10/08/2026
"We don't stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing" - George Bernard Shaw
A little story...A pivotal moment in my career ....
About 18 years ago.. I was the director of a kindergarten... Somewhat still inexperienced....with a 4 year old boy who presented what we call 'challenging behaviours'.
Refusing to follow instruction, aggressive, rebellious, overwhelmed, dysregulated, destructive and angry.
I offered so many play opportunities and supportive learning environments. Met with his parents. Supported referral pathways, did a million observations to try and make sense of his behaviours. I even tried being 'firm' with my boundaries and classroom rules.
Then one day, I'll never forget it ....something changed.
We were both sitting under a big tree. When he was talking to me, I decided to put down the heavy weight I was carrying, my adult agendas and my power, my ego, ..... and I looked into his eyes.
I realised my eyes were no different to his, we both hold fears, worries, curiosity, innocence, wonder and a desire to learn, experiment and inquire.
My mood shifted. I entered the world of imagination. I climbed the tree with him, I dug some holes in the dirt, when he wore his favourite tutu from the dress ups area.... he offered me one, I wore it and then we ran around the yard.... and...we.. ....PLAYED!
All of the weight I was carrying lifted. I felt lighter, more clarity. More understanding and he let me into his world.
He saw that I not only was listening to his language of play, but I was showing I valued it by speaking the language with him.
In the end, it's not really the story of the 4 year old boy at all, It is the story of ME, rediscovering my nature play impulse and harnessing it as a teaching tool.
*Planning4Play2026 Conference
Reclaiming The Play Instinct: How Rediscovering Our Nature Play Impulse Transforms Pedagogy
