Member in the Spotlight:
Nature Play Kids World Gilston
If you had visited our service in 2018 you would have found us in the beginning of our Nature Play journey and the implementation of a program lead by our educator Kyra who is known in our community as the Nature Warrior. We recognised her passion for being outdoors and the benefit it brings to the children. Our greater community of families were incredibly supportive and an integral part of informing our program. A questionnaire was sent home to parents asking what their first positive memory of being in the great outdoors was and with that memory in mind what would they like for their child’s nature play journey within our service. From this point, our program began to take shape. With the installation of a second mud pit, we found some children not wanting to play there for fear of getting in trouble for getting their clothes dirty. That was when the realisation came over our Nature warrior, she would have to show the children it’s ok to get dirty. The day continued with wet and muddy play with both children and educators covered in glorious mud, this was a key moment in our service, the freedom of nature play began to take hold and from there it has continued to grow. Forward to 2021 and you will find an expansive community garden where children can experience growth and their own influences on the natural world, they can experience healthy food and observe the ever-changing plants. Chickens and ducks who are instrumental in assisting those children who may need a few moments to calm and enjoy the company of animals while learning responsibility and care. An expansive natural bush setting that helps both children and educators learn how to care for country, play freely and explore the landscape in all its glory.
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EARLY EDITION > SPRING 2021
Kangaroos that come to eat and relax in the paddock provide an opportunity for the children to sit calmly and discover how animals are so similar to humans, that they have family units and joey kangaroos at play are learning just like children do. Our latest addition has been the fruit orchard and now with the assistance provided by the Woolworths junior Landcare grant we can expand this area into a pollination and keystone species habitat. We will be installing a native beehive along with solitary bee homes and frog hotels. This project aims at helping our children learn that their small actions can create big change.
