As the toddlers begin exploring their new environments, they are noticing different surfaces to climb, jump, balance, and crawl on. As they explore their new environments they begin to
engage in different types of risky play. We may find ourselves asking, what truly is risky play?
“This kind of play involves children pushing themselves beyond their previous limits and not knowing how things will turn out. As a result, they simultaneously experience thrill and fright. All children need risky play, but it may look different depending on the child.”
(Why Children Need Risk, Fear, and Excitement in Play – And why adults’ fears put them at risk by Louise De Lanney
https://www.outdoorplaycanada.ca/2024/03/22/why-children-need-risk-fear-and-excitement-in-play-and-why-adults-fears-put-them-at-risk/#:~:text=This%20kind%20of%20play%20involves,different%20depending%20on%20the%20child.)
For the toddler’s risky play may look like this:
Kobe enhanced his limitations as he used coordination and balance to walk up the plank of wood. Independently Kobe was able to use his hands to help control his balance while he slowly takes a step. As he got to the top he yelled with confidence, “I did it!!”
Climbing has become a popular risky activity as they toddlers climb the ramps, s
tumps, couches, and even a wooden tight rope. Roohi, Presley and Troy practiced using their balancing skills as they walked across they plank while holding on the ratchet strap handle. The handle allowed the toddlers to balance independently allowing them to test their own limits.
Jack has been exploring his sense of risky play as he walks on different inclines trying to increase his balance! He doesn’t let his limits stop him as he continues to test himself as he keeps going even when he falls down.
So as the toddlers explore their own limitations, they are able to build new skills or even strengthen the previously learned skills. As they explore risk further, they can increase their confidence, balance and coordination, and even find their sense of self!
