Risky/Unstructured Play

Children are supported to take risks within their learning through a variety of activities within the centre and Bush Kindy programs.

Risky play can be defined as;

A thrilling and exciting activity that involves a risk of physical injury, and play that provides opportunities for challenge, testing limits, exploring boundaries and learning about injury risk (Sandseter (2007; Little & Wyver, 2008). Feb 25, 2015)

Children climb trees and build forts which is associated with increased physical activity, social skills, risk management skills, resilience and self-confidence. Children are unique individuals; therefore, the level of challenges and risks they seek will differ. However, we have observed that most children will actively seek risks and challenges in their play. As children observe and explore the world around them, they begin to understand their own physical abilities and their level of risk becomes more complex.

As a rule, we start with small achievable tasks such as walking along logs, uneven grounds, rocks and jumping off crates. Once children are confident and competent with these small tasks, they progress to higher levels of risk. We use investigative strategies and open-ended questioning to ensure the children consider and challenge themselves in a supportive and safe environment.

Risk and challenging play in practice

At Clearview Early Learning & Kindergarten, we implement learning opportunities such as;

• Educator supervised, woodwork benches with real tools and accessories such as hammers, nails and saws, drills, electrical saws.
• Loose parts play – providing children with items such as plastic pipes, milk crates, large reels, ropes, pulleys, wooden boxes, sticks, logs etc.
• A fire pit, where children can cook a variety of foods under the supervision of our educators and learn about the value of fire, and to remember how to always respect its power.
• Allowing children opportunity to climb, jump and challenge their unique individual physical skills
• Using climbing apparatus in different ways.
• Our regular Bush Kindy sessions empowers children to explore the wonderful resources nature provides.
• Supporting and scaffolding children to problem solve, make choices and take ownership of their play.

Note: All these activities are facilitated by our competent educators who have undergone professional development in nature play, risky/challenging play and learning.

Link to Ellen Beate Hansan Sandseter – www.ellenbeatehansensandseter.com