Play and Risk-taking
Risk taking is an essential component of the learning process. Children who are encouraged to be actively engaged in learning through playful experiences find out that being "wrong" is an opportunity to learn something new. Learning environments where risk-taking is valued and accepted allow children to think creatively, solve-problems as they arise, and build confidence in their own thinking. If the focus is always on one “right" answer, the learning process is compromised as children thinking is narrowly focused on guessing what the teacher wants to hear. In addition, children may learn to play it "safe" and keep quiet because of the emotional implications of sensing the unpleasant feelings associated with "being wrong." Educators can create and sustain learning environments where children are encouraged to try out new ideas, express their thoughts without the fear of being rejected, and understand that learning is a journey not a destination.
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