Before the culture of fear, "helicopter" parents or No Child Left Behind came the real enemy of childhood. The *thing* that changed it more than anything else, everywhere: the automobile.
Hello, Denver!
in Press
A special thanks to reporter Madeline Schroeder for sharing the ideas of adventure play with her 30,000 readers in the Front Porch Stapleton.
I want to give credit to author Jay Griffiths whose idea I referenced when I spoke about children being free spirits, drawn to adventuresome characters like performers and cowboys. Jay writes about this in her incredible book Kith: The Riddle of the Childscape which I evangelize at every opportunity.
In thinking about this idea, I'd like to add Harry Potter to the list of magic-infused, inspiring risk-takers. Who else do children admire and mimic in their imaginative play? Sports heroes... who else?
The Atlantic
in Press
Thanks to everyone who viewed and shared the clip and Q & A at The Atlantic.com making it one of their most watched videos. We continue to get daily emails from around the world from teachers, parents and advocates wanting to learn more and see the film. We can't wait to share later this year. Play on!
CBC Radio: The Current
Make time to hear this 25 minute segment about play on CBC Radio's latest episode of The Current. It's an honor to be included in the conversation about play alongside some incredible voices:
- Bruce McLachlin, the New Zealand principal who banned rules on his playground, resulting in decreased bullying.
- A pre-school teacher with a hammer and nails offering in her classroom &
- Roger Hart on anarchy as self governance among children and more.
It's a great conversation starter if you're advocating for play.
Link not working? Google: " CBC Freedom to be a kid "
P.S. Link not working? Google: " CBC Freedom to be a kid "
P.P.S. A note of clarification: children at The Land are not "encouraged to play with sharp tools and run around with pointy sticks." They do, however, have permission to use tools and other objects including paint, bikes, tires & palettes etc., as they wish. Safety is a high priority at The Land. However, an important distinction is made: safety involves removing hazards. It doesn't involve removing risk.
Smith Memorial Playground
This weekend in Phili I reunited with Pop Up Adventure Play for one of their final tour stops at the Smith Memorial Playground. One of the first warm nights of the year, we had a lovely workshop with parents, teachers and play staff on the porch of Smith's historic mansion.
I screened a scene in progress, which happens to feature some advanced fire play and playworking by Dave. Impressive stuff. It was a thrill to see the footage projected for the very first time and gave me chills to think of the many more backyard screenings to come.
On Saturday there was playworking in action as Morgan and Suzanna did their thing in the Pop Up Adventure Playground. I flexed my own playwork muscles and became, essentially, a tape ripper for a few hours (duct tape is hard for little hands, but PERFECT for cardboard swords). Kids had access to all sorts of stuff and could make or do anything they wanted. "Is this a science club?" I was asked more than once. "Nope. Just go for it." And they did.
Pop Up Adventure Feather Box @ Smith's Pop Up Adventure Playground.
Getting the Word Out
Three interviews in 3 days with national news outlets in 3 countries, each in a different media -- Katie Couric, daytime American TV, CBC Radio Canada & The Guardian UK -- yow! Getting the word out about The Land (the doc & the playground!) Will post links when they're up.
Room With A View
In a play space that is constantly changing there is one thing that is firmly planted, not going anywhere -- The Office. The green shipping container at the far end of the playground is where children first stop after crossing The Land from the main entrance, before digging into their day's play.
Inside is where Claire sorts receipts and tabulates the budget. Where playworkers write and file risk assessments (below) and graffiti the walls with quotes like, "through play we become human."
Frequently throughout the day, constantly even, heads pop through the door. "Hiya." "What are you doing?" "Where's Dave?" "Have we got a saw?" "Can you build me a den?" "What time is street play?"
And despite an inch of muddy slush, a sofa, and piles of loose parts (broken umbrellas, loose papers, a box of foot-long stickers of the number '6', two silver trash cans, and a pack of socks to rescue cold, wet toes...) the playworkers squeeze in each evening to share a brew (tea!) and reflect after a long day. The slimy view of an ever-changing playspace cannot be beat.
Cozy in its disorder, there always seems room for one more.
Q & A
in Press
I had a great opportunity to answer some questions for The Atlantic about the film and what keeps adventure play from taking off in the US. Check it out!
