Workshop Description: Risky play is a hot topic in the world of early learning. While risk may be seen as something that is negative and should be avoided, it is extremely beneficial to children’s development. Children require environments that allow them to engage in risk-taking play. Risky play helps children learn about their world; test out what is and is not possible; learn about making mistakes; and discover new things about their space, place, and environment. Risk taking contributes to children’s in-depth problem solving and critical thinking skills. Children in over-regulated environments have significantly fewer opportunities to master the challenges that are available in active play spaces. Attend this interactive workshop to experience the joys and benefits of risky play, engage in dialogue and recognize how our own attitudes may inhibit children’s opportunities for risk-taking and at the same time learn how to manage risky play by engaging in a risk benefit assessment. 

Breakfast will be included. 

Fee $80.00 plus HST 

Click here to register!

Facilitator’s Bios: Cindy is a registered early childhood educator in the province of Ontario. Cindy has been an active member of the York Region early learning community for many decades. She taught at Seneca College in the School of Early Childhood Education and has recently retired from the college. In her current role as an early learning consultant, Cindy’s passion and enthusiasm about learning through playful inquiry keeps her busy facilitating numerous sessions for educators and families. Cindy and Diane have been colleagues, critical friends and co-presenters for years. They both share a passion for Reggio-inspired practice, and all things play. Diane is a registered early childhood educator in the province of Ontario. Diane taught early childhood education at Seneca College at both the degree and the diploma level. Diane has co-written two textbooks with Pearson Canada; Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education (2012) and Empowering Pedagogy (2016). Diane retired from Seneca College in 2014 and is teaching part time at Ryerson University in Toronto. Diane is the co-researcher on a Lawson Foundation funded research project on outdoor play. Diane also writes a blog to support professional learning in early childhood education: http://tecribresearch.wordpress.com and loves to engage in continuous professional learning face to face and through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.  Diane presents workshops and keynote addresses in Ontario, across Canada and internationally. Her passions are emergent curriculum and supporting the forest and nature school movement.