Pre-school and School programs

The program is for kindergartens, childcare centres, community groups, preschools and primary schools (reception – Year 2), to support children, families and educators health and wellbeing through nature connection. The aim is to connect children with nature through play so they can gain the health and wellbeing benefits that therapeutic nature-based activities  can provide. The program will also benefit the adults in the children’s lives too! The objectives are to guide children to tune in to natural environments to support them to calm their bodies, care for the nature and themselves, improve their coordination and confidence through nature connection activities, and support their connection to themselves and each other. These objectives are carried out through play, as the children have fun in nature! Broad topics addressed through the program include: What is nature? Why nature and play is important? What are the health and wellbeing benefits of nature? How do we connect with nature? Fun and engaging activities to support nature connection! What do we notice in nature and in ourselves? How can also nurture nature, as nature nurtures us?   The program can look like:     60- 90 minute session or sessions (flexible depending on needs) One off incursion/ excursions or 3-5 sessions program Educators don’t require any additional training, fully guided program An appropriate space outside, or visiting a nearby park would be required No specialised equipment required Once educators have participated in the program, they will be inspired to use nature based activities in their settings. The program is inclusive and can be altered to a variety of abilities if required These are some of the activities might include: Exploring surroundings to foster curiosity and a love of learning. Engaging all the senses to tune deeply into nature, enhancing sensory development and can help calm the mind. Games that encourage learning while playing, such as a scavenger hunt to find and identify different types of leaves or trees Using natural materials like rocks, sticks and leaves to create art or build structure. This can help children develop creativity, problem solving and regulate emotions. Drawing and recording observations and thoughts about the natural world helps with fine motor, writing and observations skills, as well as expressing themselves. Group activities to promote development of social skills and connections. Evidence to support these programs:  Nature improves health and wellbeing, spending time in nature provides children with a wide range of health benefits including: – increased vitamin D levels, reduced near-sightedness, increased physical activity, reduced risk of obesity, improved relationship skills and reduced stress, anger and aggression – which all lead to greater wellbeing Nature can improve academic outcomes. Learning in natural environment can boost performance in reading, writing, math, science and social studies, and can enhance creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. Spending time in nature can help children focus their attention, and has been shown to have decrease symptoms of ADHD Exploration and discovery through outdoor experiences can promote motivation to learn Green schoolyards and exposure to nature helps kids feel calmer and less stressed, positive and restored and more resilient. There is also evidence that children are better able to cope with stress when they are near trees and other greenery. Green schoolyards and exposure to nature promotes social-emotional skills. Children demonstrate more cooperative play, civil behaviour and positive social relationships. Children also have greater self-awareness and self-management, hence reducing aggression and discipline problems and helping students feel proud, responsible and confident. Childhood has moved indoors recently and it leaves our kids disconnected from the natural word, this program support children to get outside, connect with nature again and improve their health and wellbeing while having fun, learning so much and feeling better! For further details including pricing and availability contact via email [email protected]