Rainy Days Fun
As the wet and cooler weather arrived, many of the the children were excited to don the new rain suits to allow them to enjoy the outdoor classroom in wet weather. Educators allow the children to take the lead when participating in rainy day play, supporting them to get as immersed in rain and puddle-splashing opportunities as they wish. Educators from our infants’ and toddlers’ programs commented on how many of the children love the wet weather because the rain offers such unique sensory opportunities—not only the water itself, but the different textures of everything in the space when it’s wet.
Adventurous Play
Ropes for swinging and climbing have been added to the outdoor classroom to give children new opportunities to test their bodies and explore their abilities. The addition of the ropes helps movement seeking children, and those who are drawn to challenge and adventurous play, to extend their experiences. The climbing ropes that were added to the big Camphor Laurel tree also helped younger children and those who are less physically confident or able to take on the challenge of “climbing the big tree”, a highlight for many as during an outdoor classroom visit. The children encouraged and supported each other, and many overcame their initial fears and, feeling a sense of achievement, decided “I’m going to do it again!”.
Observing Nature
The Infants’ Home children have delighted in following the hatching of our resident St Andrews Cross spider’s babies in the outdoor classroom. After noticing her egg sacs in May, the children regularly visited the spider to check the progress. They had many questions and comments: “Will the mummy look after her babies?”, “Don’t hurt the sac because the mummy will be sad,” and “What’s a sac?”, all f which inspired many great conversations and investigations. Since the baby spiders hatched, the children have been engrossed in finding and observing the many little spiderlings as they create their tiny webs. Gorton House Teacher Nicky noted “The children show so much care and kindness towards all the little creatures they are noticing, it’s lovely”.
Nature Sparks Children’s Imagination and Creativity
A simple palm frond that was brough into the outdoor classroom by Johnson House Teacher Sarah spawned much creative play amongst the children. Over several weeks the frond served as many things in the children’s play, including as a bed, a sleigh, a bathtub and “a boat to go to space”!
The gunya (which is a temporary hut or humpy, typically made from natural materials) that has been built by the children in the outdoor classroom also inspires imaginative and pretend play. Recently two of the children imagined the gunya as a fire station and called out to their friends to tell them that they were fire fighters. The enthusiasm of the two children quickly drew other children into the play, and suddenly a group of 8 children were rushing to put out the fires that were burning in the bushes. As they let their imaginations take hold, the children were keen to explain to Nicky what they were doing, and she was careful to engage with them in a neutral way to avoid taking over or leading the play.
Nature pedagogy places the natural world at the centre of children’s experiences and learning. Giving children hands-on opportunities to engage with the natural world in child-led ways fosters holistic development. Children’s questions, interests, and delight will continue to guide us as we shape and develop our inspiring outdoor classroom.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at childrensservices@theinfantshome.org.au.