Around the Primary Classes
Early Years Centre (ELC)
Finger painting in the Early Years is not only full of colour, freedom and self expression, it also helps to strengthen fine motor skills which is so important for hand eye coordination and early writing skills.
Prep
In Science, the Prep students are completing a unit of work focused on materials and their properties and purposes. We went on an excursion to Bunnings to explore different materials and what they are used for. While we were there, we went on a tour of the store and built our own pencil box using wood and nails. Following our time at Bunnings we went to Dru Point for a picnic lunch and play. The girls had a wonderful day together.
Year 2
I recently had the immense privilege of accompanying Year 2 with Miss Thatcher and Mrs Molner to a day-long session at the Sustainability Learning Centre at Mt Nelson. It was a perfect sunny winters day full of rich learning but the privilege for me was to see the growth and competence of the students in the bush setting. After listening to the story ‘Uno’s Garden’, Jacob asked the girls to create habitats for mini beasts.
The girls set about planning, communicating and creating with the resources around them; loose-parts, water, soil, stones, bark, leaves and they created delightfully unique habitats including a swing for a bird's look-out, a shower for frogs and various hiding spaces from predators. Most students in this class have been attending Nature Play regularly since Kindergarten and it shows in the way that they engage with the environment with such ease. Studies are emerging on the importance of giving children time away from screens and to play in nature. The benefits of this play are far ranging and well documented; children gain strength, balance and resilience. They learn to communicate and cooperate, sharing ideas and imagination. Importantly, time in nature helps to regulate the nervous system and is considered important for mental well-being.
Karen Giudici
Nature Play
Year 1
We go to Nature Play every second Friday. I like to explore the wild things in nature. The water is so relaxing, and I like to splash in it. I like to use the clay as make up. In nature, I feel happy and calm. Sometimes the bush is full of creepy crawlies. The trees make me calm with their soft bark and crunchy leaves. At the end, to say goodbye and we meditate. Playing in nature is the best!
Nora Binny
Year 2
Recently, our Year 9 Child Studies students went to Nature Play with the Year 2 class. Here are some of the Year 9 students thoughts on the experience:
Nature Play is a calm environment where the Early Years Students can freely interact with the land and each other, play independently and explore their imagination. As Child Studies students, we have had the opportunity to witness this and interact with the children, supporting them in their play and observing them learn from their experiences. All of the students look forward to nature play because they have time to express themselves and choose what they would like to do in the allocated time.
Brooklynn T.
I joined the Year 2 class for Nature Play and saw how it encouraged them to use natural materials to create imaginative scenarios like playing families and running restaurants. It was a great opportunity to see how they interacted with each other and their surroundings.
Elanora B.
The children were very excited during Nature Play, exploring and trying new things. They showed independence by making their own decisions and leading activities, but also included everyone making sure all classmates could join in and feel welcome. This made a friendly and supportive atmosphere where everyone felt encouraged to participate and learn together.
Miley S.
Nature Play really helps the young students at our school grow by giving them opportunities to explore in nature and try new things. It also helps them gain important skills like creativity, problem solving and social skills, by making them play and interact in a different place with their classmates.
Eliza M.