Native Australian plants are integral to nature play. Early childhood educators can use plants to teach young children about biodiversity, gardening, sustainability, and native Australian wildlife. The best way to attract native animals is to plant native plants!
Native plants are part of children's identity in Australia, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are especially connected to plants and Country.
Educators can extend the learning to include these related topics: non-native plants, leaves, sticks, seeds, forests and the bush.
EYLF learning outcomes
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) encourages children to connect with natural materials (4.4) and show respect for the environment (2.4). Native plants are part of Australian children's self identity (1.3).
Learning experiences
Explore the Atlas of Living Australia
The Atlas of Living Australia allows citizens, including children, to explore complex biodiversity data. The most exciting feature of this online tool is entering your address and discovering the plants in your local area.
Children can also use technology to contribute to the atlas. Record your own observations of flora, fauna and fungi.
Attract native bees
Start a mini garden to attract native bees. They are garden helpers, expert pollinators, and wonderful for sustainable communities! Planting a bee-friendly garden will help children understand the value of native plants.
Follow the guide to bee-friendly plants from Aussie Bee.
Set up an indigenous play space
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have extensive uses for native plants. Explain this to your children and provide examples:
- Leaves and grasses can be woven into baskets, mats, fishing lines and nets.
- Edible plants provide nutrition and medicine. Seeds can be pounded into flour.
- Wood can be used for boomerangs and shields.
- Bark can be used to build canoes and baby cradles.
Set up a play space with various loose parts including leaves, sticks, timber, seeds and seed pods. Encourage children to role-play using the plants for a purpose. Can they use a leaf as a bandage for their doll or make a pretend cup of tea for a friend?
Explore botanical art
Nicola Woodcock is a Sydney artist who is inspired by Australian plants. Explore her Instagram with your children and discuss her use of line and colour. Can you identify any native plants in her artworks? Can you use her art as inspiration for your own paintings?
Also, explore artists belonging to the Botanical Art Society of Australia.
Resources
Websites
Australian National Herbarium: Information about native plants
Music
Justine Clarke: Gumtree family