? Why are adults sometimes uncomfortable when children choose to repeat reliable experiences? How do we honor children's routines while also nurturing the flexibility needed during inevitable times of change.

Rethinking clean-up time as a chance for play, purpose, meaningful work and community building.

Ross encourages us to lean in to the poop jokes, fart noises, and potty talk that young children find so enthralling. It's not just a case of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." As children work to master their bodies and the realm of social interactions, talk of bodily functions can be an essential part of development.

(Link to our earlier conversation: Episode 19: Teaching with Bodily Functions in Mind)

Tom invites discussion of the anti-phobic powers of children's risky play. Spoiler alert: adults--and their fears--often get in the way, but there is hope that we can rise above our own phobias and create the conditions for mastery.  (Tom was inspired by the article, "Children's Risky Play from an Evolutionary Perspective: The Anti-Phobic Effects of Thrilling Experiences.")

Ross is inspired by a model of intergenerational care. He invites the group to explore the benefits and beauty of this "mixed age" approach.

Every child deserves a chance to be challenged. When planning environments for young children's play, how do we create the conditions that can provide challenges for all abilities? 

Hot on the heels of the discussion of running, Joey invites the group to examine children's chase play. Chase games range from simple to complex and build on many essential skills from tracking to non-verbal communication. Turns out, the ability to play chase is a foundational skill for life.