Bush Kinder and Regulations

Bush Kinder has challenged many educators view on what early childhood education should look like.
Over the past fortnight I have been fortunate to make conference presentations and engage in discussion with many inspired educators at the City of Yarra and Wyndham City. These Councils see the benefits that engaging children in nature will have on their community.
Too often as educators we do not follow through with great ideas in fear of regulations. Sadly we do this even when we know our ideas are good for children.
As advocates for children we need to question and read more deeply. Australian law and regulations can and does support good curriculum ideas. The Australian National Quality Framework certainly supports educators providing meaningful learning experiences to children. When offering great ideas like Bush Kinder, educators will be challenged to justify why they are offering it. It is important to recognise and articulate why and how Bush Kinder benefits children, their community and the wider world.

With Claire Warden at Wyndham's educators conference.

Bush Gathering

Educating outdoors in nature is increasingly happening at locations all over Australia. Sue Elliott and I invited a group of Victorian educators to meet and share some of the great work they are doing.

Today we met at the Darebin Parklands environment centre. 

I loved hearing how strong and different philosophical belief shaped pedagogical practice. Passionate educators articulated that it was essential to maintain the vibrant educational community we are in. How we educate must be shaped by the context in which we work. We have a lot we can learn from each other. There is not, and should not be a one size fits all approach to educating in the outdoors. 

Bush Kinder Evaluation Report

Click image to open report

Thank you Sue and Barbara a beautifully written report.

Bush Kinder at KU Conference

Sue Elliott and I are looking forward to presenting at the KU conference.