Sticks become spoons for stirring, swords for playfighting, materials for building, instruments for playing. A gumnut becomes an animal in a miniature world. Leaves become hot chips from the takeaway shop. A piece of bark becomes a mobile phone or laptop, as children mimic adults at work. Children's vibrant imagination allows them to create worlds that adults have lost the ability to access. Nurturing this imaginative play is essential for cognitive development in children.
It builds creativity and problem solving skills. There are less arguments over 'my toy' because there is always another stick to be found, allowing a greater focus on collaboration. In nature play, children become free to express their strengths and curiosity without being bounded by the confines of conventional toys.
Why not leave the toys (and screens) at home next time you go to the beach, see what your child can find to dig, build and decorate that sandcastle. Find a patch of bush close by and observe the magnificent worlds they create. Consider how liberating it is to have less 'stuff' to carry on every outing!
Sticks become spoons for stirring, swords for playfighting, materials for building, instruments for playing. A gumnut becomes an animal in a miniature world. Leaves become hot chips from the takeaway shop. A piece of bark becomes a mobile phone or laptop, as children mimic adults at work. Children's vibrant imagination allows them to create worlds that adults have lost the ability to access. Nurturing this imaginative play is essential for cognitive development in children.
It builds creativity and problem solving skills. There are less arguments over 'my toy' because there is always another stick to be found, allowing a greater focus on collaboration. In nature play, children become free to express their strengths and curiosity without being bounded by the confines of conventional toys.
Why not leave the toys (and screens) at home next time you go to the beach, see what your child can find to dig, build and decorate that sandcastle. Find a patch of bush close by and observe the magnificent worlds they create. Consider how liberating it is to have less 'stuff' to carry on every outing!
On Tuesday the 25th of March 2025, the Cloudy Bay Supergroms did a beach cleanup at Alonnah. We drove to the car park on the Dray Track and walked to the rocky beach where we found HEAPS of rubbish like little bits of plastic, lolly pop sticks and rope.
When asked what is so special about living on Bruny it is no surprise that many of the Prep/1 class refer to some aspect of nature as being the reason why this place is so special.
A national survey on Nature Connection in Australia examined how to measure, understand and enhance nature connectedness. Enhancing nature connection is crucial for improving both the wellbeing of people and planet.
The Bruny Kids webpage is an exciting new project that aims to provide a platform for younger writers to be showcased, and to support children’s connection with and understanding of Nature.
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