Children’s outdoor play almost always includes taking risks. Risky play helps children practice decision-making and self-care. Risk taking can have positive outcomes and is essential for healthy child development, like when learning to walk, or ride a bike. Responsible supervision involves identifying and managing hazards, so children can freely engage with risk taking within co-established limits.
Learning Objective: Recognize the importance of outdoor risky play and see what it can look like in the school context.
This RBA toolkit supports educators who encourage outdoor play. The toolkit includes helpful information on why outdoor risky play is important for child development.
Useful infographics to share with school communities on the benefits of outdoor risky play.
Please use these prompts to dialogue with colleagues how you might engage with outdoor play and learning.