More Nature in Early Childhood Services

Last week I had the pleasure of running professional learning sessions for educators in Banyule and Boroondara. It is great to hear that many participants are already incorporating nature and the outdoors into their programs. They are noticing the benefits and are are looking at ways to extend their practice.

Over-protected, over-organised ... why kids need time to play

“Through challenging themselves children learn that muddy puddles are slippery and rocks are hard – they have a lot more capacity than adults give them credit for,”      more

Better out than in: Westgarth bush kindergarten plunges kids back into nature

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Nature is a shared language

Bush Kinder was honoured to be a part of the 2013 AGECS annual general meeting tour. Amongst those who attended was Jade Fraser from FKA Children's Services. Together with Jade I wrote an article for the newsletter 'Resource'.

In the article we discuss how natural environments encourage children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate and develop a sense of belonging to place and community. Nature is the shared language.

Bush Kinder in Fairfax media

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Going bush!

Wednesday 31 July 2013

Remember climbing trees and jumping in puddles? Playing in nature was an important part of growing up for most of us. Research suggests that children who spend more time outdoors in nature are happier, healthier, stronger, smarter and more social. Let’s look at ways of reconnecting our children with nature and the outdoors.

Doug Fargher will present this session for parents and guardians of young children.

Doug Fargher is the founder of Bush Kinder, and has been working in Early Childhood for more than 20 years. He is also the proud father of four children. Doug has a passion for allowing children to learn through play, outdoors in nature. Doug is teaching in theBush Kinder program and directing its implementation, as well as consulting and speaking nationally about connecting children with nature.

Places are limited. Registration and payment must be received prior to the session. No refunds or exchanges.

http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Connect/Events/Going_bush

Dunkeld Bush Kindergarten

Even farm kids in the bush need Bush Kinder.

Dunkeld is at the foot of the Grampians in rural Victoria. Dunkeld kindergarten now run a very successsful Bush Kinder program. My colleague Ben Goodes and I happily supported the forward thinking educators and parent community at Dunkeld get started with a Bush Kinder to suit their specific needs. Congratulations Dunkeld! 

Click image to watch ABC Video of Dunkeld Bush Kinder

Click image for the Dunkeld Bush Kinder story