“Bringing kids outside into nature allows them to learn about nature and, really take environmental stewardship to the next level.” Sanuj Juan – early childhood teacher at Child’s Play Torquay.
Child’s Play Torquay received a grant in 2023 of the Bush Kinder Grants Program and this has given their children more opportunities to learn and improve their wellbeing in nature. Their program is a ‘beach kinder’ program. The grant allowed the service to purchase equipment, such as high visibility vests, gloves, binoculars, a magnifying glass, portable toilet and privacy tent, beach blankets, and a wagon to transport their belongings.
The program is supporting children to become independent lifelong learners. The children explore and play in their local coastal environment learning as they go. “This area and this beach kinder are about children enjoying learning through play. What benefits the children is that they are learning in a different space. Learning isn't in the classroom; they're totally engaged here.” Tracey Ames, Director of Child’s Play Torquay.
Whilst at the beach, children learn about important life cycles, the impact of human activity on the environment, and ways to help reduce the impact of climate change. They also learn about sea life, local plants, weather and the seasons.
The children experience their bush kinder program on the land of the Wadawurrung people (Kulin nation), where they are learning to respect, protect and care for their local environment. Families are invited to join in and regularly volunteer as part of the program.
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