Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment
Children require very little input from early childhood educators to discover and enjoy nature play. Young children are born with an affinity for nature. Babies will reach out compulsively to snatch overhanging leaves, and preschool children will build incredible structures from sand, water and sticks.
Learning experiences
- Provide children with a wide variety of natural materials for use in child-led, open-ended play.
- Learn about the connections Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have with the environment. Use picture books as a starting point for discussions and ongoing explorations. Educators and children can learn alongside each other.
- Observe and research animals in your local area or keep pets at your service.
- Go outside and look at the weather. Plan fun learning experiences on days with extreme weather (e.g. splash in puddles or freeze yoghurt ice blocks).
- Introduce children and families to sustainability practices. Make them a part of your daily routines.
- Start a garden, even if you have a small space.
- The EYLF recommends that educators “investigate with children environmental challenges and explore solutions to problems using digital technologies and the internet”.
Explore the EYLF
Explore other areas of Learning Outcome 2, Children are connected to their world.
Explore all the EYLF Learning Outcomes, with links to children's interest topics, on The Interest Forest.