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.
Bush Kinder recognises the place the bush has in Australian folklore and the significance of the land in Aboriginal culture. No toys, No tools, No art supplies The children and adults benefit from using only what nature has provided. https://www.bushkinder.education bushkinder@gmail.com
Wednesday 10 October 2012
Climbing trees
“Once
a symbol of an idyllic childhood, this nature-loving pastime is so
significantly on the decline that only 19% of Australian children enjoy a
clamber in their local tree” Planet Ark research 2011
How
high are children allowed to climb at Bush Kinder?
Children
have different levels of confidence and ability. Reaching for that first branch
may require an educator to be beside a child ready to catch. It may also be
appropriate for an educator to watch from afar with a child many metres up a
tree.
Tuesday 9 October 2012
Dirt Doesn't Hurt
An early years forum looking at mental health in the early years.
Launch of the "Dirt Doesn't Hurt" resource.
Enabling
children to experience natural play, independently
How do we
enable families to give their children more opportunities for independent,
outdoor, creative, messy play?
How do we
support them to let their children build confidence, take educated risks, and
become resilient?
How can
we pass this information on to parents, and model these behaviours in our
settings – bringing our communities onside
Presenters: Kim
Coulter, Doug Fargher, Vanessa Wiggenraad, Leigh Bartlett
Saturday 25 August 2012
Bush Kinder cover story for Inspire magazine
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)