Healthy risks in playgrounds create opportunities for Discovery!

 As parents we all know we always fear about our children getting hurt. As teachers, operators, principals, etc we strive to built a safe environment when it comes to create places for children to play. More and more schools are embracing the possibilities of building natural playgrounds and developing activities where children can explore and use their abilities to find solutions to situations that involve risks. And such is the use of tools, real tools like hammers, screwdrivers, saws and drills.

In my preschool I use these tools to build confidence and independence among children. In a sense I let my children know: YES YOU CAN DO IT!!! However, I trust you to use it with respect and responsibility. Children will learn safety procedures before they can touch the tools. If I know a child is not really, I will simply let them know they need to show me they can follow instructions... and they will!  

Here we see two of our students at Terra Viva Montessori, crashing ice by using a hammer and a metal rake.