Resources
Favorites
We can’t recommend this subset of resources enough; any of these will help you bring some of that Birdsong Play Garden wisdom and magic into your own home.
Lifeways: Life is the Curriculum
Podcast interview of Cynthia Aldinger from the We Nurture Collective
What Young Children Really Need
"The essentials of Waldorf Early Childhood Education", Article by Susan Howard
The Danish Way Of Parenting
Book by Iben Dissing Sandahl
With Stars in Their Eyes
Book by Shariffa Oppenheimer
Simplicity Parenting
book by Kim John Payne
Supporting Play
A top researcher says it's time to rethink our entire approach to pre-K
Article by Anya Kamenetz for NPR
How to Be a Quiet Adult: Five Tips to Encourage Child-Directed Play
Article By Meghan Owenz, Ph.D. on Screen Free Parenting
Children Should be Outside for 4-6 Hours Every Day
Article by Ginny Yurich, founder of 1000 Hours Outside
How Much Should I Play With My Child?
Podcast #93 from Simplicity Parenting with Kim John Payne
5 Proven Benefits Of Play
Article by Anya Kamenetz for NPR
Academics and Early Childhood
Stop Worrying About Your Preschooler’s Education
Janet Lansbury 'Unruffled' podcast episode and transcript with guest Teacher Tom
Be Careful What You Teach (It Might Interfere with What They Are Learning)
Janet Lansbury 'Unruffled' podcast episode and transcript
The Googlifying of Childhood
Podcast #98 from Simplicity Parenting with Kim John Payne
Time in Nature Contributes to Increased Academic Success
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
Songs, Poems, and Games
Human Interaction and the Value of Finger Plays
Article by Jerilyn Burke
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article by Chinyelu Kunz of WeNurture
Introducing the new & improved TV Detox
Learn How to Replace Screen-Time with Independent Play with Jerrica Sannes, founder of Raise Wildflowers
Screen-Free Parenting
Website by Meghan Owenz, Ph.D. and husband and marketing professor Adam Owenz
It may be educational, but what is that TV show really teaching your preschooler?
Article on Science Daily from Iowa State University
Fairplay: childhood beyond brands
Website for Fairplay, "the leading nonprofit organization committed to helping children thrive in an increasingly commercialized, screen-obsessed culture, and the only organization dedicated to ending marketing to children."
Screen Time Creep
Podcast #111 from Simplicity Parenting with Kim John Payne
TEDxRainier – Dimitri Christakis – Media and Children
Truce: Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainments
Website for Truce: "a grassroots organization of educators who prepare materials and provide information to help parents and educators work to counteract the harmful impact of commercial culture, media, and marketing on children's play, learning, and behavior."