DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET This can often lead to chaos, leave us feeling overwhelmed, and end in frustration. When we encourage baby steps, we are asking that you slow down and be mind- ful about the way you introduce new play opportunities. How else can I support child-led play? Here are a few suggestions: yy Stay out of the limelight. Don’t make yourself the center of the chil- dren’s attention or take over the play. Be close enough to offer support and to ensure safety, but far enough away that the kids don’t feel like you’re hovering. yy Be organized. Know where your materials are and be able to get to them when they’re needed. Part of your job is anticipating what the children may ask for so you can grab it in an instant when the children do ask for it. Focus on the experience. Don’t get too wrapped up in trying to ensure that kids are developing specific skills. Early learning is about shared experiences and emotional relationships, so focus on the experiences these projects and activities provide rather than on any one skill set, concept, idea, or fact. In the long run, we seldom remember the moments we learned specific skills or facts. If we remember anything about our learning, we remember the experience—who we were with, what we were doing, or how the new idea or concept clicked in our head. Observe and document. Take photos and video and even capture audio recordings of kids involved in play so you can share what they learn with the parents in your program. Do you offer any ongoing support for people trying to create (un)curriculums and support child-led play? Sure we do. We feel it is our job to support our readers after they finish our books. Check out the conclusion to learn how to connect with us. We would love to hear from you. Now go play! 6      Introduction: Social Play COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL