Risky and Challenging Play

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The desert is a beautiful, magical place but it can come with challenges and hazards while children explore. At ECO we feel that these risks do not always have negative outcome. There are many positives that  come from taking risks. 

Risky and challenging play is important and vital to children's development. They need and want to take risks in order to explore their limits and venture into new experiences. An injury can be a distressing experience for a child and those who care for them, but the experience of minor injuries is a universal part of childhood and has a positive role in child development. Children need an environment where they can safely develop and test important skills through creative play.

Children need opportunities to:

• Develop skills in negotiating the environment (including risks);
• Learn how to use equipment safely and for its designed purpose;
• Develop coordination and orientation skills;
• Take acceptable risks; and
• Learn about the consequences (positive/negative) of risk taking

At ECO we perform risk assessment and management practices in order to ensure children remain safe while being able to reap the benefits of risky play.

Some of the ways we accomplish this is by:

• Distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable risks including:
• The likelihood of coming to harm;
• The severity of that harm; and
• The benefits, rewards or outcomes of the activity.
• Observing the children and identifying those who need greater challenge or specific support
• Establishing and displaying expectations for behaviour (like making 3 points of contact when climbing)
• Actively encouraging children to assess risks and possible consequences
• Establishing a systematic maintenance program

Learn more by checking out these resources:

• Risky Play and Children’s Safety: Balancing Priorities for Optimal Child Development