Obstacle Course Confidence
To build physical confidence, risk assessment and self-belief through challenging obstacle courses.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Chooses appropriate challenges
- Shows growing physical confidence
- Takes calculated risks
- Expresses pride in achievements
Materials
- Outdoor equipment
- Stepping stones
- Tunnels
- Balancing beams
- Crash mats
Instructions
CREATING GRADUATED CHALLENGE: Offer easy, medium and hard routes through the obstacle course. Children choose their challenge level: 'Which path will you try today? All of them are brilliant!'
ENCOURAGING RISK-TAKING: 'You've done the easy path three times now! I wonder if you're ready for the medium one? I'll be right here. You can always go back if it's too much.'
SUPPORTING WITHOUT RESCUING: Be nearby but resist the urge to lift, carry or over-help. 'I can see you're stuck. What could you try? Could you reach for that? I believe you can do it!'
CELEBRATING COURAGE: 'You did it! You chose the hard path AND you completed it! How does your body feel? Strong? Proud? You SHOULD feel proud—that was amazing!'