Risk-taking involves children willingly taking on tasks that may fail in the name of learning. At One World International School in Singapore, we embrace risk-taking because it helps develop a child’s self-confidence and ability to manage and overcome fear.
By nurturing a positive attitude towards risk-taking in young learners, we provide an environment that helps them develop diverse skills, including cognitive development, social and emotional growth, physical skills, resilience and trust.
Understanding the Benefits of Risk-Taking
Risk is a fundamental and unavoidable part of life, and learning how to assess whether it’s worth taking or not is an essential skill. Research published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health shows that children benefit from risk-taking in learning in a safe environment, where they have a choice whether to participate or not.
Play that involves risk allows young children to discover and experience positive emotions, including fun, enjoyment, pride, thrill and self-confidence. It also helps them manage fear and take chances outside their comfort zone.
The Role of Educators and Parents
Most parents and educators agree that taking risks helps children increase self-awareness, become perseverant, and learn to share.
The teacher’s role is to model safe risk-taking by acknowledging mistakes and how they plan to fix them. Educators should also set clear and reasonable limitations and boundaries so children understand what they can and can’t do during play.
Parents can do their part by talking to their children about planning for and taking risks and questioning children to ensure they understand what they’re doing and why. Together, teachers and parents provide support and encouragement while giving children the space to learn on their own.
How to Teach Children Risk-Taking
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
Exceptional learning happens when educators and parents create safe and supportive environments that encourage taking chances and embracing the potential for mistakes.
- Create a physically safe space, including defined safety measures.
- Teach children about safety and reassure them that their safety is your number one priority.
- Create a stimulating space with plenty to do.
- Encourage age-appropriate risk-taking.
- Celebrate effort and persistence.
Nurturing a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is a belief that intelligence and skills can be bettered by effort and perseverance, so it makes sense that risk-taking can help develop it.
One study from Frontiers in Psychology shows that children with a growth mindset are less prone to mental health issues than those with fixed mindsets.
Using certain strategies, teachers and parents can nurture a growth mindset, promote a positive attitude toward challenges and encourage learning from failure.
- See challenges and mistakes as opportunities rather than threats.
- Set realistic goals that motivate and measure progress.
- Learn and reflect on successes and failures.
- Embrace trying new things and taking risks.
Integrating Play-Based Learning
Play-based learning for children means taking physical, social and even cognitive risks to better understand limits and risk assessment and management.
Outdoor activities and games naturally promote risk-taking behaviours in children.
- Heights: climbing, jumping, balancing
- High speed: sliding, running, bicycle
- Horseplay: tug of war, wrestling, bouncing
- Tools: toy hammers, ropes, safety scissors
Balancing Challenge and Support
Whether they succeed or fail, children learn from challenges. While trying something new is always uncomfortable, risk-taking learners gradually become more confident in taking calculated chances.
However, challenges should be balanced as they can cause anxiety and frustration if they are too hard on the children. On the other hand, if they are too few or too easy, children may get bored and lose interest. A lack of balance and support can diminish a child’s motivation and impact their learning and confidence.
Encouraging Exploration and Curiosity
Certain activities that encourage exploration and curiosity can also help set a child up for enhanced creativity, adaptability and risk-taking. These help children learn that making mistakes is okay and failure is a valuable life lesson.
Some activities that can help learners explore new ideas, concepts and environments include:
- Crafts: Legos, jigsaw puzzles, video games
- Sensory play: sandbox, blowing bubbles, sports
- Creative writing: poetry, riddles, journalling
Celebrating Effort and Progress
Another study published by Frontiers in Psychology indicates that acknowledging and celebrating a child’s effort, courage and progress promotes the development of a positive self-image, pride and enthusiasm for learning.
Using positive reinforcement helps children feel validated, which in turn makes them more willing to face new challenges and motivates them to try new things in the future.
Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity
Educators and parents can encourage a shift in perspective towards failure as a natural part of the learning process. By promoting open and honest conversation, failure isn’t stigmatised but considered an opportunity for growth and improvement.
They can also share stories of others who learnt from failure. Thomas Edison knew all about embracing failure as a learning opportunity. The inventor of the carbon-filament light bulb tested thousands of materials before getting it right. In the business world, Henry Ford faced bankruptcy and public ridicule but still managed to start the Ford Motor Company.
Providing Constructive Feedback
Constructive feedback helps children believe in themselves, which boosts self-confidence. It reassures children that taking risks is worth it and encourages them to reflect on their decisions.
While not always easy, honest feedback builds more resilience in children than dishonest praise.
- Define expectations, why they are important and how they should be delivered and received.
- Offer clear feedback as to how the child can improve performance.
- Encourage questions and open dialogue.
- Emphasise the growth mindset to reduce stress and anxiety and enhance resilience.
- Accept children for who they are.
Real-Life Applications of Risk-Taking
Owning and controlling their learning encourages children to set goals, make plans and monitor their progress. Some ways in which students may take risks are:
- Raising their hand first to answer a question or give in-class feedback.
- Trying something new such as art or creative writing.
- Defending oneself against or in front of others.
- Making new friends.
- Becoming the leader of a group project.
Students learn new life skills by taking risks, and this contributes to personal development by boosting confidence and helping them overcome anxiety. Children who take healthy risks in the classroom will better develop resilience and tenacity.
Conclusion
Numerous studies on ResearchGate suggest that risk-taking individuals have better job satisfaction and career success than those who play it safe. Where would Apple be if Steve Jobs hadn’t taken chances?
One World International School in Singapore believes in risk-taking as a holistic approach to personal development that sets learners up for future success – in both their personal and professional lives. We understand that calculated risk-taking, nurtured in a supportive environment, can lead to innovation, resilience, and ultimately, a fulfilling life journey.
If you’re seeking an education that empowers your child to embrace challenges and explore their full potential, schedule a tour today at either our Nanyang Campus or Digital Campus in Punggol campus and discover how OWIS nurtures a generation of confident risk-takers.
