RISK PLAY

The will, the thrill and the skills that it instigates

What is risky play?

  1. Play with heights, such as climbing trees or structures
  2. Play at high speeds, such as a fast game of tag or riding a bike really fast
  3. Play with tools, such as building a fort or whittling a stick
  4. Play near elements, such as playing near fire, water, a cliff or something that a child could fall into
  5. Play with a chance of getting lost, such as wandering the neighbourhood with friends unsupervised, or simply hiding in the bushes for younger kids.
  6. Rough-and-tumble play, such as “play fighting ”

The will Instinctive urges

The thrill – Exhilarating feelings

The skill- Abilities developed

  

The risk of not letting children to take risks in their play 

How can we help children to manage risk?

  • Provide children with opportunities to take risks in their play.  
  • Provide guidance and help them to access risk.
  • Discuss safety with them.
  • Provide prompts and tips on how to approach the play safely but let children figure things out by themselves.
  • Step back and watch.
  • Control our own fears and not let them get in the way.
  • Give them time, space and conditions to engage in risky play.
  • Remove hazards.
  • Trust children’s abilities. 
  • Offer open ended materials and loose parts that allow children to create their own props and equipments.