Why nature play is important for children

For Nature Play Week (2-13 April) we’re putting a spotlight on the importance of children being able to engage in rich and beneficial nature play.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) highlights the importance of children having access to natural play spaces which include “plants, tress, edible gardens, open spaces, sand, rocks, mud, water and other elements from nature” (EYLF, p.23). There’s a wealth of benefits which come from children interacting with the natural world, including a stronger sense of wellbeing, connectedness to nature, and a better ability to regulate their emotions. With children spending more time indoors and engaging in sedentary activities, time in nature is becoming more important than ever! 

Gowrie’s philosophy champions the importance of time in nature, and principle is reflected by our Bush Kinder programs at our services at Carlton North, Broadmeadows Valley, Carlton Learning Precinct and Clare Court. We recently spoke with Early Childhood Educator, Bek and Early Childhood Teacher, Jovita at our Carlton North service about the benefits of their bush kinder program. The 4-year-olds from the Magpie and Kookaburra rooms go on weekly visits to the local Merri Creek Parklands; walking and catching a tram to get there. 

“It gives children the ability to connect with their local community,” Jovita says, “bush kinder gives the children so many opportunities to learn about connection to country and First Nations people”. Jovita emphasises the beauty in the open-endedness of bush kinder, explaining that as there are no resources there, children become more imaginative and creative. “Bush kinder is a blank canvas for the children,” she says, “it truly has endless opportunities for them to learn and grow; it’s just them and the natural space.” 

Bek highlights the opportunities for enquiry-based learning, saying “we’re always investigating bugs and insects, following the children’s lead around their interests and curiosities.” The weekly nature of the program allows for children to revisit their learning each week, observing the changes in season and the environment. “They might build a cubby or fairy house out of leaves and sticks and then find those creations again the following week” she says, “you’ll see so much shared thinking and learning as children figure out how to build on their creations from the week before; either fixing it or extending it.”  

Play in nature easily allows for open-ended play, physically active play and games, spontaneity, risk-taking, exploration, discovery and connection with nature.  

Nature play and bush kindergarten offer rich, meaningful learning opportunities which nurture children’s development and wellbeing. By spending time outdoors, children engage all their senses, develop physical strength and coordination, and build resilience by taking risks and solving problems. The natural environment inspires curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving, as children climb trees, build shelters, or examine insects. Nature play also promotes risk-taking in a safe way, helping children to build skills relating to personal safety. 

Jovita reflects that bush kinder is “a fruitful experience to be out and about, learning from each other and from nature.” These shared moments of exploration in the natural world bring with it so much joy and learning.  

Reflective questions: 

How does your service promote nature play? How could this be strengthened? 
In what ways are you integrating indoor and outdoor spaces? 
What professional learning or resources could support you to feel more confident in planning for nature play experiences?