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Risky Play

This document explores the concept of risky play in Early Learning and Care (ELC) environments, highlighting its benefits for children's development, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. It discusses how practitioners can implement and support risky play while balancing safety and challenge, and emphasizes the importance of involving families in the process. The document concludes with a reflection on the necessity of integrating risky play into ELC practices for holistic child development.

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Sara Viera
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23 views6 pages

Risky Play

This document explores the concept of risky play in Early Learning and Care (ELC) environments, highlighting its benefits for children's development, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. It discusses how practitioners can implement and support risky play while balancing safety and challenge, and emphasizes the importance of involving families in the process. The document concludes with a reflection on the necessity of integrating risky play into ELC practices for holistic child development.

Uploaded by

Sara Viera
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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RISKY PLAY IN EARLY LEARNING AND

CARE (ELC)
INTRODUCTION
In this assignment I will explore the concept of risky play within Early
Learning and Care (ELC) environments, how they are implemented in
ELS, the benefits and challenges they entail, and the highlighting of
the practitioner’s role in supporting such play.

Risky play refers to thrilling activities involving uncertainty and the


possibility of minor physical harm, contributing to a child’s
development (Sandseter, 2007). The six categories of risky play
include play with heights, speed, dangerous tools, and dangerous
elements, rough-and-tumble play and play where children may
disappear or become lost (Sandseter, 2007; Aistear-Síolta Practice
Guide, Topic 4).

The Aistear-Síolta Practice Guide says that one of the things that
helps children the most is to create a balance between safety and
challenges in an activity, since that develops autonomy in them.
According to Barnardos (ChildLinks, 2018), indicates that playing
these types of games fosters skills that will be useful in everyday life,
such as problem solving or confidence.

Through insights from the Creative Learning & Play textbook, the
Aistear-Síolta Practice Guide, and Siren Films, I will analyze and
research risky play's role in children’s holistic development and
research.

RESEARCH
HOW RISKY PLAY IS IMPLEMENTED IN THE ELC
ENVIRONMENT
Siren Films provides examples where children engage with tools like
hammers and saws during supervised woodworking projects. Such
activities, categorized as play with dangerous tools, promote
responsibility and fine motor skill development (Siren Films, n.d.).
Similarly, activities involving water or small fires, such as outdoor
cooking, align with the category of play near dangerous elements,
emphasizing risk awareness and critical thinking (Aistear-Síolta
Practice Guide, Topic 4).
Siren Films provides examples where children interact with tools
during supervised woodworking projects. These activities, which use
dangerous tools, promote responsibility and fine motor development
(Siren Films, n.d.). The same is true for similar activities involving
water or campfires, such as outdoor cooking. All these activities fall
under the category of play near hazardous elements, which
emphasizes risk awareness and critical thinking (Aistear-Síolta
Practice Guide, Topic 4).

HOW TO CREATE AWARENESS AROUND THE TOPIC


WITH CHILDREN
Awareness of risky play can be developed in several ways, including
by building children's confidence and ability to make judgments about
different situations. According to the Aistear-Síolta Practice Guide,
children should be supported to examine and assess the risks in
conditions to make their own decisions based on their abilities. For
example, professionals can encourage a child to judge whether they
can safely climb a particular tree by providing guidance and
reassurance rather than direct intervention (Aistear-Síolta Practice
Guide, Topic 4).

The Creative Learning & Play textbook highlights the fundamentals of


helping children learn to manage their abilities in the face of
dangerous activities, such as a strategy where professionals model
safe behavior or offer verbal guidance before allowing children to act
independently, as this allows children to work in a space where they
will build confidence and competence (Creative Learning & Play, n.d.).

Siren Films further emphasizes the importance of involving children in


creating rules for playgrounds. By creating these rules together,
children learn about boundaries and the consequences of their
actions. This process aligns with participatory learning theories, which
emphasize the importance of involving children in decision-making to
foster responsibility and critical thinking (Barnardos, 2018).

HOW RISKY PLAY IMPACTS THE CHILD'S LEARNING


AND DEVELOPMENT
Risky play has a positive impact on children's holistic development by
promoting physical, cognitive, emotional and social growth. Sandseter
(2007) notes that physical challenges, such as climbing or running,
improve motor skills, strength and coordination. Cognitive benefits
also include problem-solving and critical thinking as children are
confronted with complex play scenarios.

On an emotional level, the different challenges that children face in


risky play foster self-confidence and resilience. Successfully
overcoming a risky game, such as climbing an unstable structure,
gives children a sense of achievement, which strengthens their self-
esteem (Barnardos, 2018).

On a social level, risky play promotes cooperation and empathy,


especially in group activities, where children learn to respect others'
boundaries and negotiate rules (Aistear-Síolta Practical Guide, Topic
4).

Language development is also an advantage that develops from risky


play. Collaborative tasks involve discussing ideas with other children
and negotiating the roles each of them will have in that activity, which
enriches vocabulary and communication skills (Creative Learning &
Play, n.d.).

ROLE OF THE ELC PRACTITIONER IN PLANNING


EXPERIENCES
The ELC professional plays a key role in planning and facilitating risky
play experiences. According to the Creative Learning & Play textbook,
professionals should consider whether the benefit outweighs the risk
when evaluating activities to be undertaken, ensuring that the risks
are developmental and not harmful.

Practitioners should also actively supervise while allowing children to


explore freely. For example, during a woodworking session observed
at Siren Films, children used real tools under close supervision,
ensuring safety without stifling creativity (Siren Films, n.d.). This
balance supports the development of independence and
responsibility.

The Aistear-Síolta Practice Guide also highlights the importance of


working with families to address any safety concerns. By
communicating the developmental benefits of risky play and
demonstrating safety measures, practitioners can build trust and
support. (Aistear-Siolta Practice Guide, Topic 4).

EVALUATION
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF RISKY PLAY
One of the main benefits of risky play is the development of
confidence and motor skills. As children face challenges, they develop
self-esteem and learn to manage both the emotions that come with
facing one of those challenges and the risks independently
(Sandseter, 2007).

However, the possibility of injury must always be kept in mind as it is


a major factor and inconvenience. Even with careful supervision,
accidents can occur, which can lead to concern among parents.
Research from Barnardos (2018) suggests that addressing these
concerns involves clear communication about safety protocols and
the importance of risk-taking for development.

RECOMMENDATION
To promote risky play, ELC professionals should undertake ongoing
training to improve their understanding of risk management and how
to react to risks should an incident occur. Workshops and training
sessions can provide them with the skills needed to balance safety
with development opportunities. In addition, involving families in
discussions about risky play can build trust and foster a supportive
environment (Aistear-Síolta Practice Guide, Topic 4).

REFLECTION
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPERIENCE
Researching risky play involved consulting module materials, such as
the Aistear-Síolta Practice Guide and Siren Films and engaging in
group discussions. These activities deepened my understanding of the
balance required between safety and freedom in ELC settings.

FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS


Initially, I felt hesitant about promoting risky play due to potential
safety concerns. However, learning about its developmental benefits
shifted my perspective. I now feel more confident about implementing
risky play.

EVALUATION OF THE EXPERIENCE


The benefits of risky play, including resilience, problem-solving, and
physical development, outweigh the challenges of potential injury. By
adopting a risk-benefit approach, practitioners can create safe yet
enriching environments for children (Barnardos, 2018).

ANALYSIS
Providing opportunities for risky play is crucial in ELC as it supports
holistic development and prepares children for future challenges
(Aistear-Síolta Practice Guide, Topic 4).

CONCLUSION
This assignment has taught me the importance of balancing safety
and freedom in risky play. I now understand how to create
environments that support exploration while minimizing harm.

ACTION PLAN
In my future career, I will apply these insights by integrating risky play
into daily activities, using a risk-benefit framework to plan safe and
engaging experiences.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barnardos (2018) ChildLinks Issue 3: Children's Risky Play. Available
at: https://www.barnardos.ie (Accessed: [20 November 2024]).

Department of Education and Skills (2015) Aistear-Síolta Practice


Guide. Available at: https://www.aistearsiolta.ie(Accessed: [21
November 2024]).

Gray, P. (2013) Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will
Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for
Life. New York: Basic Books.

Siren Films (n.d.) Risky Play Videos. Available at:


https://www.sirenfilms.co.uk (Accessed: [20 November 2024]).

White, J. (2014) Playing and Learning Outdoors: Making Provision for


High-Quality Experiences in the Outdoor Environment. 2nd edn.
London: Routledge.

Casey, T. (2007) Environments for Outdoor Play: A Practical Guide to


Making Space for Children. London: Paul Chapman Publishing.

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