No muddy shoes, no dirty clothes! examining the views of teachers and parents regarding children’s outdoor play and learning

Children’s voices: Inclusive early childhood placemaking with children

“…Risky play such as climbing to heights, jumping, running tumbling, rolling, balancing and hiding, allows for play that affords children numerous challenges, to test their boundaries, while facilitating the development of problem solving and creativity (Grady-Dominquez et al, 2021). Adults can be overprotective regarding outdoor environments though, inadvertently undermining engagement (Allin et al, 2014; Kandemir and Sevimli-Celik, 2023). However, adults who are intentional in their safety and risk conversations with children can help to develop risk awareness and competence (Higginbottom et al, 2023).…”

“…Despite an undisputed need for safety and security in early childhood settings (Clark, 2010), there is value in risky play (Sandsetter, 2010) and children have expressed feelings of enjoyment and achievement as they master new and challenging tasks. The balance between safety and risk highlights the need for children’s voices (Allin et al, 2014; Kandemir and Sevimli-Celik, 2023). Advocacy for risky play in safe environments with intentional educators in Australia and in Europe points to the benefits to a child’s becoming identity, wellbeing, learning and self-esteem (Higginbottom et al, 2023; Nikifiridou, 2017).…”