Nature Play and Children's Wellbeing

Nature Play and Children's Wellbeing
Support Group - Monday 23rd February 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm AEDT (New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania)

Individual - $129 - Team - $599

Tax Deductible, Certificate received for Professional Development 

Tuesday 24th February 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm AEST - Queensland
6:30pm - 8:30pm South Australia, Northern Territory
6:00pm - 8:00pm Western Australia
​
Individual - $129 - Team - $599

Tax Deductible, Certificate received for Professional Development 

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

Topics Overview:
  • Module 1: What is Nature Play?
  • Module 2: The Value of Community
  • Module 3: Improving Outcomes for Each Child
  • Module 4: Developmental Domains in Nature Play
  • Module 5: Nature Play and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
  • Module 6: Nature Play and the National Quality Framework (NQF)
  • Module 7: Nature Play Experiences
  • Module 8: Bush Kindy
  • Module 9: 33 Nature Play Ideas for Children and Families
  • Educator Toolkit:
  • Goals
  • Strategies
  • Resources
  • Module 10: Final Thoughts
​
Topics:
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 dialogueNature 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

​Educator Toolkit Summary
Goals:
  • Understand Nature Play philosophy and benefits.
  • Support holistic child wellbeing.
  • Integrate Nature Play into daily practice with EYLF/NQF alignment.
  • Foster inclusive, culturally safe, and joyful outdoor environments.

Strategies:
  • Unstructured play, mindfulness, community engagement.
  • Reflective practice and documentation.
  • Adaptations for diverse needs and emotional safety.

Resources:
  • Nature Play Guides & Kits Lists
  • Reflection Journals
  • EYLF & NQF Frameworks
  • Community & Cultural Engagement Guides Lists
  • Mindfulness & Calm Tools
  • Risk Assessment & Safety Checklists
  • Family Engagement Resources

​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