Bush Kinder

October is Bush Kinder month at Manangatang Pre School.  This is our third year of taking children out into the bush for sessions.  This year we have changed our location to the Lake Lulla Reserve.

Bush Kinder recognises the place the bush has in Australian way of life and the significance of the land in aboriginal culture. No toys, No tools, No art supplies. Our imaginations will all benefit from using only what nature has provided.

Australian and International research shows that children today are spending much more time in doors, in front of screens and participating in structured activities. These activities restrict children from participating regularly in outdoor unstructured activities and exploring natural environments. It has been documented that this shift is contributing to health problems such as increased anxiety and obesity, while children are suffering from a lack of connection with nature and the outside world. We want to help turn this trend around and give the kids at Manangatang a chance to spend quality time in nature with teachers to encourage them to explore and learn.

We have been looking forward to Bush Kinder all year.  Many of us went last year as Three Year Olds.  Cooper said, “My birthday is when Bush Kinder is on.”  So we have been looking forward to October.

This week at Bush Kinder we foraged for Bush food and found Bush Berries and Pig Face to snack on.

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We worked together gathering big sticks and branches to build a shelter.  Lucky we did because we had a bit of rain.

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We found a great tree to climb.

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We enjoyed some solitude with our friends.

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We learnt about Aboriginal tools with help from William Hannah (Koorie Educator).  We threw the come-back boomerang, a spear and played a didigerdoo.

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2 thoughts on “Bush Kinder

  1. Both Lachlan and Douglas spent the rest of the day talking about William, the things they learnt, and playing out side. They couldn’t wait for their dad to get home to tell him about their day. I’m sure they will be looking forward to next Thursdays session. I myself really enjoyed listening to Williams stories and watching the kids explore.

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