Research in ECE Masters Thesis: Learning Outside - The Impact of Risk in Outdoor Play on Intellectual and Cognitive Development

Rohana Chase conducted an inquiry on the correlation between the risks that children took during their outdoor play and their intellectual and cognitive development. Here is a visual representation of her study along with a brief overview:



This research study analyzed the impact of unstructured, risky play outdoors on intellectual and cognitive development. I conducted observations at four different play sites that had varying "risky" environmental conditions and interviewed two experts on outdoor play and risk. My findings indicated a correlation between risky outdoor play and increased levels of independence, self-esteem, and confidence. This correlation also suggested that a sense of confidence and autonomy nurtured by frequent risky play supports intellectual and cognitive development that can be measured by academic performance.



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Symone
This is a study that should be presented to parents and administrators. I think if they saw the benefits they would not limit the number of play equipments the prekindergarten students can use at the park. I can't even let my students go down the pole at the park and the 3K classes can't go to the park at my center. I do agree risky play does build self confidence and independence. For example, my student called me to show me that she can scale the outside of the jungle gym equipment at the park. She was so proud. Inside my body, I was panicking but the confidence her face told me she capable of doing it. I think adults need to let go of their fear that a child may get hurt. Injuries are a part of life and we need to stop sheltering kids. Things happen and we can't control it. We can afford to level up the risk children are allowed to take in schools. We are not ready for the junk yard risk level as yet.
Carolyn B
Rohanna, after your class presentation on the impact of risks in outdoor play on intellectual and cognitive development, I reflected on my early school years growing up in Jamaica, in a farming community near the beach. My first experience of school began at 5 years old, where classes were held under a mango tree. Most of my learning and play took place outdoors and was very risky sometimes, but the risk was navigating the natural environment, climbing trees and boulders, and hunting small creatures like lizards and bugs. There were no man-made playgrounds around that are so prevalent today. Learning was fun, and we were closely supervised not only by the teachers but by the fishermen and farmers nearby. Your research findings indicate that children push their physical abilities in outdoor play as they develop autonomy, confidence, and self-esteem, which are essential skills for fostering cognitive and intellectual development. They are also being grounded in environmental conditions as they learn about weather conditions and how to survive the changes of all seasons. These skills are also developed in the classroom, so it would be up to families to decide where would be the most suitable environment for their child to get their education, whether indoors or outdoors. I believe that both have their advantages and disadvantages. I love the passion you have for this topic, and I look forward to reading future articles that you may be posting as you delve into risky outdoor play. A job well done!
Amita Gupta
Thank you for your comment, Symone.
Amita Gupta
Thank you for your reflective comment, Carolyn. It is so interesting to read about your childhood experiences in Jamaica.

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