Supporting Environmental Stewardship Through Nature Play

Positive engagement with the natural world can lead to a sense of connection with nature and a feeling of ongoing responsibility for conservation.

Nature play can help lay the foundation for lifelong environmental stewardship by providing children with regular, unstructured outdoor experiences where they can explore, observe, and interact with natural elements. When children climb logs, collect leaves, or build shelters from branches, they’re not only developing physical strength and problem-solving skills; they’re also learning to appreciate and respect the natural world. These early interactions help children see themselves as part of an interconnected ecosystem, cultivating empathy for plants, animals, and the environment.

Strategies for Fostering Environmental Stewardship Through Nature Play

• Unstructured Outdoor Play: Allow ample time for free exploration in natural settings like parks, forests, or even backyards, with natural materials such as sticks, stones, leaves, bark and mud.
• Sensory Engagement: Encourage children to touch different textures, smell flowers, listen to birds, and observe insects and animals to build deeper appreciation and understanding.
• Gardening and Nurturing: Involve children in planting, watering, and harvesting to teach life cycles and responsibility.
• Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts: Turn walks into discovery missions to find specific plants, rocks, or creatures, enhancing observational skills.
• Nature-Based Art and Storytelling: Use natural materials for creative projects and read stories outdoors to make learning more immersive.
• Role Modeling: Adults can demonstrate their own love and care for nature through actions like recycling, conserving water, and respecting wildlife.
• Encourage Curiosity: Ask open-ended questions, such as “What do you notice about this leaf?” or “How do you think insects help the garden?”. These conversations help children develop their understanding of the world around them.
• Connect Play to Conservation: Use nature play as a springboard to discuss ecosystems, animal habitats, and how human actions can impact the environment.

Ultimately, nature play is more than play—it’s a powerful tool for shaping future environmental stewardship. By giving children the freedom to explore and connect with nature, they are empowered to care for the planet and the living creatures on it.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at childrensservices@theinfantshome.org.au.