FIELD NOTES
The Play Lab
This is where we write down what happens when a game meets real people. Field notes are coming soon.
Coming soon
These are the experiments we are lining up, each with the question we want answered. Every one will become a dated field note with what worked, what did not, and what we changed.
COMING SOON 0001
A box, a cushion, and taking turns
One low box on the floor, a few big soft things, and players taking turns to add or move one.
What we want to find out: Do players ask for another round when the pile slides, or do they walk away?
COMING SOON 0002
A stack that two people have to agree on
A low shared stack where each player places one piece and then hands the turn over.
What we want to find out: Does deciding together what counts as finished keep it friendly?
COMING SOON 0003
Chalk paths with more than one way through
A chalk path with choices at each step, drawn by one player and followed by another.
What we want to find out: Do children start drawing their own paths without being asked?
COMING SOON 0004
Half an hour, one invited friend
A caregiver invites one other family for a short shared building task.
What we want to find out: Is a small building job enough of a reason for a child to invite someone?
How a field note is recorded
- The game, the materials, and the space, described plainly.
- Who played, in general terms only. No children's names, photos, schools, or locations.
- What we saw.
- What went wrong and what we changed.
- The date.
The question we care about most
When the game is put away, does anyone ask to play it again?
Try one yourself
Every idea on this page already has full instructions.
Balancing objects + Cooperation
The Big-Box Balance Challenge
One big box, a pile of soft things, and one question: will the next one stay put?
Building + Cooperation
Bring-a-Friend Box Challenge
An easy reason to invite one friend: design and build a cardboard course together in half an hour.
Building + Soft targets
Cardboard Fort and Targets
One team builds a fort scene around a target. The other tries to knock the target over. Then switch.
Balancing objects + Body movement
Carry It on Top
For confident walkers: carry a soft thing on a small cushion, a few steps, to you.
Balancing objects
One Thing on Top
One soft thing, one low flat place to put it. The very first balancing game.
Body movement + Outdoor movement
Sidewalk Chalk Paths
Draw a path of lines, islands and stop signs on the pavement. Travel it any way you like.
Soft targets + Building
Soft-Target Tower
Stack a low tower of empty tubes and cartons. One gentle toss each. Why did that one survive?
Balancing objects + Building
Stack and Switch
Place one piece, then switch. The next player may add to your work or fix it. Build one stack together.
Balancing objects
The Wobbly Bowl
An upside-down plastic bowl and one soft thing. Rounded on top, so it slides.
Balancing objects + Building
Two High, Three High
Light empty boxes, stacked two high and then three. Knocking it down is part of it.