The Inspire Philosophy: Adventure is out there!

The Inspire Philosophy: Adventure is Out There!

In the EYFS space, there is a lot of talk about ‘risky’ play. We prefer the term ‘adventurous’ play, and here’s why we LOVE it!

Adventurous play is a key aspect of early years education. It allows children to push their boundaries, step out of their comfort zones, and develop essential life skills. This type of play encourages resilience, confidence, problem-solving, and perseverance—all of which are vital for a child's holistic development. Sometimes, this means trial and error, but that’s exactly how young children learn best!

The Developmental Benefits of Adventurous Play

As children hit that two-year mark, they begin to pick up speed, gaining confidence in their newfound balance, coordination, and movement abilities. This should be celebrated! It is important to provide children with the space they need, both physically and emotionally, to explore, test their limits, and navigate challenges independently.

A scrape on the knee or a stubbed toe is inevitable—whether you keep them in a bubble or not. Children are natural explorers; they see what they want and go for it, without fear or overthinking. This uninhibited curiosity is a truly magical part of childhood that should be nurtured rather than restricted.

Adventurous play also plays a crucial role in sensory and risk assessment development. When children climb, jump, balance, or navigate uneven terrain, they are refining their proprioception (awareness of body position) and vestibular system (balance and spatial orientation). These experiences enhance their ability to judge risks, improving their decision-making skills and fostering independence.

Encouraging a Healthy Approach to Risk

Children will only push themselves as far as they are developmentally ready to go. They engage in self-assessment naturally, repeating tasks until they master them. Providing opportunities for adventurous play helps them understand their own limits while building courage and adaptability.

As educators and caregivers, our role is to provide a safe yet stimulating environment where children can explore confidently. Instead of saying, “Be careful!”, try saying, “Think about where your foot is going next” or “What’s your plan to get down?”. This encourages children to assess their actions and make calculated decisions, rather than instilling fear.

The Long-Term Impact of Adventurous Play

Engaging in adventurous play from an early age lays the foundation for a child’s future mindset. It fosters resilience, teaching them that mistakes are a natural part of learning. When children feel empowered to take safe risks, they become more adaptable and confident in handling challenges throughout their lives.

Supporting children from afar—giving them the space to explore while being present for encouragement—allows them to develop independence and self-trust. The pride and joy they feel when they succeed on their own are invaluable. And one day, they will thank you for it!