DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET play can unfold in lots of different ways. We suggest you step back and enjoy the journey while ensuring everyone’s health and safety. Let play evolve. Embrace spontaneity, throw caution to the wind, and go with it! No matter where they take the play, children will learn something of value. What if I get a feeling a child is experiencing some sort of developmental delay? If you feel a child is experiencing some sort of delay in their development, speak up. Talk to the child’s parent, voice your concern, and take advantage of commu- nity resources that support families in this situation. How can I support kids who are new to child-led play and exploration? Here are a few simple ideas: yy Pair them with an older child who has lots of play experience. yy Model play for the child yourself. yy Remember the value of baby steps. Help the child ease into self-led play. yy Offer encouraging words and supportive conversation when they try new things. (“I like how you tried the fingerpaints. How did it feel to paint with your fingers?” or “I see you were building with the card- board boxes. What were you making?”) Why are some of the book’s activities just for adults? We feel it is important for adults who live and work with children to step back from time to time and think about their process and practices—to contemplate their policies and choices—so we included chapters that we see as thought adven- tures for adults. It is good to take time once in a while to think about how you approach different topics. Look at these chapters as starting points for evaluating your approach to the topics discussed. What are baby steps and why should I take them? Baby steps are small, slow, mindful steps. Many times we adults want to rush in and make big changes or try lots of new things when we are exposed to new ideas. Introduction: Social Play      5 COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL