nature play sessions
Harrison who is usually a million miles an hour and rarely stays in one place for more than a minute settled into the nature playgroup and especially loved collecting specimens, balancing and walking on huge tree trunks and climbing and swinging from ropes in the trees.
Thank you to all our wonderful nature explorers who have joined us so far as we research our proposed nature kindergarten for 3-5yo’s in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
As we get closer to hopefully making this dream a reality, we are now calling for children aged 3-5 to join us for a free nature play and information session where we will seek your feedback to our proposal.
We will still welcome children of other ages (including siblings) but it is time for us to focus our research on this group.
Why is Nature Play Important?
Playing outside is obviously fun for children but it offers so much more than just that. A great number of studies have demonstrate that children who consistently play in nature are happier, have a stronger immune system and increased physical health. They also benefit from improved literacy skills, focus and attention and greater emotional intelligence.
Being outdoors in nature allows children to experience all weather conditions and follow the rhythm of the seasons. It also improves community connection and reduces levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
Where: Centennial Parklands (see map on the left)
When: We are running these on an ad hoc basis and over different days to give different families who have different availability the chance to attend.
September: Friday 15th, Wednesday 21st
October: Wednesday 12th, Monday 17th, Friday 28th
November: Wednesday 2nd, Monday 7th, Wednesday 16th
Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm
Cost: FREE TRIAL
? Limited number of spaces available. More dates to come.
? Find out more info in the FAQs below.
Mila loved the play session and we loved having her in nature enjoying herself and being so focused on her amazing surroundings. The guides were extremely knowledgeable.
I got to spend some quality time with my little one in nature. Helping him in his exploration and creativity gave me pleasure and satisfaction. I also enjoyed the light drizzle and the vast greenery was very refreshing. I was happy to give him screen-free time and explore natural elements. My son enjoyed running around, exploring nature, loved playing with a new kid and finding nature elements to build a teepee and decorating it. He also loved playing in the sand and water. Basically playing freely in nature. It was great to use his imagination.
I came away with more knowledge and understanding of the importance in letting Lilah explore the world at her own pace, and being “with” rather than doing for. So thank you ??
Loved seeing my little one point up at the trees and bats, engaging with nature.
My son loved being outside and learning about nature, interacting with other kids.
It was great to slow down and enjoy nature, especially at such a busy time of year, when everything else seemed so hectic.
What to bring to the nature play session?
Water bottle and any snacks you require (no nuts please).
Hat and suncream. Gumboots and raincoat if it looks like rain.
A change of clothes is recommended.
The nature play sessions are an all-weather activity and we will proceed except in the case of extreme weather conditions such as high winds or severe electrical storms.
Hi, I’m Penny Mapp. I am mother to 7yo twin girls and a large woolly hound. I am not an educator but have become a passionate advocate for nature play. I believe that children are amazing, they are far more capable than we give them credit, they are citizens who should be valued and listened to and that childhood is a gift that should be celebrated before it is gone. Children are born ready to explore and we should do all we can to encourage their natural curiosity. Nature provides the perfect environment for this and the connection to the natural world around them and an understanding of the seasons and native flora and fauna that can follow is the best way for our little people to feel their sense of place in the world.
Hi, I’m Virginia. I’m a passionate early childhood professional committed to creating environments for children which give them a voice. I believe the key to creating these environments is collaboration, communication, community, creativity, cognition (mindfulness), and core (shared) values.
My experience base is diverse and includes working internationally and nationally for a broad range of employers including public, private and government sector in early childhood education as a teacher, service director, regional planner, regulatory and operational pratice consultant, adult educator and learning environment designer.
Hi I’m Jen. I’m passionate about children learning through play and with nature. I have a Biology Degree, Diploma in Early Years Education and have completed a Bush Kinder course at Centennial Parklands. Whilst working at Clovelly Child Care Centre I’ve led Beach and Bush Kindy programs and believe children need time and space in nature to explore, connect with each other and their community. I enjoy learning with preschoolers, as I’m a co-researcher and co-collaborator – being curious and wondering with them about their discoveries and ideas. When I’m not working, I love exploring nature with my family and ocean swimming with my friends.
Why nature play?
Why is this? Apart from play outside being endlessly fun, a great number of studies have shown that children who are able to regularly play in nature have:
- Increased levels of happiness
- A stronger immune system
- Improved physical health
- Increased physical and literacy skills
- Improved focus and attention
- Greater emotional intelligence
- Increases community connection
- Reduced levels of stress, anxiety and depression
(click on the above image to enlarge it)
We also believe that a connection to nature helps children better understand their place in the world and fostering a love of the natural world from a young age is an environmental necessity.
What to expect?
On welcoming you and your little people, we will form our yarning circle to acknowledge our traditional owners, the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation, learn a bit about the land we are gathered on and listen to a story about the area. This will provide the children with the opportunity to feel a sense of place for where we are gathered and to get to know each other.
Please be mindful that this is an all weather activity and we will proceed regardless except in the case of extreme weather conditions eg high winds, severe storms. So come dressed accordingly!
Who’s this for?
All children aged 3-5 years old are welcome! Please note an adult will need to accompany children attending.
Are adults required to accompany their children?
We also encourage all our lovely big people attending to get involved and engage with what your little people are doing so that you can both get the most out of this session. We will do our best to make this fun for you as well!
We would also appreciate your assistance with guiding and helping them, we aren’t likely to be doing anything too strenuous and will be on hand to assist.
What happens if its raining?
We put on our raincoats and gumboots and go hunting for puddles!
Of course, if it gets too hairy and unsafe, we shall of course cancel the play session.
What to bring?
- Water bottle and any snacks you require (no nuts please).
- Layers in case of a change of weather and potentially a change of clothes.
- Gumboots and raincoat if it is raining.
What if the dates I'm interested in are booked out?
Please signup for our emails and we shall let you know if there are any cancellations.
Where to meet?
We will meet at the Pine Grove inn Centennial Parklands, on Loch Avenue. See the map above for directions.
* It is important to note that we are always very mindful about what we will and won’t collect and potentially remove from a natural setting. Even fallen leaves and twigs can play an important role by providing shelter or bedding for animals. We will discuss the importance of being mindful about what we remove and what we leave in situ with the children on the day and would love it if our wonderful adult companions would help reinforce this message.