Risky Play

It’s good for our physical Health – Gross Motor, spatial and body awareness It’s good for our mental Health – it encourages fear and conquering this fear, the thrill of danger, self-regulation, self-discipline and self-worth. We feel pride when we push ourselves past our comfort zone. It’s FUN! It’s an adventure!

Professor Ellen Sandefer (Queen Maud University, Norway) describes the 6 categories of risky play as; 1. Great Heights 2. Rapid Speeds 3. Dangerous Tools 4. Dangerous Elements 5. Rough and Tumble 6. Disappearing / Getting Lost

For this learning Story our focus is GREAT HEIGHTS!

“I’m king of the world!” Harrison declared with enthusiasm as he balanced his body on the tree branch, his feet dangled below him, his arms outstretched.

“I’m doing the pose from titanic. I’m king of the world. Because it was kind of like titanic because it’s high up.” Harrison said.

Wow! Harrison! You really are very high up! How did you feel all the way up there?

“I was never scared but if I went up top of the tree, I would be scared. I know I can’t get down.” he said

How do you know that?

“I did it before and I got stuck. But I did it and it was really hard. I don’t want to go too high again. I like to be that high (pictured). I might go a little higher next time. When I look down I’m fine. I’m not nervous. I’m not holding on. I feel brave.” He proclaimed with a smile.

Harrison showed joy when climbing the trees. He didn’t seem to want to come down once he was up. Harrison got more daring when he tried swinging on the branch!

Harrison displayed confidence when challenging himself. When he doubted himself, he realized that he actually was more capable than he thought. After this thought, he was able to set his own limitations.