Yes you may.
Oh, you have already. Well I didn't think it was my thread anyway, I just kicked it off, let it wander where it will.

I'm thinking back to the late 40s, early 50s, but also as part of the group of adults I've not seen your way of chosing.
I agree that it's fairer, children tend to chose their friends.

I found most children wanted a turn, I think if I did something like that at Playgroup (3 -5 yrs) I'd ask who hadn't been in who wanted to, and tmp would choose from them. Most did but some newcomers were shy, and I wouldn't push them, - being away from Mum for 3 hours could be enough to cope with.