At Mountain Academy’s Early Childhood program, learning isn’t just about letters and numbers—it’s about fostering independence, problem-solving, and confidence in young children. One powerful way this happens is through Student Committees, a practice that Early Childhood faculty member Danny Martin has been using for years to prepare children for risky play.
Risky play—such as tree climbing or engaging with fire for cooking and experiments—can be a valuable learning experience, but it also comes with hazards. Instead of simply setting safety rules for the children, Danny takes a collaborative approach. Before the class embarks on a new risky activity, he gathers a small group of students as a Student Committee. Together, they observe the potential hazards and discuss ways to mitigate risks, ensuring that everyone can participate safely.
The Student Committee is responsible for coming up with the rules and behaviors that will guide the class in that activity. They then return to the classroom to share their findings, allowing their peers to learn from them. Danny explains, “The children come up with all the rules and behaviors that I would come up with on their own. It’s empowering for them to share those with their classmates.”
This practice not only ensures safety but also gives students ownership over their experiences. It fosters critical thinking, responsibility, and teamwork—valuable skills that extend far beyond the playground.
Here are some insights directly from the children during their Student Committee discussions:
- “If branches are wiggly, just don’t hold on to it. Only look for the stabilized branches. If one is wiggly, just step on to another that isn’t wiggly.” – Parke
- “Only climb as high as you can climb down.” – Arlo
- “Only bounce when nobody is by you.” – Fischer
- “It’s not helpful to climb with sticks in your hands.” – George
Mountain Academy’s approach aligns with a growing movement in education that values free and active play as a crucial part of childhood development. Schools across the country are recognizing the benefits of allowing children to assess risks and make decisions on their own. For example, a recent NPR report highlighted how some schools in Kansas are giving children more freedom to explore through outdoor play (read more here).
By empowering students to take an active role in their own safety and decision-making, Mountain Academy is nurturing a generation of confident and capable young explorers. The Student Committee model proves that children, when given the opportunity, are more than capable of assessing risks and setting thoughtful guidelines for themselves and their peers.
Want to learn more about how Mountain Academy integrates outdoor education and experiential learning? Stay tuned for more stories from our classrooms and beyond!
If you’re interested in joining the Mountain Academy community and providing your child with opportunities like the Winter Journey, apply today: Mountain Academy Application.
