Play Nature Podcast: The Power of Toddler Play & Trusting Little Ones to Lead

Through play, young children make sense of the world, grow their brains, and build friendships. When educators and caregivers step back and let play lead, children get to facilitate their own sense of learning, discovery, and growth. 

This episode of Play Nature Podcast celebrates the natural joy and wisdom of toddler play. Host, Rusty Keeler, sits down with Deb Curtis, a longtime champion of childhood and co-author of The Art of Awareness. 

Three big takeaways from this podcast conversation include…

• Children don’t need educators and caregivers to structure everything. Self-led play is a child’s superpower.
• Toddlers have a natural inclination towards fairness and compassion.
• Slowing down and observing supports children’s play. 

Listen to the full episode here. 

About the Play Nature Podcast

This podcast is hosted by Rusty Keeler, who has been designing natural outdoor play environments for children for over 30 years. He is an advocate for child-directed play, and the author of 3 books that focus on outdoor play in early childhood.  

In the Play Nature Podcast, he dives into the beauty of outdoor play, the power of nature, and how educators can create joy-filled spaces where children can truly thrive.