“It’s our polite nudge in the ribs to help you and your team stay organised and on task.”
This week’s subject is: Risky and open-ended play.
Element 3.2.2: Resources, materials and equipment allow for multiple uses, are sufficient in number, and enable every child to engage in play-based learning.
How are your environment, resources, materials and equipment selected and set up to support and encourage children of all ages to engage in safe and appropriately measured risky play to support their development and confidence?
When children have opportunities to make choices, to attempt tasks, to make decisions for themselves, and to take on increasing responsibilities, they are able to recognise their influence and significance in the world and develop skills in assessing and taking calculated risks. In doing so, they develop an understanding of themselves as significant, respected and feel a sense of belonging (Early Years Learning Framework).
Children and young people take risks throughout their play organically and as a natural part of their development. Risky play isn’t limited to a specific set of activities, experiences or resources, nor is it a category to slot into your program during curriculum decision-making. Educators should view risky play as a continual and evolving component of children’s play-based learning that occurs throughout childhood, at all stages of development.
Educators can support children to take measured risks by using their knowledge of individual children’s level of development when planning and setting up the learning environment. Educators use their knowledge of children’s interests and capabilities to support them to explore, challenge their boundaries and in turn develop new skills and build confidence in a safe and secure environment. When educators provide an environment and resources that support children to engage in open-ended, risky play they support children in their overall development and the development of a range of fundamental skills including:
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- improve risk-management skills
- building confidence and self-esteem whilst fostering a growth mindset
- enhance physical development
- problem-solving skills
- building resilience and perseverance
- support creativity, imagination and resourcefulness
- develop motor skills
- develop visuospatial skills
- opportunities for connection with the natural environment
- support their social-emotional development
- use motor planning and sequencing skills to execute complex movements
- develop an understanding of “cause and effect”
- awareness of their own individual capabilities
While the benefits of providing a range of opportunities for children to engage in risky play are significant, it’s important for educators to balance the opportunities for risky and open-ended play with appropriate safety measures. Effective supervision, thorough environmental risk-assessment processes, and teaching children about safety can ensure that they reap the benefits of such play without unnecessary risk of injury.
Resources:
Amplify: The benefits of expanding our notion of risky play
The Sector: Practising essential risky play safely in ECEC settings
Why risky play is important for young children
Ted Talk: How to raise resilient children in a fear-based world, Lukas Ritson
ABC News: Day-care Centres are exposing children to risky play and there are unexpected results
Risky Play In The Early Years: How To Encourage Safe Exploration And Growth
Within System7 go to Quality Area 3/Modules 9 and 10 to submit self-assessment notes and if required, open a QIP issue if you identify any areas of improvement.
The Childcare Centre Desktop has a range of resources to assist services with play-based learning. These include Educational Program Policy, Physical Activity Policy, Physical Environment Policy, Risk Assessment Templates, Risk Assessment Guide and Procedure, Safety Checklists, Adventurous Play Policy and much more.
Resources, NQS Element, Regulation and System7 links:
Childcare Centre Desktop – Childcare Centre Desktop
National Quality Standard – QA 3/ 3.2.2- Resources support play-based learning
National Regulations – 73, 105, 113
System7 Module – QA 3/Modules 9 and 10
If you have any questions send us a note via the Contact page here!
