Trees create special places for humans and wildlife. Children recognise the magic of forests and can show great interest in learning about them.
Australia also has the bush, which is iconic but can mean different things to different people. The Australian bush is usually less dense and more arid than a forest.
EYLF learning outcomes
Forests and bushlands link with The Early Years Learning Framework. They encourage children to connect with places (4.4) and show respect for the environment (2.4).
Learning experiences
Play with a small world
Fill the bottom of a container with dirt, grass and leaves. Add in twigs with leaves still attached so the children can build their own forest. Use green playdough to help the trees stand up. Make a path through the forest using tiny pebbles.
Will people, animals or fairies live in your forest?
Go on a forest scavenger hunt
Provide children with a list of items to find that are commonly found in forests, like leaves, pine cones and insects. Encourage them to use their observation skills. Older children can practice their literacy skills by ticking off items from a list.
This learning experience can be conducted in an actual forest. Alternatively, educators can hide items around their childcare centre.
Pretend to camp
Set up a role-play area so children can pretend to go camping. Pitch a tent (either a real one, a play teepee, or a DIY shelter). Provide props such as toy animals, camp cooking equipment and binoculars. You can even build a pretend fire.
Community connections
Start a bush kindy program
Forest schools, an outdoor education program originating in Europe, has recently inspired Australian early childhood educators to offer bush kindy programs. This involves outdoor learning experiences and nature play within any natural space available. Bush kindy can last a few hours or the whole day.
Watch a forest school explainer video from the Forest School Association and read Taking the classroom and learning outside on The Spoke.
Walk through a forest or bushlands
Childcare centres near a forest or nature reserve can take children on short walks. Simply walking amongst trees is highly beneficial, so don't feel pressured to organise complex activities. Educators can let children take the lead in exploring the space.
Events
- 21st March is International Day of Forests
- Australian National Tree Day is in July
Resources
Picture books
- Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Jeannie Baker
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A Forest by Mac Martin
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Into the Forest by Anthony Browne
- The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
Websites
National Geographic: Rainforests and Deforestation