Nature play in early learning provides numerous benefits for children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Engaging with natural environments promotes sensory exploration, imagination, and creativity among young learners. Exposure to nature has also been linked to improved mental well-being, reduced stress levels, and increased attention span in children. Outdoor play encourages physical activity, coordination skills, and risk-taking behaviours that are essential for healthy growth and development. Nature play fosters a sense of connection to the natural world, leading to greater environmental awareness and appreciation among children. By incorporating outdoor experiences into early learning settings, educators can create rich opportunities for holistic learning that nurtures the whole child’s development across various domains.

Theorists that promote nature play in early learning emphasize the importance of outdoor exploration and experiential learning for young children. Drawing on research these theorists argue that exposure to natural environments enhances cognitive, physical, and emotional development in children. By engaging with the natural world through activities like gardening, wildlife observation, and sensory exploration, children not only develop important skills like problem-solving and critical thinking but also develop a deep appreciation for the environment around them. Lets also not forget that by incorporating nature play into early learning environments this can lead to holistic development and lifelong stewardship of the planet.

Ways services can bring nature to their service if they don't have a natural play space.

There are some services that need to think outside the box a bit if their service is not designed with a natural play space.

Look for ways to bring in loose parts like rocks, sticks, bark, pine cones, shells, stumps and plants (indoor and outdoor).

A service that is lacking a natural play space can still have a raised garden bed to promote gardening and learning about the plant cycle so never forget look look outside the box for innovative ways to bring nature to you.

Bringing in leaves and just exploring the different colours and lines within them, or attempting to match them an research what plant or tree they came from.

Services that are leading the charge.

Woodrising Childcare Centre | Nature 16 Oct 2018

Campfires can be a great educational tool for children, teaching them about the science of fire, fire safety, and traditional Indigenous perspectives. Ways to incorporate campfires into early learning services include exploring the science of fire, teaching fire safety rules, discussing Indigenous uses of fire, storytelling around the campfire, and outdoor cooking. It is important to prioritize safety during campfire activities and follow local regulations. Campfires can create memorable experiences that foster curiosity, respect for nature, and an understanding of cultural diversity.

I have had the experience to observe some amazing services begin their reflective journey around incorporating fire pits into their services. These services recognized the potential for fire pits to provide a unique and engaging sensory experience for children, as well as opportunities for learning about nature, science, and even cultural traditions. By involving families in the planning process and addressing any concerns about safety through thorough risk assessments, these services were able to create a safe and enriching environment for children to explore and learn.

The incorporation of fire pits also allowed for the development of important life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving. Children learned how to safely tend to the fire, follow instructions, and work together to achieve a common goal. This hands-on experience not only enhanced their understanding of the natural world but also fostered a sense of confidence and independence.

Overall, the journey towards incorporating fire pits into these services was guided by a commitment to providing meaningful and holistic experiences for children. By embracing innovation and collaboration with families, these services were able to create an environment that supported children's learning, development, and wellbeing in a truly transformative way.