03/11/2010

The Risk of No Risk

The Beginnings Workshop in the March 2010 issue of Exchange explores the challenge programs face in balancing the need for opportunities and the need for safety.  One of the articles in this series is "What's the Risk of No Risk" by Deb Curtis.  In her article she concludes:

"Keeping children safe is paramount to the work we do every minute when we are with children. We must always stop or prevent situations that threaten ­children’s well-being. But when we do intervene on behalf of children’s safety, we can do it with the understanding that life has many challenges and risks, and children deserve experiences and tools to learn to negotiate on their own. The saying, 'With few risks there are few rewards' is very true. Learning involves risk. Relationships involve risk. Feeling competent and confident in the world requires meeting a challenge and working to overcome it.

"When children are involved in a situation we think is too risky or dangerous, rather than just stopping them we can offer alternatives that keep them safe while preserving opportunities for them to develop to their fullest potential. This work requires that we pay attention to the children’s perspectives, use our power thoughtfully, and act responsibly. We can ensure that children have a childhood where they feel exhilaration, while still being protected and supported by adults and their friends. We can support them in learning that determination pays off, and they can become competent decision makers, able to assess risks, contribute to the well-being of others, and reap the rewards of their efforts."

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Beginnings Workshop Books are great teacher training resources with articles on key curriculum issues written by the field's leading authorities.   And now you can save money by buying the entire set of the following 8 Beginnings Workshop Books...

• Literacy
• Behavior
• Child Development I
• Curriculum — Brain Research, Math, Science
• Curriculum — Art, Music, Movement, Drama
• Play
• Child Development II
• Professionalism

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For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

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