Nature Play and Children's Wellbeing

Overview:
​This course explores the powerful role of Nature Play in early childhood education, with a focus on how outdoor environments support whole-child development, deepen connections with community and culture, and enhance children’s wellbeing—emotionally, physically, socially, and mentally.

What Early Childhood Educators Will Learn
By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the philosophy and benefits of Nature Play
• See how nature supports children’s wellbeing and resilience
• Connect Nature Play to the EYLF and NQF frameworks
• Discover real-world strategies and experiences to bring learning outdoors
• Be inspired to create inclusive, joyful, nature-rich environments for every child
  
  

Module 1: What is Nature Play?

• Definition and key principles
• The importance of unstructured, outdoor play
• How nature fosters calm, joy, and emotional balance
• Nature Play as a powerful foundation for children’s wellbeing
• Contrast with traditional classroom learning

Module 2: The Value of Community

• Community as a support system for Nature Play
• Building connections that enhance a child’s sense of belonging
• Partnering with families to support wellbeing through nature
• Engaging Indigenous perspectives to enrich identity and cultural safety

Module 3: Improving Outcomes for Each Child

• Nature Play as a holistic approach to learning and wellbeing
• Supporting children’s mental health, resilience, and confidence
• Inclusivity for diverse needs, including emotional safety
• Strengthening self-identity and reducing anxiety

Module 4: Developmental Domains in Nature Play

• Physical: Builds strength, coordination, and healthy habits
• Cognitive: Sparks curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity
• Social: Enhances empathy, teamwork, and secure relationships
• Emotional: Encourages risk assessment, self-regulation, and resilience
• Language: Boosts expression, storytelling, and dialogue
• Nature Play supports all domains through a wellbeing lens—feeling safe, confident, and joyful

Module 5: Nature Play and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

• Strong links to Learning Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
• Nature Play as a vehicle for physical and emotional wellbeing
• Respectful relationships and calm environments in outdoor learning
• Supporting children's agency in play to promote positive mental health

Module 6: Nature Play and the National Quality Framework (NQF)

• Aligning Nature Play with:
  • Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety
  • Quality Area 5: Relationships with Children
  • ​Quality Area 6: Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
• Nature environments as supportive for both wellbeing and safety
• Documenting and reflecting on children’s social-emotional growth

Module 7: Nature Play Experiences

• Activities that nurture joy, curiosity, and emotional security:
  • Mud kitchens → sensory play and regulation
  • Tree climbing → confidence and risk mastery
  • Mindful walks → calm and self-awareness
  • Designing experiences that build positive mental health

Module 8: Bush Kindy

• Bush Kindy as a sanctuary for wellbeing
• Children build emotional resilience through routine and exploration
• Nature reduces stress and supports calm regulation rhythms
• Emotional safety through trusted relationships in outdoor contexts

Module 9: 33 Nature Play Ideas for Children and Families

• A collection of wellbeing-focused ideas such as:
  • Cloud watching for mindfulness
  • Nature storytelling for emotional expression
  • Barefoot walks to connect and ground
  • Listening walks to practice calm and attention
  • Great for home and service settings

Module 10: Final Thoughts

• Recap of Nature Play’s impact on learning, development, and wellbeing
• Wellbeing as both a goal and outcome of outdoor play
• Inspiring educators to create joyful, grounded, nature-rich environments
• Encouragement to keep children’s emotional and physical wellbeing at the heart of all planning

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