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In an increasingly digital world, children are spending less time outdoors and more time on their screens. Now more than ever, it’s important to encourage children to learn in nature, as research suggests that nature play is crucial for holistic development.
At Heritage House Early Education Centres, our curriculum encompasses nature play and outdoor learning to promote cognitive, physical and emotional growth. Our educational program extends beyond the classroom, supporting our children to become socially and emotionally confident lifelong learners.
In this blog, we’ll explore how nature play provides children with the foundational skills needed to succeed in early education and beyond.
Nature play occurs when children engage with elements in their natural environment. This involves performing actions outside, like climbing, touching, carrying and jumping.
Unstructured, outdoor play gives children the space and freedom to explore their environment on their own terms. They can direct their own play, make their own rules and decisions along the way.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies defines nature play as engaging with:
Outdoor activities like running, climbing, skipping, jumping and balancing extend gross motor skills. These actions also strengthen bone and muscle growth and encourage children to establish long-term fitness habits. Discovering new types of outdoor play spaces extends children’s agility, speed, coordination and spatial awareness. Nature play also introduces little learners to new smells, sounds and textures, extending their sensory and fine motor skills.
Natural environments differ from structured learning spaces, where children must achieve specific outcomes. Nature play provides more open-ended opportunities for children to think critically and solve problems. As they engage with the outdoors, children learn to plan ahead, work as a team and think innovatively.
Research also suggests that outdoor play develops stronger concentration and self-control in early childhood. Through activities like collecting leaves, finding fish and arranging stones, children can learn early concepts in mathematics, science and art. Understanding changing weather conditions or the life cycle of plants helps children build pattern recognition skills.
As nature play requires child-led exploration, students are encouraged to think outside the box and use their imagination to overcome barriers. Further developing their sensory skills helps children become more confident in writing, drawing and expressing their ideas. Discovering new native elements enriches their real-life experiences and enhances their visualisation skills.
Having a deep connection to the natural world fosters curiosity for ecosystems, animals and plants from an early age. Having a strong appreciation for nature also helps children understand the importance of conservation. Our budding explorers can build sustainable habits by understanding the value of reducing waste, caring for wildlife and protecting natural spaces like local landmarks and national parks.
Spending more time in nature is proven to reduce stress, anxiety and emotional distress. Research shows that nature play lowers children’s cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone. Playing outdoors allows children to explore, express themselves freely and solve problems in a less restrictive environment. Providing children with a sense of agency and autonomy from a young age boosts their confidence, independence and wellbeing.
Nature play often requires teamwork and collaboration. These experiences extend children’s communication, negotiation and conflict-resolution abilities. Working outdoors with others also teaches turn-taking, sharing and considering other perspectives, helping develop empathy. Outdoor team exercises include building forts, making sandcastles and helping each other climb trees. Being able to share and explain their findings after a nature play session develops children’s language and vocabulary.
At Heritage House Early Education Centres, nature play is an integral part of our everyday learning program. Our outdoor activities are facilitated by experienced educators who provide a safe, engaging environment that fosters children’s creativity and curiosity.
The Heritage House curriculum takes education beyond the classroom, providing children with the skills needed to succeed in future schooling and grow into happier, healthier adults. Our curriculum also aligns with the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and uses nature play to help children build a deep connection to their world and develop effective communication skills.
To find out more about how we integrate nature play into early learning practices, book a tour of your local centre or contact us today!