Bush Toddlers Program
Nature play is an essential aspect of childhood development, and we are delighted to announce our new program: Bush Toddlers that encourages our Swift Parrot children (aged 2-3) to explore and engage with nature. First and foremost, we would like to congratulate Robyn and the Swift Parrot team for their incredible effort in piloting this program, including navigating an extensive amount of red tape, trials, and research. Their dedication and motivation to get children outdoors and immersed in nature are highly commendable.
Starting from term 2, the Swift Parrots will be venturing off on a weekly basis (rotating days termly) to Gresswell Nature Reserve for 2-hour nature play sessions. The children will be returning to Skye in time for lunch and rest time.
The benefits of nature programs for toddler-aged children are vast and well-documented. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mental health, and enhance cognitive development. Studies have also demonstrated that nature play improves children's creativity, problem-solving abilities, and attention span. In addition, regular exposure to nature can foster a sense of curiosity, wonder, and respect for the environment.
As Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder," aptly puts it, "Time in nature is not leisure time; it's an essential investment in our children's health."
The Swift Parrots team is thrilled with the positive outcomes observed in children's learning and development during the pilot phase of their nature play sessions. According to their reports, children have shown increased engagement in more meaningful play and have demonstrated a deeper understanding of complex ideas and processes as a result of ongoing and subsequent exposure. These experiences have fostered a sense of wonder and curiosity in the children, encouraging further exploration and discovery.
During the Bush Toddler program's pilot phase, the children had some fascinating experiences at Gresswell Nature Reserve. For instance, one of the children was very interested in the sap that was coming out of a tree. More children gathered around to explore the sticky texture between their fingers, and one child explained that sap is like the tree's blood that comes out when it gets hurt. The children were amazed and continued to explore the interesting texture.
On another occasion, the children noticed a hole about a 6cm diameter in the dirt along the path, the children hypothesised, wondering it may be a bug's home. the educators encouraged the children to use their creative and logical thinking skills to consider what could be living in such habitat by using questions to aid reflection, one thought provoking question was using STEM concepts ask the children to consider the size of the hole and compare it with the size of a bug. Given the size of the hole the children concluded that it was unlikely a bug home however ponded it maybe snake or a mouse's home.
The children devised a plan to put sticks inside the hole to see what would come out- credit to them for their problem-solving skills! However, the educators asked the children to empathise with what creature may be inside the hole and consider our acknowledgment to country where we commit to looking after the lands and the animals within. The educators explained how important it is to respect the creatures that live in Gresswell and leave the environment undisturbed upon departure. They also highlighted the possibility that the animals might be frightened and could hurt them if they disturbed them. The children collectively decided that this was not the best option to discover who, if anyone, was inside the hole.
Upon returning to Skye, the team delved into researching local habitats through books and online resources. They brainstormed ideas and considered different approaches, ultimately deciding to keep a watchful eye on the hole day and night. To achieve this, they set up a time-lapse camera with a GoPro, eager to document any activity that might occur. This investigation sparked a long-term inquiry project that would occupy their attention for the remainder of the term.
We believe that the Bush Toddlers program is an excellent initiative that will provide children with valuable opportunities to explore, learn, and develop essential life skills. We are excited to see how the program evolves and the positive impact it will have on the children's lives. We thank the Swift Parrots team for their dedication and hard work in making this program a success!
