by Katie; Diversity and Inclusion Leader and
Olivia; Educational Leader – Alkira ELC
While the COVID-19 restrictions may have led us away from our regular play spaces, they also provide the perfect motivation to explore the natural wonders of the Central Coast. Unsurprisingly, there are many benefits to children’s learning and wellbeing in these natural environments.
In acknowledging the importance of preserving resilience in our children, Alkira ELC believes prioritising time in nature is now, more than ever, an essential part of children’s learning. Taking an adventure in nature supports the sense of connectedness as a family and may be just the antidote needed to restore the calm in our chaotic, COVID changed lives.
With time on our side during these restrictions, many families have made the most of the opportunity to slow down their busy lives, reconnect and think outside the box when it comes to teaching children. The notion of slowing down and being in the moment go hand in hand with the natural environment. Making the most of our beaches, bush trails, waterways, waterfalls and mangroves for family adventures can provide us, as adults, opportunities to make meaningful experiences with our children.
At Alkira ELC, getting our children out into nature is something that is embedded in our everyday practice. Nature provides a holistic learning environment, one where our senses are engaged with smells, sounds, texture and there is a great depth of visual detail. The older children have become avid adventurers through their experiences in our Beyond program and we are able to see first-hand the impact this has on their wellbeing and development. While exploring in nature, our Alkira ELC Educators allow children to take the lead, observing that children will naturally gravitate to the area that speaks to them. Educators resist the urge to immediately share their knowledge of the space, valuing the child’s own discovery and right to make sense of the world around them. Empowering children with the freedom to explore at their own pace feeds their curious dispositions, encourages imagination, commitment to their exploration, and trust in themselves and their ideas. It gives children the opportunity to build on their own knowledge and to fully absorb the magic of the natural environment.
Being prepared
Before heading out to explore in nature, not knowing what might spark the interest of each child, it is an idea to arm yourself with supplies. Some of the resources the Educators at Alkira ELC take with the children when they adventure to our local areas are baskets, scissors, crayons, paper, rope, sticky tape, magnifying glasses, and a camera. Capturing memories of your time in nature may involve photographing an insect, textures of a tree or a child’s hand as they touch the intricacies of a flower. Our children often collect natural items to continue their discoveries back at the Centre. We also discuss with children the importance of minimising any disturbance to the natural environment in their explorations, being mindful to preserve the biodiversity that makes nature so wondrous. Discussion around items children have found together gives each child a chance to share different aspects they have observed individually, also providing opportunities for shared learning and collaboration in the inquiry process. The findings, ideas and takeaways of a thirty-minute bush walk can carry far beyond this time and build on children’s development in so many ways.
While we all adjust to this new norm of social distancing, we hope that families feel more connected to each other and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. During these times of struggle and uncertainty it is more important than ever that we take the time to reconnect to the land, appreciating the amazing biodiversity of life that surrounds us.
We hope to see our coastal adventurers out and about discovering the magic and wonder that is nature itself!
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