2022 might be a time of cautious optimism, and it might also be a time in which parents consider what is important for their young children in early childhood settings. The early years are a time for wonder, imagination and potential, and so the spaces and settings for this learning have a big impact on what might trigger wonderings, and what might capture the imagination of our children.
Indoors, we provide provocations to encourage purposeful play, collaboration and thinking. These might be inspired by something the group is inquiring into together, and they might offer opportunities to explore diverse ideas like a home corner, dress ups and blocks.
Nature is ever-present in our indoor space, but it is outdoors where educators can truly foster children’s connection with our natural world. Nature provides our children with the inspiration to be creative, think scientifically, and develop an appreciation for Country.
As children spend time outdoors, they explore with all of their senses. They are immersed in a sensory adventure of shape, pattern and design; smell, sound and texture. They extend developing motor skills through jumping, climbing, digging, sifting and sorting. They explore the cycles of life and relish the joy of a puddle. All of this contributes to them becoming confident, self-assured explorers and life-long learners.
Outdoors, there are infinite provocations for wondering. The blueness of the sky, the sun and how it travels, the creatures in the garden, and why the water seeps from the ponds we build in the sandpit. As educators, we are on hand to share in these wonderings, and help to frame and encourage deepening theories.
Importantly, being in our natural environment provides children with an essential opportunity to begin to understand their place in this land. Children learn the significance of an Acknowledgement of Country in establishing the knowledge of First Nations people as crucial to their shared history, present, and future. They explore First Nations knowledge, and are inspired to care for the land as they learn of the deep expertise and enduring connections that First Nations people have to Country.
“The image of the child as a competent learner from birth drives professionals to provide a safe and stimulating environment, and encourage children to expand their capacities and deepen their knowledge and understandings of the world”. (VEYLDF, 2016)
Recognising children as capable and competent, provides a platform for growth and development far beyond what you can often imagine them learning. Nature provides the setting for the very best of this learning.
By Cressida Batterham-Wilson, Head of Kindergarten & Primary, and Poppy Woodhouse, Director of Kindergarten and Educational Leader, Preshil. www.preshil.vic.edu.au