At Bridge Road Early Learning Centre (BRELC), we believe that some of the most powerful learning occurs beyond the classroom. Our Nature Play Exploring Country program exemplifies this, taking children into natural environments such as parks, bushlands, and nature to help them discover, experiment, and play in meaningful ways.
This approach is grounded in the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), which recognises the critical role of outdoor, play-based learning in supporting children’s health, wellbeing, and development.
It’s widely known that playing in nature allows children to build physical strength, emotional resilience, social skills, and a lasting connection with the environment. Our centre utilises the Victorian Government’s support for our children’s nature play, fostering a holistic and enjoyable learning environment.
What is the Nature Play Exploring Country Program?
Bridge Road ELC’s Nature Play Exploring Country program is a unique outdoor learning initiative that allows children to spend time in natural environments, exploring, playing, and learning.
Sessions take place around once a week in diverse outdoor settings, such as local parks and bushlands. Children are guided by our teachers to engage with the world around them in hands-on, authentic ways. The goal is to immerse children in experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and care for the land, while strengthening their overall development.
Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Children
Time spent outdoors offers lifelong benefits to our children’s growth.
1. Indigenous Perspectives
Through activities that use and collect natural materials respectfully, children gain an understanding of Aboriginal and Wurundjeri perspectives on Country. These practices support our goal of reconciliation and cultivate meaningful connections with the land, animals, and cultural traditions. As we make these meaningful connections with the land through storytelling and yarning with respected Wurundjeri Elders, we are able to breathe life into the world we live, learn and play in and deepen our understanding of our place within it.
2. Wellbeing & Physical Development
Outdoor play supports children’s gross motor development, which improves strength, coordination, balance, eyesight, and endurance. Activities such as climbing, running, and exploring natural terrain encourage healthy, active lifestyles and build physical confidence.
As educators, we know that children who play outdoors tend to display better physical fitness and health.
3. STEM Learning
Nature is a living classroom. Whether it’s observing insects, building with sticks, or experimenting with water and sand, children naturally engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts.
By exposing them to real-world challenges, children can hypothesise, test solutions, and adapt, all of which build their scientific thinking, encourage problem-solving, and instil in them a love for engineering foundations.
4. Decision-Making & Exploration
In the outdoors, children learn to take safe risks, make choices, and explore new challenges. Outdoor play typically boosts creativity, problem-solving abilities, and learning outcomes.
This fosters independence, respect for self as they learn about their own limitations and boundaries, confidence and resilience, enabling them to develop essential life skills such as problem-solving and decision-making.
5. Environmental Connection
Spending time in natural environments allows children to form a deep bond with nature. This early connection nurtures a respect for the environment, encouraging sustainable thinking and a sense of responsibility for caring for the planet at an early age.
Government Support and Bush Kinder Initiatives
Recognising the benefits of outdoor play, the Victorian Government has invested $3.6 million over four years to expand Bush Kinder programs. Each year, 150 kindergartens receive $6,000 Bush Kinder grants, enabling more children to experience learning in natural settings.
Bridge Road ELC is a proud recipient of the Bush Kinder Grant, and this is used to strengthen our Nature Play Exploring Country program. This funding enables us to offer even more enriching, play-based experiences for our children and removes barriers for Wurundjeri Elders to join us and share their wisdom and knowledge from a Wurundjeri world view.
The Bush Kinder Grant is underpinned by both the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and the National Quality Framework (NQF). As childhood educators, all our excursions are conducted with high-risk assessments and the appropriate educator-to-child ratio, as outlined in the National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education.
Key Takeaway
The Nature Play Exploring Country program at Bridge Road ELC is more than just outdoor play; it’s a holistic educational experience carefully designed to support our children’s learning and wellbeing.
Our team takes great care to ensure the program is aligned with the various frameworks and standards set out by the government. More importantly, we want the program to prepare children for lifelong learning while nurturing their health and love for the natural world and our place within it.
To learn more about our programs at Bridge Road ELC, contact our friendly staff today.
What is the Nature Play Exploring Country Program?
The Nature Play Exploring Country Program is an outdoor education initiative developed by Bridge Road ELC that takes learning beyond the classroom. Children participate in play-based sessions in parks and bushlands, where they explore, experiment, and connect with nature. It’s designed to support wellbeing, development, environmental awareness, and connection to country.
How does the program benefit children’s development?
Our program has many benefits, such as improving a child’s physical health through active play, supporting social and emotional development, and enhancing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It also fosters environmental responsibility, cultural understanding, and resilience, setting children up with skills that prepare them for school and beyond.
What is the VEYLDF, and how does it relate to the program?
The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) is a state-wide guide for high-quality early childhood education. It emphasises the importance of environmental connections in early childhood education. Our Nature Play Exploring Country program aligns with these principles by directly taking their classroom outdoors.
How is the program funded?
The Victorian Government provides $3.6 million in funding over four years to support Bush Kinder programs, with 150 kindergartens each receiving $6,000 annually. Bridge Road ELC is a recipient of the Bush Kinder Grant, and we use this to develop and extend our Nature Play Exploring Country sessions.
Does the program include Indigenous cultural learning?
Yes. Our program incorporates Aboriginal perspectives on Country, sustainable practices, and cultural traditions. Through the respectful use of natural materials, storytelling, and collaboration with Wurundjeri Elders, our young learners develop a deeper appreciation of Indigenous knowledge, thereby strengthening reconciliation and cultural awareness from a young age.
