Fostering Risk-Takers in the Early Years

A Glimpse into the

Risk-Taker Learner Profile

In early childhood education, the ability to take risks plays a key role in nurturing confident, capable learners. As part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Risk-Taker Learner Profile encourages children to approach challenges with courage, resilience, and curiosity. But in an early years setting, what does being a "risk-taker" look like, and how do we support this essential growth?

What Does It Mean to Be a Risk-Taker?

In the Primary Years Program (PYP), a risk-taker is someone who explores new ideas, embraces challenges, and isn’t afraid to make mistakes. For early years children, this means trying new things, learning through play, and stepping out of their comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment. Taking risks at this age isn’t about physical danger but rather the courage to try, experiment, and learn from the outcomes.

How Children Show They Are Risk-Takers

Exploring New Activities: CHildren often encounter new experiences, from puzzles and painting to building blocks and group games. Being a risk-taker means approaching these activities with an open mind, even when they might feel uncertain. For instance, a child who usually sticks to painting might take the initiative to try a new art material, like clay, or participate in a new group activity.

Asking Questions and Sharing Ideas: Encouraging children to ask questions, even when they’re unsure, fosters curiosity. Risk-taking at this stage includes expressing ideas without worrying about being wrong. This builds a foundation for critical thinking and the confidence to explore ideas independently.

 

Trying and Failing: Children are learning that it’s okay to fail. Whether it’s stacking blocks that fall or trying to tie their shoes, risk-taking involves learning through trial and error. In a nurturing classroom environment, we help children see failure as a part of growth and encourage perseverance in the face of challenges.

Building Social Confidence: For many young children, taking social risks—like introducing themselves to new friends or working in groups—can be just as significant as trying a new physical activity. Developing the ability to engage socially in different settings, participate in group activities, and make new friends all exemplify risk-taking behavior in an early years setting.

How Teachers Encourage Risk-Taking in the Early Years

Creating a Safe Environment: It’s important that children feel secure and supported when taking risks. By fostering a classroom environment where mistakes are celebrated as part of learning, children are more likely to embrace challenges without fear.

Modeling Risk-Taking Behavior: Teachers can model risk-taking by showing a willingness to try new things and admitting when they don’t have all the answers. This demonstrates that it’s okay to make mistakes and that learning is a continuous process.

Celebrating Effort, Not Just Success: Praising children for their effort rather than the outcome encourages a growth mindset. It helps children understand that the process of trying something new is just as important as the result.

How Parents Can Encourage Risk-Taking at Home

Provide Opportunities for New Experiences
Encourage your child to try new activities, whether it's a different game, food, or skill. Creating opportunities for them to explore the unknown—like visiting a new park, trying a new recipe, or engaging in creative play—fosters confidence and curiosity.
Model Resilience and Problem-Solving
Show your child that it's okay to make mistakes and how to learn from them. When facing challenges at home, talk through your thought process aloud, demonstrating how you solve problems and approach difficulties.
Encourage Independent Problem-Solving
Resist the urge to solve all your child's problems for them. Give them space to try things on their own, whether it's figuring out how to build something with blocks or finding a solution to a simple problem. Guide them if needed, but let them take the lead.
Praise Effort, Not Just Achievement
When your child takes a risk—like trying a new game or introducing themselves to a peer—praise the effort they put in, regardless of the outcome. This reinforces the value of trying new things rather than focusing solely on success.
Foster Emotional Courage
Encourage your child to express their feelings, ask questions, and share ideas without fear of being judged. When they feel emotionally secure, they are more likely to take social and intellectual risks, contributing to their overall development.

Why Is Being a Risk-Taker Important for Young Children?

Developing the risk-taker profile helps children build resilience, self-confidence, and independence—key qualities that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and in life. Risk-taking in the early years sets the foundation for a lifetime of learning, encouraging children to face challenges head-on, whether it’s mastering new skills or navigating social situations.

By nurturing risk-takers, both in school and at home, we’re helping children become confident explorers, willing to push boundaries and discover the world around them with curiosity and courage.

As educators and parents, let's continue to support and celebrate the small risks childrens take every day, helping them grow into resilient, lifelong learners!