Community of Practice: Risky Play & Exploring in the Gym and Outside
We encourage our little ones to take risks and play in various environments as they grow into future leaders and innovators. In June, our team hosted a Community of Practice workshop for our educators highlighting the importance of risky play, the benefits of exploring nature, and how to play indoors effectively. Read on to learn how we incorporate this into our centres and beyond.
What is risky play?
Our role as educators in the community is to mitigate risk but encourage the children to be adventurous when they play and try new things. Keeping an open dialogue with children and families builds connections and confidence through play. Risky play allows children to experiment and push themselves in a supervised environment. At our centres, we provide the opportunity for our little ones to climb trees, run through fields and play with surrounding objects like tires, wooden spools, tree stumps and more.
Benefits of exploring nature
At our centres we are advocates for playing outside and interacting with nature, whether in our outdoor activations stations, walking around the neighbourhood or heading to fish creek park. We are always outside exploring what nature has to offer and can see the benefits this moment can have on each child. When they are outdoors they foster a deeper connection and love for nature. It helps reduce stress, improves and develops their concentration and communication skills, and encourages problem-solving and collaboration. Nature deficit is a term created by Richard Louv to describe the disconnect many children now face in their formative years. The benefits of exploring nature are challenged by the digital age of phones, computers, and televisions, as watching a YouTube video or movie is easier than playing outside. Through outdoor play children learn different ways to problem solve and have the ability to try new things.
Learning how to play effectively inside through gym play
In our Community of Practice presentation, Hannele our Equity and Community Director, demonstrated several games to promote thoughtful and meaningful play in the gymnasium such as “where are you, Ms. Hannele,” group stretches, and flower garden. Intentional gym time allows for guided play and learning opportunities for the children to practice their communications skills and engage as a group for a common goal. Our gymnasiums are open-ended areas and allow the children to explore through unstructured play and self-discovery. They can create games and participate in activities with their friends without end goals.
As leaders and educators in the community the importance and value of risky play, intentional gym time and being outdoors are crucial parts of the development of all children. As a community we continue to grow and explore what mother earth has created. Today and beyond, take a moment and connect with the outdoors. Whether you step outside to take a deep breath, read a book, or play with your little ones or fur babies, spend time with family and friends exploring what nature offers.