Nature and the environment

Nature and the environment

Nature provides many of the things children seek: imagination, wonder, sensory experiences, relaxation, physical activity, interaction with living things, and freedom.

Young babies may enjoy feeling the breeze on their skin, while preschool children may use that same breeze to fly kites. Nature unites all children regardless of their age, language and cultural background.

NQS & EYLF

The benefits of nature play in early childhood education are well-recognised. The National Quality Standard requires services to care for the environment and support children to become environmentally responsible (3.2.3). The Early Years Learning Framework asks children to become socially responsible, show respect for the environment (2.4), and connect with natural materials (4.4).

Learning extensions

Early childhood educators can incorporate nature into their programs in various ways:

Learning experiences

Construct shelters

Provide loose parts like rope, tarpaulins and tree branches so children can construct their own tents. Teach basic knots like the reef knot and bowline. 

Examine earth

Dig up a section of earth that is covered in grass. Place it on a table indoors and let children investigate it with magnifying glasses.

Practice observational drawing

Give children sketch pads or clipboards and draw outside. Observational drawing can be as easy or as complex as you would like. It involves drawing something you see in front of you - a tree, a feather, bark or ants.

Give babies baskets

Provide small baskets for babies and toddlers. Help them collect natural objects in their outdoor area. Show them how to play with the treasures:

  • tap stones to make noise
  • crunch leaves
  • twist twigs and blades of grass in your fingers
  • tear leaves and smell their perfume
  • put flowers in your hair.

Learning environments

Let children be architects

Provide opportunities for children to rearrange their outdoor environment. Offer large loose parts like tree stumps, branches and rocks. Children get physical activity when they move heavy things. They learn about physics when they build and balance objects.

Create interesting outdoor spaces

  • Plant a bean tipi or a circle of sunflowers. Give children a place to hide.
  • Make a stage for performers and chairs for an audience.
  • Hide treasures in the sandpit that sparkle.
  • Hang wind chimes and dream catchers.

Spend more time in nature

  • Go outdoors in all weather, so children can observe changes in the environment. This is science.
  • Talk to families about bringing spare clothes or clothing suitable for the weather. Invest in waterproof onesies and collect used gumboots.
  • Allow children to observe nature for long, uninterrupted periods of time. This will improve focus, attention span and distractibility.
  • Is your outdoor space limited? Take frequent excursions to the park and increase the number of plants and natural objects in your indoor areas.
  • Take ordinary indoor experiences outside.

Family connections

  • During centre tours, talk with families about your outdoor play practices and their benefits.
  • Have a clear policy for outdoor play. Under what circumstances is it restricted (e.g. above a certain temperature)?
  • Be confident about expanding your nature play. Talk openly and honestly with all stakeholders. Don't assume other educators or parents will be unhappy with your ideas.

Community connections

  • Start bush, beach or river kindy. This concept is called Forest School in the UK. Children spend extended time outdoors in a natural environment. Watch a forest school explainer video from the Forest School Association.
  • Take photos on a nature walk. Look at them later and discuss what you see.
  • Ask for people to donate intriguing things from nature, like an old wasp nest. Ask a florist to donate old flowers.
  • Connect with nature-based organisations that can share skills and resources. Many people want to share their passion for nature.

Interactions

  • Allow children to gain delight from nature without adult interference. Let nature do the teaching.
  • Take children (especially non-mobile babies) on a tour of your outdoor area. Look up at the clouds, inspect plants and smell the fresh air. 

Events

Discussions

  • What season is it?
  • What is the weather like today?
  • Can you see any birds?
  • How does this bark feel?
  • What species of trees are in our yard?

What is happening?

Encourage children to think about why something is happening in their environment.

  • Can you make a guess?
  • Could there be any other reasons?
  • How can you find out which assumption is correct?

Reflections

  • Are you supporting all types of outdoor play, or just physical play?
  • Is your outdoor area an inspiring place to work and play?
  • Are your babies spending as much time outdoors as your preschool children?
  • Imagine you have an unlimited budget. How would you transform your outdoor areas?

Resources

Picture books

Slow Down by Rachel Williams and Freya Hartas

Music

Sesame Street: Outdoors

Videos

Pictures

Websites

Websites: Risky Play