Risky Play - Part 4 - Movements and Organizations Promoting Risky Play in Nurseries and Preschools in Dubai
Movements and Organizations Promoting Risky Play in Nurseries and Preschools in Dubai
Around the world, there are growing movements and organizations dedicated to promoting the value of risky play. These initiatives work to counteract the trends of overprotection and support children's natural desire to explore. In nursery and preschool settings in Dubai, educators are increasingly adopting global best practices, such as the Forest School approach, Reggio Emilia philosophy, Playworks UK framework, and the Froebel approach, to create rich, play-based learning environments.
At Kid’s Island Nursery in Dubai, we embrace this evolving understanding of childhood learning through The Inspire Philosophy, a unique approach that places play, exploration, and risk-taking at the heart of early childhood education. By fostering curiosity and independence, we ensure that children develop the confidence and resilience necessary for lifelong learning.
The Playwork Movement
Originating in the UK, the Playworks movement advocates for the importance of child-led play, which often includes elements of risk. Playworkers are trained professionals who create environments where children can take risks, explore their creativity, and make their own decisions. Playwork focuses on providing safe environments for risky play rather than eliminating risks altogether.
At Kid’s Island Nursery, we recognize that when children take manageable risks, they build problem-solving skills, adaptability, and perseverance. Our educators create environments where children are encouraged to experiment, navigate challenges, and develop independence—key aspects of The Inspire Philosophy.
The Outdoor Play Movement
This global movement encourages children to spend more time outdoors, experiencing nature and engaging in unstructured play. Forest Schools, inspired by Scandinavian outdoor education, have gained traction worldwide, promoting exploration, problem-solving, and hands-on learning.
Kid’s Island Nursery integrates outdoor exploration into daily learning, allowing children to engage with natural materials and develop physical and cognitive skills through meaningful, unstructured play. Our approach is aligned with best practices seen in Forest Schools, ensuring that children are given the opportunity to climb, balance, dig, and explore their environment in a safe yet adventurous way. Additionally, initiatives like Leave No Child Inside in the U.S. and Nature Play in Australia continue to advocate for outdoor play and its developmental benefits, reinforcing the global shift toward risk-friendly learning environments.
Risky Play Advocacy Groups
In recent years, groups like The Alliance for Childhood and The Canadian Association for Young Children have been working to raise awareness about the benefits of risky play. These organizations promote the idea that children’s development is hindered when they are overprotected and that carefully managed risk is essential for growth.
The Inspire Philosophy at Kid’s Island Nursery is deeply connected to this advocacy, as we believe in giving children the autonomy to explore their surroundings, develop resilience, and build confidence through hands-on experiences. The Froebel approach, which emphasizes free play and open-ended learning, aligns perfectly with our commitment to nurturing children’s natural curiosity and risk-taking in a structured yet flexible environment.
Government and School Initiatives
In some countries, national initiatives have been launched to incorporate more risky play into school curriculums. For example, the “Loose Parts Play” initiative in the UK encourages schools to use natural materials (rocks, logs, etc.) that children can manipulate and engage with, offering opportunities for risky play while ensuring safety.
At Kid’s Island Nursery, we incorporate loose parts and open-ended materials into our classrooms and outdoor spaces, allowing children to engage in self-directed play. This approach supports our belief that children thrive when they are given the tools to create, experiment, and discover independently.
The Future of Risky Play in Early Childhood Education
As societal attitudes evolve and research continues to emphasize the benefits of risky play, there’s a growing global movement to empower children to explore, take risks, and learn from their experiences. Whether in Scandinavian forests, UK playgrounds, or preschools in Dubai, children are increasingly being given the space they need to grow stronger, more resilient, and more independent.
At Kid’s Island Nursery, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to push their boundaries, explore the world around them, and develop the confidence they need for the future. By embracing The Inspire Philosophy, we ensure that each child experiences the joy of learning through play—helping them build the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity and discovery.
Safety Guidelines and Managing Risks in Preschools and Nurseries
Preparing Environments for Safe Risky Play
Assessment of Physical Environment
Regularly inspect play areas for potential hazards (e.g., sharp objects, unstable surfaces).
Ensure playground equipment is age-appropriate, well-maintained, and meets safety standards.
Clear Boundaries and Supervision
Establish clear boundaries for risky play zones and ensure adequate adult supervision.
Educators can engage by providing instructions while allowing children to explore and assess risks.
Age-Appropriate Challenges
Incorporate risk-based activities like climbing, balancing, or using tools that align with children's developmental stages.
This fosters decision-making skills while maintaining safety.
Tools and Techniques for Minimizing Hazards
Risk-Benefit Analysis
Consider the benefits of each risky play activity alongside potential risks.
For example, balancing on logs may help with physical coordination but needs supervision to prevent falls.
Protective Equipment
Where necessary, provide helmets, pads, or gloves to reduce injury risks, especially for more active or adventurous play.
Safety Protocols
Create and enforce clear protocols for emergency situations, such as first aid procedures or evacuation plans.
Educators should be trained to handle accidents and assess risks dynamically.
Examples of Risk Management in Action
Balancing on Logs or Climbing Trees
Teachers allow children to take safe, calculated risks by climbing trees or walking on logs.
Educators assess the environment, ensure the ground is soft (e.g., with mats or grass), and supervise to intervene if necessary.
Cooking or Using Tools
Children might use child-friendly tools like small hammers or scissors in crafting or cooking activities.
Safety is managed by providing proper guidance, clear rules, and the right tools to ensure the children can engage safely while exploring these activities.
Outdoor Adventure Play
In a controlled outdoor setting, children can engage in activities like mud play or using ropes to swing.
Educators oversee the play, ensuring hazards like slippery surfaces or unstable structures are minimized.
Research and Real-Life Examples Supporting Risky Play
Brain Boost
Studies show that taking risks can actually help kids' brains grow! Research by Sandseter (2010) found that when children take on risky play, like climbing or balancing, they get better at problem-solving and thinking on their feet.
Strong Bodies
Physical play isn’t just fun, it’s also great for building strength and coordination. A study by Bogelund (2013) found that kids who play actively and take risks have better fitness levels. Who knew climbing could be a workout!
Emotional Superpowers
Risky play helps kids build emotional muscle too. Studies, like Little's (2019), show that when children face small challenges in play, they become more confident, learn to manage fear, and bounce back from setbacks like pros.
Recap and Resources on Risky Play in Nurseries and Preschools
Risky play isn’t just about kids running wild—it’s how they grow into brave, confident little adventurers! It teaches them to solve problems, bounce back from mistakes, and make smart decisions. Plus, all that climbing, jumping, and exploring helps them stay strong and coordinated. Sure, it might make your heart race a little when they’re balancing on that log, but it’s all part of them learning to handle life’s ups and downs—literally!
Resources for Further Learning and Support
Books:
Balanced and Barefoot by Angela Hanscom
There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Åkeson McGurk
Organizations:
Play Scotland – Advocates for outdoor play and offers practical guidance.
Outdoor Classroom Day – Promotes outdoor learning and play worldwide.
International Play Association – Focuses on the right to play globally.
Online Articles and Blogs:
Look up "The Benefits of Risky Play" on trusted parenting or education websites for more ideas.
Podcasts and blogs by educators like Kristen Day can inspire playful learning approaches!