Ep 12 | The Power of Toddler Play: Trusting Little Ones to Lead and Learn with Deb Curtis
Play is serious stuff. It’s how kids make sense of the world, grow their brains, build friendships, and show us their natural brilliance. When we step back and let play lead, magic happens.
In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, we’re celebrating the joy, wisdom, and wildness of children’s play, just as it is. Host Rusty Keeler sits down with Deb Curtis, a longtime champion of childhood and co-author of The Art of Awareness. With stories straight from the classroom and a heart full of curiosity, Deb reminds us that children are already wired for empathy, fairness, and deep learning—no adult scripts required.
Here are three big takeaways from the conversation with Deb:
- Kids don’t need us to structure everything. Play is their superpower.
- Trust what you see: fairness, compassion, and problem-solving are already there.
- Want to support play? Slow down, observe, and be amazed.
Make sure to check out the YouTube video where Deb and Rusty discuss pictures of toddler play and playscapes from Deb's program over the years: youtube.com/watch?v=O2BG239oqYs
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
