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:
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
Module 10: Final Thoughts
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
- 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