New early education program connects children with nature
Youngsters at St Agnes’ Catholic Parish’s early education centres have been connecting with nature thanks to a new program.
Established by centre managers Shannan Unsal, Tanya Tucker and Danielle Wotherspoon, the ‘Bush Kinder’ program was developed to boost learning experiences beyond the classroom.
Once a fortnight, 10 children from each pre-school room across Joey’s House Early Education Centre, St Agnes’ Early Education Centre and St Joseph’s Preschool and Long Daycare Centre take part in the program at Kooloonbung Creek Reserve.
The one-and-a-half-hour sessions give children the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural environment by exploring, discovering and learning alongside their peers.
They have already explored natural materials, constructed forts, taken walks along nature tracks and spotted a koala in its natural habitat – sparking conversation about wildlife and conservation.
The Bush Kinder program is also fostering children’s respect for the land and developing their understanding of the responsibility to care for their Country.
At the beginning of each session, children and educators discuss how to care for and respect the environment – learning responsibility, environmental stewardship and respect for both Country and the natural world.
St Agnes’ centre manager Shannan Unsal said: “We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, curiosity and confidence our children have demonstrated throughout the program so far.
“Bush Kinder is already proving to be a rich and rewarding experience, and we look forward to continuing this journey alongside our children, families and community as we create meaningful connections with nature, country and each other.”
As the program continues to grow, children will be able to use a newly purchased pair of binoculars to observe more wildlife, wear wet weather suits to continue exploring during rainy weather, and use walkie-talkies to communicate safely with their friends.
Looking to the future, the goal is to work in partnership with children, families and educators to develop a formal St Joseph’s Family Services Bush Kinder Philosophy to capture the values, beliefs and practices that make the program unique.
It is hoped that this will create a legacy for generations of children that will participate in Bush Kinder for many years into the future.
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