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Challenges in Children’s Play: Is it Worth the Risk?
Creative Childcare • October 30, 2019
Playgrounds provide a safe environment for children to grow in confidence, abilities and self-esteem while honing their social and gross motor skills. In fact, childcare centres in Australia
often incorporate playtime into their educational plan. Most people, however, when looking back on their own childhoods, remember playtime riddled with challenges and risk that have helped shape them as individuals. As parents, if you’re wondering why children seek challenges and risks during play and if it’s okay to allow it, Creative Childcare explains further:
Risky and Challenging Plays
Early education centres implement learning opportunities during playtime through a variety of ways.
- Loose parts play - where children are provided with items like pipes, milk crates, wooden boxes and logs
- Supervised cooking - where children cook damper in fire pits while supervised by educators. This activity also helps them respect the power and learn the value of fire.
- Climbing and jumping activities - where children use climbing apparatus in non-traditional ways to challenge their physical skills
- Excursions - where children can explore the different resources that nature provides
On their own, these activities can be quite risky and challenging, as children are naturally very curious. However, when done with the proper supervision as part of child care in Australia, they are slowly guided in these situations, allowing them safely explore to their heart’s content.
The Benefits of Risky Play
In the paper, Managing Risk in Play Provision, by the Tasmanian Catholic Education Commission, they stated that “risk-taking is an essential part of children’s play. Managing that risk is the key to providing opportunities that support growth and development and keep children safe from unreasonable risk and injury. The balancing of these two is vital for our children’s health and development.” (Allen and Rapee, 2005 cited in Sanseter, E. and Kennair, L. 2011)
Dr Anne Kennedy further discussed risky play for children at length in an article published in the Putting Children First Issue 31. She said that the “...benefits for children from these requirements are reduced if child care professionals use them to limit what they provide in the way of interesting and challenging environments and experiences. The ‘cotton wool’ approach can result in over-restrictive limitations on children’s right to play, experiment, explore, and to extend themselves within a stimulating, yet safe environment.”
Life will always be full of risk, and by providing your children with the opportunities to participate in challenging play in a learning environment, we allow them to develop important life skills such as measured risk-taking and problem-solving.
At Creative Childcare in Australia , we recognise the importance of risky play and ensure that our students have a safe learning environment where they can be free to participate in and experience challenging situations. Contact us today.
Give your child the best start at Creative Childcare Hunter Street with play-based learning, caring educators, and a nurturing environment.
At Creative Childcare Hunter Street, we believe that curiosity and creativity are the building blocks of a child’s growth and development. By fostering an environment where young minds can explore, imagine, and create, we empower children to think outside the box and approach the world with wonder. Here are the ways we inspire curiosity and creativity every day: Inspiring Exploration Through Play Play is at the heart of our approach to learning. Whether indoors or outdoors, we provide opportunities for children to discover new ideas, experiment with materials, and engage their senses. From exploring nature in our garden to building imaginative worlds with blocks, we encourage children to follow their curiosity and lead their own learning adventures. Encouraging Questions and Discovery We nurture a culture of inquiry, where children feel confident asking questions and seeking answers. Our educators actively engage with children’s ideas, guiding them through hands-on activities and discussions that spark discovery. By turning questions into opportunities for exploration, we cultivate a love of learning that stays with them for life. Creative Arts and Expression Art is a powerful way for children to express themselves. At our centre, we provide a wide variety of creative materials—from paints and crayons to clay and recycled items—to inspire artistic exploration. Whether through painting, crafting, or storytelling, children develop their unique voices while honing their fine motor skills and creativity. Imaginative Role-Play and Storytelling Role-play and storytelling ignite children’s imaginations and help them make sense of the world around them. We create spaces for children to transform into chefs, explorers, or even astronauts. Through these imaginative scenarios, they practice problem-solving, communication, and collaboration while having endless fun. Hands-On STEM Activities Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) come alive at Creative Childcare through engaging, hands-on activities. From experimenting with simple science projects to building towers and exploring patterns, we integrate STEM concepts into play to develop critical thinking and creativity. These experiences help children see the exciting possibilities in the world around them. Nature-Based Learning The natural world is an endless source of curiosity. We encourage children to explore and connect with nature through gardening, nature walks, and outdoor play. By observing plants, insects, and seasonal changes, children develop a sense of wonder for the environment and learn valuable lessons about the interconnectedness of life. Celebrating Individuality Every child is unique, and we celebrate their individuality by tailoring activities to their interests and strengths. Whether a child loves music, construction, or storytelling, we provide opportunities for them to shine and share their passions. This personalised approach helps children feel valued and confident in their creative abilities. Collaborative Projects Working together on projects helps children learn the value of teamwork while sparking new ideas. From building large-scale art installations to solving puzzles as a group, collaborative activities teach children to share, listen, and innovate together. Supporting Risk-Taking and Resilience Creativity flourishes when children feel safe to take risks and try new things. We provide an environment where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. This encourages children to experiment, persevere through challenges, and discover solutions on their own, building both creativity and resilience. Reflecting on Experiences Reflection is an important part of the creative process. We encourage children to talk about their projects, share their thoughts, and celebrate their achievements. This practice helps them build confidence in their ideas and appreciate the journey of learning and creating. At Creative Childcare Hunter Street, we are committed to nurturing the curiosity and creativity that make childhood so magical. By providing a supportive and inspiring environment, we help children discover their potential and equip them with the tools to approach the world with confidence, imagination, and joy. If you'd like to learn more about Creative Childcares services you can contact us by calling 1300 002 929 , by email at contact@creativechildcare.com.au or by filling out our online form .
Creative Childcare Hunter Street Reconciliation. At Creative Childcare Hunter Street, reconciliation is more than a process; it’s a meaningful journey that we embrace together. By fostering respectful relationships and celebrating diversity, we aim to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for every child in our care. Here’s how our reconciliation initiatives are making a difference every day: Embracing Cultural Awareness Our journey begins with cultivating cultural awareness. Through storytelling, music, and art, we introduce children to diverse cultural heritages. These engaging sessions spark curiosity and encourage children to celebrate the richness of different traditions. By exploring these stories together, we nurture understanding and appreciation from an early age. Interactive Learning Experiences We believe hands-on experiences are key to understanding. Children at our centre participate in interactive activities, from traditional games and dances to creating art inspired by cultural motifs. These activities help children connect with cultural expressions in a meaningful way, fostering respect and joy in diversity. Building Relationships with Local Communities Strong connections with local communities are at the heart of our approach. We collaborate with community leaders, artists, and educators to enrich our programs. Guest speakers and community events provide opportunities for children to learn directly from cultural knowledge holders, fostering authentic relationships and shared experiences. Incorporating Diverse Perspectives Our curriculum is designed to reflect a variety of perspectives across all learning areas. By integrating cultural stories, traditions, and environmental knowledge into everyday activities, we help children develop a holistic understanding of the world. This approach creates a sense of belonging and deep respect for all cultures. Celebrating Cultural Days and Events Throughout the year, we honour significant cultural days and events. From themed weeks to community festivals, these celebrations immerse children in meaningful activities that highlight the importance of cultural milestones. Through discussions, creative projects, and participation in these events, children develop a deep appreciation for different heritages. Promoting Respectful Relationships Reconciliation is about building bridges of understanding. We create an environment where children learn to value diverse perspectives and practice empathy. Through role-playing, collaborative activities, and guided discussions, we teach the importance of kindness, understanding, and respect for all individuals. Encouraging Critical Thinking At our centre, we encourage children to think critically about cultural differences and historical contexts. Open discussions and age-appropriate activities invite them to ask questions and share their thoughts. This approach not only builds cognitive skills but also fosters compassion and empathy. Nurturing Environmental Awareness A connection to the environment is a vital part of cultural understanding. Through nature-based activities, gardening, and exploring local environments, children learn about sustainable practices and the importance of caring for the land. These activities instill respect for the planet and its cultural significance. Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing We understand the value of open dialogue. Our centre provides safe spaces where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. These conversations empower children to express themselves and learn from one another, fostering confidence and mutual respect. Continuous Reflection and Growth Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment. At Creative Childcare, we regularly reflect on our practices, seek feedback from families and communities, and adapt our initiatives to remain impactful. This dedication ensures we continue to create an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone. If you'd like to learn more about Creative Childcares services you can contact us by calling 1300 002 929 , by email at contact@creativechildcare.com.au or by filling out our online form .
