The children in School-age 1 find joy and achievement while engaging in risky play. This year, the group has gravitated towards investigating their environment and building confidence through risk assessment. When risk and nature are combined, they provide a multitude of benefits to children’s overall development. Providing the group with the materials, support, encouragement, and a feeling of belonging, they are able to expand on their sense of self as they discover new boundaries. Using the forest as our learning landscape we are able to achieve so much.
This past month, we were able to incorporate risk into our play through the introduction of a saw, hammer, and some nails. Our task at hand was to build our own ladder using elements of nature. Searching the forest floor for the perfect wood pieces, we began to create a living blueprint of our design. Once we were satisfied with our discoveries, we began hammering nails into the wood base to keep everything secure.
Once finished, we found the perfect tree to lean it against and began our exploration of climbing. Fueled by encouragement from peers and educators, we conquered our fears and embraced the power of community.
