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Child Development & Early Education vocabulary · Play and Learning

Risky play

Meaning in child development & early education, with examples

nounCommon term

In child development & early education, risky play means: Exciting play in which children test their limits and face a small, manageable chance of getting hurt, such as climbing high, balancing or going fast.

In Turkish: riskli oyun, risk içeren oyun

How it is used

Used in research, policy and staff training, often together with risk-benefit assessment. Supporters say it builds confidence and judgement; settings remove hazards but allow some challenge.

Example sentences

  1. Risky play, like climbing trees, helps children learn to judge their own abilities.

  2. Our risk-benefit assessment covers risky play on the climbing frame and in the woods.

Common collocations

  • risk-benefit assessment
  • manageable risk
  • hazards and risks
  • challenging play
  • outdoor playPlay that takes place outside, in a garden, playground, park or forest, giving children space to run, climb, dig and explore nature.
  • gross motor skillsSkills that use the large muscles of the arms, legs and body, such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping and climbing.
  • self-esteemHow much a person values and likes themselves; in young children it grows from feeling loved, accepted and capable.
  • safeguardingEverything an organisation does to protect children from harm, abuse and neglect and to promote their health, safety and well-being.

More terms: Play and Learning

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