Author: Daniel Burton
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The Aesthetic of Play: Protecting the Messy Beauty of Childhood
“The idea of the ‘aesthetic of play’ isn’t about neat spaces or visual perfection. It’s the beauty in chaos, the poetry of half-built cubby houses and scattered loose parts. It’s… Read more
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Sensory Risk-Taking at Bush Playgroup
At Bush Playgroup this week, something small and beautiful unfolded beside the Swan River. What began as a hesitant touch of clay slowly grew into curiosity, confidence, and pride. Moments… Read more
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Walking the Evolved Nest Path – My Journey as a Nesting Ambassador
Earlier this year, I received a call from my friend and colleague, Cameron Sprague of Stramash Outdoor Nursery in Scotland. Cameron is someone I deeply respect – not only for the way… Read more
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Windmills and Nests: Training Our Senses on the Road
On the long stretches of road that wind through the South West of Western Australia, Trudi and I found ourselves playing a simple game. We call it “Windmill.” The rules… Read more
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Play is Not Optional
I read the recent Conversation piece with a heavy heart. The question it posed, does play belong in primary school, signals a drift toward an archaic view of education that privileges rigid,… Read more
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Permission to Play and Get Muddy
A few weekends ago, I spent a glorious afternoon with a young friend in the middle of what can only be described as a giant puddle. Really, it was more… Read more
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Boodja Beedawong – Awakening an Outdoor Classroom
At the edge of the oval at John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School lies a quiet patch of bush – a place of rustling leaves, sandy paths, and reaching trees.… Read more
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The Power of Play at The Yard, Play:GroundNYC
During my recent visit to The Yard, Play:Ground NYC, I spent a day immersed in the world of Playwork with Yoni Kallai, Co-Founder, Head Playworker, and Interim Director. The sessions that I… Read more
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Redefining Play and Connection for Adolescents
In partnership with Guildford Grammar School, Educated by Nature has embarked on an innovative project to bring play back into the lives of Year 7 students through an Adventure Playground.… Read more
