Confession: my favorite part of any cooking class I've ever taken wasn't the recipe. It was watching people mess up the recipe in genuinely creative ways (looking at you, guy who added an entire palm of salt instead of a pinch). That's part of why I've been pondering what a live VIP session should actually be. I could sit here and guess, but you're the one who'd actually be logging in, so I'd rather ask. Quick refresher: every month will bring 4 new labs, one each for Curious Kitchen, Build, Play, and Story, each running a week with its own guide. VIP adds live sessions plus the full Companion Field Guide for every lab. So here's my real question: if you had one hour a month live with me, what would actually be useful? Tell me in the comments. Whichever gets the most votes is what I'm building first.

Once a month, I invite community members to share their community or business \(if not on Skool\). We'd love to know more about the amazing communities you're building and leading here with us. I typically due this on the first Saturday of each month but with the holiday weekend in the US last week, here we go. Take a moment and share, in the comments: 1. Who you are and who you serve. 2. A quick snapshot of just 1 or 2 sentences about what your community or business is all about. 3. Your about page link or website, so folks can connect with you if they are interested. And while you're at it, why not check out 1 or 2 other communities in the thread that catch your eye. Let's celebrate each other.

I'm thrilled to welcome some wonderful new faces to Connected Through Play! I'm also trying something new this month and changing my welcome message. I'd love to know if you prefer this style or if you would rather just be welcomed by name? I'll include your first steps to navigating the community in the comment. Let me know what you think. @Senka Kovacevic brings a background in economics and a passion for special education and Montessori she's here for practical advice for teaching her 8-year-old. @Iryna Miroshnychenko, you two share that love of hands-on, curiosity-driven learning, why not connect and swap ideas? @N Nijdam is always searching for new ways to connect with her 4-year-old and lives in Amsterdam. @Stacey Hayward has a 4-year-old and a 9-year-old and is keen for fresh inspiration. @Abs F is raising three high-energy boys and wants purposeful, safe play you three have overlapping ages and goals, so you may want to connect in the comments and share what's working! @Corrie Herrin wants to connect better with both her teenager and kindergartner a beautiful dual challenge. @Shaye Williams is homeschooling five young children and looking for creative connection ideas. @Jen Staniforth, with kids ranging 5–19, may be a perfect match for you both. You may want to check out her Skool community The Baby Sleep Skool. @Iryna Miroshnychenko teaches kids and believes every child is a genius, she's here for experiments and meaningful lessons that spark curiosity. @Hira Palla is homeschooling a toddler and newborn and needs to keep her little one entertained while learning. @Josephine Withers has an "outside flavor" toddler and wants more activities. @Jessica Senhorinha is juggling two curious builders (PreK and primary) with limited time and wants quick, ready-to-go options for real connection you three are all in the toddler/PreK zone, so team up for ideas!

Are you motivated by the Skool leaderboard or is it a ho-hum thing for you? I personally waffle on weather or not I find leaderboards helpful. However, I as a community owner, the leaderboard is a wonderful way to keep our community members engaged and recognize those who have been active inside the community. So, drumroll please as we recognize our Connected Through Play Top 10.Here's something very cool, 5 out of our Top 10 will also be hosting sessions at the #Unplug & Play event in August. Can you guess who? This month's leaderboard is absolutely ON FIRE! 🔥 #1 @Sandy Chong — Crushing it as our sourdough baker extraordinaire, and holding strong at #10 all-time! #2 @Paulette Ng e Ng — Building incredible creative connections from the UK and making her mark! #3 @Jen Staniforth — The pediatric sleep specialist bringing 20 years of wisdom AND sitting at #6 all-time! #4 @Anna Murrietta — Designing a life of freedom and purpose after 25+ years of corporate leadership! #5 @Celia Kibler — Helping parents raise calm, confident kids and ranking #7 all-time too! #6 @Cristal Vancarson — LA photographer helping everyone show up powerfully on camera! #7 @Evelene Sterling — Cancer Thrivers owner and Skoolyard admin bringing the gardening and sewing vibes, plus #4 all-time! #8 @Sharon Yeh — Guiding cellular healing with science and soul! #9 @Gus Gray — The Lightwright helping you create a career that lights you up, and our #2 all-time legend! #10 @Paula Artis — IT instructor and ordained minister sharing 20+ years of expertise! Who's ready to climb the board next month?

Greetings to my fantastic and supportive community members. First, I'd like to start by extending a warm welcome to @Chanie Twersky who is the founder of Peak Parenting. She's a wise human and I think you will enjoy getting to know her. Second, I'm going to be away from the computer most of the week attending and presenting at the Chattanooga Homeschool Expo. I have a request, while I'm away, can you post some fun games, play ideas, or just get to know you conversations? We're building great momentum here and I am trying to avoid the summer (at least northern hemisphere) doldrums. I'm attending several play focused workshops and presenting on play as a learning tool so I'll be sure to bring back some new ideas. I look forward to learning from all of you while I'm away.