Democratic Education and the Play Cycle with Mathilda Element

In this episode we learn about Democratic Education and the theory of the Play Cycle from Educator and Parent, Mathilda Element, from Pine Community School in Brisbane. We chat about the key concepts behind democratic education and consensus decision making that underpin the values at Pine Community School, as well as the importance of multi-age play and the details of a child’s Play Cycle.   We discuss:The umbrella term of democratic education and the idea of consensus decision making  The value of multi-age play The importance of philosophy of play and the value of this across the spectrum of age rangesThat play is driven by children – if it is driven by adults it can be described as playful but it is not playThe concept of the the Play Cycle in play-work theory– a term first coined by Gordon Sturrock and the late Perry ElseThe play cycle:1.     Play Drive: All play begins with the play drive that is the instinctive desire and need to play2.     Play Cue: From this drive the child may produce an action which can be very subtle or very obvious3.     Play Return: The feedback a child receives from a play cue is called a play return.  4.     Play Flow: This is established once the play has commenced, and is a continuation of cues and returns. 5.     Play Frame: The process of play is ‘contained’ by the play frame. The play frame can be a material boundary that keeps the play intact;  the rules of the game or understanding between the participants.  A frame can be many things – a table, a playground or something broader6.     Play Annihilation: When the flow of play is terminated by children. This can be the end of the game or perhaps the destruction of a recently constructed model7.     Play Adulteration: If an adult intervenes and tries to lead or force it they will be denying the play drive purpose and adulterating the child playResources Referred ToBooks:Children are People Too - Louise Porter https://kit.co/Wildlings/respectful-parenting-books/children-are-peopleParenting for a Peaceful World – Robin Grille https://kit.co/Wildlings/respectful-parenting-books/parenting-for-a-peacThe Opposite of Worry – Laurence Cohen https://kit.co/Wildlings/respectful-parenting-books/the-opposite-of-worrPlayful Parenting Everything is Figuroutable - Marie ForleoWebsiteswww.pinecommunityschool.org www.humanitashighschool.org.au educationrevolution.org Other ways we can help you: Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

Om Podcasten

Welcome to Raising Wildlings, a podcast about parenting, alternative education and stepping into the wilderness, however that looks, with your family. Each week, we’ll be interviewing experts that truly inspire us, to answer your parenting and education questions. We’ll also be sharing stories from some incredible families that took the leap, and are taking the road less travelled. Whether you’re a parent looking for tips on how to better handle those sibling squabbles and tantrums, a couple searching for ways to create more freedom within your family’s lifestyle, an educator keen to explore alternative schooling models and how children learn, a father keen to delve into respectful parenting philosophies, or a mother wanting to learn more about why play is so important and how to get children outdoors safely, then this is the podcast for you. Each week you’ll get tried and tested tactics from parenting, play and education experts to help you on your journey towards creating the happiest, healthiest lifestyle you can for your family. We’ll also chat to real life families who have created freedom within their lives and are living life on their own terms. They’ll teach you how they did it and how you can too. And of course, you’ll hear from us about all things nature play and alternative education. We’ll answer all your questions on how children learn, the importance of play in all its forms, children’s rights and autonomy, and how to get your children outside safely, more often. This podcast hopes to empower parents and educators to raise kinder, more resilient, more adaptable children by helping them maintain happy connections and healthy lifestyles. So, what are you waiting for?! Let's dive in! Hit subscribe now to be notified when new episodes go live. To download our free Respectful Language Printable Cheat Sheet, head to: www.wildlingsforestschool.com/shop/respectful-language