In Preschool 2, we love messy play and encourage risk taking! This September we decided to combine the two to create a chalk smashing experience.
The children were simply given two materials - chalk and a hammer - and under close supervision, they were able to use the tool as they pleased. Although the activity can seem intimidating, appropriate risky play is excellent for children’s learning and development. It challenges children’s abilities and allows them to build physical literacy skills, while also giving them complete autonomy of their body. Furthermore, risky play has substantial social and emotional benefits! Children feel a sense of responsibility when using tools because they understand it can be dangerous, but when they are given the opportunity in a controlled and safe environment, their personal risk management skills shine!
In this experience, Liam and Jackson had a blast trying to hit the chalk as hard as they could. They yelled and giggled each time they brought the hammer down, and when Liam was done, he collected all the chalk dust into a cup to use in dramatic play!
Dirk, Violet and Rohum worked closely together through this activity. Rohum was nervous at first about using the hammer, but Violet encouraged him to try and Dirk worked alongside him. His confidence slowly grew, and in no-time he was having a blast hitting the chalk.
Rian and Ayla however, had a very different approach to this experience - they wanted to go very slowly and crush the chalk so they could turn it into a very fine powder. They loved the texture of the powder and incorporated it into different types of play.
Risky play - especially with tools - is understandably worrisome, but we encourage families to advocate for these experiences so children can build important skills in a safe and fun environment!
