Bush kinder programs are educational sessions for children that take place outdoors in nature and learn through play with natural materials in the outside environment.
It is important when you are planning a ‘bush kinder’ program that we are consulting and communicating with parents and families, they need to be communicated with:
- Why is the Campus choosing the suitable outdoor site?
- Reviewing service policies and procedures- share these with families.
- Conducting Termly risk assessments and reviews- share with families termly.
- Outlining and developing an educational program with delivering the requirements and learning intentions of a Bush kinder program - share with families.
Click the link, put your postcode in and click ‘login’ it will give you additional resources to be able to use. This will support your Campus with generating inspiring outdoor practice and supports the diversity within learning environments in our sector: https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/bespoke/vicece/
Why is outdoor learning important?
As children gain more exposure and experience outside, they begin to transfer their past learning to new situations, developing their risk-management skills. Experts in children's learning say outdoor play is important for:
- Children’s learning and wellbeing.
- It helps children grow physically and mentally and helps them learn how to handle risks.
- It invites children’s curiosity and improves exploration
- Opens up the world of wonder, imagination and creativity for children.
- A way that simultaneously calms and excites the mind.
| Quality area 1- | Educational program and practice | Standard 1.3 | ||
| Quality area 2 | Children's health and safety | Whole Quality area. | ||
| Quality Area 3 | Physical environment | Whole Quality area. | ||
| Element 5.2.1 | Collaborative learning | Children are supported to collaborate, learn from and help each other. | ||
| Quality area 6 | Collaborative partnerships with families and communities | Standard 6.2 Collaborative partnerships | ||
| Quality area 7. | Governance and leadership | Element 7.1.2 Management Systems Systems are in place to manage risk and enable the effective management and operation of a quality service. |
Nature play, please click on me to access resource.