Risky Play: Seeing the Benefits in Risk-Benefit Analysis

03/27/2023

Risky Play: Seeing the Benefits in Risk-Benefit Analysis

Much can be learned in play that will afterwards be of use when the circumstances demand it.
John Amos Comenius, 1592-1670, Czech Pedagogue

“In split seconds we scan a situation and make decisions whether to allow play or stop play,” writes Rusty Keeler in Adventures in Risky Play: What Is Your Yes?

Keeler notes it’s easy for many of us to see the risks, but it can take more time and intention to also tune into that “observing voice that is seeing and whispering the possible benefits of a certain activity.”

“There are benefits to all the risky stuff that must be considered in the conversations we have about children’s environments and play,” says Keeler, “Risk-benefit analysis is a tool that we can all use to help us determine what is an acceptable risk in our yards, and what is not acceptable.”

In the process Keeler describes, draw on experience and brainstorming to list all possible risks of an activity, experience or feature. Then make an equally comprehensive list of the benefits. From here, note down management strategies to address the risks and support the benefits.

“The amazing thing is that once you cross the subtle line of allowing a little more risky play and see that everyone is ok, it becomes easier to do it again. As the children get used to the loosening of restrictions it becomes easier for them, too. Pressure lifts and they are able to step up and regulate their play on their own.”

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