Why nature-based learning?

The wonder and excitement of discovering, achieving, learning, sharing

Research shows that empathy with, and love of, nature grows out of children’s regular contact with the natural world.  Frequent and positive early childhood experiences with nature have a major impact on the healthy growth of a child’s mind, body and spirit.  Hands-on, informal, self-initiated exploration and discovery in local, familiar environments are often described as the best ways to engage and inspire children and cultivate a sense of place and a ‘sense of wonder’.  Studies suggest that frequent, unstructured experiences in nature are the most common influences on the development of lifelong conservation values.

This doesn’t mean we can’t teach ‘traditional’ skills to prepare children for school. In fact early literacy, science, numeracy and art can and are all taught in nature!

Our children get out into nature as much as possible.  As well as enjoying time in our incredible outdoor area, we take small groups on nature-walks once a week, where they spend most of the day in nature on the Peninsula. Every child at Preschool experiences a trip into nature or an outing in the local community at least once a week.