Hampshire House

Wild Time Adventures at Centennial Parklands

Our Grey class explorers embarked on an exciting Bush School adventure to Centennial Parklands for a planned morning of discovery and adventure!  The air buzzed with anticipation as we rode the bus, eager to discover the wonders that awaited us in nature.

As we arrived, the vast expanse of the parklands immediately captivated the children. Their eyes widened, taking in the towering trees, the rustling leaves, and the distant calls of birds. "Look at how big that tree is!" exclaimed Mae, pointing upwards with awe. The vibrant green landscape invited us in, promising a morning filled with sensory delights.

Despite the rainy weather, the children's spirits were high! The raindrops added a magical shimmer to the leaves, and the ground was dotted with inviting puddles. Far from being deterred, the children embraced the wet conditions with unbridled joy.

Our Bush School educator Jen greeted us warmly, her enthusiasm infectious. She led us to a shaded clearing, a natural classroom under the open sky, ready to inspire a love for the natural world through games, bush activities, stories, and more. Our first activity was all about climbing and balancing on big logs. The children giggled as they carefully navigated the slippery, rain-kissed surfaces, testing their coordination and confidence. This active start immediately engaged their bodies and minds.

Next, we went for a quiet walk looking for the bat colony, birds and the elusive owls. The children were encouraged to use their "listening ears" and "eagle eyes" to spot any wildlife. We made our way to a charming bridge, where we paused, peering into the water in hopes of spotting a platypus or eel, though we didn't see one. What we did see were a lot of ducks, happily swimming and waddling in the rain, which brought much delight!

We then delved into a sensory exploration. The children were encouraged to examine fallen leaves, bark, and small pebbles, glistening with raindrops. Fiadh spent a long time tracing the intricate patterns on a piece of eucalyptus bark. Jack carefully held a big leaf, marvelling at its massiveness. This hands-on investigation fostered their observation skills and deepened their understanding of natural textures and forms.

Throughout the morning, the children embraced the great outdoors, engaging in a variety of guided risky play that allowed them to truly reconnect with nature. Some bravely attempted to climb trees, under the watchful eyes of the teachers, experiencing the thrill of a new perspective. Every rustle and creak invited exploration, leading to the discovery of strange bugs under rocks and leaves, sparking curiosity and wonder about the tiny creatures that share our world. The puddles proved to be a source of immense fun, with children splashing, stomping, and even floating leaves and sticks. The teachers facilitated discussions, prompting questions like, "What do you think lives in this tree?" or "How does this plant feel different from that one?" These questions encouraged critical thinking and fostered a deeper connection to the ecosystem.

Our last activity of the day was a thrilling visit to the Wild Time playground. The children braved themselves, excitedly lining up for the massive slide. There were squeals of delight and proud grins as they made their way down, a fantastic energetic finish to our morning of bush exploration!

                            “It was 10. It was the best” – Liam

                            “I liked climbing on the log and jumping off” – Millie

                             “We saw bats and a bird called a kookaburra” – Stirling

                             “I liked the bus best” – Mae

                            “It was fun jumping in the puddles and going on the slide” – Louis

The Bush School Program provided an invaluable opportunity for the children to reconnect with nature and experience all its benefits, even on a rainy day. We observed a profound sense of curiosity, wonder, and joy as they explored their surroundings, freely engaging in activities that truly immersed them in the natural world. Their enthusiasm for the puddles and the rain demonstrated their innate ability to find joy and learning in all conditions. Beyond the specific activities, the natural environment itself acted as a powerful third teacher, promoting physical activity, sensory development, and social-emotional growth through collaborative play. The experience reinforced the importance of outdoor learning and our role in nurturing a love and respect for the natural world. We look forward to more adventures in the bush!

Ms Rochelle Gil 

Preschool Grey Educator