What is Bush Kindy?

Bush Kindy, or Nature play, is a philosophy, meaning we don’t have to leave the gate to be ‘doing’ Bush Kindy. The nature play philosophy allows us to facilitate Bush Kindy on-site every day, while also taking 10-15 children off-site daily for immersive nature experiences.

Bush Kindy is a nature-based, holistic, child-directed approach viewing children as capable (Williams-Siegfredsen, 2017).

Bush Kindy is essentially, regular, uninterrupted, child directed play, in nature, in all (safe) weather with readily available risky play opportunities (Button & Wilde, 2019; Coe, 2017).

During this time children engage in child-directed play (Barrable & Arvanitis, 2019) as they explore and experience the dynamics of natural settings, and connect with nature (Elliott & Chancellor, 2014).

As children connect with, and learn from one another through hands-on experiences, they build social emotional skills such as independence, confidence and self-awareness (Barrable & Arvanitis, 2019; Williams-Siegfredsen, 2017).

WHEN AND WHERE IS BUSH KINDY HELD?

Our nature play philosophy is seamlessly integrated into both our Pre-Kindy and Kindergarten programs.

It operates ‘rain or shine,’ taking place both on-site and at local nature spaces within walking distance or a short trip on public transport from Little Wildlings.

This ensures that all children experience the benefits of nature, regardless of the day or weather (unless it is unsafe to be outside).

WHAT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES MIGHT MY CHILD PARTICIPATE IN?

  • How to use hand tools such as hammers, hand drills, hand saws and whittling knives

  • How to start, manage and cook on a campfire

  • How to tie knots and lashings and build bush cubbies

  • Flora and fauna identification

  • Seasonal weather patterns

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUSH KINDY FOR CHILREN?

  • Develop a sense of belonging and an attachment to place (Cumming & Nash, 2015)

  • Form a connection with nature and a deeper sense of sustainability (Kelly & White, 2013)

  • Are increasingly engaged in dialogue with educators (Cumming & Nash, 2015)

  • Demonstrate increased language and social skills as they engage, collaborate and compromise (Harris, 2017)

  • Slow down, and the flow of creativity and imagination is increased (Elliott & Chancellor, 2013)

  • Have the opportunity to safely take risks, learn to risk assess and develop resilience (Gill, 2010;)

  • Have an increased range of fine and gross motor skills, and enhanced proprioception and vestibular development (Sandseter, et al., 2012)

  • Demonstrate increased confidence as they become more self aware and independent (Duhn, 2012; Maynard, 2007)

THE FAMILIES THAT ATTEND OUR BUSH KINDY PROGRAMS:

  • Prioritise play that includes adventure and risk in nature

  • Understand the benefits of children free playing in nature

  • Help create a supportive space

  • Trust that children are capable

  • Encourage children to have autonomy over their bodies

  • Know children need real life experiences to build self-confidence, resilience and decision making skills

  • Know the importance of their children having spaces where they can slow down in this modern life