Checking before you play — Wellbeing, 4–6 years
Learn to pause and look for simple dangers before climbing, running or using play equipment.
Pause, look, then play
Before you start, make a small pause and look at the place and the equipment. Check whether the floor is clear, the thing is steady and there is enough room. Then choose how to play without putting your body or another person in the way of danger.
Why look first
Play is for trying things, but a fall, a sharp edge or a moving swing can hurt. Looking first solves the problem of starting before noticing what has changed around you. People use this habit because it helps them enjoy a challenge while choosing a safer way to try it.
The wet slide
Inês wants to use the slide after rain. First, she stops at the steps and looks down. She sees that the sliding surface is wet and shiny, so she does not climb up yet. She tells an adult, waits until it is dry, and then checks once more before playing.
The exciting rush
When a game looks exciting, it is reasonable to want to rush straight in and copy someone else. But excitement can make us miss a wet patch, a loose part or a person nearby. Pausing is not spoiling the game; it gives your eyes time to find what your body needs.
A habit for many places
Use this pause on playgrounds, near steps, around bicycles and when trying a new climbing frame. An adult still sets rules and helps with equipment that is too high or difficult. If something looks broken or unsafe, move away and tell an adult instead of testing it.
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