Benefit-Risk Assessment with Children
At Gowrie SA Thebarton, the children in our kindergarten have been exploring benefit-risk assessments through their play experiences, both formally and informally. Exploration of risk in play has unfolded alongside children’s and educators’ growing appreciation for loose parts and nature.
Educators value children’s right to a rich learning environment where they can express their preferences, voice their ideas and be heard. Children are viewed as “active participants and decision makers” in their learning (EYLF, 2009, p.9), and as such, they are supported to engage in the use of benefit-risk assessments when engaging in risky play. This partnership between educators and children allows for educators “to move beyond pre-conceived expectations about what children can do and learn”(EYLF, 2009, p.9) as they watch, wait and give children the space needed to explore their own capabilities and engage in the risk assessment process.
Kate Stone & Christina Lipitkas
