For promoting composting? Jesus, I don't think you've ever been within 50 feet of a child, nevermind having been one at some point in the long-distant past.
It's fundamental play. Sight, smell, touch are stimulated, in the context of incremental, controlled danger, and tool manipulation.
The poop is "bad", but it's stationary, so safe to approach and investigate the edges of.
Subgames include:
- breaking the crusty layer on the surface, revealing fresh shit inside
- getting close enough to smell the poop, learning how the hedonic treadmill works
- breaking it into pieces
- smooshing it back together
- trying to pick up pieces with the stick
- showing the poop to other kids, seeing if they are disgusted or interested
It's fundamental play. Sight, smell, touch are stimulated, in the context of incremental, controlled danger, and tool manipulation.
The poop is "bad", but it's stationary, so safe to approach and investigate the edges of.
Subgames include:
- breaking the crusty layer on the surface, revealing fresh shit inside
- getting close enough to smell the poop, learning how the hedonic treadmill works
- breaking it into pieces
- smooshing it back together
- trying to pick up pieces with the stick
- showing the poop to other kids, seeing if they are disgusted or interested