Nature Play treasure hunt
“Children can’t bounce off the walls if we take away the walls” Erin K Kenny.
Our Nature play learning focus this month is leaves, so today we explored the big yard with a nature treasure hunt.
We didn’t get very far before the children wanted to stop and look at the Brown Honey beetle crawling through the leaves.
We spent ten minutes watching the beetle and letting it crawl on us before spotting a bird collecting some sticks to build her nest nearby.
Next on our hunt…..noticing some berries…… Looks like it’s time for a berry break, so we took 5. ( I may have intentionally placed prior to our hunt).
The nature adventure continued with each child being provided with a basket and encouraged to find a collection of different leaves with different colours and shapes.
No leaf was left unturned, so to speak. We even ventured into our own Bright Kids garden, just to investigate the different variety of leaves on the plants we have grown.
The children thoroughly engaged and enjoyed this experience.
In group time we combined all our leaves and discussed the different colours, shapes and even the feeling of them. Were they brittle or vibrant and healthy from a good drink.
 The children connected with each other and with our natural world.
The art of mindfulness is noticing and being in the present moment.
Have you ever just sat with your child outside and inhaled mother nature?
If you are not sure where to begin, start with your senses.
Take your child for a walk to your local bushland or park, sit down in the grass or on a rock and just be.
- Spend a mindful moment noticing what you see, what you hear and what you smell;
- Notice the bees buzzing in the flowers or the ants crawling along a log;
- Feel the wind blowing on your face;
- Listen to the rustle of leaves in the trees over your head;
- Listen to the ravens cawing loudly; and
- Smell the dandelions and feel them crushing under your feet when you take your shoes off.
Discuss with your child about all your experiences.
Bring yourself into the now and you will find yourself heading home feeling lighter than you left.
A young child looks at the world differently than adults. They see things with a sense of wonder and awe.
Every little bug, every special leaf, a weed or a sour sob is something precious to a little person.
The children have developed their sense of exploring the nature world throughout this activity, while learning to respect all things living.
That’s all this month from Miss Roshin, Miss Coby, Miss Leteaschia & the Jomgwongs
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