Sustainability Living Festival

Victorian Child and Nature Connection has organised a panel discussion 

Cecile van der Burgh - VCNC 

Doug Fargher - Bush Kinder

Stephen Parker - Muddy Boots and Sandy Hands

Gio Fitzpatrick and Neil Blake - Port Phillip Ecocentre

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.

Jacaranda Bush Kinder

Congratulations to the team of educators, parents and children of Bush Kinder at Jacaranda Preschool.

It has been great following the your Bush Kinder News.

It was a privilege to assist your community get Bush Kinder up and going.

Bush Kinder for Gowrie Australia

Gowrie are a leading training, research, and resource agency in Australia.

At the end of 2011 I was approached to write an article for their journal

Here is a link. Reflections Winter 2012 issue 4

Bush Kinder presentation University of Melbourne

I had the pleasure of lecturing to a group of Master of Teaching students at the University of Melbourne.
Some students were clearly aligned to Bush Kinder with their existing teaching practice and philosophy, others were challenged.
I enjoyed hearing stories from students with diverse world and cultural backgrounds.
Industrial, urban and country environments all provide opportunities for children to engage with nature.
One student told of playing in a paved courtyard with stones, burnt matches, another of waiting for a flower to bloom that signified holidays with her family. Memories of a childhood in nature evoke powerful and positive emotional responses.
Thank you to the students for your insightful questions and to Sarah Young  [teacher/ lecturer/ clinical specialist] for your guidance and the invitation.