Providing challenge and exploring risk in outdoor play

Challenge and risk-taking opportunities are an important aspect of the outdoor environment in early childhood settings. There are wide ranging physical and social emotional learning and development opportunities for children when they engage in risky experiences. Children need to be provided with opportunities to push their own abilities, to take risks and to engage with challenging experiences.  

The teachers at Kids’ Domain describe how they ensure a range of risk-taking opportunities are included in their curriculum planning. They also describe the opportunities provided within their environments, from the ramps and textured surfaces in the infant spaces through to the extra tall monkey bars in the older children’s space. They value providing opportunities which encourage and support children to challenge what their bodies can achieve. 

Glossary:

Hikoi: to go for a walk 

Kaiako: teacher 

Pēpē: babies

Pukekawa: a park in central Auckland also known as The Domain

Tamariki: children